Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Directed by Mamoru Oshii, Ghost in the Shell (1995) is a groundbreaking animated film that explores philosophical questions about identity, humanity, and technology's impact on society, blending science fiction, cyberpunk, and existentialism. Set in a dystopian future where cybernetic enhancements blur the line between humans and machines, Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg officer, investigates a hacker known as the Puppet Master, leading her to question her own nature and existence. The film's striking visuals, multi-dimensional characters, and deep thematic exploration of existence, individuality, and technological integration have significantly influenced the cyberpunk and science fiction genres, inspiring works like The Matrix series and Westworld.