Best Manga Adaptations into Live-Action Films and TV Shows

Best Manga Adaptations into Live-Action Films and TV Shows: Manga has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide with its unique storytelling style and captivating characters. From action-packed shonen to heartwarming slice-of-life, manga offers something for everyone. While manga has always been a popular medium in Japan, it has gained significant popularity in recent years across the globe. As a result, live-action adaptations of beloved manga series have become increasingly common. However, not all adaptations are created equal. In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at some of the 10 best manga adaptations that have managed to capture the essence of the original source material while still offering something new to fans. So, if you’re a manga fan looking for your next binge-watch or just curious about the world of live-action manga adaptations, keep reading!

Death Note 

The Death Note anime and movie, which hit the scene in 2006, have emerged as exemplary works in their respective genres, both mesmerizing and alarming viewers. The anime skillfully brought the manga to life, tracing the descent of Light Yagami into corruption as he wielded the powerful Death Note and pursued his version of justice. Translating this supernatural thriller to the big screen was no easy feat, but Shusuke Keneko’s adaptation, featuring a cast of young and talented actors, successfully introduced Light to a new audience. The positive response from fans and critics alike is reflected in the impressive rating on IMDb, which bodes well for future adaptations.

Oldboy 

Spike Lee’s version of Oldboy is a reimagining of the 2003 Korean movie by Park Chan-wook, which itself was based on a Japanese manga by Garon Tsuchiya and illustrated by Nobuaki Minegishi. Lee’s adaptation centers on Joe Doucett, portrayed by Josh Brolin, who is imprisoned for 20 years after a drunken night and is subjected to brutal psychological torture. After his unexpected release, he embarks on a violent mission to seek revenge against his captors, prompted by a mysterious stranger who urges him to uncover the motive behind his long captivity. The cast features prominent actors such as Elizabeth Olsen and Samuel L. Jackson, portraying Marie Sebastian and Chaney, respectively.

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins

Rurouni Kenshin: Origins was the first installment of a blockbuster movie series that introduced a fresh audience to the iconic character, Himura Kenshin, and the captivating universe of Rurouni Kenshin. While a new anime series is scheduled for release in 2023, enthusiasts remain hopeful that it will surpass the quality of the original ’90s show. However, those who are yet to experience the cinematic spectacle of these movies are in for an exhilarating ride. Director Keishi Ôtomo has crafted a thrilling historical adventure that surpasses the expectations set by earlier anime and manga adaptations. Fans of the original anime will undoubtedly cherish this movie, which could suffice as a temporary replacement until the new series premieres.

Bunny Drop

The one-off anime, based on a josei manga series with the same title, depicts the hilarious struggles of a single man who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of his grandfather’s illegitimate child after his funeral. Initially, the show focuses on comical situations, but eventually, it evolves into a touching tale about love and responsibility. Although the anime had a short run on television, it served as excellent source material for a movie. The film effectively added enough drama and heart to warm anyone’s heart. Despite the manga continuing to explore Rin’s growth, the anime and movie wisely concentrated on the uncomplicated yet powerful story of their first year together.

Blade of the Immortal 

Blade of the Immortal, a manga series by Hiroaki Samura, has gained immense popularity. The story follows Manji, a wandering samurai in feudal Japan who gains immortality after his sister’s death. Years later, a young girl named Rin Asano seeks Manji’s help in avenging her father’s murder by a powerful samurai lord and his assassins. The movie is directed by Takashi Miike and is his 100th film. Takuya Kimura stars as Manji, while Hana Sugisaki plays Rin. Sota Fukushi and Hayato Ichihara also have prominent roles.

200 Pounds Beauty

A delightful romantic comedy from Korea, the movie revolves around Kang Han-na, a heavyset girl who secretly lends her voice to the famous pop star Ammy. Disappointed by the way Ammy and the son of the record company’s director, Han Sang-jun, treat her, she decides to undergo plastic surgery and reinvent herself in the entertainment world. The film is adapted from Yumiko Suzuki’s Kanna’s Big Success manga series and features Kim Ah-joong and Joo Jin-mo in the lead roles.

Nana

Nana is an anime series that originated from a shojo Manga, depicting the journey of two young women pursuing their dreams in Tokyo. Despite their divergent aspirations and preferences in life, they form a strong bond that undergoes highs and lows due to life’s inevitable obstacles. This down-to-earth anime and Manga adaptation resonated with viewers, reflecting the experience of being a young adult in Tokyo during the mid-2000s. Although not the most flamboyant film, it successfully portrays some of the most compelling on-screen anime friendships ever witnessed.

From Me To You

If you’re a fan of Komi Can’t Communicate or High Score Girl, you definitely shouldn’t miss the anime that inspired the movie. This show tells the story of Kuronuma, a shy girl who unconsciously mimics her classmates, and Kazehaya, a popular boy who helps her break out of her shell. Unlike many romantic comedies on the market, this anime caters to audiences of all ages who enjoy a good love story. It’s also a breath of fresh air to see an anime that isn’t violent or action-oriented receive its own cinematic adaptation.

Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is widely considered one of the greatest anime series ever created. Its stunning animation, skilled voice actors, and catchy jazz score continue to captivate both old and new fans. The show is set in a distant future where a team of bounty hunters aim to capture a range of colorful criminals scattered throughout the solar system. Despite initial criticism and its abrupt cancellation after the first season, Christopher Yost endeavored to stay true to the show’s distinctive style while incorporating fresh elements. Although it may not have met fans’ lofty expectations, the effort to recapture the original’s numerous strengths for newcomers is commendable.

City Hunter

This side-splitting action comedy from Hong Kong features Jackie Chan and centers around Ryo Saeba, a playful private investigator. He embarks on a cruise ship journey to locate the daughter of a wealthy Japanese business magnate, but finds himself battling a group of terrorists led by Donald MacDonald. Other notable cast members include Joey Wong, Kumiko Goto, Chingmy Yau, Leon Lai, and Richard Norton. The film is an adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo’s manga series of the same title.

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