With anime getting evermore popular as the years go on, live-action anime adaptations have evolved into a genre that has won over both longtime fans and newcomers alike. While early attempts, such as Dragon Ball Evolutions or Netflix’s Death Note adaptation, often struggled to capture the essence of the source material, recent years have proven that with the right vision, these adaptations can deliver thrilling action, emotional depth, and a unique visual style. The best adaptations combine strong performances, immersive world-building, and, of course, respect the original story, proving that anime can thrive outside the world of animation. In this list, we will highlight and rank 10 standout titles that have not only left a mark on the anime world but audiences worldwide.
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Our picks range from heartfelt dramas and wild comedies to intense action stories and imaginative fantasy adventures. You’ll see everything from well-known favorites that nailed the tone of their anime counterparts to ambitious modern productions that have pushed the boundaries of what a live-action anime could be. Whether you’re a seasoned anime veteran or just dipping your toes into the anime genre, these ten adaptations showcase creativity, charm, and cinematic power that bring these incredible stories to life.
10) Oshi No Ko
Starting the list, we have Toei’s Oshi No Ko live-action adaptation, which captures most of the immense drama and intrigue of the source material with a greater focus on its emotional core. Led by Sakurai Kaito as Aqua Hoshino, Asuka Saito as Ai Hoshino, and Nagisa Saito as Ruby Hoshino, the cast delivers incredible performances that bring the highs and lows of the Japanese entertainment industry. Strong direction and excellent visuals enhance the emotional storytelling, making it both authentic and captivating. For the most part, it is a faithful yet cinematic adaptation of the original story and respects the source material.
However, this adaptation manages to skip through the earlier parts of the twins’ life in favor of getting into further into the series, failing to leave us with the same impact as the source material. That said, it still maintains the ability to convey those same emotions despite those scenes not being prevalent. Alongside this, the careful attention to costume design, lighting, and music gives each scene a heightened sense of immersion. Whether it’s a high-profile event or a quiet, personal exchange, viewers are easily pulled into the scene. With its standout cast, Oshi No Ko easily earns its place among the best live-action anime adaptations in recent years.
9) Detective Pikachu
While this may not be an actual adaptation of the Pokemon anime, we can’t deny the cultural impact Detective Pikachu had on society, with the Pokemon designs and concepts it adapts deeply rooted in anime visuals. Based on the Detective Pikachu video game franchise, the movie strikes a balance between a playful and inventive take on the Pokรฉmon universe, capturing its charm and creativity. Ryan Reynolds, voice of the franchise’s mascot Pikachu, with his signature wit, while Justice Smith manages to ground the story with his heartfelt performance as the lead, Tim Goodman. Their on-screen chemistry makes the story engaging from start to finish. It is only enhanced by the stunning live-action settings and CGI Pokemon, creating a breathtaking and believable world most of us could only dream of seeing.
The film’s success lies in its balance of mystery, comedy, and adventure. Each scene bursts with detail, rewarding eagle-eyed fans who notice the background details along with world-building. And the supporting cast, Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, and Ken Watanabe, only enhance this film with their charm. Detective Pikachu manages to stand proud as proof that anime-inspired stories can easily thrive on the big screen. Although a sequel was announced in January 2019, the last update we received on the film was in March 2023, leaving its fate up in the air.
8) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable
Bringing JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure to life is no easy task, especially with a weird, complex power system like Stands, but director Takashi Miike and an outstanding cast managed to make it work. Instead of starting with the obvious start to the JoJo story, Part 1: Phantom Blood, the story decides to jump to the most current part at the time, Part 4: Diamond is Unbreakable. With Kento Yamazaki leading as Josuke Higashikata, alongside a supporting cast of Yusuke Iseya and Ryunosuke Kamiki as Jotaro Kujo and Koichi Hirose, the film manages to capture the eccentric energy and tone of the series while managing to stay grounded in a relatable setting. Fans of JoJo will also appreciate the attention to visual flair that defines the franchise.
