Showing live action anime in recent years is on the rise and trending. In most of the time, live action anime face a challenge in adapting and adhere the original story. Some have been successful and of course some have been criticized.
Despite this challenge, the film industry never stops trying to find the perfect balance between bringing anime to life and capturing these characters’ emotions, actions, and stories.
So, what are the best live action anime that worth checking out?
1. Knights of the Zodiac
The manga Saint Seiya was made into a movie in 2014 with the title Saint Seiya: Legend of Sanctuary. The film received quite a positive response. The anime and movie Saint Seiya are based on the manga by Masami Kurumada. These manga and anime became friends for children who grew up in the 90s.
Live action from Saint Seiya which is expected to air in 2023, directed by Tomasz Baginski who also directed The Witcher. The artists involved in this live action are not only from Japan but also from Hollywood such as Mackenyu, Famke Janssen, Mark Dacascos, and many more. It’s worth waiting for whether this live action will end well or badly.
2. Death Note 2
The original Death Note live action managed to get praise from the audience. But things are different with the Western version of Death Note which airs on Netflix. The Western version of Death Note premiered in 2017, falling short of expectations and tends to disappoint a lot of people, especially die-hard Death Note fans.
Despite strong criticism, it turns out that the Western version of Death Note was made into a sequel. Death Note 1 will instead continue to Death Note 2. The actor is still the same but the author is reportedly changed to Greg Russo.
3. Pokemon
The successful of the Pokemon: Detective Pikachu movie was the trigger to continue their next sequel. American producer and writer Joe Henderson is reportedly working on a live-action Pokemon that is set to premiere on Netflix.
In case you don’t know, Joe Henderson is also a writer and producer for the Lucifer series on Netflix.
This live action movie is still in the early stages of development. Because it’s still in its early stages, it’s possible that this live action will take a long time to air. But this news certainly gives some hope for Pokemon lovers that the story of these monsters still has a continuation.
4. Sword Art Online
Netflix seems to have a lot of plans to make a live action manga or anime. Sword Art Online, a popular manga made by Reki Kawahara will be the next live action project that will be done by Netflix. As we all already know that Sword Art Online has many fans.
This live action anime adaptation has been discussed by Netflix and involves many parties. Considering that there was also a live action that ended not as expected, these Sword Art Online fans are also worried that this live action will end badly. But there is still hope that this live action will also end. Moreover, the actor and actress involved is still unknown.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam
Films about giant robots were not popular in the West, especially in the 1980s. However, it is hype in Japan.
In fact, the story about this giant robot is popular due to the anime Mobile Suit Gundam. In Japan, the original title was Kido Senshi Gundam, produced by Nippon Sunsire now known as Bandai Namco Filmworks.
In this modern era, it seems that there is potential for Mobile Suit Gundam to be successful. The live action Mobile Suit Gundam will be done by Netflix. Regarding the broadcast schedule of this live action is still a secret. In addition, the live action Mobile Suit Gundam will be done together with Legendary Entertainment and Sunrise.
6. Alice in Borderland Season 2
Alice in Borderland, which is based on the manga created by Haro Aso, has received tons of positive response. Not only the manga received appreciation, but also the anime and live action. Live action Alice in Borderland‘s first season which aired on Netflix in 2020 received a very high rating.
Those who have followed the manga will know that there is still a long way to go. And once the live action season 1 ended like that, the audience was so enthusiastic about waiting for the next season. After teasers and trailers roamed the internet, it has been confirmed that Alice in Borderland season 2 will air in December 2022.
7. Naruto
Naruto and One Piece became hot topics since both of them became very popular manga in their era.
Even now, there are still people who follow the story although Naruto has finished while One Piece is still on going. Naruto‘s popularity doesn’t seem to need to be explained anymore. Mangaka Masashi Kishimoto managed to make many people crazy about Naruto stories and want to dream of becoming a great ninja like him.
Maybe some of you don’t know that Naruto will actually be making a live action. In 2015 news emerged that Lionsgate, which was going to produce Naruto’s live action, was experiencing obstacles. Delay does not mean this live action will be cancelled. Live action Naruto will definitely be continued but still waiting for the director to choose the cast and make the storyline.
8. One-Punch Man
When it first appeared on television in 2015, the One-Punch Man anime received a lot of positive responses. Derived from the manga with the same title, the creator named Yusuke Murata managed to make many people crazy about the manga. Tells the story of a Saitama who works as a superhero with extraordinary powers.
Saitama who as a super strong hero, can always beat his opponent with one hit punch. In April 2020, Sony announced that it would be making a Hollywood live action. The scriptwriters are Scott Rosenberg and Jeff Pinkner. It is not yet known which actors will be involved in the live action and when the broadcast schedule will be.
9. Yu Yu Hakusho
It seems that many parties want to turn 80-90s manga or anime into live action. Those of you who grew up in the 90s are certainly familiar with the manga Yu Yu Hakusho. The manga is written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. Tells the story of a naughty teenager named Yusuke Urameshi who is chosen to be a detective in the spirit world.
Interesting stories and a large fanbase are the reasons to turn the manga into live action. Yu Yu Hakusho has shown a teaser in the form of a photo of the actor chosen to be the actor of the live action Yu Yu Hakusho. Four actors have been chosen to play Yusuke Urameshi, Kubawara, Kurama, and Hiei. It is estimated that this live action will air in December 2023.
10. One Piece
Eiichiro Oda seems to never run out of ideas to make One Piece manga. The manga and anime are still in progress and it is believed that the story is still long way to go. The manga has been released since 1997 and is still continuing today. Tells about Monkey D. Luffy’s journey with his friends across the ocean and looking for the treasure left by Gol D. Roger, One Piece.
Again, Netflix has the idea to make a live action of one of the most popular manga in the world. A number of actors have been selected to play the characters in One Piece. Several teaser photos have also been spread on the internet, making One Piece fans curious about what this live action will look like. Moreover, it is reported that Eiichiro Oda is also involved in making One Piece live action.
