The responses from fans regarding live-action adaptations of anime vary widely. While some adaptations successfully capture the essence of their source material, others fall short, leading admirers to wish certain titles had not been altered. Generally, anime that feature realistic settings, relatable characters, and plausible narratives tend to transition well into live-action formats.
On the other hand, anime steeped in fantasy and characterized by extravagant visuals often lose their charm in live-action renditions. This article delves into anime that deserve a shot at live-action adaptations, highlighting those with real-world potential visually and thematically, while also identifying series that should remain in their original animated form.
Conversely, some series thrive in their anime format, where their distinctive style and intricate stories can be effectively showcased.
Disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views.
Anime Live-Action Adaptations That Should Be Made
1) My Hero Academia
The list of anime that fans believe should be adapted into live-action begins with My Hero Academia. The series stands out due to the current superhero phenomenon that captivates audiences worldwide. Kohei Horikoshi’s creation follows the journey of Izuku Midoriya and introduces a diverse range of characters, each endowed with unique abilities known as Quirks.
If executed properly, a live-action portrayal could beautifully showcase the vibrant cast, their powers, and the coming-of-age story that resonates with many. This blend of creativity and relatability positions it as a prime candidate for adaptation.
2) Death Note (Reboot)
Following closely is the suggestion for a Death Note reboot. While there have been previous adaptations in 2006 and 2017, the latter received substantial criticism from fans. Tsugumi Obha’s tale revolves around the mysterious Death Note, a notebook that holds the power to end lives simply by writing a person’s name.
The complex psychological duel between Light Yagami and the enigmatic L deserves a thoughtful adaptation that adheres closely to the original narrative, enhancing its suspense and depth through better casting and direction.
3) Haikyuu!
It would be a missed opportunity to omit Haikyuu! from any list advocating for anime live-action adaptations. As one of the most beloved sports anime, its success on stage already hints at its potential on screen.
A film adaptation would require considerable effort to translate the thrilling matches and dynamic characters to a live setting. Nevertheless, the beloved story of Hinata Shoyo has the ability to connect with a global audience seeking engaging sports narratives.
4) Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen makes its way onto this list of essential anime adaptations as well. The popularity of this series, created by Gege Akutami, speaks for itself, with its captivating plot centered around curses and Jujutsu Sorcerers, dwarfing the barrier into dark fantasy.
Transforming its unique characters and their distinct abilities into live-action involves considerable challenges, but a well-executed adaptation could resonate well with fans eager to see beloved figures come to life.
5) Blue Lock
Rounding off this section of anticipated adaptations is Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s Blue Lock, which has garnered attention as a fresh take on football, especially post-Japan’s remarkable FIFA World Cup performance.
The manga’s success led to an successful anime adaptation, and its potential for capturing the competitive essence of football could translate effectively to live-action, continuing to invigorate the sports genre.
Anime Live-Action Adaptations That Should Be Avoided
1) Dragon Ball
Now, we turn our attention to anime live-action adaptations that are better left untouched, with the iconic Dragon Ball leading the charge. This legendary series by Akira Toriyama is globally recognized, particularly its protagonist, Son Goku, who became a figure of immense international reach.
However, Dragon Ball’s over-the-top characters and fantastical settings prove problematic when attempted in a live-action format, as evidenced by the infamous Dragonball Evolution, which failed to capture the essence of the original.
2) Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures
Similar to Dragon Ball, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures stands out as another series better left in its animated form. Despite its rich storytelling, colorful characters, and unique powers, the very elements that make it appealing could falter in translation.
The show’s whimsical art style and offbeat abilities are part of its charm, which thrives in an animated medium where absurdity can be embraced without limits.
3) Attack on Titan
Among the various anime that should not pursue live-action adaptations is Attack on Titan, primarily due to its ambitious scale. The heart of its post-apocalyptic narrative revolves around humanity’s struggle against titanic foes—a premise that presents immense challenges for a film adaptation.
Successfully recreating this story would demand meticulous work from a dedicated crew and might still fail to live up to the animated version. Until a clearly competent approach is proposed, this series should remain untouched.
4) Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Another series that found itself poorly adapted is Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Despite numerous attempts, previous live-action adaptations have not done justice to the magic, character depth, and intricate settings that shine within the original series.
The cinematic challenges of capturing these elements often lead to an unsatisfactory outcome, suggesting this series should also avoid live-action attempts for the time being.
5) Neon Genesis Evangelion
Lastly, Neon Genesis Evangelion stands out as another anime that is less suited for live-action adaptations. The intricate narrative, rich symbolism, and varied themes present a significant challenge when considering a transition to film.
The artistry that embodies the series benefits immensely from animation, where its abstract concepts are visually rendered. A live-action iteration could easily miss the profound meanings and intricate character journeys, potentially alienating both newcomers and fans alike.
Leave a Reply