Paprika - Recommendations

Himitsu says...

If you enjoyed the psychological confusion that Perfect Blue offered, Paprika gives you the same spice, and much more. Paprika and Perfect Blue are created by the same person and thus the style is evidently the same. They both have a very scattered execution which is good, because they're both mysteries. Paprika has the aspect of entering and altering people's dreams which makes its plot very interesting. Also, it's a recent movie so the boosted art and animation quality is a bonus. Perfect Blue was mysterious and has some horror aspect.

Radu says...

Perfect Blue is another movie that questions the difference between dreams and reality. Keeping you on the edge of your seat, this psychological thriller is a much darker version of Paprika.

bshegg says...

Both Perfect Blue and Paprika are directed by Satoshi Kon, fit into similar anime realism genres which are rich in Satoshi Kon's social commentaries, and have intellectually stimulating themes.

FalseDawn says...

What is reality? What are dreams? When do we know when we're in either state? Paprika and Perfect Blue explore these ideas with a great deal of success - both have dark undertones which are caused by deep-seated trauma. If you liked either of these, the other will surely appeal to you.

boomer says...

If you enjoyed Paprika, you will most likely enjoy Perfect Blue. Both anime's are total mess with your mind, and end happily. The plot in Perfect Blue is amazing, however there is one particular scene which was rather upsetting to me, and almost ruined the whole anime, but it didn't. In the long run I can understand why that scene was important, even though I didn't like it. Also, in Perfect Blue, there are a couple of scenes which were almost identical to those in Paprika. Both animes deal a with a woman trying to figure out who she is/wants to be. In Paprika, its the scientist and her dream self, and in Perfect Blue its her "pop idol" self versus her "actress" self. I loved it, it was upsetting, interesting, and kept me guessing as to what was going to happen.

Kejell says...

Both movies deal with the human psyche and transcend traditional storytelling by not quite letting the viewer feel sure about what's real and what is not.

panther628 says...

Perfect Blue was one of Satoshi Kon's early works, and I think is his best. If you enjoyed Paprika's style of story, then you will love Perfect Blue's engaging story of a pop idol turned actor who discovers she has a stalker. Kon keeps the suspense coming with every scence, and you will be mesmorized by how well Kon executes his stories. Both movies have interesting characters and an interesting story that only Kon could express.

Zuzane says...

Both films refers to the thin border between reality and dreams or illusions. They are also well made, have very addictive plot and touch some delicate problems of human's psychology, so if you enjoyed one, you won't be disappointed by the other.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these animes are like a closed-room-mystery. The whodunit has to be in the presented cast, and the answer keeps you guessing until the final reveal. With psychological drama surrounding the human conscious, these movies are quite similar. 

LadyPsychic says...

Both movies were directed by Satoshi Kon.  They both have psychological themes, dark undertones, and will often have you questioning what is real and what is not.  They also both have plenty of plot twists that will keep you guessing.

Jaimefm says...

These were both directed by Satoshi Kon so it’s safe to say they have very similar styles and themes.  If you are interested in the blurred lines between dreams and reality or the uncertainty of what is real and what is not you are sure to enjoy both. 

apocalypticGnostic says...

They have same director. They are both surrealist and feature a female character's split sense of self.

irushasempai says...

they're both from the same guy and deal with the feeling of derealisation, and might make you question what is real and what is a dream

mcarey393 says...

They are both made by Satoshi Kon, both psychological and have a very simalir art style! Both very good and intresting! 

CodexScript says...

Classic, must-watch, psychological anime brought to you by the masters at Madhouse. These films are filled with a distinct,  unique,  recognizable feeling in the animation style and character design while keeping you eager to see what bájense next on the mystery filled journeys. Absolutely would put both Perfect Blue and Paprika on any Must Watch 100 Anime Films Before You Die lists.

abunai says...

Besides the rather obvious correlation that these anime are the work of genius Satoshi Kon, there is a more fundamental similarity, in that they both deal with an obscure enemy and an unreliable reality. In Paprika, the world of dreams intrudes itself forcibly on the world of the waking; whereas, in Paranoia Agent, there is a fundamental warping of the meaning of "real". This overarching theme of Kon's is also present in other works of his, such as Millennium Actress.

revenos says...

