7 Live-Action Anime That Are Actually Good

Yes, good live-action anime adaptations do exist! There is a common belief that the anime to live action is often fraught with complications, leading to results that are less than satisfactory. However, there are some notable exceptions to this rule that have been successful in capturing the charm and essence of the original anime.

The public and fans of the source material are only sometimes enthusiastic about the live-action adaptation of an anime. Universal contempt greets most live-action anime adaptations, as evidenced by the sinking critical and viewer feedback they typically garner. Since many aspects of anime are impossible to replicate in live action, it can be challenging to remain faithful to the original narrative in the adapted form, leaving the adaptation to be forced and shallow. Since animated attire is just that—drawings—they may resemble anything; in reality, this may give rise to the ludicrous, which is why they are frequently redesigned. Therefore, it is not always simple to faithfully recreate the scenes in live-action productions because of financial limitations.

While live-action adaptations of anime are often condemned for watering down the source material and frustrating viewers, some effectively bridge the gap between the two worlds, introducing epic anime tales into existence in an authentic setting. In case you are conversant with the source material as an anime but have not seen the live-action versions, consider the following:

#1 Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin’s live-action series, comprising five films, exemplifies the successful transformation of a cherished anime and manga into a live-action format without sacrificing its core spirit. The first film in the series is commendable for its faithful narrative and character portrayals. The casting decisions are spot-on, contributing to a cinematic experience that both respects the source material and brings something new to the table. Moreover, the acting is compelling, effectively conveying the emotional complexities and unique traits of the characters.

What makes this movie shine is its balance between live-action realism and the distinctive flair of anime storytelling. The filmmakers manage to avoid overusing special effects or unnecessarily altering the narrative, while still capturing the anime’s distinct feel. As a result, the movie successfully recreates the vivid atmosphere and charm of its anime counterpart. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of the original Rurouni Kenshin or a newcomer to the franchise, this live-action adaptation is sure to entertain and engage you. The film is also accessible for streaming on Netflix.

#2 Kimi Ni Todoke

Kimi ni Todoke is a slow-burn shoujo anime and manga with a large fanbase. A live-action film adaptation of the series was released in 2010, and it is an excellent pick if you have grown tired of all the high school shounen comedies. Like the anime, the film follows the love story of Kuronoma Sawako and Shota Kazehaya, with Sawako eventually finding romance and even a few close companions. However, she was seen as strange by her peers and teachers.

Time constraints favored cutting or altering key moments from the manga and anime, left many fans disappointed. Consequently, supporting cast members have less screen time. Nonetheless, the film contains a greater number of romantic interludes, all of which are convincing because of the actors’ performances. Although a few events in the source material failed to make the cut, the overall objective of the anime and manga was reflected in the film, and the thrill and quivering you will experience as you watch the film is not inferior to that of the animated version.

#3 Your Lie in April

Your Lie in April was adapted into a live-action film with the same plot as the anime, with one major change: the live-action film’s protagonists, Arima Kousei and Miyazono Kaori, are high schoolers instead of middle schoolers. Nevertheless, the protagonists’ heartbreaking and catastrophic story remained steadfast in its opposition to shift, and if examined closely, it may produce the emotional sophistication required for such a tragic narrative. The film was an excellent adaptation of the anime, and the story’s pace will blow your mind; by the time you realize it, you’ll be at the end of the film.

#4 Blade of the Immortal

Blade of the Immortal is a stellar live-action adaptation of a celebrated manga, which, despite its superb execution, remains relatively unrecognized in the contemporary anime community. Its commendable fidelity to the source material, combined with superb acting and choreography, makes it a must-watch for anime and cinema enthusiasts alike. The film delivers a masterfully crafted narrative, underpinned by an exceptional performance that brings the characters to life in a way that resonates with the original manga’s fans.

#5 Assassination Classroom

Among the list’s adaptations, this is likely the least anticipated. The mix of science fiction and action is notoriously challenging to adapt, as it requires substantial resources and time from both the production and the actors. Thus, our protagonist is a tentacled monster that practically wrecks the moon and gleefully declares that he intends to do the same to Earth, but not before teaching middle students assigned to kill him before they graduate. You have to admit, despite its strangeness, the plot is intriguing. If you like manga or anime, check out the live-action film based on it. It reworked and tested the limits of the story’s strange-to-warm moments. The movie was truly hilariously absurd and shockingly moving at the same time.

#6 Gintama

The 2017 live-action adaptation of Gintama, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in Japan, remarkably succeeds in emulating the quirky humor and self-aware comedy intrinsic to its original content. It might be easy to assume that the anime’s over-the-top, meta humor wouldn’t translate well into live-action format, but the film manages to dispel these doubts with astonishing finesse. The movie hits the ground running, opening with the protagonists hilariously discussing their new live-action existence and even acknowledging the cinema audience. This self-awareness is a crucial element of Gintama’s charm, and the live-action adaptation carries it perfectly.

Moreover, the film’s brilliant direction, coupled with remarkable fight choreography, delivers an experience that leaves viewers captivated and satisfied. The original anime and manga narrative is alive and well in this live-action, which also boasts a sequel that stands up to the high standards of its predecessor.

#7 I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas may sound like the title of a horror series, but it’s far from it. In truth, it’s a profoundly moving romance story. Delving into the meaning behind its unusual title would be a spoiler, so let’s focus on the excellence of this live-action adaptation. This film rightfully deserves an ‘A’ tier rating due to its exceptional performance in portraying an intensely human drama.

What sets this live-action adaptation apart is its powerful portrayal of deeply realistic and emotional human interactions. Seeing real actors embody these scenarios elevates the narrative’s emotional impact to another level. Some viewers may even find this live-action version more impactful than its anime counterpart.

It is understandable to be wary of live-action adaptations, which could either enhance or damage the enjoyment of the original source. Nevertheless, there’s no harm in venturing into the unknown, searching for adaptations that could give you a fresh viewpoint on anime adaptations.