The best anime to live-action adaptations to binge on

Netflix’s live-action adaptation of popular anime show One Piece brilliantly captures the essence of the original series. The adaptation has received praise for its brilliant casting, led by the convincingly portrayed Luffy by Iñaki Godoy, as well as its breathtaking action sequences whilst staying true to the original storyline, faithfully delivering the sense of adventure that defines the anime. Fans will relish seeing their favourite characters in a new light, while newcomers will be enthralled by its unique world-building and engaging ensemble.

One Piece has stormed Netflix’s charts, amassing a staggering 37 million views globally in just two weeks after its release. Fans of the straw hat adaptation will be pleased to know that the anime adaptation will be returning with a second season, as confirmed by the original One Piece creator and illustrator Eiichiro Oda.

While many live-action adaptations of anime tend to suffer from a reputation of falling short of the original, TV series Alice in Borderland is a notable exception.

In stark contrast to the lacklustre 2014 OVA, the 2020 Netflix series brilliantly adapts Haro Aso’s iconic survival manga and serves as a stellar gateway into the celebrated franchise. The gripping sci-fi thriller drew both fans and newcomers alike into its death game narrative and suspenseful atmosphere.

This widespread appeal has catapulted the series beyond the confines of the anime community, attesting to its popularity.

A notable example of an anime to live-action adaptation done right, the Rurouni Kenshin film franchise, directed by Keiishi Otomo, masterfully brings to life Nobuhiro Watsuki’s timeless manga.

It chronicles the journey of Himura Kenshin, a former samurai assassin who renounces killing after shaping Japan’s Meiji era. Comprising five films released between 2012 and 2021 the series breathes life into the source material through exhilarating sword fights, set pieces, and a stellar ensemble cast led by Takeru Satoh.

These movies are a must-see for anime enthusiasts and offer a standalone cinematic experience of their own.

Hollywood’s rare foray into live-action anime found success with Alita: Battle Angel, a 2019 cyberpunk action film based on Yukito Kishiro’s ’90s manga. Previous anime adaptations of Alita had fallen short, but even sceptics admit that the live-action movie provided the best treatment to the source material.

It preserves the original characters’ mannerisms and behaviour, and in addition to its loyalty to the source, the film’s distinctive use of 3D eyes for the main character adds a unique visual dimension uncommon in live-action. Both fans and critics applauded the film, cementing its status as a successful adaptation.

While Netflix have announced that they will be attempting an adaptation of Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata’s popular series with Stranger Things creators The Duffer Brothers, the films that were previously released didn’t fall short on expectations as well.

Death Note and Death Note 2: The Last Name were released in 2006, featuring Tatsuya Fujiwara and Ken’ichi Matsuyama as Light Yagami and L, respectively. These movies more or less depict the intense cat-and-mouse game that unfolds after Light obtains a Death Note. And while the live-action films made notable plot changes, they remain the best live-action adaptations of Death Note to date.