21 Must-Watch Anime to Live-Action Adaptations

Anime has long held a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide, captivating us with its imaginative storytelling, vibrant characters, and unique worlds. Over the years, some of the most beloved anime series have made the leap from the animated screen to live-action adaptations, bringing our favorite characters and stories into the real world.

We’ve curated a list of must-watch live-action renditions that have managed to capture the essence of their animated counterparts. From epic adventures like “One Piece” to the mind-bending thriller “Death Note” and the futuristic action of “Alita: Battle Angel,” these adaptations offer a fresh perspective on beloved tales.

So, grab your popcorn and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of anime brought to life.

1. Alice In Borderland

In “Alice In Borderland,” three friends find themselves in a mysterious parallel Tokyo where they must participate in deadly games to survive. As they navigate this perilous world, they uncover dark secrets and must confront their own pasts. The live-action adaptation of this suspenseful anime received mixed critical reviews, with praise for its visuals and intense atmosphere, but some criticism for pacing issues and deviations from the source material.

2. One Piece

“One Piece” follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in a vast world filled with pirates, marines, and mythical creatures. The live-action adaptation of this beloved anime generated significant excitement and anticipation but faced early challenges in production. While the critical reception of the adaptation is not yet available due to its ongoing development, fans eagerly await its release.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge Of Scar/ The Final Alchemy

In “Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge Of Scar/ The Final Alchemy,” the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, continue their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. This live-action adaptation garnered mixed reviews, with praise for its visual effects and faithfulness to the source material but criticism for pacing and character depth.

4. Alita: Battle Angel

“Alita: Battle Angel” is set in a dystopian future and follows the journey of Alita, a cyborg with a forgotten past who becomes a skilled warrior. The live-action adaptation received generally positive reviews, with praise for its stunning visuals and action sequences, although some critics found fault in the pacing and storytelling.

5. Death Note

In “Death Note,” a high school student named Light Yagami gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a supernatural notebook. The live-action adaptation faced mixed critical reception, with some praising its dark and suspenseful tone, while others felt it didn’t capture the depth of the original anime and manga.

6. Bleach

“Bleach” follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts, as he becomes a Soul Reaper to protect the living world from malevolent spirits and Hollows. The live-action adaptation received mixed reviews, with praise for its action sequences and character portrayals, but some criticism for its condensed storyline.

7. Cowboy Bebop

“Cowboy Bebop” is a space-western anime that follows the adventures of bounty hunter Spike Spiegel and his eclectic crew as they chase down criminals across the galaxy. The live-action adaptation garnered a mixed critical reception, with praise for its visual style and cast, but some fans expressed reservations about its faithfulness to the source material.

8. Grand Blue

“Grand Blue” revolves around the misadventures of Iori Kitahara as he navigates college life, diving, and heavy drinking with his eccentric friends. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there was no official live-action adaptation announced for “Grand Blue.”

9. Rurouni Kenshin

In “Rurouni Kenshin,” a wandering swordsman named Kenshin Himura seeks redemption for his past as an assassin by protecting the innocent. The live-action adaptation of this beloved anime and manga series received positive critical acclaim for its faithful adaptation, action choreography, and character development.

10. Kakegurui

“Kakegurui” is set in a prestigious academy where students engage in high-stakes gambling that determines their social status. The live-action adaptation received mixed reviews, with some applauding its performances and intense gambling scenes while others found it lacking the same level of tension as the anime.

11. Blade of the Immortal

“Blade of the Immortal” follows the story of Manji, a warrior cursed with immortality, as he seeks redemption by helping a young girl avenge her family’s murder. The live-action adaptation received generally positive reviews, with praise for its action sequences and faithful portrayal of the source material’s dark themes.

12. The Ingenuity Of The Househusband

“The Ingenuity Of The Househusband” humorously depicts the life of a former yakuza boss turned stay-at-home husband. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there was no official live-action adaptation announced for this anime.

13. From Me To You: Kimi Ni Todoke

“From Me To You: Kimi Ni Todoke” follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a shy high school girl often misunderstood due to her resemblance to Sadako from “The Ring.” The live-action adaptation was well-received for its charming portrayal of the source material’s heartwarming romance and character growth.

14. Fullmetal Alchemist

“Fullmetal Alchemist” explores the journey of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. This live-action adaptation garnered mixed reviews, with praise for its visual effects and faithfulness to the source material but criticism for pacing and character depth.

15. Ace Attorney

“Ace Attorney” follows the adventures of defense attorney Phoenix Wright as he solves puzzling murder cases in a courtroom filled with eccentric characters. The live-action adaptation received mixed critical reception, with some fans appreciating its attempts to capture the essence of the game, while others found it lacking in certain aspects.

16. Inuyashiki

“Inuyashiki” tells the story of Ichiro Inuyashiki, an elderly man who gains incredible powers after a tragic accident, and his journey to use them for good. The live-action adaptation was generally well-received for its faithful adaptation of the manga’s themes and the performances of the lead actors.

17. The Promised Neverland

“The Promised Neverland” follows a group of children trying to escape from a sinister orphanage after discovering its dark secrets. The live-action adaptation generated mixed critical reception, with some praising its suspenseful atmosphere while others felt it didn’t capture the depth of the original manga and anime.

18. Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead

“Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead” tells the story of Akira, a young man who embraces the zombie apocalypse as an opportunity to fulfill his bucket list. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there was no official live-action adaptation announced for this anime.

19. Kingdom

“Kingdom” is a historical action anime set in China’s Warring States period, following the adventures of a young orphan, Xin, who aspires to become a great general. The live-action adaptation received mixed reviews, with praise for its epic battles and criticism for its deviations from the source material.

20. Your Lie in April

“Your Lie in April” revolves around the life of Kousei Arima, a pianist who rediscovers his love for music through the influence of a spirited violinist. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there was no official live-action adaptation announced for this anime.

21. Gintama

“Gintama” is a comedic and action-packed anime that follows Gintoki Sakata and his friends as they take on odd jobs in an alternate-history Edo period. The live-action adaptation received mixed critical reception, with some fans appreciating its humor and action, while others found it challenging to adapt the anime’s unique style to live-action.

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