Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor the Movie

Both directed by Mamoru Oshii and animation is done by I.G The hard sci-fi elements create an immersive atmosphere and both movies contain great plots. These movies are essential for sci-fi lovers 

Both on the quiet side, taking place in technologically advanced cultures. Dystopian cyberpunk that focuses on the interaction between the state, technology, and rebellion.  

the plot and the general mood is really similar, but patlabor is more easy to understand and less surreal and strange than lain 

These movies are dealing with robots losing control and a police investigation to prevent a sort of apocalypse which would take place in a building inspired by the Tower of Babel.  

When I started watching Patlabor the movie, I didn't know it was produced in 1989, so I thought Patlabor plagiarized Evangelion too much. Now that I know it's just the opposite, the value of this work by Mamoru Oshi only gets higher. Patlabor is the predecessor and the main inspiration of Evangelion. It posesses great value for those interested in history, both of Japan, of Anime, of society.  

The Patlabor franchise is often overshadowed by a more famous subsequent franchise involving Mamoru Oshii - Ghost in the Shell. A real shame considering that Patlabor: The Movie (and its movie sequels) is one of the few anime that so successfully explore the impact of technology on society in a police procedural. Psycho-Pass builds on this legacy with its franchise. Patlabor: The Movie and Psycho-Pass have very adult and sophisticated stories, which viewers will love. As a dystopian anime, Psycho-Pass is a far darker anime than Patlabor: The Movie, which features a contemporary Japan with more advanced technology. Note that the Patlabor TV series has a completely different tone.  read more 

Technology advancements can result in significant benefits to society, but individuals can also use these technologies to hurt others. Paprika and Patlabor: The Movie are movies that explores this topic with construction mechas and healthtech in a detective storyline. Patlabor: The Movie has a slow burn investigation. You might feel some frustration over their decision to not fully explain the motive for the crime, but this choice does add to the realism of the anime. It should be noted that the movie assumes you are familiar with the characters from watching the Patlabor OVA series. Paprika is a crime thriller with quick pacing. You might feel that the movie could have benefited from fleshing out the personalities of the antagonist. That being said, both anime will appeal to a mature audience looking for quality movies. read more 

Both works represent the 1980s vision of the future, both feature battle robots, both are predecessors of Neon Genesis Evangelion.