Despite only adapting the first couple of episodes of the 4th Part: Diamond is Unbreakable, the film commits to blending both the original style of JoJo that we all love with the real-world setting. While the stands can look weird at times, they still don’t feel out of place, creating a seamless balance between surreal and believable. As for the costume designs, some characters, notably Jotaro and Josuke, had their designs simplified or changed when compared to their manga counterpart. Despite this, the film manages to capture the overall feel of the world of JoJo with its bold cast and confident style, and it’s certainly an adaptation that understands exactly what makes JoJo special.
7) Yu Yu Hakusho
Netflix’s Yu Yu Hakusho flew under most anime fans’ radar in 2023, easily being overshadowed by the One Piece live-action series from the streaming giant. Despite this, it stands among one of the better live-action anime adaptations, with a cast that clearly understands the balance of action, humor, and drama. Takumi Kitamura leads as the iconic Yusuke Urameshi, with Jun Shison, Kanata Hongo, and Shuhei Uesugi rounding out the rest of Team Urameshi. Their chemistry, along with the stunning visuals, makes the world feel alive while preserving the charm of the original.
The show’s fight scenes shine thanks to the talented Sho Tsukikawa, who previously served as the stunt director for the first three Rurouni Kenshin films. The filming locations and set designs provide a believable backdrop for the supernatural powers on display, while the special effects amplify the scale of each battle. And as a special treat for longtime fans, the original English dub voice actors reprised their roles, giving fans a sense of nostalgia. However, from the first episode, the series does veer away from the source material provided by Togashi. Attempting to condense over 50 episodes of the original series into just 5 episodes, and skipping over what made Yu Yu Hakusho special in the first place. Because of this, the series can feel rushed at times, but even with the condensed story, it still manages to capture the heart of Yu Yu Hakusho and leave a memorable impact on live-action anime.
6) Bleach
The Bleach live-action condenses the early chapters of the series into a fast-paced, action-packed film. Sota Fukushi, a familiar face for tokusatsu fans as Kamen Rider Fourze, shines as Ichigo Kurosaki. He’s joined by Ryo Yoshizawa as Uryu Ishida and Erina Mano as Orihime Inoue, both of whom also starred in Fourze, making this a mini-reunion for fans. The high-paced battles retain the same energy and flashiness of the anime despite being grounded in live-action.
The fight choreography stands out as the film’s strongest element, with each Fourze alumni bringing their action experience to the film. The Hollows, despite being CGI, complement the cast’s physical performances, making each encounter intense and larger than life. Sadly, the film is almost a decade old and has no signs of a sequel in the future. However, it’s able to highlight strong character moments while keeping true to the manga, proving that even a single well-crafted adaptation can leave a lasting impact and earn its place among the best live-action anime films.
5) Zom 100: Bucket List of the Undead
While Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’s anime had plenty of issues during its run, the live-action managed to impress many fans craving more from the franchise. While the film covers the first couple of episodes of the anime, it manages to capture the same high-tension but carefree nature that the anime gave. Eiji Akaso, known to tokusatsu fans for his lead role in Kamen Rider Build, leads Zom 100 with boundless charisma, supported by Mai Shiraishi, Shuntaro Yanagi, and Kazuki Kitamura. Their energy fuels the film with a mix of outrageous comedy and genuine emotional beats. The soundtrack for the film also deserves praise, perfectly matching the shift between the tense zombie mayhem and the serious personal moments for our characters. The cast’s chemistry makes even the wildest scenarios feel grounded and relatable.
The film’s visuals complement the performances, with extremely dynamic cinematography enhancing both the action and the humor. Akaso’s performance as Akira shows just how talented an actor he truly is, switching from an emotionally depressed salaryman to a carefree optimist in an instant. The film manages to stay true to the manga, only shifting stories around to better fit the overall narrative of the movie. Sadly, like the Bleach live-action, Zom 100 has yet to get a confirmation of a sequel film from Netflix, and with how the film ends, it seems unlikely it will receive one.
