10 best anime remakes that surpassed the original series

10 best anime remakes (Image via Sportskeeda)
10 best anime remakes (Image via Sportskeeda)

In the world of animation, anime remakes have gained popularity because they give fans the chance to revisit their favorite stories from fresh perspectives and with updated visuals. However, not every original adaptation, is able to capture the spirit of the original work in its entirety. Remakes can help in this situation by offering a second chance to do things correctly.

These anime remakes frequently seek to make up for the flaws in their original works, whether that be through closer adherence to the manga's original material, higher-quality animation, or more character and plot development. This article examines ten anime remakes that have, in many situations, even outperformed their original series, in addition to living up to their legacy.

Disclaimer: This article is ranked in no particular order and is subjective


10 anime remakes that outshined their originals

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Still from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Studio Bones)
Still from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Studio Bones)

When it comes to the manga by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a more faithful adaptation than the 2003 series. Brotherhood has a more satisfying ending, deeper character development, and a more compelling storyline. Furthermore, instead of the filler episodes that afflicted the first series, the pacing is more consistent.

Brotherhood has been praised for its emotional depth and complex characters, making it a favorite among fans and critics alike. In addition, Akira Senju's critically acclaimed soundtrack for Brotherhood also amplifies the emotional impact of key scenes. Overall, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered one of the best anime remakes ever made.


2) Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Gon Freecs as seen in episode 121 (Image via Madhouse)
Gon Freecs as seen in episode 121 (Image via Madhouse)

When compared to the 1999 series, Hunter x Hunter (2011) offers better animation and sound quality. The 2011 series is praised for its faithful adaptation and emotional depth. The remake covers more of Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, including the Chimera Ant and Election arcs, which were not included in the original series.

Additionally, the Madhouse-produced animation is visually stunning with exquisite character designs and fluid action scenes. Hunter x Hunter (2011) is considered one of the best anime remakes, capturing the essence of the manga more effectively.


3) Fruits Basket (2019)

Still from Fruits Basket season 3 opening (Image via TMS Entertainment)
Still from Fruits Basket season 3 opening (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Unlike the original series, which ended too soon, the 2019 remake of Fruits Basket offers a complete adaptation of Natsuki Takaya's manga. The updated animation, modernized artwork, and a closer examination of the backstories and relationships of the characters are all visible in the remake.

The cast gives excellent voice acting as well, with some particularly noteworthy performances. Masaru Yokoyama's soundtrack elevates the series' overall caliber and heightens the weight of its most moving moments. Fruits Basket is one of the best anime remakes of 2019, which offers a more thorough and fulfilling adaptation of the manga.


4) Hellsing Ultimate

Still from Hellsing Ultimate season 2 (Image via Madhouse)
Still from Hellsing Ultimate season 2 (Image via Madhouse)

The manga by Kouta Hirano is more faithfully adapted in Hellsing Ultimate, which maintains the darker, more violent tone of the original work. With a longer runtime in the new version than in the original Hellsing series, Ultimate plays out a lot more events and plot points. In addition, the remake has a completely different ending, which many fans still consider to be better.

With a completed source material series at its disposal, the remake features more thoughtfully developed characters, and even new ones absent in the original series. The result is an anime so different from the original that many fans advise skipping the original altogether in favor of Ultimate, making it one of the best anime remakes.


5) Dororo (2019)

Hyakkimaru as seen in the anime (Image via Tezuka Productions, MAPPA)
Hyakkimaru as seen in the anime (Image via Tezuka Productions, MAPPA)

The 2019 adaptation of Osamu Tezuka's beloved work takes a more sophisticated and refined approach to storytelling. Because the characters are more fully realized, the narrative is more gripping and emotionally compelling. The remake is renowned for its dark and gritty atmosphere, which does a better job of preserving the spirit of the original manga.

The animation in Dororo (2019) is far superior, and it even adopts a more somber tone and style that better suits the story's gravity instead of sticking with the cartoonish original. In conclusion, fans would have missed this masterpiece of an anime if it hadn't been remade, which makes it one of the most notable anime remakes.


6) Devilman Crybaby (2018)

Still from Devilman Crybaby episode 8 (Image via Science SARU)
Still from Devilman Crybaby episode 8 (Image via Science SARU)

Devilman Crybaby directed by Masaaki Yuasa, which features modern animation and a more intense, psychological storyline, is an update of Go Nagai's original tale. The remake explores themes of identity, humanity, and societal decay in a more profound and impactful way. The animation has a striking visual aesthetic that is both distinctive and daring.

Moreover, many of the original series' fans were pleased to see the story receive a second series, as the original was limited to OVAs between the 1970s and Devilman. Therefore, Devilman Crybaby is one of the most notable anime remakes that surpass the original with its contemporary animation and storytelling.


7) Evangelion: Rebuild (Movie Tetralogy)

Still from Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (Image via Khara)
Still from Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone (Image via Khara)

With modernized graphics and additional story points, the Rebuild series offers an innovative take on Hideaki Anno's timeless work. The narrative centers on Shinji Ikari, a young child who controls a massive robot that defends humanity against mysterious beings known as Angels. With fresh perspectives and new insights on the characters and themes, the remake reimagines the original tale.

Remaking the original anime wasn't necessary because it was already a respected and beloved cult classic. Despite this, the film series was still excellent overall, and the ending exceeded the expectations of those who watched the original anime. The addition of new plot points and characters greatly enhanced the remake, making Rebuild of Evangelion one of the most noteworthy anime remakes.


8) Blade of the Immortal (2019)

Still from Blade of the Immortal (Image via LIDENFILMS)
Still from Blade of the Immortal (Image via LIDENFILMS)

Blade of the Immortal's 2019 adaptation boasts better animation, with intricate character designs and seamless action scenes. The story follows Manji, a samurai cursed with immortality, who seeks redemption by killing 1,000 evil men. The remake captures a gritty and intense atmosphere, not shying away from the source material.

The series stands out from other anime remakes in the genre thanks to its vibrant colors, exquisite cinematic composition, realistic shadows, and well-executed fight scenes, all of which are produced by LIDENFILMS. With a 24-episode run, the remake ensures that the character development and world-building are refined, providing more thrilling and high-stakes interactions.


9) Trigun Stampede

The opening scene of Trigun Stampede (Image via Studio Orange)
The opening scene of Trigun Stampede (Image via Studio Orange)

Trigun Stampede is a CG-animated retelling of the classic ‘90s anime. The remake presents a new interpretation of Yasuhiro Nightow's original story using contemporary animation techniques. Orange produced the visually stunning animation, which features intricate character designs and seamless action scenes.

Furthermore, the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist is more deeply explored, which presents a more satisfying climax to the series. The story becomes more engaging and emotionally compelling as a result of the remake's deeper exploration of the motivations and backstories of the characters, earning it a spot among the list of noteworthy anime remakes.


10) Sailor Moon Crystal

Still from Sailor Moon Crystal season 1 (Image via Toei Animation)
Still from Sailor Moon Crystal season 1 (Image via Toei Animation)

Sailor Moon Crystal offers a more condensed and accurate storyline by closely adhering to Naoko Takeuchi's manga. The remake explores the relationships of the characters in greater detail, offering a more complex and captivating story. Sailor Moon Crystal is able to tell the story without any additional fuss because there are no filler episodes to drag it down, unlike the original.

Additionally, the pace picks up significantly, which is probably better for fans of contemporary anime. Sailor Moon Crystal truly reached its peak in the last season with an upgrade in animation style, ending things on a note that makes fans of the manga proud. In conclusion, it is one of the most notable anime remakes of its time.


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