Prime Video’s new cyberpunk action thriller, The Ghost in the Shell, is finally here, and it’s already one of their most popular shows. In 2025, it was announced that Science Saru, the studio behind Dandadan and Devilman Crybaby, would be making a new Ghost in the Shell anime; it would be the first new entry in the franchise since SAC_2045, and unlike its predecessors, it would take more influence from the manga than the 1995 movie.
Whether someone was a longtime fan of the manga or one of many people only familiar with the movie, The Ghost in the Shell looked incredibly promising, and sure enough, it’s already a massive success. The first episode of The Ghost in the Shell just premiered on Prime Video, and at the time of writing, it’s their 10th most popular TV show, anime or otherwise. The fact that its popularity is massive outside of anime, specifically, is amazing, and with how great the series looks, it’s only going to get bigger.
Why The Ghost In The Shell Reboot Is Already A Masterpiece
Science Saru’s The Ghost in the Shell is already a massive hit on Prime Video, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it already have a built-in fanbase by being a Ghost in the Shell anime, but the fact that the series is so different from what came before it gives it plenty of appeal on its own; the more lighthearted tone of the manga is perfect for anyone looking for something different, and with how genuinely fun the writing is, especially with Motoko being the furthest thing from her usual stoic self, there’s already plenty to love.
All of that is taken even further by the anime’s incredible visuals. Not only is Masamune Shirow’s signature art style and color palette perfectly brought to life, but the animation, music, and overall direction all come together for a gorgeous spectacle from start to finish, one that might even be on par with the original movie. From his work on Dandadan, Devilman Crybaby, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, series director Moko-chan is easily one of Science Saru’s biggest talents, and it’s all coming together to make The Ghost in the Shell a show that more than deserves its high praise.
Prime Video Is Becoming One Of The Best Places For Anime, By Far
If there’s anything else to take away from The Ghost in the Shell’s success, it’s how great a place Prime Video is becoming for anime. While Prime Video’s commitment to anime has waxed and waned over the years, recent years have seen them put far more effort into producing and simulcasting new anime, and it’s always paid off with them acquiring some of the best titles around; New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt and the Fist of the North Star reboot were both massive hits, and sure enough, The Ghost in the Shell is going down the same path.
The incredible success of The Ghost in the Shell is a major hallmark of how great a place Prime Video has become for anime, and with its fresh take on such an iconic story, not to mention its gorgeous visuals and direction, it will only get bigger from here. It wouldn’t be surprising if there comes a point when The Ghost in the Shell becomes the most popular show on Prime Video, anime or otherwise, and overall, that would be great to see.
The Ghost in the Shell releases new episodes on Tuesdays on Prime Video.
- Release Date
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July 7, 2026
- Network
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Fuji TV, Kansai TV
- Directors
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Lucien Dodge, Touma Kimura
- Writers
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Tô Enjo
Cast
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Maaya Sakamoto
Motoko Kusanagi
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Kazuhiro Yamaji
Daisuke Aramaki

