Japanese science fiction anime directed by Satoshi Kon. Set in the near future, an invention of a machine allows therapists to enter the dreams of patients, helping to understand their problems. When the machines are stolen, the line between reality and fantasy is thrown into confusion and chaos as the population begins to lose control.

The only person capable of restoring normality is the head of the research team, Dr Atsuko Chiba (voice of Megumi Hayashibara), who assumes the character of 'dream detective' Paprika in order to hunt down the perpetrators of the crime.