Although some might refer to anime, or animated television shows, as a kind of show that’s for a certain type of person, anime is more popular than ever. Even before the arrival of streaming platforms, anime was available to watch on American television channels, dubbed in English, and some could find the subtitled versions of these animated shows on the Internet. But with the arrival of streaming, anime is more accessible than ever before, and movie theaters are even showing movies in dub and sub, allowing a lot more audiences to watch the se movies in their original language.
Just like how books are often adapted into movies and television shows, manga has been turned into film in the same way. Fans of the original animes and mangas have groaned especially when their favorite is butchered in a live action remake, incorporating more fantasy or sci-fi elements in through CGI. Sometimes, the magic is lost from the transition from animation to real life, making it not as impressive.
However, there are some live action movies adapted from anime that rise above the rest — these are 10 of some of the best live-action adaptations so far.
10 Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Alita: Battle Angelcame out in theaters in 2019, after spending many years in purgatory because producer James Cameron was working on his Avatar series. Based off of the manga Gunnm, which was turned into an animated series in the '90s, the film is set hundreds of years after the Earth was destroyed by a war. When a cyborg named Alita wakes from her slumber, she decides to set out and discover what’s next for her in this ruined world.
Why It’s Great
While Alita: Battle Angel might not be ideal in the screenplay and special effects departments for some, it still manages to be a pretty entertaining live-action adaptation throughout. The film captures the spirit of cyberpunk throughout, making it a unique addition to the genre, especially considering its origins in anime and manga.
Stream on Hulu
9 Bleach (2018)
Bleach
- Main Genre
- Action
- Genres
- Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller
The manga version of Bleach was released at the beginning of the 2000s, and the animated television series landed on screens in Japan and the rest of the world beginning in 2004. Taking on the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a human boy who becomes tangled up in the affairs of Soul Reapers, he fights for what he thinks is right. But when the world comes under threat, he needs to unlock the inner powers inside of him. The live-action movie came out in 2018.
Why It’s Great
Considering the storyline of the original manga and anime, a live-action adaptation could have gone terribly wrong. While the movie heavily cuts down on the lore of the Bleach world, it does a decent job at introducing new fans into the fold, while also being somewhat honest towards the original.
Stream on Netflix
8 The Promised Neverland (2020)
The 2020 adaptation The Promised Neverland was well-received when it first came out in Japan, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of the year there upon concluding its theatrical run. Based on the manga series of the same name, which began in 2016, the film is about three orphans living in the Grace Field House. After one of the kids disappears, they realize that they’re about to be fed to demons, and they need to get out before they’re next.
Why It’s Great
There are quite a few layers when it comes to the story of The Promised Neverland, offering twists and turns whenever possible. It’s pretty faithful to the manga, appearing both fans and newcomers like when it comes to the creativity behind its story and characters.
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7 Kingdom (2019)
The live-action film adaptation of Kingdom is based on the manga series of the same name, which was one of the biggest best-selling manga of its time. Its main character is Xin, who, as a young orphan, is sold off and grows up with a fellow slave named Piao. They work hard in hopes of becoming important generals one day, but when Piao appears dying on his doorstep, Xin flees his village as everyone is killed by the general. Continuing to run away from everything he knows, he will grow up to become an important general himself.
Why It’s Great
There’s an epic story behind movies like Kingdom, and although it is a Japanese take on Chinese history, there’s plenty of drama to keep the plot of this film going. At times, the movie leans more towards wuxia, but stays in its own lane and genre in order to create a different kind of experience.
Stream on Netflix
6 Speed Racer (2008)
Speed Racer
- Release Date
- May 7, 2008
- Director
- Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
- Cast
- Emile Hirsch, Nicholas Elia, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Holroyd, Ariel Winter, Scott Porter
- Rating
- PG
- Main Genre
- Action
The manga and anime versions of Speed Racer were immensely successful when they first came out, and in 2008, the Wachowskis took the film version out of development purgatory and made it into a full movie. Emilie Hirsch portrays Speed Racer, who grew up dreaming only of becoming a speed racer. Now, as he’s older, he prepares to start his career and make a splash in the industry he dreamed about being a part of.
Why It’s Great
The film version of Speed Racer can be divisive depending on who you’re talking to, but while this movie neglects the plot of the beloved manga and anime in favor of some flashy visuals, it still manages to be a decent movie. Sometimes, all we need is a movie we don’t need to think too hard about, and this is one of them.
Stream on Max
5 Ace Attorney (2012)
In 2012, the live action version of Ace Attorney came out in Japanese theaters. As the legal system introduces new systems in order to alleviate the burden of cases coming in, the prosecutor and defense now have to face each other in court for three days. Enter: Phoenix Wright. New to the law, he’s riding the high of winning his first case and needs to navigate the changes to the system in order to continue his success.
Why It’s Great
There’s a charm to the original Ace Attorney, and that can be found throughout the live-action film adaptation. While the anime version technically came out before the movie, both sourced from a video game, the film version is still excellent to watch concurrent to the anime.
Rent on Prime Video
4 Your Lie in April (2016)
The manga version of Your Lie in April first came into the hands of readers in 2011, and the anime adaption followed in 2014. The live action version was released in 2016, introducing Kosei, a piano prodigy, to more audiences. He gives up on playing the piano after having a mental breakdown in the midst of a performance, but when he meets a girl named Kaori who’s his age, it might inspire him to pick it back up.
Why It’s Great
The original story of Your Lie in April is both heartwarming and tragic at the same time, making it the perfect emotional movie to watch when one needs a good cry. Not only is it emotional in this way, but many can also relate to the struggles its young characters are going through, making it hit home as well.
Not Currently Available to Stream or Purchase
3 Nana (2005)
The live action version of Nana was released in theaters in 2005, and was popular enough that a sequel was created in the following year. A movie about two different women named Nana, their lives couldn’t be any different. One wants to be in rock and roll, and the other wants to move to Tokyo with her boyfriend and live a simple life. When they meet, things are about to change for them.
Why It’s Great
Movies like Nana show how the world, despite two people sharing the same name, can be different for every single person. While some might not like the second half of the movie, it still manages to be real in how these young women’s lives intersect in intriguing ways.
Stream on Viki
2 Ruroni Kenshin (2012)
The live action version of Ruroni Kenshin dropped in theaters 2012, and takes place in the Meiji period of Japan. When an undercover cop is murdered, his fellow officers are trying to put together the pieces as to who and why killed him. Our protagonist is an assassin who wanders the earth promising to never kill again, and his path crosses with the investigation.
Why It’s Great
Set in the midst of a transition period of Japanese history, this is a live-action adaptation that captures the turbulence of such a transition. With action and drama, this is a film that would definitely captivate audiences that aren’t familiar with the source material.
Stream on Netflix
1 Blade of the Immortal (2017)
A samurai movie that came out in 2017, Blade of the Immortal has been one of the more successful adaptations. Its main character, Manji, is a samurai on the run when he is mortally wounded, somehow becoming immortal in the process. Decades later, he meets a young orphan and decides to protect him from the violence in the world.
Why It’s Great
There are strong themes present in this film, showing the careful hand director Takashi Miike uses throughout his movies. Full of surprising elements outside the typical samurai genre, there are plenty of entertaining scenes scattered throughout the course of Blade of the Immortal.
Stream on Prime Video
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