Prime Video acquires streaming rights to Ghost in the Shell, sparking global excitement. Here’s why the iconic sci-fi anime is generating massive hype worldwide.
Amazon Prime Video has officially acquired the global streaming rights to Ghost in the Shell, one of the most influential and celebrated franchises in anime history. The move signals Prime Video’s growing ambition to dominate the anime space while reigniting excitement around a title that helped shape modern cyberpunk storytelling.
With new projects, star power, and renewed international focus, Ghost in the Shell is once again at the centre of global pop culture conversation.
What is Ghost in the Shell about?
Originally created by Masamune Shirow in 1989, Ghost in the Shell is set in a futuristic world where humans and machines coexist, often blurring the line between the two. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyber-enhanced agent working for an elite counter-cyberterrorism unit, as she investigates crimes involving artificial intelligence, hacking, and political conspiracies. It explores deep philosophical questions about AI, consciousness (“the ghost”), and identity (“the shell”) through iconic adaptations,
Known for its philosophical depth, cyberpunk aesthetics, and complex exploration of identity (the shell), consciousness (the ghost), and technology, the franchise has influenced countless films, shows, and video games, including including the 1995 anime film, Stand Alone Complex, and a 2017 live-action movie. It is also said to have influenced The Matrix.
Why is there a massive hype about The Ghost in the Shell
The anime has been garnering a massive hype right from the time it was announced, not just because of the storyline, but also because of the fact that Science SARU, the animation studio behind hits like DAN DA DAN and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, will be producing it.
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サイエンスSARU制作
TVアニメ
『攻殻機動隊 THE GHOST IN THE SHELL』
2026年7月、放送開始。◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢
全身義体のサイボーグ・草薙素子率いる
攻性の組織 “攻殻機動隊”――… pic.twitter.com/W6eb1N2WyI— 攻殻機動隊【公式】GHOST IN THE SHELL official (@thegitsofficial) January 30, 2026
Moko-chan (DAN DA DAN assistant director) will be directing this anime at studio Science SARU, with series composition and scripts by To Enjo (Godzilla Singular Point), character designs and chief animation direction by Shuhei Handa (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) and music by Taisei Iwasaki (Metallic Rouge), Ryo Konishi and YUKI KANESAKA (Dr. STONE). Iwasaki is also the music director.
Why Prime Video’s acquisition is significant
Amazon Prime Video acquired the streaming right for The Ghost in the Shell worldwide (excluding Russia and China). Prime Video beating Crunchyroll and other anime-focused platforms to secure Ghost in the Shell is seen as a strategic play to strengthen its anime portfolio globally, especially in key markets like India, the US, and Southeast Asia.
Not just this anime, Prime Video has also acquired the worldwide streaming rights of the reboot of Fist of the North Star: Hokuto No Ken, and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman Season 2, whose first season ranked among Prime Video’s top ten titles in 45 countries.
Why fans are excited
For longtime anime viewers, Ghost in the Shell represents a defining chapter in sci-fi storytelling. Its return in a refreshed avatar is being welcomed as both nostalgia-driven and future-facing. For newer audiences, especially in India, the franchise offers a sophisticated entry point into mature, story-driven anime beyond traditional action or fantasy genres.
When and where to watch
Ghost in the Shell will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in July 2026, with the exact release date expected to be announced in the coming months.
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