Live-action anime films are notorious for being bad. The anime programs are frequently met with negative reactions from both critics and fans. Despite the critique from the audience, the film industry is constantly striving to strike a balance between bringing anime to life and portraying the emotions, actions, and tales of these characters.
Because of this, some of these adaptations have become unexpectedly fan favorites and cult classics. This makes the shift from animation to live-action smoother than expected. Now, if you are wondering which live-action anime adaptations to watch, you have come to the right place.
Below we have mentioned some of the best live-action anime that you can watch on different streaming platforms. You only need a device and a stable internet connection for smooth streaming. For that, we recommend Mediacom Internet. One dependable option for you. Click here to know more about its fast-speed internet plans.
So now without any delay, take a look at our list of the best live-action anime adaptations you can watch today.
1. Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is widely regarded as one of the finest anime series of all time. It has continued to delight fans and newbies alike with its amazing animation, excellent voice cast, and jazzy music. The story is about a gang of bounty hunters who aims to apprehend some colorful criminals around the solar system in the distant future.
Despite the criticism and cancellation of the live action, Christopher Yost attempted to reproduce the show’s tone while including a number of fresh concepts. It may not have been the final result that fans had hoped for, but it did attempt to repackage the anime’s numerous highlights for those who were unfamiliar with it. The show has a 6.7/10 rating on IMDB.
2. Death Note
Death Note has had a tumultuous past, producing some entirely failed films. But along with unsuccessful ones, one of the finest live-action anime adaptations also came from Death Note. Japan has previously produced a live-action adaptation of the popular anime series centered on the characters L and Light Yagami. Unlike Netflix, the Japanese version stayed true to the character’s appearance and behavior. It has also stuck to the original plot laid forth in the anime and manga.
The slow-paced tense psychological thriller is about a smart student named Light Yagami. He picks up a notebook that grants him the ability to kill almost anybody in the world. He vows to make the world a better place by murdering only criminals. But his brand of justice instills dread rather than delight. A mystery investigator sets out to stop him, starting a cat-and-mouse game.
3. Bleach
Fans are currently waiting for the revival of how the manga’s final arc is going to be translated.
Re-watching Netflix’s live-action movie is a great way to pass the time. Netflix’s Bleach embraces its concept and strikes a good mix of typical self-irony and soulfulness, accentuating things that fans love about the original.
These include visually aesthetic combat, elements of urban fantasy, and, of course, the primary characters. The storylines are far too complex to be condensed into two-hour films. Bleach’s 2018 version confirms this. The film follows the anime’s first few episodes, essentially laying the groundwork for the main plot. Even though the characters don’t have a lot of time to develop, the movie is very entertaining.
4. Ace Attorney
Ace Attorney is one of the most renowned video games and anime series to date. There are very few young adults who aren’t familiar with these characters. The story is about a young defence attorney who is on a mission to uncover the murder of his mentor. In this universe, a new justice system has been established that can effectively prevent the rise of crimes.
Over the years, this brand has covered many terrains. Because of its unusual and hybrid nature, the film had to capture both cinema and video game elements at the same time. Takashi Miike, as the director was a perfect choice, he brought his cartoonish action flare while doubling down on Ace Attorney’s crazy, high-camp moments.
5. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin is widely regarded as “the finest live-action Japanese action tale of the decade.” It’s so popular that this was made as a video game as well. Fans are hoping that the new anime series going to be released this year will be better than the 90s original.
Those who remember the original anime will find much to enjoy in this film. There are barely any differences between the original manga, released in the 90s, and this one. The live-action film avoided farcical humor and cuteness. This allowed for a more somber attitude, fitting for a story about a samurai who longs for peace and vows never to kill again but is forced to take up his sword to defend the innocent when confronted with the ghosts of his past.
6. Alita
Battle Angel Alita was a future sci-fi action manga. It chronicled the adventures of a cyborg as she tries to retrieve her lost memories while working as a bounty hunter. While it did not result in a long-running series, a two-part animation sought to capture the appearance of the artwork that drew the attention of some great Hollywood directors.
A great aspect of the anime that distinguishes Alita from other Hollywood adaptations is how faithful the whole plot is to the source material. Even the actor’s mannerisms and demeanor depiction are accurate. The addition of 3D eyes to Alita seemed to go well, which is generally avoided or scorned in the live-action world. With a mix of action and coming-of-age genres, Alita can be enjoyed by action fans of all ages.
Conclusion
Many studios have attempted to bring some of the most renowned anime and manga characters to life over the years, with some succeeding better than others. Whether they endeavored to remain true to the source material or to build something new from it, the above-mentioned list of films made an effort to provide something interesting for the fans.