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Ghost in the Shell

Ghost in the Shell

There's nothing sadder than a puppet without a ghost.

2017107 minPG-13Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all films
Director
Rupert Sanders
Starring
Scarlett Johansson, Takeshi Kitano, Pilou Asbæk, Michael Pitt

In the near future, Major is the first of her kind: a human saved from a terrible crash, then cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Ghost in the Shell?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Ghost in the Shell streaming on Disney+ and Paramount+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Ghost in the Shell?

Ghost in the Shell earns 8 badges, led by Cultural touchstone and Spectacle.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Ghost in the Shell worth watching?

Ghost in the Shell's Midcredits score is the 51st percentile of all films, from 491K ratings across 6 sources. 51% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

51st percentile

Better received than 51% of films

67th percentile among Action51st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)47th
Approval (how many liked it)54th

61 /100

47th percentile of all films

64th percentile among Action48th percentile among 2010s

Critics 52 · Audience 61

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.4 — solid but not unanimous.

51% liked it

54th percentile of all films

67th percentile among Action54th percentile among 2010s
51% rated it 7–1049% rated it 1–6

Critics 42% · Audience 51%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 3 wins / 6 noms overall

99th percentile

490K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 20% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$110M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$41M
Worldwide gross$170M

Returned 1.5× its budget — 90th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a visual spectacle with stunning effects-driven production, but fans see it as elevating the experience while detractors see it as dressing over a hollow story.

Fans praised

  • stunning neon-soaked visuals and cybernetic aesthetic
  • Scarlett Johansson embodies the Major's identity struggles
  • haunting music and top-notch sound design

Detractors panned

  • shallow, second-rate adaptation lacking the original's depth
  • one-sided characters with no emotional entry points
  • directionless narrative that undermines the source material

What stands out

Effects and spectacle82

visuals and VFX polished though detractors see them as masking flaws

Cinematography80

stunning neon cityscape, in both camps' eyes

Sound and music75

haunting score and flawless sound design

ActingDivisive65

Scarlett Johansson praised as compelling but supporting cast underused

Plot and storyDivisive40

competent but lacks depth, sometimes hollow

CharactersDivisive30

one-sided good vs bad, no emotional connection

Originality30

derivative of original anime and Robocop-like plot

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

Under-30s vs over-30s

Preferred by Over-30s

Over-30s scored it 11 points higher than under-30s.

US vs non-US

Preferred by Non-US Viewers

Non-US viewers scored it 12 points higher than US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Critics vs users 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is Ghost in the Shell like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something that leaves you smiling.

It leaves you hopeful.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Awestruck · 1% of films: Wonder at something vast or marvelous.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film presents its futuristic world with awe and spectacle, playing its themes of identity and corporate control straight but with a polished, grand style.
The rideSustained tension throughout, with a melancholic and dreamlike undercurrent, peaking around the revelations of the Major's past.
StructureThe plot unfolds chronologically, with Major's hallucinations providing backstory but the narrative itself follows a standard beginning-middle-end structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe resolution leaves a sense of hope for self-acceptance while the philosophical questions about identity linger.
How it ends · evidence
Happy endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% (this title) · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Corporate villainy: A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows Major as she uncovers the truth about Hanka Robotics' unethical experiments and her own fabricated memories, exposing the corporation's wrongdoing while discovering her true identity.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% (this title) · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsFreedom · 5% of filmsMemory · 3% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates what it means to be human when your memories and body are manufactured.
StanceThe film questions the nature of identity and autonomy in a world where memories and bodies are commodities.

The world

Near futureUrbanInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernElectronicSupportive music · original score · Clint Mansell
SettingA near-future Japanese metropolis where cybernetic augmentation is widespread.
MusicA haunting, synth-tinged orchestral score that reinforces the film's cold, dreamlike atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Ghost in the Shell okay for kids?

PG-13

Ghost in the Shell is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, suggestive content and some disturbing images” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (60/100), sexual content at mild (29/100), language at mild (32/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (30/100) and frightening material at moderate (45/100). Overall it is heavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 42 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany16
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+13
  • Austria14
  • Belgium12
  • CL14
  • Czechia12+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceK12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary16
  • ID13+
  • IndiaU
  • Israel12
  • ItalyT
  • MOB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia16+
  • SingaporePG13
  • SK12
  • South Africa10-12PG
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland14
  • Taiwan12+
  • TH15
  • Türkiye13+
  • UA12+
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 31% of all filmsHeavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 50%
Profanity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 24%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 40%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 50%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Ghost in the Shell have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Ghost in the Shell?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Scarlett Johansson
as Major
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Takeshi Kitano
as Aramaki
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Pilou Asbæk
as Batou
Michael Pitt
as Kuze
Chin Han
as Togusa
Juliette Binoche
as Dr. Ouelet
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Peter Ferdinando
as Cutter
Rila Fukushima
as Red Robed Geisha
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Daniel Henshall
as Skinny Man
Yutaka Izumihara
as Saito
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Ghost in the Shell?

Movies like Ghost in the Shell include Ghost in the Shell (1995), RoboCop (2014) and Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (2008). Of the 12 closest matches, most are dystopian films, and several are films about freedom.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Shirow Masamune wrote 5 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Ghost in the Shell?

140 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: cyberpunk. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.