Hollywood has long drawn inspiration from Japanese anime, borrowing everything from storylines to visuals—sometimes subtly, sometimes blatantly. While anime adaptations are now more common than ever in live-action form, there’s a history of mainstream Hollywood quietly taking creative cues from Japanese animation without giving full credit.
Some directors have openly acknowledged their admiration for anime legends like Satoshi Kon and Hayao Miyazaki, while others have skirted the issue despite striking similarities. Here are 10 iconic Hollywood films that reflect undeniable influences from classic anime.
1. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Director Chad Stahelski has openly credited Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe for influencing John Wick 4. The stylized combat scenes and emotionally resonant finale borrow heavily from anime’s action aesthetics—particularly Cowboy Bebop. Watanabe, in turn, has praised John Wick, even inviting Stahelski to work on his anime Lazarus (2025).
2. Clash of the Titans (2010)
Although based on Greek mythology, this remake contains visual nods to Saint Seiya, especially in its portrayal of godlike warriors in ornate armor. Director Louis Leterrier acknowledged being a fan of Masami Kurumada’s iconic anime and intentionally mirrored its aesthetic.
3. Chronicle (2012)
This found-footage superhero film takes obvious cues from Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira, particularly the telekinetic powers and moral descent of its protagonist. Director Josh Trank has cited Akira as a major influence, and fans have even dubbed Chronicle “the modern Akira.”
4. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic drew inspiration from anime Kite (1998) for the character Gogo Yubari, and even included a 7-minute anime sequence animated by Production I.G, known for Ghost in the Shell. Gogo’s name itself is a nod to Speed Racer (Mach GoGoGo).
5. Pacific Rim (2013)
Pacific Rim may seem like a western version of Neon Genesis Evangelion, but director Guillermo del Toro also cited older mecha anime like Patlabor and Tetsujin 28-go as influences. The neural-pilot mech concept mirrors many foundational anime tropes.
6. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Director Darren Aronofsky recreated a famous scene from Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue almost shot-for-shot. Though he claimed it was an homage, Kon was reportedly never formally credited or compensated.
7. Black Swan (2010)
Aronofsky returned to Perfect Blue again with Black Swan, echoing themes of identity crisis and hallucination under professional pressure. Despite official denials, fans and critics alike noted near-identical plot structures and scenes.
8. Inception (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s Inception shares striking similarities with Paprika (2006), directed by Satoshi Kon. Both explore dream infiltration, shifting realities, and surreal visuals. From revolving hallways to collapsing architecture, Inception borrows several stylistic elements.
9. Avatar (2009)
Though James Cameron began scripting Avatar before Princess Mononoke was released, he later admitted that Miyazaki’s films, especially Mononoke and Laputa: Castle in the Sky, inspired the environmental and visual themes of Pandora.
10. The Matrix (1999)
Perhaps the most well-known example, The Matrix owes much to Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell. From existential themes to visual style (including the iconic plug-in ports), the Wachowskis have openly acknowledged Ghost in the Shell as a key influence.
These ten films show that anime’s global impact goes far beyond niche fandoms. While some Hollywood directors respectfully pay tribute, others tread a murkier line between homage and appropriation. Regardless, the creative genius of Japanese anime continues to shape cinema worldwide—often without getting the credit it deserves.
Sources: gamek