The characters of both Paranoia Agent and Paprika are often faced with delusions between reality, dreams, and imagination. Or in some cases, they simply go insane.

v16 says...

Up for a little insanity on the edge of dreams and reality? Here comes! Paprika and Paranoia Agent serve a similar dish, disclosing what our seemingly-so-innocent day and nightmares and fears can do with our lives - should they become just a bit more real.

In very similar style, with a bit of ironic attitude, both anime follow a story of blending between the real and the imaginary, and not only in the story, but on the screen. The insight into our thoughts and that immersive, but not intimidating feeling of growing uncertainty put these two works as close together as it gets.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Both Paranoia Agent and Paprika probe the power of man made illusions and how these affect reality to the point of merging with it. Paranoia Agent contradicts linear modes of story telling as the series progresses while Paprika is deliberately oneiric from the start. The artwork is similar and Satoshi Kon's trademarks are very visible in the way PA and Paprika push the limits of animation in general. Image surpasses the role of medium and becomes an experimental endeavour of psychological valence: PA and Paprika offer this autonomy of imagery without compromising a highly complex exploration of what it is that shapes and defines reality.

SailorStarDancer says...

Both Paprika and Paranoia Agent are similar in many ways. For one, both feature murder mystery-type story lines. Also, the animation style and feel seems similar to me, despite the fact that Paranoia Agent, at times, can be a lot darker or lighter than Paprika.

wickedshizuku says...

These anime are out of this world abstract with excellent music. I was totally baffeled by their endings, and couldn't help but say 'WOW!' Both of them had points that are very deep, and make you think your life is like a dozen roses. I'm absolutely positive that if you liked one you are sure to like the other.

Oehr says...

Awesome animation combined with fairytale like story elements and some crazy characters? Hell yeah!

I'm sure you'll love both series!

Omurqi says...

Both Paprika and Paranoia Agent are deliciously confusion masterpieces by Satoshi Kon that trigger the viewer to think about what´s going on. These are shows everyone can draw their own conclusions from, since not everything gets explained clearly, leaving enough room for your own interpretation. Out of the two, Paprika is a bit easier to understand, and has more visual spectacle, but they are definitely two of the same. Last but not least, both shows have a fantastic soundtrack that sets the mood perfectly for the spectacle up ahead. If you enjoyed one of these anime, do not miss out on the other!

KittyEmperor says...

Both being a series created by Satoshi Kon each series offers up amazing visuals, great soundtracks, interesting characters, and a creepy atmosphere are all things that both series us to keep the viewer both interested and thinking about what exactly happened even after finishing it.

LilMayar says...

Both series are under the production company MADHOUSE which has produced nothing but splendid series in the past few years. Additionally, both series are the brain child's of Satoshi Kon, a legend in psychological thrillers and anime. While Paprika has a more sci-fi edge to it that makes the psychology within it more obvious, Paranoia Agent's psychological themes don't become evident until the later episodes. All in all if you liked one series, the other is sure to be well received by you.

Diachy says...

Both Papirka and Paranoia Agent are thought provoking Psychological works of Satoshi Kon. They have a great link with the mysteries and ambiguity of the human psyche. While there may be dihherences in the way they show the underlying messages they are still relativley the same. This can be said about all Satoshi Kon's works however. If you like one I truly don't see how you could not like the other. Paprika is quite upfront about its message on human psyche. The whole movie is based in peoples minds.

hamletsmage says...

First off, these are both the brain-children of Satoshi Kon, which means they are full of psychological drama. Secondly, they both deal with having inner thoughts brought to life in some rather crazy ways. Both anime also deal with collective consciousness in some way, and require a little more brain power than usual to understand. If you like one, try the other out. 

DrunkenBlowfish says...

Both are Kon aime that blur reality and fiction and emphasize the significant influence of the media.

PURPLEHANDGANG says...

Concept, Ending, Animation & artwork are almost ditto but in my opinion paprika is way batter Paranoia Agent in plot explanation and stay focused at story.

abunai says...

