The Greatest Live-Action Anime Series

Netflix's Notable Live-Action Anime Adaptations

For anime fans looking to explore the live-action adaptations of their favorite shows, there are plenty that have proven themselves worthy of watching. There are a number of fantastic live-action TV adaptations of anime out there to enjoy, but, as with any genre, some shows are better than others. What makes one adaptation better than another can vary for a number of reasons, including its quality and faithfulness to the source material. From intricate set designs to incredible performances, some are able to capture the spirit and charm of the anime with incredible accuracy.

Netflix is particularly notable for its live-action anime adaptations, with some like Death Note (2017) leaving fans rather disappointed, while others like One Piece thrilled audiences and even gained new followers who hadn't previously encountered the classic anime. Live-action has the unique capacity to reimagine characters and worlds in a way that appeals to a broader audience by bridging the gap between anime fans and newcomers. The best examples also offer an opportunity to experiment with different filmmaking and creative techniques that bring these stories to life in a fresher, newer, and more exciting way.

Top Live-Action Anime Adaptations

Prison School (2015) is the adaptation of the hit raunchy anime that stays true to the original source material. The live-action show is full of the same raunchy comedy, crudeness, and drama, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. It's a faithful adaptation, but it doesn't bring anything new to the series. The show can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Crunchyroll.

Asana Mamoru and Hirona Yamazaki in Prison School's live-action show

The 2019 Netflix adaptation of The Prince of Tennis makes several changes and departures from the original manga and anime, being set in China for a Chinese audience. The gripping sports scenes and fun, fast-paced action are just as enjoyable to watch as they are in the anime. The show can be streamed on Netflix.

Lu Xia in Prince of Tennis

The 2008 live-action television drama Honey and Clover follows Yuta Takemoto, an art college student in Tokyo, who falls for genius painter Hagumi Hanamoto. The live-action adaptation follows quite close to the original storyline of the anime, with plenty of melodramatic drama packed in to keep things moving.

Character looking out a winow over a skyline in Honey and Clover LIVE ACTION

Noteworthy Live-Action Adaptations

Future Diary: Another World is a live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series Future Diary. The story follows a carefree college student who becomes a player in a deadly game after receiving a prototype smartphone from his friend. Compared to the anime, the live-action show takes a more realistic approach to the story by dialing back special effects and supernatural fight sequences, while still staying true to the spirit of the original anime.

Mirai Nikki in Future Diary Another World Finale

Netflix's Erased is the 2017 live-action adaptation of the same-titled anime, itself based on Kei Sanbe's manga of the same name. The show makes a few subtle changes from the anime, particularly with the main character's personality, and does an excellent job of building suspense and mystery around its time-travel premise.

Netflix's Erased Satoru walking in the snow

The 2015 Death Note drama series is considered to be one of the best Death Note live-action adaptations. While based on the manga, it introduces several changes to the narrative, such as characters being adapted for realism. The show offers faithful storytelling and solid performances but differs from the original in its character portrayal.

Death Note 2015 Ryuk in episode 1, confronting Light Yagami on the rooftop.