Anime fans are notoriously critical of live-action adaptations. After all, anime’s vibrant and exaggerated style can be difficult to translate into a more grounded medium like live-action film or TV. Still, every so often, an adaptation comes along that respects the source material while adding a fresh twist. In this article on Animeking, we explore the top 10 live-action adaptations that managed to capture the magic of their anime counterparts, offering a blend of authenticity and creative innovation that impressed even the most discerning fans.

10. Bleach (2018)

The 2018 live-action Bleach movie was Netflix’s attempt at adapting Tite Kubo’s beloved series about Soul Reapers and the supernatural world. Directed by Shinsuke Sato, the film follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who inherits the powers of a Soul Reaper and becomes tasked with fighting evil spirits and guiding lost souls to the afterlife.

The movie primarily covers the first arc of the anime, focusing on Ichigo’s initial transformation and his battle with the Hollows. While it couldn’t possibly condense the full plot of the anime’s 366 episodes, it did a good job sticking to the core storyline. Fans appreciated how faithful it was to the manga and anime’s spirit. The film received positive reviews for its pacing and impressive visual effects, despite having a short runtime compared to the anime’s depth.

Release Date: July 20, 2018
Where to Stream: Not available in the US

9. From Me to You: Kimi Ni Todoke (2023)

Netflix’s 2023 live-action adaptation of the shojo classic Kimi Ni Todoke was a refreshing change of pace for the platform, which usually focuses on action-heavy anime adaptations. The series follows Sawako Kuronuma, a shy high school girl who struggles with being misunderstood due to her resemblance to the horror character Sadako from The Ring. Over time, she develops friendships and a romance with the popular and kind-hearted Kazehaya.

This adaptation stayed faithful to the source material’s gentle, romantic tone and character-driven narrative. Fans praised its heartwarming execution, though some felt the adaptation was unnecessary since the anime already did a fantastic job. The live-action series was well-received, earning an 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. With its beautifully crafted 12 episodes, the series is a must-watch for romance fans.

Release Date: March 30, 2023
Where to Stream: Netflix

8. The Ingenuity of the Househusband

The Ingenuity of the Househusband is Netflix’s comedic take on The Way of the Househusband, the hilarious anime series about an ex-yakuza boss, Tatsu, who becomes a dedicated househusband. Fans of the anime were thrilled to see Kenjirô Tsuda, the original voice actor of Tatsu, reprise his role in live-action form.

The live-action version leans into the comedic and slice-of-life elements of the original but with a unique format—each episode is just four to six minutes long, making the entire series under an hour. While it didn’t capture all the humor of the anime, Tsuda’s portrayal of Tatsu makes this short series worth watching for fans of the original.

Release Date: 2021
Where to Stream: Netflix

7. Kakegurui (2018-)

The live-action Kakegurui series, based on the popular gambling anime of the same name, proved to be a surprising success. The story centers around Hyakkaou Private Academy, where the hierarchy of students is determined by their gambling skills. Yumeko Jabami, the protagonist, is a compulsive gambler who shakes up the school’s structure.

The adaptation succeeded because it remained faithful to the manga and anime without requiring an inflated budget. The over-the-top characters and intense gambling duels translated well into live-action, and the show’s success led to two live-action films. Kakegurui’s quirky premise and charismatic characters made for a hit, even outside the typical anime fanbase.

Release Date: 2018
Where to Stream: Netflix

6. Yu Yu Hakusho

The Yu Yu Hakusho live-action adaptation had a lot to live up to as one of the most influential anime of its time. The story follows Yusuke Urameshi, a teenager who dies while saving a child but is given a second chance at life as a spirit detective, investigating supernatural occurrences in the human world.

Netflix’s adaptation nailed the costumes and fight choreography, but many fans felt it struggled with pacing issues, cramming several arcs into just five episodes. While it didn’t capture the full depth of the original anime, it successfully captured the spirit of Togashi’s manga and introduced a new generation to this classic.

Release Date: December 14, 2023
Where to Stream: Netflix

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5. Avatar: The Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender has always been a beloved series, so fans were cautious when Netflix announced a live-action adaptation after M. Night Shyamalan’s infamous 2010 film version. However, early signs indicate Netflix is taking the adaptation seriously, with a focus on staying true to the characters and story.

The live-action series will follow Aang, a young airbender who must master all four elements and defeat the Fire Nation to restore balance to the world. Fans remain optimistic as Netflix appears to be investing heavily in making the series a faithful, high-quality adaptation.

Release Date: February 22, 2024
Where to Stream: Netflix

4. Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning

Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning is the prequel to the critically acclaimed Rurouni Kenshin live-action trilogy. It explores the early years of Himura Kenshin, detailing the tragic events that led him to renounce his life as a hitokiri (assassin) and become a wandering swordsman. The movie captures the emotional weight of Kenshin’s past, focusing on his romance with Tomoe Yukishiro and his decision to stop killing.

With stunning cinematography and expertly choreographed fight scenes, The Beginning was a massive hit in Japan, earning top marks from both critics and fans.

Release Date: 2021
Where to Stream: Netflix

3. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final

Rurouni Kenshin: The Final brings Kenshin’s story full circle, with the legendary swordsman facing off against Enishi, the brother of his deceased wife, Tomoe. This final battle is filled with emotional stakes and expertly crafted action sequences, paying homage to the anime’s themes of redemption and forgiveness.

Splitting Kenshin’s finale into two movies—The Beginning and The Final—allowed Netflix to dive deeper into his story, doing justice to Nobuhiro Watsuki’s original work. The film was a critical success, receiving a 100% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its stellar action and heartfelt story.

Release Date: 2021
Where to Stream: Netflix

2. Alice in Borderland

One of Netflix’s most successful live-action anime adaptations, AlAlice Gear Aegis Expansionice in Borderland, is based on Haro Aso’s manga. The story follows Ryohei Arisu and his friends as they compete in deadly games in a parallel version of Tokyo. The show is a thrilling mix of sci-fi, action, and psychological horror, as players must outsmart each other to survive.

The series won multiple awards and was praised for its intense action, well-developed characters, and faithful adaptation of the manga’s themes. Its 99% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes speaks volumes about its success, and it was renewed for a third season.

Release Date: December 10, 2020
Where to Stream: Netflix

1. One Piece

Netflix took a bold risk with its live-action adaptation of One Piece, one of the longest-running and most beloved anime series in history. With over 1,000 episodes, the live-action series needed to capture the essence of Eiichiro Oda’s world without feeling rushed. Starring Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, the show follows Luffy and his crew of pirates as they search for the legendary treasure, the One Piece.

The series was a massive success, thanks to its faithful adaptation of the East Blue Saga, high production values, and fantastic cast performances. Fans and critics alike praised its balance of adventure, humor, and action, making it one of Netflix’s best anime adaptations to date.

Release Date: August 31, 2023
Where to Stream: Netflix