Live-action adaptations of anime have brought a new level of excitement and heated discussions to the film industry. It is captivating to witness beloved anime stories and characters being translated into a more lifelike environment. Unlike the flashy sword fights and supernatural abilities portrayed in Rurouni Kenshin and Bleach, these adaptations offer fresh interpretations of the source material.
Although working on adaptations can be challenging for animators, as it is often a struggle to capture the essence of the story while also appeasing long-time fans who have deeply ingrained perceptions of the 2D characters, these stories will undoubtedly remain relevant and captivating for modern audiences.
Each adaptation transports viewers into fantastical worlds, where the seemingly impossible becomes achievable and friendships are formed through intense battles. These extraordinary journeys feature ordinary individuals, and the list includes 12 of the greatest anime live-action adaptations.
The article is based on the writer’s personal opinion and perspective.
The Best Anime Live-Action Adaptations: Zom 100, One Piece, and More
Let Me Eat Your Pancreas (2017)
Let Me Eat Your Pancreas is an inspiring story that falls into the category of anime live-action remakes. Directed by Sho Tsukikawa in 2017, this animated film follows the journey of Sakura Yamauchi, a girl battling a terminal illness, and her clever new classmate. Like the original source material and animated film, Let Me Eat Your Pancreas is a poignant coming-of-age drama that intertwines the lives of two teenagers through a tragic event.
The film, which is based on the well-known anime movie starring Minami Hamabe and Takumi Kitamura, stays true to the essence of the original show by preserving its emotional and melancholic tone. The actors deliver heartfelt and significant performances, while director Áron Szentmáth maintains a simplistic yet profound narrative that captures the film’s themes of life, death, and human connections. Overall, the movie is touching and poignant without feeling trite or overdone.
11. From Me to You (2010)
“Kimi ni Todoke, also known as From Me to You, began as a romantic manga and was later adapted into an anime series. It was then brought to life through a live-action drama, which received high praise. The plot centers around Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and isolated student who learns to open up to her peers and falls in love. The live-action version stars Haruma as Tatsuya and Mikako Tabe as Iroha, who both deliver genuine and heartfelt performances as the main couple.”
Despite facing rejection in school due to her resemblance to Sadako from the horror movie Ringu, Sawako Kuronuma finds solace when Shota Kazehaya, who is popular and charming, offers to help her come out of her shell. The spark between them is ignited instantly and the anime does justice to their story by focusing on the characters and using a slow pace in certain scenes.
Gintama (2017)
Despite its unconventional blend of comedy, action, and historical fiction, Gintama stands out as a unique and entertaining series. In 2017, director Yuichi Fukuda stayed true to the show’s comedic tone and nontraditional plotlines in the live-action adaptation. The story takes place in a parody of post-war Japan, where aliens have invaded Edo. Shun Oguri portrays the protagonist Gintoki Sakata, donning a samurai outfit.
The live-action adaptation of Gintama successfully captures the essence of the original anime by seamlessly blending comedic moments with intense action scenes. Staying true to the source material, the film brings beloved characters to life and has been commended for its faithful depiction and ability to capture the anime’s charm, earning it high praise from fans.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
The visually impressive film, Alita: Battle Angel, is a live-action adaptation of the anime and manga series of the same name. Starring Mike Yuzjusticeki and Charles Baker as the leads, the movie was originally scheduled for release in 2016 but was delayed due to animation difficulties. It follows the journey of Alita, a cyborg woman who embarks on a quest to regain her lost memories and rediscover her past.
The anime live-action has truly impressed with its use of CGI and intricate world-building, as well as the attention paid to Alita’s character design and defining traits.
Despite a few changes to the plot, Rosa Salazar’s performance as Alita is exceptional, enhanced by the implementation of motion capture technology to capture both the character’s innocence and strength. Alita: Battle Angel remains a remarkable example of artistic science fiction cinema.
8. Death Note (2006)
The Death Note series spinoff has had a total of three anime live-action adaptations, making it the most adapted anime. The initial 2006 Japanese version, directed by Shusuke Kaneko, is particularly intriguing.
The main character, Light Yagami, a high school student, drives the continuity of the plot. After receiving a supernatural notebook that grants him the power to eliminate anyone by writing their name, Light becomes a formidable killer. The films depict the intense and intricate struggle between Light and the brilliant detective L.
Tatsuya Fujiwara and Kenichi Matsuyama both delivered outstanding performances as the characters of Light and L, respectively. The live-action adaptation of the anime stays true to its source material by exploring the themes of ambiguity and moral dilemmas, making it a thrilling watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
7. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (2023)
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is often regarded as the darkly comedic addition to the zombie genre. The movie, which was released in 2023, is directed by Yusuke Ishida and features both anime and live-action adaptations. The plot follows Akira Tendo, a resilient young man determined to live life to the fullest in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. Eiji Akaso delivers a stellar performance as the lead character, showcasing both his cool and humorous sides.
The anime series captivates audiences with its combination of bright and dark humor, as well as its portrayal of zombies, which the film successfully emulates. As a result, the protagonist’s journey of battling through chaos to discover her true self is both entertaining and motivational.
