Hollywood has long drawn inspiration from Japanese anime, borrowing everything from plots to imagery, sometimes subtly, sometimes blatantly. While anime adaptations are now more common than ever in live-action form, there’s a mainstream Hollywood story that quietly takes 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 avoided the issue despite the striking similarities. Here are 10 iconic Hollywood films that reflect undeniable influences from classic anime.
1. John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Director Chad Stahelski openly gave credit Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe for influencing John Wick 4. The stylized fight scenes and emotionally resonant ending borrow heavily from anime’s action aesthetic, especially Cowboy Bebop. Watanabe, in turn, praised him John Wickalso 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 Greek mythology Saint Seiyaespecially in its depiction of divine warriors in ornate armor. Director Louis Leterrier acknowledged that he was 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 Akirain particular the telekinetic powers and moral descent of its protagonist. Director Josh Trank mentioned Akira as a major influence, and fans have even nicknamed him News “the modern Akira.”
4. Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)
Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic took inspiration from anime Eagle (1998) for the character Gogo Yubari, and also 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 (Forts Googro).
5. The Rim of the Pacific (2013)
Pacific Rim it might look like a western version of Neon Genesis Evangelionbut director Guillermo del Toro also referenced older mecha anime Patlabor AND Tetsujin 28-go as influences. The concept of the neural pilot mech mirrors many core anime tropes.
6. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Director Darren Aronofsky recreated a famous scene from Satoshi Kon Perfect blue almost blow for blow. Although he claimed it was a tribute, Kon was reportedly never formally credited or compensated.
7. Black Swan (2010)
Aronofsky is back Perfect blue still with Black Swanechoing themes of identity crisis and hallucinations under professional pressure. Despite official denials, fans and critics noted nearly identical plot structures and scenes.
8. Beginning (2010)
Christopher Nolan’s Start shares striking similarities with Paprika (2006), directed by Satoshi Kon. Both explore the infiltration of dreams, shifting realities and surreal images. From revolving corridors to collapsing architecture, Start borrows several stylistic elements.
9.Avatar (2009)
Even though James Cameron started writing the script Avatars Before Princess Mononoke was released, he later admitted that Miyazaki’s films, in particular Mononoke AND Laputa: Castle in the skyinspired Pandora’s environmental and visual themes.
10. The Matrix (1999)
Perhaps the best known example, The Matrix owes a lot to Mamoru Oshii Ghost in the shell. From existential themes to visual style (including iconic plug-in ports), the Wachowskis have openly acknowledged Ghost in the shell as a key influence.
These ten films demonstrate that anime’s global impact goes far beyond niche fandoms. While some Hollywood directors respectfully pay homage, others walk a darker line between homage and appropriation. Regardless, the creative genius of Japanese anime continues to shape cinema around the world, often without getting the credit it deserves.
Sources: gamek