4) Assassination Classroom
When you think of a live-action Assassination Classroom adaptation, you likely think of the nightmarish look that would be Kuro-Sensei, but the movie manages to strike a balance between realism and faithfulness to the original manga. The adaptation thrives on its ensemble cast, with Ryosuke Yamada as Nagisa Shiota and Masaki Suda as Karma Akabane, along with Kuzunari Ninomiya voicing Kuro-Sensei. Their performances keep the story’s blend of comedy and heartfelt moments intact, something that fans will appreciate. While the rest of Class-E doesn’t get as much focus as the main three, the story does make sure to give them moments to add to the overarching story.
Visually, the film mixes practical sets with CGI in a way that isn’t jarring and supports the cast’s performance. The pacing of the film ensures that every character gets a moment to shine while keeping to the overall narrative set by the manga. The humor works in this film due to the cast’s willingness to embrace the rather weird premise of the series with sincerity, even managing to earn a sequel, which would also stay true to the source material. Without a doubt, Assassination Classroom is more than deserving of being on this list with its outstanding cast that truly enhances the heartfelt moments shown in the series.
3) Gintama
Much like Assassination Classroom, you’d never expect a Gintama live-action film to manage to stand out as one of the better adaptations. But with its outstanding cast featuring Shun Oguri as Gintoki, and supporting roles by Masaki Suda and Kanna Hashimoto, they manage to bring the beloved Odd Jobs group to life. Much like the anime, the film dives headfirst into the chaotic humor and action-packed fights that fans enjoy. It’s an adaptation that loves the source material.
The film adapts a favorite arc among fans, the Benizakura Arc, managing to combine the rapid-fire comedy and intense sword fights along with the serious tonal shifts seen in the arc. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and only enhanced by the film’s musical score. The cast’s commitment and energy keep the viewers engaged throughout the film, even with the most absurd moments. Few adaptations manage to fully embrace their eccentric anime counterparts, much like Gintama, even managing to spawn a sequel film.
2) Ruroni Kenshin
The Ruroni Kenshin film series is widely regarded as one of the best anime live-action adaptations to date. Its breathtaking sword fights, authentic period settings, and strong performances make it a massive achievement in live-action storytelling. Takeru Satoh, who is best known for his lead role in the successful Kamen Rider Den-O, delivers a career-defining performance as Kenshin Homura. The pacing allows for both intense action and quiet, personal character moments that honor the spirit of the original series.
The choreography is without a doubt a highlight of this film, and that’s all in part due to the director, Keishi Otomo’s previous work on historical dramas. Every fight scene is fluid and makes sure to leave an impact with each frame. The costume and set design transport the viewers to this historical era, making the viewer feel immersed in the world. Each installment feels consistent in tone and quality, making the series a must-watch viewing experience. Ruroni Kenshin proves that with enough care and love, an anime adaptation can reach new heights and be beloved by fans and novices alike.
1) One Piece
It goes without saying that the One Piece live-action changed many anime fans’ perception of live-action anime. Managing to reach over 37.8 million viewers in its first two weeks on Netflix, and ranking number one in 46 countries, it then managed to triple that in the coming months. It’s hard to deny the impact of Tomorrow Studios’ adaptation on the anime-to-live-action space. Where it shines is with its perfectly chosen cast, all handpicked by mangaka Eiichiro Oda. Inaki Godoy embodies Monkey D. Luffy’s charm and optimism, while Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero Gibson, and Taz Skylar bring the Straw Hat crew to life with excellent chemistry. Their performances captured the hearts of veterans of the series while grabbing new viewers as well.
The show’s success is tied to the cast’s ability to balance the humor, action, and heartfelt moments One Piece is known for. Each actor embraces their role, making their friendship feel authentic and believable. Combined with the incredible set designs and costumes, the many locations feel lively and match the series’ tone of adventure. There is no shadow of a doubt that Netflix’s One Piece has managed to set a new standard for live-action anime with its amazing cast and storytelling. With Season 2 on the way, fans are more than eager to see where the StrawHats head next.
But do you agree with our list? Do you plan to check any of these live-action films yourself? Let us know in the comments below!
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Image Courtesy of Marvel Studios -
Image Courtesy of DC Comics