Besides the rather obvious correlation that these anime are the work of genius Satoshi Kon, there is a more fundamental similarity, in that they both deal with an unreliable reality. In Paprika, the world of dreams intrudes itself forcibly on the world of the waking; whereas, in Millennium Actress, there is a gradual melding of the fictional world of film with the documentary reality of the actual world. This overarching theme of Kon's is also present in other works of his, such as Paranoia Agent.

knaecke says...

Although it might be because both movies are from the same director (Satoshi Kon) Millennium Actress and Paprika, while having totally different themes, create a very similar atmosphere when you watch them.

As both movies progress though their respective stories it becomes more and more difficult to distinguish the different layers of reality and fiction (Millennium Actress) or the psyche of the characters (Paprika).

Both movies are festivals of colors and imagination and succeed in engulfing the viewer in true fantasy cinema.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Millennium Actress and Paprika share the same thematic core: blurring the borders between fictional projections and reality as we see it. MA blends cinematography with real life events while Paprika unleashes the world of dreams unto our own. Both are imbued with Satoshi Kon's unique flair for the bizarre and take anime as a medium to a whole different level; the stunning visuals fuse perfectly with non-linear plots that immerse the convoluted yet appealing narrative into the fabric of imagery itself.

AkiNoHoshi says...

These two films, by the same Satoshi Kon, are very alike in that a lot of the time you find yourself asking, "...Wait, what?" They're intriguing and wonderful, and you can easily get lost in the storyline.

KittyEmperor says...

Both series do wonderous work in blurring the line between reality and illusions.  In Millennium Actress it happens steadily as the movies the actress has been in slowly melds with documentary that is being filmed and in Paprika the world of dreams comes into the real world making it hard to distinguish between reality and fantasy.  Amazing visuals, sound, and storytelling all do wonders in drawing the viewer into either film as expected of any work done by Satoshi Kon.

Fargo says...

Aside from sharing the same director, these two movies detail a female lead experiencing several different adventures in very surreal environments within flashbacks or dreams. Paprika has more of a thriller plot whereas Millennium Actress recounts the bountiful life of its lead. Both movies also share themes of discovering one's self.

ShowerOfSunshine says...

Both films are from the same director (Satoshi Ken) and they both create a very similar atmosphere when you watch them.

Both of the films have elements of people being brought into the minds of others and gradually get more confusing as you progress through the complex storylines.

apocalypticGnostic says...

They have the same director. They feature a nonstop parade of surrealist imagery that does not care if the audience can keep up.

Nocturnalgloria says...

At first glance Lain and Paprika might not seem very similar, Lain being very slow paced for the most part and Paprika being such a riot of energy. Yet both challenge the meaning of reality and the role of perspective. In Lain and Paprika technology has permitted man to dismantle experience, uncovering a deeply disturbing world that deconstructs certainty in a fluid nexus of ambivalence. Lain's stress falls more on existential questions while Paprika deals more directly with the distorting power of dreams but both break the barrier of physical limitations as they capitalize the potential of anime to create truly bizarre and rewarding experiences

IDDKyewD says...

Both Lain and Paprika are about surrealism, and the manipulation of technology for one's needs. Also, both main characters become 'someone else' when in their virtual worlds.

BoBark says...

Both of these great animes consider the human psyche and consciousness as well as the impact of technology on people. Both have interesting characters and deep elements to challenge and intrigue.

eaper says...

Both of these titles take two worlds that are considered to be seperate from reality (be it dreams or the internet) and show what happens when they start to meld together. The main characters also have more in common than may meet the eyes.

LizardLaw974 says...

Both Paprika and Serial Experiments Lain have many similarities. Probably the biggest and most prominent factor is the twisted and confusing plot that both shows have. Both don't appear at first to make sense, yet makes you think and wonder about what was presented and what message was trying to be given. On top of that, they both center around technology and its affect on the human psyche and on humanity itself. The visuals are also similar in the genre or design, because both are very strange and a bit crazy. If you liked one, try the other out and see what you think.

apocalypticGnostic says...

