Anime Inspired

This video essay shows how anime has influenced mainstream American cinema, and how those films have paid homage in return.

THE MATRIX

The Wachowskis have openly cited Ghost in the Shell as a major influence in the creation of The Matrix. They even played Ghost in the Shell for studio execs at Warner Bros. to show them what they wanted to do for The Matrix, only in live action.

INCEPTION

There's no question that Inception borrows heavily from Paprika. From clear references to scenes from the latter, to the fact that they're both films about dream machines and discerning reality, the influences Paprika has had on Inception are profound.

SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 anime classic Princess Mononoke heavily inspired the enchanted forest scene from Rupert Sanders' Snow White and the Huntsman. Sanders' follow-up to Snow White and the Huntsman was the 2017 live action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell.

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM / BLACK SWAN

Darren Aronofsky has proclaimed his love for anime many times. He's even attempted to buy the rights to the anime classic Perfect Blue, which has been a major influence on both Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan.