This list originally published in the Marvelous Videos channel on May 23, 2020 presents and suggests eight underrated cyberpunk anime from the Golden Era, those that may give the feel that it is just a regular cartoon but many times dealt with some deep, dark, and adult subjects.
In fact, animes and mangás often explored several genres, and the cyberpunk is one of the most popular ones. It involves concepts of artificial intelligence, advanced technologies and the “high tech and low life” trope. It also focuses on a delightful visual aesthetic, usually with mesmerizing neon-soaked urban landscapes, where the technological sophistication and an unhealthy dose of advertising somehow still look marvelous above all the decadence of the lower parts of the cities.
We can say this is still a viable genre, even considering that we are entering a dystopian technological “future” in our present, but it’s tacky and lame, not as near as cool as the fictional one. We also can see a lot of cyberpunk works emerging every now and then, but often they cannot match up to the classics of 80’s and early 90’s. By the way, this video and article avoids titles such as Ghost In The Shell, Akira and Bubblegum Crisis, because the focus here is to cover more underrated stuff.
So, enough babbling. Let’s go!
ADPolice AD Police and the blurred line between humans and machines
AD Police (1990) presents a typical cyberpunk landscape where artificial entities known as Boomers are being integrated into society. Set in the futuristic Mega Tokyo of 2027, the series explores how these biomechanical creations, meant to perform everyday tasks, sometimes malfunction violently due to developmental flaws.
To contain the danger, a specialized force called the Advanced Police steps in, and the story mainly follows rookie Leon McNichol as he gradually faces the moral and existential horrors that arise when the boundary separating humans from machines becomes increasingly fragile. AD Police only has three episodes, but delivers a concise arc with solid character development and carefully crafted animation that captured the tone of mature late-80s cyberpunk.
Opening
AngelCop Angel Cop and the dance between terrorism, politics and ultra-violence
Set in a Japan that has become the world’s dominant economy, Angel Cop (1989) revolves around a Special Security Agency tasked with combating a dangerous communist terrorist group called Red May. What begins as a crackdown on anti-government activity quickly escalates when the agency discovers that something else—far more lethal—is slaughtering the terrorists before they can be apprehended.
Despite of these indisputable good deeds, this unexpected third force becomes a threat of its own, pushing the agents into a deeper conspiracy. The protagonist, Angel, is voiced by Sharon Holm, and the series is also remembered for its strong villain, eerie music, and an unapologetically dark atmosphere, where violence is abundant, and the show leans heavily into the political paranoia that characterized many cyberpunk works of that era.
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Megazone 23 and the revelation of a fabricated world
The classic Megazone 23 (1985) revolves around Shogo Yahagi, an easygoing motorcycle enthusiast whose life turns upside down when he encounters a mysterious transforming bike-mecha named Garland. As he becomes entangled with the military and is forced to flee, Shogo uncovers a reality-shattering truth: the world he knows is not real.
Directed by Noboru Ishiguro, the production set a benchmark for sci-fi storytelling in anime, with a near perfect representation of the fictional era and the level of detail given to the characters, supported by a musical score that elevates the narrative even further. Megazone 23 remains a cult classic not only for its twists but also for how it defined the “simulation within reality” trope long before it became mainstream.
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Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 and the chaos of runaway technology
In Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 (1987), a military battle suit created to destroy enemy tanks malfunctions in the worst possible way when a young man accidentally triggers the mech and becomes trapped inside it, causing the unit to run uncontrolled through Tokyo.
What follows is a frantic attempt by the military to stop the armor they themselves designed. The narrative is short and direct, but tightly written, free of loose ends. The fight scenes stand out due to the vibrant animation handled by Shinji Aramaki, while the voice actors deliver a competent performance that reinforces the intensity of the story.
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Blackmagic M-66 and the relentless pursuit of survival
Blackmagic M-66 (1987) is another sharp entry in the cyberpunk canon. Directed by figures such as Hiroyuki Kitakubo and Masamune Shirow, it follows two young women—one desperate to survive and the other trying to save her—while military-grade androids malfunction and turn murderous.
The combat units are so lethal that even the army struggles to stop them, giving the anime a level of tension that rarely lets up, which is enhanced by its exceptional action, strong character designs, detailed animation and a gripping musical score to create a fast-paced and thrilling experience. The narrative wastes no time: it drops the viewer directly into the conflict, sustaining intensity until the end.
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Wicked City and the negotiation between worlds
Wicked City (1987) dives into themes of parallel realms, demons and fragile peace treaties. We already listed this one here at least once before, but basically, in it, two worlds coexist through an agreement that must be renegotiated, but extremist factions attempt to sabotage the process. Then, two agents are assigned to ensure that the pact succeeds and that the balance between realms is preserved.
Known for its dark tone, graphic violence and erotic elements, the film is a quintessential cyberpunk-horror hybrid. Director Yoshiaki Kawajiri blends action, mysticism and grotesque visuals with remarkable skill, using the villain, atmosphere and animation to amplify the sense of danger as the agents fight their way through conspiracies threatening both realities.
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Armitage III and the politics of android identity
Set in a colonized Mars in 2046, Armitage III (1997) follows a human police officer and his android partner as they investigate the illegal creation of Class-III androids when their inquiry uncovers a deeply rooted conspiracy, placing the duo directly in the crosshairs of the Martian government.
Across four episodes, the anime combines action, emotional nuance and even a touch of romance, standing apart from more purely action-oriented cyberpunk entries by giving attention to character sensitivity and questions of identity. It has strong animation and engaging plot, positioning Armitage III as a title worth revisiting for fans of android-centered narratives.
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Genocyber and the horror of overwhelming power
Genocyber (1994) explores what happens when cybernetics and psychic powers fuse into an uncontrollable bioweapon. In a world where corporate-controlled private armies disrupt global peace efforts, an organization creates the ultimate fusion of mental and mechanical force: the Genocyber. Predictably, it becomes impossible to contain.
What we have here is an anime filled with extreme violence, surreal terror and an oppressive atmosphere, especially suited for fans seeking the rawer, more experimental side of 90’s cyberpunk. While the English dubbing is not praised, the story’s nightmarish tone and unique concepts compensate for it. Or try to get the Japanese version and read the damn subtitles like any normal people is able to do.
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Revisiting the forgotten edges of cyberpunk
These eight anime represent the rugged, experimental side of the Golden Era—a moment when creators pushed boundaries, mixed genres and were unafraid of exploring adult themes with intensity. They may not have the global name recognition of Akira or Ghost in the Shell, but each holds a distinctive place in the evolution of cyberpunk aesthetics, storytelling and world-building.
If you’re exploring the depths of classic sci-fi animation, this list offers a gateway into the underrated titles that shaped the genre in ways still felt today. And if you enjoy this kind of excavation into forgotten gems, stick around—there’s always another dark, neon-lit corner worth uncovering.
Feel free to leave a comment with your impressions, recommendations and corrections (if needed, it’s important!). And if you think someone else will enjoy revisiting these cyberpunk classics, share this post forward—every share helps these masterpieces find new eyes.
Cheers!
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- Channel: Marvelous Videos
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