Although it was seen as a box-office disappointment, it later gained a cult following on home video and is now hailed as one of the greatest anime and sci-fi films ever.
Set in 2029 Japan, the Ghost in the Shell film follows cyborg agent Motoko Kusanagi hunting the enigmatic hacker, Puppet Master, while exploring profound themes of self-identity in a high-tech world. It garnered initial positive reviews for its narrative, visuals, and music. Although it was seen as a box-office disappointment, it later gained a cult following on home video and is now hailed as one of the greatest anime and sci-fi films ever. Ghost in the Shell has significantly impacted notable filmmakers, including the Wachowskis, who presented it to producer Joel Silver, expressing their desire to bring its style to life in The Matrix and its sequels.