Movies like Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal (2002)
The best movies like Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal (2002) are Lupin the Third: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon (1985), Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact (2002) and LUPIN THE 3rd vs. CAT'S EYE (2023). If Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal hooked you with its animation and action, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedInuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001)7.5/10 from 205 votes
- NewestSimpsley (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseLupin the Third: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon (1985)Also in Japanese
Lupin the Third: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon (1985)
Lupin squares off with two criminal families and Inspector Zenigata's new female patrol to track down a hoard of biblical-era treasure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact (2002)
The stickup that started it all! Lupin III and Fujiko are both after an ancient artifact Jigen is supposed to protect, while Goemon happens to be searching for his clan’s lost treasure nearby. Of course, Inspector Zenigata isn’t far behind. This is the story of our heroes’ very first meeting!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLUPIN THE 3rd vs. CAT'S EYE (2023)
Lupin III competes with the Kisugi sisters to steal a triptych of paintings that once belonged to their father, and which hold the key to a long-unsolved mystery.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLupin the Third: Jigen's Gravestone (2014)
Lupin & Jigen have their sights set on a treasure called the Little Comet, which is located in the heavily fortified country of East Doroa. During the heist, Jigen is almost killed by a sniper named Yael Okuzaki. His specialty is preparing tombstones for his targets before executing them. It's said that no one can survive after Yael makes their tombstone.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFairy Tail: Phoenix Priestess (2012)
The film revolves around a mysterious girl named Éclair who appears before Fairy Tail, the world's most notorious wizard's guild. She lost all of her memories, except for the imperative that she must deliver two Phoenix Stones somewhere. The stones may spell the collapse of the magical world, and Natsu, Lucy, and the rest of the Fairy Tail guild are caught up in the intrigue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Piece Episode of Nami: Tears of a Navigator and the Bonds of Friends (2012)
After Nami steals the Going Merry, Roronoa Zoro, Usopp, and later Monkey D. Luffy and Sanji (along with Johnny and Yosaku) set after her and wind up in Cocoyasi Village, Nami's hometown ruled by the tyrannical fishman Arlong. It is here that Nami's past and true motives come to light.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFairy Tail: Dragon Cry (2017)
Dragon Cry is a magical artifact of deadly power, formed into a staff by the fury and despair of dragons long gone. Now, this power has been stolen from the hands of the Fiore kingdom by the nefarious traitor Zash Caine, who flees with it to the small island nation of Stella. Frightened that the power has fallen into the wrong hands, the King of Fiore hastily sends Fairy Tail to retrieve the staff. But this task proves frightening as a shadowy secret lies in the heart of the kingdom of Stella. Dragon Cry follows their story as they muster up all their strength to recover the stolen staff and save both kingdoms.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisOne Piece: Heart of Gold (2016)
A girl named Olga is pursued by both the World Government and a man named Mad Treasure, as she is the only one who knows the location of the Pure Gold, a substance that can buy the entire world. Olga ends up sailing with the Straw Hat Pirates, and they journey to find the Pure Gold on the lost island of Alchemi, which is located inside the stomach of a large angler fish named Bonbori.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBatman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)
Bruce Wayne faces a deadly menace from his past, with the help of three former classmates: world-renowned martial artists Richard Dragon, Ben Turner and Lady Shiva.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSimpsley (2026)
When penniless con-artist Marge Bouvier is sent to Italy to convince wealthy sap Seymour Skinner to come home, she's tempted by the trappings of his affluent lifestyle. But there’s a big fat fly in the ointment: Skinner's clingy, dim-witted mooch of a houseguest, Homer Simpsley. Lies, lust and Italian lira are abound.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & comedy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisAccident Man: Hitman's Holiday (2022)
The Accident Man is back, and this time he must best the top assassins in the world to protect the ungrateful son of a mafia boss, save the life of his only friend and rekindle his relationship with his maniacal father figure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGhost in the Shell: Arise - Border 1: Ghost Pain (2013)
