Watching Live actions of the anime shows you’ve already watched is one of the most fun activities. While nothing can beat the original manga and anime, live action series nowadays are really putting a show with some of the most amazing cinematography and faithful adaptation.
Even if you’re a hardcore anime fan, you’d be surprised by the amount of live action adaptations of your favorite anime series. So, without further ado, here is the list of top 10 anime, which you didn’t know had a live action drama.
10Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
The story of two awkward otakus trying to figure out the complexities of their relationship is something every anime fan can relate to. Wotakoi anime was a massive hit because of its quirky take on romance and adulting. But only few may know about the live action film.
Directed by Yuichi Fukuda, the film ‘Wotakoi:Love is Hard for a Otakus was released in 2020. The plot and the characters stayed true to the original with their own twists. For people wanting a fun watch, can start from this.
9Black Butler
Black Butler anime has been a middle school guilty pleasure for many fans. The iconic characters of Sebastian and Ciel continues to live in people’s hearts even today. So far the anime boasts a fantastic three seasons with the fourth season which finished airing in 2024.
Black Butler also has a live action film directed by Kentarō Ōhtani and Keiichi Satō. It was released in 2014 starring Hiro Mizushima and Ayane Goriki. The story is mostly the same as the original but the character of Ciel Phantomhive has been replaced by Earl Kiyohara.
8Tokyo Ghoul
There is no doubt that the series by Sui Ishida is a masterpiece. While the same can’t be said about the anime, it was definitely an enjoyable watch. Everyone knows about the Tokyo Ghoul anime but only a few hardcore Tokyo Ghoul fans know its live-action.
There are actually two Tokyo Ghoul films-Tokyo Ghoul (2017) and Tokyo Ghoul S. The live action follows the similar storyline as original and has adapted upto Gourmet Arc. The acting and the visuals in both the films are great.
7Given
Given live-action drama starring Jin Suzuki and Sanari is another live-action series that should be on your weekend watch list. Directed by Kōichirō Miki, the 6 episode mini series follows the story of the rock band and its members’ struggles and romance.
BL drama lovers who are also fans of the original work by Natsuki Kizu will definitely love this drama. The cinematography style was kept realistic without any exaggeration and the actors were also spot on. This live-action oozes out the same sentiments the original is known for.
6Bleach
Crowned as the one of the big three of the Shonen, Bleach has never failed to live up to the hype. Be it the manga or the anime, which had made its big comeback in 2022, Bleach is ruling over the fans’ hearts.
Despite anime’s big stardom, only a few might be aware of its live action film produced by none other than Warner Bros. This high budget fantasy has adapted up to the series’ Soul Reaper Agent Arc. The storyline was slightly changed to fit more to the film’s narrative but it’s nothing major fans should be concerned about. Unlike other live action films, Bleach has generally been well received.
5Rurouni Kenshin
The Meiji Era Swordsman story, Rurouni Kenshin is a familiar name among the veteran anime fans. Recently the series is making rounds for its second anime comeback in the year 2023 after 1998. It follows the story of wandering swordsman protecting people and seeking repentance for the atrocities he had once committed.
Rurouni Kenshin live action films were produced by the acclaimed Warner Bros. Pictures Japan and was directed by Keishi Otomo. The first film was released in 2012 and the last one in 2021.
4Fullmetal Alchemist
Acclaimed as the zenith of anime, Fullmetal Alchemist is still ruling out hearts and minds with the iconic characters and unforgettable story. The series has received various anime and film adaptations including a three-part live action movie, spanning across the complete story.
The live action, directed by Fumihiko Sori is a phenomenal watch that faithfully tried to retain the series’ authenticity while keeping some of its originality. The films also feature some big names like Ryosuke Yamada, Dean Fujioka and Mackenyu Maeda.
3Parasyte
You wouldn’t expect a terrifying series like Parasyte to have a live action adaptation, yet it exists and it’s amazing. Based on the original work of Hitoshi Iwaaki, the story revolves around Shinichi Izumi who now lives with his parasitic arm after a failed parasitic attack on his brain.
Parasyte has two live action films which cover the entire original storyline. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film stars Shota Sometani, Eri Fukatsu and Ai Hashimoto in the key roles.
2Assassination Classroom
One of the most underrated and lesser known live action that everyone should go and watch right now. Assassination Classroom is a 2015 science-fiction action film directed by Eiichirō Hadumi. It also has a sequel known as Assassination Classroom: Graduation released in 2016.
The two live action films had been faithful to the spirit of the original work. It had slight variations similar to other live actions, but the characters and moments were overall the same. All in all, this is an enjoyable watch for the fans of Assassination Classroom.
1The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland manga and anime is always making buzz but hardly any fan talk about its beautiful live action film. It was directed by Yūichirō Hirakawa and Jun Shiozaki and produced by Fuji Television. The series follows the group of children who uncover their orphanage secret and plan a desperate escape.
The live action film was one of the highest grossing films in Japan in 2021. It was well loved by the fans of original work and was praised for its cinematography and soundtracks.
So, these are some of the anime series, which has the most underrated live action adaptations. Do you have any more recommendations like these? If so, then please write in the comment section below.
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