Despite containing jokes about the modern working environment and providing some laughs, Netflix’s Zom 100 ultimately fell short in its exploration of corporate life and used the zombie concept in a distasteful manner. Additionally, the film lacked essential entertainment value as a social commentary.
6. Nana (2005)
In 2005, Kentaro Otani brought the emotional drama of Nana to life through a movie. The film focuses on two women, both named Nana, who form an unlikely friendship despite their differences. Mika Nakashima and Aoi Miyazaki excellently portray the characters of Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu.
The protagonists in the movie are multifaceted individuals with their own ambitions, flaws, talents, and anxieties, adding depth to the plot and showcasing the exceptional performances of the entire cast. Additionally, the film stays true to the themes of companionship, romance, and personal development, which are central to the original anime and manga. With its impressive portrayals by renowned actresses Mika Nakashima and Aoi Miyazaki, the 2005 adaptation of Nana is highly recommended. A sequel live-action anime, released in 2006 and not as successful, is still worth viewing.
One Piece (2023)
Transforming One Piece into a live-action series poses a bold endeavor, given the immense fan following and extensive episode count of the anime. Produced by Netflix and set to premiere in 2023, it follows the escapades of Monkey D. Luffy and his band of pirates on their quest for the legendary One Piece treasure. The cast of the live-action adaptation brilliantly embodies the daring spirit and unbreakable camaraderie of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Despite the daunting task of summarizing such a massive story, the anime live-action adaptation of One Piece has received praise for its portrayal of the characters, with actor Iñaki Godoy embodying the role of Luffy. The series is known for its creative visualization of Luffy’s stretching abilities and the world it is set in. This adaptation offers viewers a fresh perspective on a beloved series that they have followed for years.
Kakegurui – 2018
The transition from page to screen for Kakegurui, which centers around a prestigious school where gambling is an integral part of the learning process, was seamless. The live-action adaptation of the anime, directed by Tsutomu Hanabusa, made its debut in 2018. It delves into the world of psychological battles and egotistical individuals, with Minami Hamabe brilliantly portraying the main character, Yumeko Jabami.
The show successfully captures the dramatic and stylish animation of the original anime, showcasing impressive gambling scenes. The talented cast effectively portrays the intense psychological games they play with each other, thanks to strong acting and direction. The writers did a commendable job adapting Kakegurui from its source material. Despite a lack of action and camp, the show achieved moderate success, running for two seasons on Netflix.
3. The Way of the Househusband (2021)
The live-action adaptation of The Way of the Househusband stands out from other traditional anime adaptations due to its focus on a lighter, slice-of-life narrative. Premiering in 2021, this comedy series follows Tatsu, a former yakuza boss who now strives to become a successful househusband. The Netflix series stays true to the comedic tone of the anime, with newcomer Hiroshi Tamaki delivering a standout performance as Tatsu.
The live-action adaptation of the anime is both comical and entertaining, following the daily adventures of Tatsu as he navigates his new life as a family man, much like his previous life as a yakuza. While it may not always capture the same humor as the anime, it still offers a pleasant viewing experience. It holds a special appeal for fans looking for something different, and it is heartwarming to see Tatsu find happiness in the ordinary moments of life.
Bleach (2018)
Bleach, a live-action adaptation of the popular anime, was released in 2018 and directed by Shinsuke Sato. The movie successfully captured the essence of the show, with Sota Fukushi portraying the main character, high school student Ichigo Kurosaki who gains the ability to see ghosts and becomes a Soul Reaper. The film effectively conveyed the horror elements of the story and provided a concise overview of the plot.
Despite its reasonable portrayal of the Hollows and other mysterious fight sequences, the movie fails to fully resolve several plot arcs and therefore, an anime live-action TV adaptation may have been more effective. Despite this, fans of the series were still able to enjoy the film and were especially excited to see their favorite scenes brought to life on screen.
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final Chapter (2012-2021)
Rurouni Kenshin stands as the prime example of a successful live-action adaptation of an anime. Starring Takeru Satoh as the protagonist, the film series brilliantly captures the essence of the original anime and manga. The action sequences are expertly executed, particularly the sword fights that strike a balance between realism and grandeur. The meticulous attention to detail in costume and set design truly immerses the audience in Meiji-era Japan, despite being filmed in Korea.
The trilogy, directed by Keishi Otomo, began in 2012 and has since released two sequels in 2021. Fans and critics alike have praised these films for their faithful representation of the books, capturing the atmosphere, plot, action, and visual effects. The original trilogy is exceptional, and even Netflix’s sequels maintain a high level of quality. Viewers were particularly impressed with the character development and the preservation of the anime’s emotional depth in the live-action adaptation, a rarity in adaptations.
Final Thoughts
Despite previous disappointments such as Death Note – Netflix adaptation (2017) and Fullmetal Alchemist (2017), fans have not lost hope for a successful anime live-action adaptation. The recent success of One Piece has shown that with the right combination of source material and format, a masterpiece can be created that appeals to both die-hard anime fans and casual viewers.
The increasing number of anime live-action adaptations is a testament to the platform’s commitment to enhancing the quality and faithfulness of these adaptations. As the industry continues to refine the process of bringing beloved anime to life, there is potential for even more spectacular adaptations in the future.
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