One of the best thing about Anime is the ability of its being more than just a regular show.
Most of us may have that notion have that , since its animated so it maybe limited just to fun and comedy but there are some shows which will not only prove that wrong but it will also mess with your head in a good way.
Here are some of the few shows with such themes ranging from psychological to philosophical. A overall look into the human psyche , nonetheless making it all a good entertaining show
SERIAL EXPERIMENTS LAIN
Theme: Identity, Existence
A series which is made in 1998 and yet still accurate about the current scenario. It focuses on our lead character "Lain" and her journey into the "The Wired"(Which is the Internet of present). As she progresses herself towards this world, the question of her existence and reality begins to crumble.
Like she if is another person in the The wired and different person in real world.
This show is Multi Dimensional , probably these few words cant describe or justify it. It got has got many themes ranging from Existence of God to the personal identity.
Better watch it to know it, it still amazes me to know how this show in 1998's showed exactly the mobile browsing,vr, Internet and social media effect all that.
Parasite :The Maxim
Theme:Survival
What if we humans aren't the top of the food chain ?
and that's what happens in this series. Planet earth is getting dominated by these parasite, which somehow they're able to control the human mind and body , making it them as a host. Not only that their main source of food is us humans, so they basically ruling and feasting on us. Just like we do to the other animals.
So it leads to the question : Are the aliens wrong to kill humans in such ? or they just doing it for the survival.
Such more subtle themes are in this series, making it a very worth watch.
Death Note
Theme:Power
What if you always wished for a power that could change the world and it has been granted.
What if there was no one to dictate over you with such power ? will you stay in the limits ?
With such theme Death note becomes a very interesting watch from the very first episode.
And do your best to avoid Netflix's Death note version
Ghost in the Shell(1995)
Theme: What makes us humans? memories ? Soul ? body?
This movie will always hold a special place in the hearts of anime & sci fi fans. Its a benchmark
With great visual style which even inspired the wachwoski brothers
It's a great blend of style,art, story and bit of philosophical themes in it.
As usual the avoid the Hollywood version, better watch the original for its totality.
There's so many anime/mangas to explore, these are only few on list.
If you got any your favorite then let me know in the comments