Innocence

The artwork and colors were markedly similar between the two. Both make beautiful use of CG and blend it seamlessly with the normal animation. Both movies also contain very deep philosophical elements and excellent action/violent scenes. 

Both share the cyberpunk atmosphere, dystopian surroundings and humanoid robots. 

- Both takes place in a cyberpunk and dystopic surrounding - Both have MCs that are in detectives roles - Robots that go rogue - Uncovering a deep societal mystery  

Little hard to get into without spoilers but they both explore the line between dreams and reality. Also both have fantastic art and the (Japanese) acting in both are great. 

Smart dialogues, full of citations, dark and cyberpunk atmosphere, good action 

Both Nier:Automata and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence feature many similar themes. They both are well-produced cyberpunk works, both feature action and battles, and cyber hacking as part of those battles, and both have themes of cyber-marionette kind of artistic themes that take place in beautiful post-apocalyptic settings. They also both have introspective story layers that give a sense of mystery and that there's more to the story that will unfold than what appears at first on the surface. Additionally, the art styles are similar. If you like one, you will probably like the other. 

similar themes to the first short in memories and also similar visuals 

Innocence feels very similar to the 3 Mardock's. Being a bit more slow paced than the 90's GITS. Both very philosophical and melancholy in a way (more-so Mardock).  

Probably you're wondering, how could these seemingly distant animes (one is jaded sci-fi anime, while one is slice-of-life josei anime) have anything similar at all? My favorite is Innocence, but since it's metaphorically a pure black ground coffee (or even pure hard coffee beans), I often let my real-life friends to go watch Natsuyuki Rendezvous, since it's - compared to Innocence - a cup of caffè latte. Oshii once said in a behind-the-scene documentary, that Innocence - in a way or another - is a romantic movie, a man looking for his missing sweetheart. Rokka, left bereft of joy by Shimao-kun death, reserved her heart for Shimao-kun while cherishing memories of him - the flower shop. In a way, Batou was still longing for Major's presence - even his teammates were very well aware of this. The LSD-esque mind trips of Hazuki-kun when he exchanged his consciousness to Shimao-kun resembles very much of what happened to Togusa and Batou when they visited Kim's sterile doll house / palace at Itorop island. Except, the "mind-hack" at Natsuyuki Rendezvous was extended to more than 6 episodes and the topics are much more palatable to normal people. When Rokka finally realized that Shimao-kun came back to her life for the last time in Hazuki-kun's flesh, is very much alike of the moment when Batou had a condensed, short, final talk with Major at the end. Except, in Natsuyuki Rendezvous, the emotions are poured out entirely so the watchers know what to feel. After all, Natsuyuki Rendezvous and Innocence are exemplary works of those rare animes (both are adult-cast) that dared to discuss what meaning life and death have, if any. read more 

Both are cyberpunk, cult classic anime. They have a multi-layered storyline and deal with similar themes, while also raising some interesting philosophical questions. Akira is more action-oriented, while Ghost in the Shell 2 is more psychological. 

Both feature stunning and detailed visuals, dark atmospheres, plenty of philosophical monologues and visual metaphors. 

1. unique visualization of cyberspace (not much of it, but nevertheless) 2. occasionally grim atmosphere 3. Dimsdale-Boiled is somewhat reminiscent of the enigmatic terrorist leader Hideo Kuze from S.A.C. 2nd GIG or even Batou 4. non-rushed pace, occasional dialogues revealing life values 5. moments of intense action 

Two quality sci-fi anime. Whereas Steins;Gate tackles the concept of time-travel, GitS 2: Innocence questions the ethics of making cyborgs/robots, and reveals the vulnerability of AI to hacking and viruses. While SG's plot is slightly stronger, GitS 2: Innocence makes for a more compact viewing, and the graphics are stunning for a 2004 anime. Since GitS 2 is reminiscent of a good old cop story, be prepared for some gunfights and explosions! 

A surreal inlay of the traditional Japanese dance and eerie music in Gasaraki strongly reminds of chants during the parade in GITS Innocence movie, a poetic timelessness encompassing realistically detailed portraits of cyberpunk in GITS and military sci-fi in Gasaraki, both serious and solemn. 

Both very well known in the CYBERPUNK genre where the future is both ruled by man and machine, whereas the borderline between human and machine remains it almost forgotten, from oldskool violent masterpiece short story (alita), to a one of a kind animation with 3-d elements masterpiece (ghost in the shell 2) 

Both are cyberpunk, and having sci-fi futuristic scenes set with older traditions and culture which gives a rich atmosphere.