The Mission: Impossible franchise, starring Tom Cruise as the daring IMF agent Ethan Hunt, has captivated audiences with its thrilling action and intricate storylines. Fans of the series are drawn to its high-octane sequences, advanced gadgetry, and the relentless tension that comes with espionage.
If you’re a devoted follower of the Mission: Impossible films, you might find yourself intrigued by anime that embody similar themes of espionage, covert operations, heists, and suspense. Below is a curated list of 10 must-watch anime for enthusiasts of the franchise.
Top 10 Anime for Mission: Impossible Fans
1. Lupin the 3rd
Join Lupin, the clever grandson of the legendary thief Arsène Lupin, as he embarks on globe-trotting escapades filled with thefts and plots. Accompanied by his loyal partners—quick-draw gunman Jigen, stoic swordsman Goemon, and the enigmatic femme fatale Fujiko—Lupin uses disguises and cunning to evade capture while executing his heists. The enduring franchise spans various TV series and films, ensuring endless entertainment.
2. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Set in a near-future society where technology has evolved to include cybernetic enhancements, the elite Public Security Section 9 tackles cyber crimes and terrorism. Major Motoko Kusanagi, a formidable cyborg, leads her team in a high-stakes battle against sinister forces. Much like the IMF’s high-tech arsenal, Section 9 leverages cutting-edge technology to combat its adversaries.
3. Spy x Family
This contemporary hit follows master spy Twilight, who must create a fake family—complete with a telepathic daughter Anya and an assassin wife Yor—to infiltrate an elite school. As he balances his responsibilities as Loid Forger and his secret missions, viewers enjoy a delightful mix of espionage thrills and heartfelt family moments, topped off with gadgets and disguises galore.
4. Joker Game
Set in 1937, this anime delves into the world of espionage during a tumultuous period. Lt. Colonel Yuuki leads the “D Agency,”an independent Japanese spy organization skilled in deception and intelligence gathering. Each spy, possessing unique abilities, navigates a web of strategies and psychological battles, reflecting the cerebral intensity of spy craft reminiscent of Mission: Impossible.
5. Princess Principal
In a stunning steampunk reimagining of London, this series features a group of young female agents who pose as students while executing covert missions. The creative exploits of Ange, Chise, and their teammates unfold in a world of disguise, deception, and espionage, echoing the tactics employed by the IMF.
6. Great Pretender
Follow the escapades of Makoto Edamura, a petty scam artist who finds himself outmatched when he crosses paths with master conman Laurent Thierry. This series weaves intricate cons and deceptions, employing elaborate role-playing tactics that reflect the thrill of heists seen in Mission: Impossible.
7. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Exiled prince Lelouch Lamperouge harnesses supernatural powers to challenge an oppressive regime in Japan. Under the alias “Zero,”he employs strategic brilliance and deception to orchestrate a rebellion, creating a narrative rich in intrigue, identity shifts, and psychological tactics that fans of stealth missions will appreciate.
8. Baccano!
Set against the backdrop of the chaotic 1930s, Baccano! unfurls a tale filled with gangsters, thieves, and immortality. Its nonlinear narrative and myriad characters lead to unforeseen plot twists and action-laden encounters, mirroring the chaotic risk and excitement found in Mission: Impossible’s elaborate schemes.
9. Night Raid 1931
This anime presents a fictionalized account of covert operations in 1931 Shanghai, where the Sakurai Kikan agency engages in dangerous espionage activities. The agents grapple with moral dilemmas as they execute their methods, showcasing a deep commitment to the art of spycraft similar to that seen in the Mission: Impossible series.
10. ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
In the tranquil yet politically intricate kingdom of Dowa, Jean Otus, an ACCA inspector, navigates a facade of bureaucracy while uncovering deeper conspiracies. This anime emphasizes quiet intrigue and political maneuvering, providing a thoughtful counterpoint to the explosive action typical of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Wrapping Up
Viewers who adore the thrill of the Mission: Impossible films are sure to find captivating stories within these anime that explore espionage, complex narratives, and breathtaking stunts. Whether you prefer action-packed narratives or more nuanced storytelling, shows like Lupin the 3rd, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and Code Geass will undoubtedly fulfill your cravings for thrilling covert operations.