Anime Adaptations of Western Stories

If there is one thing anime excels at, it is adaptation. The medium is one closely related to [...]

By Megan Peters

If there is one thing anime excels at, it is adaptation. The medium is one closely related to manga as the latter provides anime with plenty of stories which beg to be brought to life.

Over the years, anime has become known for its quick turnover of Japanese manga and even other eastern stories. After all, Dragon Ball got its start when Akira Toriyama based it on the Chinese folktale, Journey to the East. However, anime doesn't just take into account stories from Japan's next of the woods.

No, western stories are also up for grabs.

Here at ComicBook, we are listing some of the best anime adaptations of western titles to-date. Regardless of their origins, these classic western stories have captured the imagination of anime fans worldwide.

Not even William Shakespeare could put audiences off a few certain series.


Ronja The Robber’s Daughter

In 1981, Astrid Lindgren finally published the fantasy children's book titled Ronia, the Robber's Daughter. The darling story followed a young girl who lived amongst thieves in the early-Medieval period, and the heroine finds herself stunned when she meets another child named Birk. The pair then go on adventures throughout their pastoral homes, and Studio Ghibli was eager to turn the story into an anime. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, the anime series tells the familial story of a girl named Ronja who thrives at home with her family of ragtag bandits.

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(Photo: Studio Ghibli )

Blast Of The Tempest

If you are a fan of Hamlet and The Tempest, then you will wonder where Blast of the Tempest has been your whole life. Thanks to Kyo Shirodaira, the two Shakespearian plays were merged into one fantastical anime series filled with mystery and romance. The story follows a booy named Mahiro after his sister was murdered. The hero and his friend then agree to help a woman named Hakaze Kusaribe fend off her clan's plan to end the world in exchange for information about Mahiro's sister.

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(Photo: Bones )

Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo

For those of you who enjoyed reading The Count of Monte Cristo, then you are in luck.

Now, you can enjoy the series through anime. That is, if you can handle the show's mind-bending animation.

The critically acclaimed anime Gankutsuou is loosely based on Alexandre Dumas' famous novel as it makes a few creative swap-outs. When the Count of Monte Cristo finds himself betrayed and imprisoned under false charges, the protagonist vows to get revenge as usual. However, the anime ultimately chooses to have a demon possess the Count in order to get him reach his goal.

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(Photo: Studio Gonzo )

Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is known as one of Studio Ghibli's most famous films, but few know that its story is taken from a British novel. The titular anime feature is based on a story written by Diana Wynne Jones, and its whimsical story is filled with serious undertone about war, grief, and betrayal. The film tells the story of Sophie, a young girl who is cursed by a witch to become an old lady. Wanting to reverse the magic, Sophie goes on an adventure to get help, but she is sidetracked when she meets a wizard named Howl who is fighting against their land's unjust king.

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(Photo: Studio Ghibli )

Romeo x Juliet

Looking for the ultimate anime take on William Shakespeare? If that is the case, then it is time you binged Romeo x Juliet. The series had its debut back in 2007, and it focuses on the famous playwright's tale of the Montagues and Capulets. Taking a fantasy approach, the show follows Romeo & Juliet's overall story despite its futuristic setting on a floating island.

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(Photo: Studio Gonzo )

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