The story is set in 2027, one year after the end of the fourth non-nuclear war. New Port City is still reeling from the war's aftermath when it suffers a bombing caused by a self-propelled mine. Then, a military member implicated in arms-dealing bribes is gunned down. During the investigation, Public Security Section's Daisuke Aramaki encounters Motoko Kusanagi, the cyborg, wizard-level hacker assigned to the military's 501st Secret Unit. Batou, a man with the "eye that does not sleep," suspects that Kusanagi is the one behind the bombing. The Niihama Prefectural Police detective Togusa is pursuing his own dual cases of the shooting death and a prostitute's murder. Motoko herself is being watched by the 501st Secret Unit's head Kurutsu and cyborg agents.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCotton Comes to Harlem (1970)
Harlem's African-American population is being ripped off by the Rev. Deke O'Malley, who dishonestly claims that small donations will secure parcels of land in Africa. When New York City police officers Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson look into O'Malley's scam, they learn that the cash is being smuggled inside a bale of cotton. However, the police, O'Malley, and lots of others find themselves scrambling when the money goes missing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Fable: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill (2021)
Akira is the legendary killer known as the Fable. Following the order of his boss and due to being overworked, he lives peacefully with his partner, Yoko, as ordinary siblings. Akira still works part-time at design company Octopus with CEO Takoda and employee Misaki. CEO Takoda and Misaki are unaware of Akira's background as an assassin. Meanwhile, Utsubo is a representative for an NPO. But, Utsubo works with contract killer Suzuki to set people up for extortion purposes. They target someone at design company Octopus.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh Part 2 (2023)
Reunited with Lancelot for the first time since their tragic accident, Tristan must learn to conquer his inner demons in order to save his mother's life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPsycho-Pass: Providence (2023)
While attending a meeting as a Chief Inspector of the Public Security Bureau, Akane Tsunemori received a report that an incident had occurred on a foreign vessel , and this was the beginning of a big and unexpected case.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & crime
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInuyasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002)
With their most formidable foe vanquished, Inuyasha and his comrades begin returning to their everyday lives. But their peace is fleeting as another adversary emerges: Kaguya, the self-proclaimed princess from the Moon of Legend, hatches a plot to plunge the world into an eternal night of the full moon. Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango and Shippou must reunite to confront the new menace.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOne Piece Episode of Sabo: The Three Brothers' Bond - The Miraculous Reunion and the Inherited Will (2015)
From a brotherhood bound by three cups of sake, one brother’s story has yet to be told! Visiting Dressrosa under orders of the Revolutionary Army, Sabo’s top-secret mission derails when Doflamingo announces the grand prize for battling in the Colosseum. The tragedy at Marineford still weighing on his mind, Sabo reunites with his little brother to protect the promises they made with Ace. Now, they’ll fight in disguise for the Colosseum’s ultimate prize: Ace’s Flame-Flame Fruit.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart (2023)
A nationwide manhunt for Hank Venture leads to untold dangers and unexpected revelations, while The Monarch is literally out for Dr Venture's blood. An imposing evil from the past reemerges to wreak havoc on the Ventures, The Guild, and even the Monarch marriage—it will take friends and foes alike to restore the Ventures' world to order… or end it once and for all.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisInuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001)
InuYasha is a half-demon who was trapped in the Legendary Tree and was set free by Kagome, a girl who traveled 500 years through time. This time, both of them will have to face Menomaru, a Chinese demon whose father, known as Hyoga, came 300 years ago to invade Japan, but was stopped by InuYasha's Father. InuYasha and Kagome, along with Sango, Miroku, Shippou, Kaede and Myoga, will try to stop Menomaru in his becoming the most powerful demon ever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both action & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEmil and the Detectives (1964)
When Emil travels by bus to Berlin to visit his family, his money is stolen by a crook who specializes in digging tunnels. While following the thief, Emil runs into Gustav, a young boy who gathers up all his friends to help Emil find the money. However, they get into more trouble than they bargained for when Emil's pickpocket turns out to be mixed up with a couple of notorious bank robbers.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both action & comedy
Touch 5: Cross Road (2001)
