5 anime live-action adaptations that need to happen (& 5 that should become lost media)

Anime live-action adaptations receive mixed reactions from fans. Some adaptations succeed, while others flop, leaving fans wishing certain series remained untouched. Anime with realistic settings, relatable characters, and grounded storylines often adapt well to live-action.

However, fantasy-heavy anime with exaggerated animation risk losing their appeal when adapted. This list explores which anime would make engaging live-action series with visuals and themes suited for real-world storytelling and which should remain untouched.

On the flip side, the ones that shouldn't be adapted serve better in anime form, wherein their unique style and compound narratives are shown better.

Disclaimer: This contains the sole opinion of the author.

Anime live-action adaptations that must happen

1) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (Image via Kohei Horikoshi, Viz Media)

This list of anime live-action adaptations that should happen, according to fans, begins with My Hero Academia. One of the biggest reasons it would do well is the craze surrounding superheroes. Everyone loves a great superhero story and that is exactly what Kohei Horikoshi's series is.

Following the journey of Izuku Midoriya, it introduces a host of unique characters and boasts a stellar storyline. Each of its characters possesses distinct Quirks (powers) that they use in extremely creative ways. If adapted correctly, the series' portrayal of superpowers, colorful characters, and the coming-of-age aspect would be a major hit.

2) Death Note (reboot)

Death Note (Image via Tsugumi Ohba, Shueisha)

Next, Death Note stands among the anime live-action adaptations that need to happen. But in this case, it would be a reboot. There already exist two known adaptations of the series, released in 2006 and in 2017. While the 2006 release wasn't too bad, the 2017 one was not well-received by fans.

Tsugumi Obha's series has a unique concept - the existence of a Death Note, a notebook that takes the life of whoever's name is written in it. Things get further spiced up when Light Yagami tries to play God and attracts L's attention, the two engaging in an intense intellectual battle.

Such a successful series deserves a proper live-action adaptation and in this case, a reboot with better casting, direction, and adherence to the source material for proper depth and suspense.

3) Haikyuu!

Excluding Haikyuu! from this list of necessary to happen anime live-action adaptations would be criminal. It is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, sports anime out there. The success of its stage play speaks volumes about the potential it has if taken to the big screen.

Needless to mention, it will take considerable effort to recreate whatever is seen in the anime. However, if done properly, it could be the next big thing to watch out for in the Sports Genre. The story of Hinata Shoyo is much-loved by animanga fans and it is likely time to share the same with the rest of the world.

4) Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen added itself to this list of anime live-action adaptations that must be made. Gege Akutami's series needs no introduction, and its sheer popularity at the moment is a testament. Featuring a world of Curses and Jujutsu Sorcerers, the series is a dark fantasy that captured hearts almost instantly.

This one would be a little tougher to make, considering the unique character designs and abilities. The settings of each of the arcs are also distinct. But if taken on and produced appropriately, this live-action adaptation will definitely take the world by storm, since many want to see their favorite characters come alive.

5) Blue Lock

Finally, concluding this side of the list of anime live-action adaptations that need to happen is Muneyuki Kaneshiro's Blue Lock. Tipped to take up the torch from the highly successful Haikyuu!, Kaneshiro's series offers a unique take on football that wowed fans.

The manga did well, which led to a great anime adaptation and further grew in popularity thanks to Japan's FIFA World Cup performance. With the second season airing, this series might be another successful live action in the Sports Genre. This wouldn't be the first time a football series does well on the big screen.

Anime live-action adaptations that are and would be a disaster

1) Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball series (Image via Toei Animation)

Switching sides, we now look at anime live-action adaptations that shouldn't be touched. Kicking off this list is the mega-popular Dragon Ball. Anyone who is anyone has at least heard of the legendary Akira Toriyama's series and the name Son Goku. So much so that Goku was chosen as ambassador of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

But this series is better left as an anime and a manga. Dragon Ball Evolution stands as an example of why this might be true. The characters, over-the-top abilities, and alien settings proved to be too tough to recreate for the big screen. When attempted, it came out looking odd and wasn't pleasant.

2) Jojo's Bizarre Adventures

Jojo's Bizarre Adventures (Image via David Production Inc.)

Similar to Dragon Ball, even Jojo's Bizarre Adventures is a series better left without any anime live-action adaptations. Not to be mistaken, it is a highly-rated series with memorable characters, flashy powers, and an engrossing storyline that keeps viewers hooked till the end.

That is also exactly why it must be left untouched. The vibrant art, absolutely exaggerated abilities, and eccentric characters will not translate well into live-action. Such a series' charm lies in it being an anime and the flexibility it receives to extend into the absurd even but yet be entertaining.

3) Attack on Titan

Among anime live-action adaptations that shouldn't happen, Attack on Titan is a controversial one. The sheer scale of the series is what would deter many from venturing into the Titan-infested lands to adapt it into a live-action.

The idea of a post-apocalyptic world showcasing humanity's tussle against giant creatures for survival is solid, but as seen previously, it doesn't work on the big screen.

If a reboot is in fact decided, it would take mammoth efforts from the appropriate production house, director, producer, cast, scriptwriter, and background artists to pull off the project. Till that happens, it is one of those anime live-action adaptations better left undisturbed.

4) Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (Image via Studio Bones)

Like Death Note, the series Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood also has an existing live-action adaptation. However, similar to Death Note and Dragon Ball, it did not turn out well. Hence, the series finds itself on this side of the list of anime live-action adaptations that should not happen.

The magic shown in the series, the characters, and the multiple settings look breathtaking in anime form. However, these aspects might lose their charm if taken to the screen in an improper manner, as evident from the existing live action. Nonetheless, this is territory better not ventured into at the moment.

5) Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Image via Studio Gainax)

Finally, concluding this list of anime live-action adaptations that should be left untouched is Neon Genesis Evangelion. Its complicated mix of mecha action, profound psychological aspect, and religious symbolism will likely prove to be an extremely tough task to convert effectively into live-action.

Additionally, the imagery of the series of dreamlike and empirical themes tends to look better as an anime. This is where abstraction performs very well. If brought to the big screen, it might confuse mainstream viewers, and the depth of the essence of the characters’ trauma could turn out to be oversimplified.