They are both surrealist and science fiction. They both are about the female protagonist's split sense of self.

thegirlontheclouds says...

Like other users stated they are really similiar: they are both sci fi and the mcs of both become completely different in the virtual realities.

whatismyname says...

Both these shows have a beautiful atmosphere to them. The colors and characters are vivid and full of life. Some may say Paprika caters to an older audience, but both shows engulf your senses in the sights and sounds of even the most minute details.

sunspot says...

As for me, I think in both of these you just get suck into the movie the way that one part of you is on the couch, but another is already in the movie. Yes, Spirited Away is kind of more fast paced, but both of them is so continious that there is no time to go and look for a snack as you just can't take eyes of the screen.

eaper says...

These movies each have a very surreal feel to them, similar art, and a lot of colorful scenes floating around. Although S.A. is definitely aimed at a younger audience, I still think these series work quite well with one another.

scizorg45 says...

Both of these movies are basicly set in a world besides our own and humans intruding there. While SA deals more with the spiritual side of this, Paprika is more about what people dream about.

If you liked one, cheack out the other.

KittyEmperor says...

Both series will delight the viewer with a unique artstyle, characters, and atmosphere.  While Paprika does somewhat move towards a slightly more mature audience than Spirited Away but both are sure to draw you into their worlds making the viewer not wanting to miss a minute of either.

hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime are taken from a world full of mystery, wonder, and beautiful colors. While Paprika is a little more cerebral than Spirited Away, both offer a land of pure imagination to explore. The animation style of "let's animate a thousand little things at once" is also present in both animes. 

Fargo says...

These movies boast fluid and eye-catching animation with magical qualities. Paprika is for more mature audiences, but both movies follow a female lead trying to reestablish the status quo and they take them on a journey with many ups and downs that are sure to engage anyone watching.

iary says...

Although you may feel at times that you're watching a crazy painter spilling all of his colours over a poor canvas, you just can't shake the thought that perhaps these two psichological stories can turn on several lights in that dark interior Universe of yours. Both stories place common characters in extremely uncommon situations, both show possible dreamworlds and yet, both may end in a similar nightmare. To return to reality or to forever remain stuck in a dream state? That is the question in these cases. If you've loved Mind Game for Nishi's sudden change in attitude, then you'll love Paprika, either as herself or as the stern At-chan. You have fantasy, romance, drama and plenty of psichology. Therefore, you're left with only one thing to do: watch one, the other, or even better: both.

Ran says...

Though in diferent way, Paprika and Mind Game open a way to dreamed land, that seems more relaistic than real life at times. This allows for original content, daring scenes and complex symbolism. Paprika still has a more consistent plot as Mind game, which doesnt have the usual plot and conclusion. If you liked the surrealism in this anime, you will certainly appreciate the other.

eaper says...

Each of these movies can easily leaving the viewer wondering what just happened. Further, each of these series have a lot of the same themes going on underneath. 

Sianeka says...

Both Mind Game and Paprika share an atmosphere of the bizarre and surreal.  Mind Game integrates the unexpected and unexplainable into its main plot, while Paprika manages to inject it through the world of dreams.  Both anime convey a sense of confused wonderment, filling your screen with bright colors and varied drawing styles and unusual and unique characters.  If you have a taste for something different in your anime, and you saw and liked one of these, do check out the other!

Ailly says...

Both Mind Game and Paprika serve a large dose of surrealism to the viewer. Prepare to stare at your screen in awe and total confusion. Though the underlying theme in these movies is coming to terms with who you are and being honest about it, you probably won't notice it through all the bizarre and weird things that happen. If one of these titles left you wondering 'What the hell did I watch? And where can I get more of it?', then you should definitely check the other out.

Malintha says...

They're both mindfucking psychology. Mind Game more so than Paprika. Both deal with a storyline and setting whose reality and illusions/dreams have no boundaries and overlap each other. 

jblack says...

Mind blowing and absurd. Unusual design but really wort to watch. Unique piece, one of the kind...

sothis says...

