In the realm of animation, there has been a rise in popularity of anime remakes as they allow fans to experience their beloved stories with a new perspective and improved visuals. However, not all original adaptations are successful in capturing the essence of the original work. In such cases, remakes can provide a second opportunity to accurately depict the source material.
In an effort to address the shortcomings of their source material, many anime remakes strive to improve upon their predecessors through various means such as staying faithful to the original manga, enhancing the animation quality, and providing more depth to the characters and story. This article takes a closer look at ten anime remakes that have not only surpassed their original series, but also lived up to the expectations set by their predecessors.
This article is not ranked in any specific order and is based on personal opinion.
10 Anime Remakes That Outshined Their Originals
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
In comparison to the 2003 series, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, by Hiromu Arakawa, stays true to the original manga. Additionally, the pacing is more consistent without any filler episodes that were present in the first series.
Brotherhood has garnered widespread acclaim for its ability to evoke strong emotions and its intricate character development, earning it high praise from both fans and critics. Furthermore, Akira Senju’s acclaimed soundtrack for Brotherhood adds an extra layer of emotional intensity to pivotal moments. As a whole, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded as one of the greatest anime remakes of all time.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
In comparison to the 1999 series, Hunter x Hunter (2011) provides superior animation and sound quality. The 2011 series has been highly acclaimed for its faithful portrayal and emotional complexity. The remake includes additional content from Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, such as the Chimera Ant and Election arcs, which were omitted from the original series.
Furthermore, the Madhouse-produced animation is visually striking, featuring impeccable character designs and seamless action sequences. It is widely regarded as one of the top anime adaptations, successfully capturing the essence of the manga.
Fruits Basket (2019)
The 2019 remake of Fruits Basket offers a complete adaptation of Natsuki Takaya’s manga, unlike the original series which was cut short. The remake features updated animation, modernized artwork, and a deeper exploration of the characters’ backgrounds and relationships.
The voice acting in the series is exceptional, with several standout performances. Additionally, Masaru Yokoyama’s soundtrack not only enhances the overall quality of the series, but also adds depth to its most emotional scenes. Fruits Basket stands out as one of the top anime remakes of 2019, providing a comprehensive and satisfying adaptation of the manga.
Hellsing Ultimate
The Hellsing Ultimate adaptation of Kouta Hirano’s manga stays true to the darker and more violent tone of the source material. The extended runtime of Ultimate allows for a more thorough depiction of events and plot points compared to the original Hellsing series. Furthermore, the remake features a completely different ending, which is still highly regarded by many fans.
The remake utilizes a completed source material series to its advantage, offering well-developed characters and introducing new ones not seen in the original series. This has resulted in an anime that is vastly different from the original, leading many fans to suggest skipping the original and watching Ultimate instead. As a result, the remake has become one of the top anime remakes.
Dororo (2019)
The 2019 remake of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved manga takes a more sophisticated and refined approach to storytelling, resulting in a gripping and emotionally compelling narrative. The characters are fully fleshed out, allowing for a darker and grittier atmosphere that stays true to the spirit of the original.
The animation in the 2019 adaptation of Dororo is of a higher quality, and it effectively captures the somber tone and style that is more fitting for the serious nature of the story, rather than the cartoonish approach of the original. In summary, the remake of this anime is a masterpiece that fans would have regretted missing out on, making it one of the most notable remakes in the anime industry.
Devilman Crybaby (2018)
Masaaki Yuasa, the director of Devilman Crybaby, has given a modern twist to Go Nagai’s original tale with updated animation and a more intense, psychological storyline. This remake delves deeper into themes of identity, humanity, and societal decay, leaving a profound and lasting impact. The animation’s unique and daring visual style adds to its striking aesthetic.
Additionally, numerous fans of the original series were delighted to witness the story continue with a second series, especially since the original was restricted to only OVAs during the 1970s and Devilman. As a result, Devilman Crybaby has become one of the most noteworthy anime remakes to outshine its predecessor with its modernized animation and storytelling.
Evangelion: Rebuild – Movie Tetralogy
The Rebuild series presents a fresh interpretation of Hideaki Anno’s classic work, featuring updated visuals and added plot developments. The story revolves around Shinji Ikari, a young boy who pilots a giant robot to protect humanity from enigmatic creatures called Angels. Through novel perspectives and deeper explorations of the characters and themes, the remake offers a reimagined version of the original story.
Despite being a respected and beloved cult classic, remaking the original anime was still a worthwhile endeavor. The film series as a whole was excellent, and the ending surpassed the expectations of even those who were familiar with the original. The incorporation of new plot elements and characters greatly enhanced the remake, solidifying Rebuild of Evangelion as one of the most notable anime remakes to date.
Blade of the Immortal (2019)
The 2019 adaptation of Blade of the Immortal features improved animation, showcasing detailed character designs and seamless action sequences. The plot centers around Manji, a cursed samurai who is immortal and on a quest to redeem himself by eliminating 1,000 evil men. The remake successfully captures the gritty and intense tone of the original material without holding back.
What sets this series apart from other anime remakes in its genre is its use of vivid colors, meticulous cinematic style, lifelike shadows, and expertly choreographed fight scenes, all of which are brought to life by LIDENFILMS. Spanning 24 episodes, this remake guarantees a polished and immersive experience, delving deeper into character development and world-building, resulting in more intense and captivating interactions.
Trigun Stampede
Trigun Stampede is a modern reimagining of the popular ‘90s anime, utilizing cutting-edge animation techniques to bring Yasuhiro Nightow’s original story to life. The stunning visuals, created by Orange, showcase intricate character designs and seamless action sequences that enhance the retelling.
The remake’s thorough examination of the characters’ motivations and backgrounds adds depth and emotional resonance to the story, solidifying its place among the most notable anime remakes.
Sailor Moon Crystal
Sailor Moon Crystal stays true to Naoko Takeuchi’s manga by providing a condensed and precise storyline. The remake delves deeper into the relationships between the characters, resulting in a more intricate and compelling narrative. Unlike the original, Sailor Moon Crystal avoids filler episodes, allowing the story to be told without any unnecessary distractions.
Furthermore, the pace significantly increases, catering to the preferences of contemporary anime enthusiasts. The final season of Sailor Moon Crystal showcased a stunning upgrade in animation style, culminating in a satisfying ending that does justice to the manga. In summary, it remains one of the most impressive anime revivals of its era.
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