The All Time Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations based on CGI, Plot & Impact

After the massive success of the new one-piece live-action series, Fans are left wondering if more LA masterpieces are collecting dust on the internet like unfounded treasures.

Well, get ready to dive into a world where your favorite animated stories come to life. We’ve compiled a list of the best live-action anime adaptations that have captured the essence of their animated counterparts.

These live-action adaptations have successfully captured the essence of their animated counterparts, offering fans a fresh perspective on beloved stories.

Whether you’re into intense action, psychological thrillers, heartwarming romances, or supernatural tales, there’s something on this list for everyone!

This article will explore the top live-action anime adaptations based on their CGI quality, plot accuracy, and overall impact on fans.

1. Alice in Borderland (2020)

This one is for all the Die Hard Squid Game Fans. It’s a thrilling survival game where characters struggle for survival. High-quality CGI heightens the otherworldly setting and the deadly games that unfold, staying true to the manga’s exciting narrative.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Alice in Borderland | Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Alita: Battle Angel (2019):

A cybernetic adventure featuring Alita’s journey to discover her identity in a dystopian future. While technically based on a manga, “Alita: Battle Angel” offers a fantastic blend of Japanese and Western storytelling.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Alita Battle Angel | Source: 20th Century Fox

The cybernetic world and Alita’s journey to discover her identity make this a visually stunning experience. Outstanding CGI seamlessly blends the cybernetic world and characters with the story.

Animal World (2018):

Kaiji, one of the greatest gambling manga and anime of all time, is a loose inspiration for Animal World.

The Chinese film takes some artistic license by giving its lead character, Kaisi, a more conventionally likable personality and giving him an honestly pretty odd obsession with clowns.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Animal World | Source: chinadaily

It is a unique take on survival games set in a world of human-animal hybrids. CGI gets wild, adding a twist to the survival game genre.

Bleach (2018):

Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey from an ordinary teenager to a Soul Reaper is portrayed with stunning visuals. Impressive CGI brings the spirit world and sword fights to life.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Bleach | Source: netflix

Blade of the Immortal (2017):

Blade Of The Immortal, despite not being a well-known anime for its period, gained some notoriety for attempting live-action. The actors were carefully chosen for their roles and flawlessly captured the mannerisms of the characters.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Blade of the Immortal | Source: fandom

It is a tale of immortality and vengeance filled with gritty and violent battles. Well-executed CGI enhances the action, staying true to the manga’s dark and revenge-driven storyline.

Death Note (2006):

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Death Note Live Action | Source: IMDb

The psychological thriller features a high school student with a mysterious notebook. CGI takes a back seat as it’s all about the mind games. The adaptation remains remarkably loyal to the source material, delivering an intense cat-and-mouse chase fueled by a mystical notebook.

Detective Pikachu (2019):

Adorable and fun live-action adventure featuring beloved Pokémon brought to life with CGI. It’s a Pokémon movie done right.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Detective Pikachu | Source: IMDb

Edge of Tomorrow (2014):

This Hit movie is loosely based on the 2005 manga series “All you need is kill”

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Edge of Tomorrow | Source: imdb

Sci-fi action thriller with impressive CGI-enhanced aliens and mechs. Despite not being directly from an anime, it’s a thrilling ride.

Erased (2016):

Based on the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kei Sanbe. A Touching time-traveling thriller where a man can turn back time to save lives. Minimal CGI usage allows the story to shine.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Erased | Source: netflix

Gintama (2017-18):

The popular animated comedy series Gintama never shy’s away from making the most of the animation medium. Fans were right to be skeptical about Gintama’s live-action version given how heavily the show’s humor depends on ridiculous exaggeration and visual puns.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Gintama | Source: rottentomatoes

It is a hilarious and action-packed adaptation that captures the essence of the original manga and anime. Limited CGI usage doesn’t detract from the faithful portrayal of humor and action.

Inuyashiki (2018):

It is a unique tale of two individuals with extraordinary powers exploring moral dilemmas. CGI effectively enhances transformation and action scenes.

Inuyashiki stands out from other live-action adaptations because of its compelling narrative and provocative examination of the effects of power.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
OldBoy | Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364569/

The film explores difficult moral quandaries and the definition of heroism, as well as delivering a compelling narrative that goes beyond clichés associated with superhero movies, which enables it to touch viewers’ hearts.

Old Boy (2003):

It’s an intense and gripping adaptation of a mind-bending revenge story. Minimal CGI doesn’t hinder this suspense-driven tale.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
OldBoy | Source: imdb

Based on the Old Boy manga, it is a remake of Park Chan-wook’s 2003 South Korean film of the same name and follows a man who searches for his captors after being mysteriously imprisoned for twenty years.

Parasyte (2014):

Gripping adaptation of parasites invading human bodies, maintaining horror and emotional depth. Effective use of CGI brings gruesome parasite transformations to life.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Parasyte | Source: imdb

Rurouni Kenshin (2012-14):

Rurouni Kenshin, one of the most well-known and famous samurai tales in all of anime, couldn’t survive for very long without a good live-action adaptation.

The Rurouni Kenshin film series did the franchise justice, much to the relief of the series’ fans.

Between 2012 and 2021, a total of five live-action films were released, covering the majority of Himura Kenshin’s story in extraordinary detail.

It is a thrilling adaptation featuring the wandering swordsman, Kenshin Himura. Minimal CGI allows practical sword-fighting choreography to shine, and the plot stays remarkably close to the original manga.

Speed Racer (2008):

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Speed Racer | Source: imdb

Over-the-top CGI races make this adaptation a visual treat. Although not directly from an anime, it’s a live-action take on the classic Speed Racer, packed with excitement.

Tokyo Ghoul (2017):

It is a thrilling dive into the world of ghouls and humans, with Kaneki’s ghoul transformation receiving CGI treatment. The story is condensed but remains thrilling.

The Best Live-Action Anime Adaptations of All Time
Tokyo Ghoul Anime

These live-action adaptations offer a diverse range of stories, from intense thrillers to heartwarming adventures, and they showcase various approaches to CGI and plot adaptation.

These live-action anime adaptations, spanning years, showcase various CGI usage and plot adaptations. While they offer fresh perspectives on beloved stories, they remain deeply rooted in the essence of their source material.

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