Trying to find his own game of baseball, and not that of his brothers, Tatsuya moves to America and pitches for a poor, struggling minor league baseball team called the Emeralds. Meanwhile, Minami is still in Japan, trying to find her own path after quitting gymnastics. Inspired by a photograph of her final performance, she becomes the photographers assistant.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
Crayon Shinchan the Movie: Invasion!! Alien Shiriri (2017)
When the mysterious Shiriri turns his parents into children, Shin-chan must trek across Japan to help return them to adult form.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & comedy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisI Woke Up Early the Day I Died (1998)
A mental patient escapes from the looney bin in drag, robs a bank, and goes on the lam!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & crime
Revue Starlight: Rondo Rondo Rondo (2020)
The franchise centers on "Starlight," a dance and dance troupe beloved the world over. Karen and Hikari promised each other when they were little that one day they would perform together on that stage. Time passes and now they are both 16 years old. Karen is very excited about the dance lessons she takes every day, keeping her promise close to her heart. Hikari changed schools and now lives far away from Karen. But the gears of fate bring them together again, destined to meet again. The two, along with other hopefuls, will compete in a mysterious audition to become part of this great company.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & action
Revue Starlight: The Movie (2021)
The stage emulates life and compresses it, setting free skills learned over lifetimes in brief but dazzling displays for the amusement and judgment of others. For the performers, it is the ultimate risk, and some will rise while others must fall. Nowhere is this truer than at the Seisho Music Academy, where music, dance and real weapons all come into play in the creation of the next great Star. Karen and Hikari’s destinies have been linked since a childhood promise, but their journeys here have taken very different paths. Now, after Hikari leaves, Karen must discover who she is without her opposite, while Hikari must rediscover her own course. Nor are they the only girls who must reassess and change if they want to achieve their dreams, as the dance, magic, and swordplay continue!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & action
K: Missing Kings (2014)
The "Academy Island Incident" in which four "kings" cross paths... Since then, Silver Clansmen Kuroh Yatogami and Neko have been searching for their master, Shiro. Without finding any clues to Shiro's whereabouts, the two became disheartened. However, one day, they see HOMRA members Rikio Kamamoto and Anna Kushina being chased by someone.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & action
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisInitial D Legend 1: Awakening (2014)
Koichiro of the Akina Speedstars witnesses a mysterious driver outmaneuver rival Keisuke of the Akagi RedSuns. The race, he later discovers, was won by none other than his own co-worker, Takumi. What happens next is the stuff of street racing legend!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & action
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSTAR DRIVER: The Movie (2013)
Star Driver takes place on the fictional Southern Cross Isle. One night, a boy named Takuto washes up on shore swimming from the mainland. He later enrolls in Southern Cross High School as a freshman and makes new friends.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & action
Emil and the Detectives (1935)
Erich Kästner’s beloved novel has been adapted for film or television six times since its publication in 1929; this 1935 British version was the first in English. Believed lost for decades, it was recently rediscovered by the BFI and has now been restored. The film moves the action from Berlin to London, where Emil goes to stay with his grandmother and cousin. Thereafter, the tale of Emil’s adventures with a gang of streetwise London children faithfully follows the original plot.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both comedy & crime
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal?
The closest matches to Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal are Lupin the Third: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon (1985), Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact (2002) and LUPIN THE 3rd vs. CAT'S EYE (2023). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal?
Start with Lupin the Third: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon (1985), the closest match to Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal.
What is the highest-rated movie like Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal?
Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001), rated 7.5/10 by 205 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal?
Simpsley (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal?
Yes: Lupin the Third: The Legend of the Gold of Babylon (1985), Lupin the Third: Episode 0: First Contact (2002) and LUPIN THE 3rd vs. CAT'S EYE (2023).
How are movies similar to Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Lupin the Third: Return of Pycal, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.