The Next Blockbuster: A Live-Action Anime That Rivals One Piece

Netflix has been home to numerous anime live-action productions over the years, but none have matched the success of the recent One Piece live-action series. Now, another anime adaptation is poised to follow in One Piece's footsteps.

Yoshihiro Togashi's 90's Japanese manga Yu Yu Hakusho is gearing up to impress audiences with its highly anticipated live-action adaptation. Unlike One Piece, Yu Yu Hakusho will not be in English; instead, it will be a Japanese live-action series, similar to the hit series Alice in Borderland on Netflix.

The live-action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho was approved in 2020 and debuted its trailer and poster at Geeked Week in 2023. With a positive reception from the community, it is poised to become one of Netflix's biggest releases of 2023.

While the initial reception to anime live-action adaptations was negative, the success of One Piece Season 1 on Netflix has not only delighted existing fans but also drawn in new ones.

Yu Yu Hakusho could be a potent anime live-action after One Piece

Yu Yu Hakusho is set to debut on Netflix on December 14, 2023, and fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the supernatural live-action series. The success of One Piece has raised the bar for every cinephile, and after watching the emotional trailer for the show, it's safe to say that our expectations should be high.

Opening with a gripping car accident, we are introduced to the central character, Yusuke Urameshi, who is depicted standing next to his lifeless body. However, this is just the beginning for him, as he is brought back to life as a spirit detective tasked with safeguarding humanity from otherworldly creatures.

The video, clocking in at 1 minute and 57 seconds, showcases a plethora of action-packed fights and impressive CGI. Based on the trailer, it appears that the series has maintained its loyalty to the original source material, although the final verdict will have to wait until its official release on the streaming platform. Additionally, the actors appear to be doing an excellent job at bringing the anime characters to life, with Takumi Kitamura in particular standing out in his portrayal of Yusuke Urameshi in the live-action adaptation.

How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023

The success of One Piece has paved the way for additional anime live-action adaptations, and if Yu Yu Hakusho proves to be successful, we can anticipate the approval of more similar projects in the future.

If you're outside the US, you can easily access Crunchyroll's full library of anime, including popular series like One Piece, Attack on Titan, or Jujutsu Kaisen, with the help of ExpressVPN.

Sign up for ExpressVPN to access ultra-fast servers and enjoy a secure, private connection from anywhere in the world. With 24 different spot locations to choose from, you can connect to a US location of your choice, whether it's New Jersey or Santa Monica.

Head over to Crunchyroll's website and start streaming all your favorite anime series, and maybe even discover some new ones. It's worth noting that accessing Crunchyroll's US lineup offers a much wider selection compared to other regions. For instance, users in Hong Kong have access to less than 100 titles, whereas the US boasts nearly 1,000 movies and TV shows.

Watch anime on Crunchyroll for free with an ad-supported plan or upgrade to a subscription. Plus, take advantage of a 14-day free trial if you're not sure. Explore our other anime coverage here.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am incredibly excited about the upcoming live-action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho. I have been a fan of the anime for years and have always wanted to see it brought to life in a live-action format. I believe that this adaptation has the potential to be even better than the original anime, as it will be able to take advantage of modern filmmaking techniques and technology.

I am also excited about the potential for this adaptation to introduce Yu Yu Hakusho to a new generation of fans. The anime is already very popular, but I believe that a live-action adaptation could make it even more accessible to a wider audience. I am confident that this adaptation will be a success and I can't wait to see it when it is released.