Top 10 Live Action Adaptations of Anime

Top 10 Live Action Adaptations of Anime

In this article, we delve into the Top 10 Live Action Adaptations of Anime, ranking them based on their faithfulness to the source material, storytelling prowess, and overall impact.

“Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins” (2012)

“Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins” (2012)

It is a stellar live-action adaptation that successfully brings to life the iconic world of Himura Kenshin—a wandering samurai who has sworn off killing.

“Alice in Borderland” (2020)

“Alice in Borderland” (2020)

The “Alice in Borderland” Netflix series is a shining example of how to properly adapt an anime into live-action, standing out as an anomaly in a landscape often marred by disappointing attempts.

“Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” (2014)

“Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” (2014)

Under the direction of Keishi Ōtomo, the film elevates its storytelling by delving deep into Kenshin’s internal struggles and his unyielding resolve to protect those he loves.

“Blade of the Immortal” (2017)

“Blade of the Immortal” (2017)

The film shines not just in its faithful adaptation but also as an evocative recreation of the Edo period, complete with meticulous set design and period-appropriate costumes.

“Inuyashiki” (2018)

“Inuyashiki” (2018)

The live-action adaptation of “Inuyashiki” brilliantly succeeds where many others falter, capturing the essence of Hiroya Oku’s original manga and anime series while adding its own unique flair.

“Alita: Battle Angel” (2019)

“Alita: Battle Angel” (2019)

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the film leverages its substantial budget to deliver state-of-the-art visual effects that faithfully recreate the cyberpunk world envisioned by Yukito Kishiro in his ’90s manga series.

“Bleach” (2018)

“Bleach” (2018)

The live-action adaptation of “Bleach,” directed by Shinsuke Sato and starring Sota Fukushi as Ichigo Kurosaki, managed to win over both fans and critics, a feat that not many anime adaptations can claim.

“The Promised Neverland” (2020)

“The Promised Neverland” (2020)

Directed by Yuichiro Hirakawa, “The Promised Neverland” live-action film successfully translates the tension and intrigue of its original manga into a compelling cinematic experience.

“Let Me Eat Your Pancreas” (2017)

“Let Me Eat Your Pancreas” (2017)

The journey of “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” from web novel to live-action film, and eventually to anime, showcases the flexibility and reach of modern storytelling mediums.

“Nana” (2005)

“Nana” (2005)

The live-action adaptation of Ai Yazawa’s “Nana” is a sterling example of how anime dramas rooted in reality can seamlessly transition to the big screen