10 Best Anime Like Netflix’s ‘PLUTO’

Ever since I watched Netflix’s ‘PLUTO,’ I’ve been on a quest to find anime that can match its gripping narrative and complex character exploration. ‘PLUTO’ brought to life the delicate dance between humans and robots, making me crave more stories that delve into such profound relationships and moral dilemmas. If you’re like me and are looking for anime that resonates with the same depth and emotion as ‘PLUTO,’ here’s a list you’ll appreciate.

1. ‘Monster’

When I first watched ‘Monster,’ it struck a chord with the intricate moral dilemmas and deep dives into the human psyche. Much like ‘PLUTO,’ the story revolves around decisions and their far-reaching consequences. Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a renowned neurosurgeon, is faced with a choice that alters the course of his life.

Pursuing his former patient turned serial killer, Johan Liebert, the narrative is a compelling journey of suspense, morality, and personal responsibility. The darkness of the human mind that ‘PLUTO’ touches upon can be felt here too. Fans will undoubtedly appreciate how ‘Monster’ masterfully portrays the grey areas of good and evil.

2. ‘Ghost in the Shell’

There’s something incredibly fascinating about the fusion of humanity and technology, a theme ‘Ghost in the Shell’ explores in-depth. I found it reminiscent of ‘PLUTO’ in how it navigates the complex relationship between humans and machines.

Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team’s quest to hunt down a mysterious hacker called the Puppet Master leads them through a world of cybernetic enhancements and AI-driven entities. Just as ‘PLUTO’ pushes us to ponder over sentient robots, ‘Ghost in the Shell’ presents a future where the line between man and machine blurs, challenging our understanding of consciousness and identity.

3. ‘Ergo Proxy’

Dystopian settings have always been intriguing, and ‘Ergo Proxy’ is no exception. As I delved into its post-apocalyptic future world, it became evident how it echoed the bleak undertones of ‘PLUTO.’ Centered around the character Re-l Mayer, the series explores the mysteries behind creatures called Proxies and their connection to the survival of humanity.

There’s a heavy atmosphere of contemplation and questions about existence and purpose, much like in ‘PLUTO.’ It’s a philosophical ride, and any fan who appreciates the deeper themes of ‘PLUTO’ will find a similar allure in ‘Ergo Proxy’.

4. ‘Serial Experiments Lain’

Diving into ‘Serial Experiments Lain’ felt like being transported into a world of technological surrealism. It’s an experience that echoes the vibe of ‘PLUTO’ in its profound exploration of tech-driven realities. Lain, a teenage girl, is drawn into the virtual world of Wired after receiving an email from a deceased friend.

The lines between the virtual and real worlds begin to blur, leading to existential musings; much like ‘PLUTO,’ the anime grapples with the intersections of technology, humanity, and reality. It’s a cerebral journey that will likely resonate with those who loved the complexities in ‘PLUTO.’

5. ‘Psycho-Pass’

‘Psycho-Pass’ presents a future where people’s psychological states can be measured, and potential threats to society are dealt with preemptively. The first time I watched it, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to ‘PLUTO’s musings on morality and justice.

Following Inspector Akane Tsunemori and her team, the narrative raises questions about freedom, security, and justice. The societal system in ‘Psycho-Pass’ eerily reflects our own, with advancements leading to moral quandaries. For fans of ‘PLUTO,’ the societal commentary, tech-driven narrative, and ethical dilemmas in ‘Psycho-Pass’ will feel familiar and engaging.

6. ‘Texhnolyze’

The city of Lux, where Texhnolyze is set, is as dystopian and bleak as one can imagine. When I first ventured into this story, the overwhelming sense of despair and the exploration of human augmentation instantly made me think of ‘PLUTO’. The main character, Ichise, undergoes a brutal transformation using Texhnolyzation, a form of biomechanical prosthetics.

Like ‘PLUTO,’ the anime delves deep into the convergence of humanity and technology, questioning our essence and the price of progress. Fans who loved the atmospheric tension and moral implications of ‘PLUTO’ will find a familiar, albeit darker, resonance in ‘Texhnolyze.’

7. ‘Paranoia Agent’

Satoshi Kon’s ‘Paranoia Agent’ is a masterclass in psychological thrillers. The story centers around a mysterious boy named Shonen Bat, who assaults people with a baseball bat. While on the surface, it may seem different, the undercurrents of societal paranoia and the psychological descent of its characters is something that I felt was reminiscent of ‘PLUTO’s intricate character exploration.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that the real enemy might be society’s collective psyche. Just as ‘PLUTO’ prompts introspection on societal norms and values, ‘Paranoia Agent’ provides a surreal mirror to our own fears and delusions.

8. ‘Death Note’

While watching ‘Death Note,’ it’s hard to ignore the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and L and the moral complexities of wielding a god’s power. The Death Note, a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, becomes a symbol of unchecked power.

What drew me to compare it with ‘PLUTO’ is how both anime grapple with issues of justice, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions. While the themes might differ, both series’ intricate plotting, character development, and moral questions will captivate ‘PLUTO’ fans.

9. ‘Steins;Gate’

Time travel has always been a theme that’s both intriguing and complex. In ‘Steins;Gate’, Rintarou Okabe discovers a way to send messages to the past, leading to unforeseen consequences. To me, the cause-and-effect narrative echoes ‘PLUTO’s exploration of past actions influencing the present.

Like ‘PLUTO,’ the anime isn’t just about the technological marvel but delves deep into the emotional and psychological ramifications of meddling with time. For those who appreciate the depth and emotion of ‘PLUTO,’ ‘Steins;Gate’ offers a blend of science fiction and profound character exploration.

‘Black Mirror’s ‘Metalhead’ episode

While not an anime, the ‘Metalhead’ episode of ‘Black Mirror’ provides a harrowing look into a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic dogs. Watching it, I felt the same kind of tension and urgency as in ‘PLUTO.’ The story, set in black and white, follows a woman’s desperate attempt to survive against relentless machines.

The episode echoes ‘PLUTO’s themes of man versus machine and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. For fans who cherished ‘PLUTO’s take on robots and humanity, ‘Metalhead’ is a chilling and thought-provoking watch.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!