For another delusional and abstract look at a dream-like world, check out Cat Soup. It's remarkably darker than Paprika, but it shouldn't fail to disappoint.

ace52387 says...

The most important similarity between Cat Soup and Paprika is that they balance a child like imagination with a sincere chill factor. And just when you get used to that awkward combination, social commentary and fuzzy, genuinely heartwarming scenes manage to sneak up on you. These films are rewarding as somewhat avant garde visceral experiences, but back it up with emotional, and maybe even a little cerebral substance.

tasanime says...

Cat Soup and Paprika somehow managae to spawn vast amounts of random behaviour, are packed to the brim with crazy abstract designs and will serve to confuse an already very disturbed viewer. Both will keep you highly entertained in their own schizophrenic way.

steampunk says...

Both Cat Soup and Paprika take a big deep gulp from the surreal, and even though the end result is quite different, I would still think that anyone that enjoys one, would enjoy the other.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Akira and Paprika are both extremely strange; the sci-fi content of their skewed plot lines is extremely similar. These movies twist what the viewer is seeing and deliberately frustrate straightforward explanations. Shape shifting imagery invades the narrative and sets Akira and Paprika apart from linear efforts in the world of anime. A certain apocalyptic tone is present in both and the feeling of oddity that finds itself augmented as Akira progresses is deeply enmeshed in Paprika as well.

Verdeloth26 says...

If you want a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat while working your brain overtime, definitely check out these two movies. Both have an underlying theme about a power that has gotten into the wrong hands and broken the mind of it's wielder. These are a must-see for any fan of the psychological genre.

sincikid says...

When I watched Paprika it made me think alot about Akira, especially Paprika's parade scenes being similar to the illusions cause in Akira. Both series are based around a strange power Akira's being some sort of telepathy and Paprika's being the ability to ifiltrate other's dreams. In each series this power is corrupts the users leading to an apocolyptic scenario.

eaper says...

Each of these series are focused around the human mind and a possiblity of the world ending because of it. Also, each series is an extreme mindf*ck.

sothis says...

Though Paprika and Tekkon Kinkreet completely differ in terms of plot, both are confusing looks at a surreal world, and offer the same amount of substance and style. I didn't care much for either, but still think they fit well together. This recommendation is hard to quantify, so just try it out for yourself and see what you think.

themasteroffools says...

I find paprika and tekkon kinkreet to be very artisitic and beautifully done. They both dip towards randomness and are both seam more to be aimed at the animation than an excellent story.

If your fond of the artisicism in one, you like it in the other.

VivisQueen says...

With plenty of dreamlike cityscapes, adventure sequences, and stylishly detailed concepts, you'll appreciate what either of these anime have to offer if you liked one of them. Paprika is less violent and far more about the absurdity of the mind, whereas Tekkon Kinkreet has themes of darkness and light and is more plot-driven. In each case, just prepare to be mind-boggled.

lolhammy says...

Paprika and Tekkon Kinkreet are fairly different movies, which is actually their main similarity. Both employ beautiful music and animations, and both are set in a colourful and blooming world. The story is decidedly different compared to each other (although you could argue that both are about making dreams come true).

I think that if you like either of these movies you would like the other, because they are both beautiful and seemingly light movies that are actually a lot darker than the colourful animation shows. And they're really pretty.

AkiNoHoshi says...

These two films, by the same Satoshi Kon, are very alike in that a lot of the time you find yourself asking, "...Wait, what?" They're intriguing and wonderful, and you can easily get lost in the storyline.

KittyEmperor says...

Films both made by Satoshi Kon.  Both movies are ccompletely good a drawing you into their stories and having you actually paying attention to the plot and caring about the characters.  While Tokyo Godfathers tends to be a lot more realistic than Paprika they both have a unique cast of characters and beautiful visuals and music.

eaper says...

Each of these series have (apart from the same direct) a very similar since of pacing, constant movement, and artwork. If you liked one movie then it would be worth it to check out the other.

Booskaboo says...

The animations and the way to use real photos for backgrounds is the same (they're both published by MADHOUSE). If you enjoyed one for it's animation, the other will most surely fit your taste.