These examples show that when handled with care and respect for the source material, live-action series can capture the magic of the original while also bringing new dimensions to beloved stories. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best live-action anime adaptations. So without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Erased

Erased is still considered one of the best suspense anime of its time, which made it a huge hit among fans of psychological thrillers. Thanks to its popularity and easy-to-work-with setting, Netflix made a drama out of the series that has its own charm, except for some minor changes to the story.

Even though the live-action Erased takes a different path compared to the source material, it somehow manages to strike the balance of adhering to the spirit of the anime without tweaking the characters’ personalities too much. It’s clearly a binge-watch and one of the best live-action anime adaptations.

9. Grand Blue

Grand Blue stands out from the rest of the comedy manga and anime due to its wild cast and great comedic timing, so it became an important aspect to translate this into live-action. Fortunately, the adaptation lived up to expectations, even if it doesn't try to be completely faithful to the manga.

The live-action actors have worked hard to bring the essence of the original series to the big screen. The spirit of youth and adventure is ever-present in the adaptation, and the script is written in a way that leaves no room for criticism when it comes to the exaggerated, hilarious, and animated scenes.

8. Bleach

Among the popular long-running shonen battle series, Bleach was the first to receive a live-action film adaptation in 2018. The film loosely adapts the first few episodes of the anime, basically serving as little more than a prologue to the larger story.

While fans certainly didn't like the condensed version of Bleach, it still ended up being a lot of fun for viewers. The skillful translation of the dynamic sword fights to the big screen somehow managed to make a bigger impact on audiences, outweighing the negatives of the live-action film.

7. Edge of Tomorrow

Starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt, Edge of Tomorrow is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular science fiction anime that draws heavily from Japanese anime. The film in particular is almost a live-action adaptation of the original light novel series “All You Need Is Kill”.

The entire film is based on the premise of Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s novel, weaving its tropes into a mind-bending adventure through time. While the light novel never saw the light of day as an anime series, it was brilliantly adapted into a manga, eventually turning into a live-action Hollywood film.

6. Speed ​​Racer

Speed ​​Racer, also known as “Mach GoGoGo”, is a multimedia auto racing anime franchise. Originally released in 1967, the series follows Go Mifune, a young driver who dreams of entering the world of professional racing by driving a high-tech race car built by his father.

When a film adaptation was released in 2008, it sent a wave of nostalgia through older fans. The Wachhowkis' attempt to bring the extravagant racing sequences to the screen worked, leaving many in awe and setting the example as one of the best live-action anime adaptations.

5. Blade of the Immorta

The most common trope seen in live-action anime adaptations is historical period series, and there’s no shortage of shows based on this genre. Blade of the Immortal is no exception to the list, and while its anime counterpart is quite underrated, the live-action film stands out as one of the best.

From the casting to the depiction of the middle period of the Shogunate in Japan, the film perfectly fulfills the fascination of the original series in live-action format. To top it off, the extra bloody and violent themes made it a success among its predecessors.

4. Alice in Borderland

Originating as a survival thriller manga by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland didn't receive a great reception in the anime scene upon its release in 2014, as it lacked both visuals and plot metrics. Regardless, Netflix decided to make it a live-action series, which seemed like a huge mistake at the time.

But for their part, Netflix's producers did an exceptional job of bringing the unforgiving yet gripping death game of Alice in Borderland to life. The live-action adaptation not only opened the doors for the franchise but also garnered massive popularity worldwide, forcing Netflix to renew the series for a second season.

3. Alita: Battle Angel

Over the years, Hollywood movies inspired by anime have created a negative image among fans and they are always skeptical when one tries to take a shot at another. However, Alita: Battle Angel 2019 demolishes all criticisms with its high-budget special effects and faithful adaptation.

Alita: Battle Angel is one of the few outliers in the world of popular media that stays true to its source material and brings out the best in it without including the other aspects of the original manga. Needless to say, the film stands out among live-action anime adaptations.

1. Rurouni Kenshin

One of the most celebrated aspects of the classic martial arts anime Rurouni Kenshin is its live-action film series that not only accurately adapts the original anime and manga, but also manages to compete with the high expectations set by both formats.

To the relief of many, all five films produced by the creators do the franchise justice with their overwhelming acting and intense, well-choreographed sword fight scenes. The oddly nostalgic yet refreshingly unique take on Rurouni Kenshin has everything to be cherished by the new generation of fans.

Which of the following live-action anime adaptations is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend some other adaptations like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.