Unveiling the Ultimate Anime Gems Derived from Visual Novels

Although most anime are based on manga, there are many great shows that are actually adapted from visual novels. Visual novels are a popular genre of games in Japan where players navigate narratives and make choices that influence the outcome of the story. Adapting visual novels can be challenging due to the multiple story paths, but it is not impossible, as evidenced by many successful anime adaptations.

The main challenge in adapting a visual novel into an anime is condensing the extensive content into a coherent narrative. While players of visual novels can explore multiple story paths, anime adaptations generally follow a single straightforward narrative, which often requires significant editing. Some series have addressed this challenge by producing multiple anime adaptations to cover the entire story. However, this list will focus on one entry per franchise to provide a diverse selection. Without further ado, here are the top 10 anime adaptations based on visual novels.

9 School Days

8 Danganronpa

School Days stands out as the oddest inclusion on this list, primarily due to its significance in anime history rather than its inherent quality. That's not to suggest that the series is poor, as it offers an intriguing high school drama revolving around Makoto and his complex relationships with Sekai and Kotonoha. The dark nature of the story may appeal to viewers who appreciate such narratives. However, the conclusion of the series was so bleak that it gained infamy for being pulled from broadcast following a real-life tragedy that mirrored its events. Whether you seek to delve into the origins of the "Nice Boat" meme or simply desire a slice of edgy anime history, School Days proves to be a worthwhile watch.

With a killer premise and plenty of surprising twists, Danganronpa is a standout visual novel that has achieved mainstream success. The gripping story revolves around a group of exceptional students at Hope's Peak high school who are compelled to participate in a death game orchestrated by the enigmatic robotic bear, Monokuma. While some fans argue that the game surpasses its anime adaptation, the Danganronpa anime still effectively captures the thrilling narrative of the visual novel and brings its vibrant characters to life. As a result, Danganronpa is a must-watch for enthusiasts of the death game genre.

7 Little Busters!

Little Busters! is an endearing anime that revolves around Riki, a high school student who embarks on a mission to assemble a baseball team and revive his childhood group of friends known as the Little Busters before one of them graduates. Alongside the heartwarming narrative, a captivating mystery unfolds early on when one of the Little Busters discovers a note urging them to unravel the enigmas of the world. While it may not offer an action-packed experience, Little Busters! delivers a delightful slice of life romance series that will surely captivate fans of the genre.

6 Ef: A Tale of Memories

Ef sets itself apart from other visual novel adaptations by presenting a diverse range of romantic relationships rather than focusing on a single protagonist and their potential partners. The story revolves around a group of characters, including Hiro and Miyako who meet under unusual circumstances involving a stolen bicycle, and Renji and Chihiro who share a common goal of writing a book together. Despite the complexity of managing multiple storylines and character groups, Ef effortlessly navigates through these intricacies, delivering a heartfelt and satisfying narrative that will surely captivate romance enthusiasts.

5 Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

There have been several attempts to create an anime version of Fate/Stay Night, but arguably the most successful one is the series produced by Ufotable, which follows the Unlimited Blade Works route. This anime revolves around Shirou Emiya, who finds himself entangled in a Holy Grail War. In this war, sorcerers summon heroic spirits from the past to battle against each other. The series is renowned for its thrilling and spectacular fights, characteristic of the Fate franchise. For those seeking the complete storyline, the original adaptation by Studio Deen covers the main route of the visual novel, while the movie series Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel delves into the darkest route involving the character Sakura.

4 Kanon

Kanon, like some of the finest visual novel adaptations, presents a heartfelt romantic drama grounded in reality. It may not always take the spotlight, especially when compared to another entry later in this list, but Kanon remains an exceptional anime. Our protagonist, Aizawa Yuuichi, finds himself returning to a town from his childhood and crossing paths with various girls from his past. Throughout this emotionally charged journey, he rediscovers long-forgotten memories, lending an air of mystery. Despite its slightly outdated animation style, Kanon stands strong as one of Kyoto Animation's early masterpieces that continues to captivate audiences today.

3 Higurashi: When They Cry

One of the few horror series featured in this list, Higurashi presents a remarkably distinctive premise that effortlessly captivates its viewers. The story revolves around Keiichi, a protagonist who relocates to a tranquil, small village just before a festival. However, things are not what they appear to be, and as Keiichi delves into a series of murders and disappearances seemingly linked to the festival, he uncovers even deeper mysteries and horrifying tragedies. What sets this series apart is its repetitive plot structure, skillfully exploring various versions of the events leading up to the festival in an enthralling manner. Although not suited for those easily frightened, Higurashi stands as one of the greatest horror anime of all time, paying homage to the visual novels upon which it is based.

2 Clannad

Clannad is widely regarded as one of the most emotionally impactful anime of all time, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. The story centers around Tomoya, who assists Nagisa in reviving their school's drama club. Along the way, he encounters several other girls, each with their own personal struggles that he helps them overcome. However, it is in the sequel series, Clannad: After Story, where the series truly shines. Following the characters after their high school graduation, the anime delves even deeper into the emotional complexities of their lives. Despite having slightly dated artwork, similar to Kanon, Clannad is an absolute must-watch for any fan of anime seeking a heartfelt show that will undoubtedly bring tears to their eyes.

1 Steins;Gate

Stein's;Gate is a remarkable story in its own right, but what sets it apart and places it at the pinnacle of this list is its seamless incorporation of a visual novel's structure into its narrative. The series centers around Rintaro, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who accidentally stumbles upon the ability to travel through time. As he endeavors to utilize this technology to resolve various issues, he becomes entangled in a sprawling conspiracy that pushes him to his limits. Packed with mind-bending plot twists, Steins;Gate will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until its climactic conclusion. The series' branching timelines neatly mirror the diverging paths typically found in games, making Steins;Gate the pinnacle of anime adaptations of visual novels.

Ultimately, all of these anime successfully tackle the immensely challenging task of translating their stories from visual novel formats to television series. Unfortunately, in recent years, there have been fewer new adaptations of visual novels, which is a pity considering the success of these series demonstrates that it can be done well. For now, these are the top 10 anime adapted from visual novels, but we hope to see more exceptional shows inspired by the vast array of great visual novels that currently exist.