We anime fans are a passionate bunch. The thrill of a great new anime series or a fresh season of a classic is heaven. But our passion can turn with the announcement of a live-action adaptation of a beloved favorite. Mixed feelings. Mixed feelings everywhere.
On the one hand, it’s really exciting to see this unique form of Japanese storytelling breaking into mainstream Hollywood. It feels like a validation of the art form we love, an acknowledgment that these interesting worlds and characters do appeal to the “normies” out there. But there’s always that looming cloud of apprehension, especially if it’s Netflix announcing an adaptation: will they get it right or butcher a masterpiece?
Netflix make a lot of live-action anime adaptations, and their track record isn’t exactly confidence-inspiring. Sure, we’ve had some “eh” adaptations like the live-action versions of Bleach and Rurouni Kenshin, but some are downright unforgivable. Adapting anime to live-action is really difficult. From the characters and their unique quirks and looks to the insane amount of magical fighting, it’s like trying to dodge those 100 lightning strikes in the Thunder Plain in Final Fantasy X; pretty close to impossible.
But Netflix has kept at it by remaking iconic titles like One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the stakes are high. Will they honor the source material, or will they end up in the hall of shame? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the fandom will be watching closely, ready to cheer or jeer.
So which of Netflix’s many anime remakes are worth watching? Let’s find out.
15. Death Note (2017)
Oh boy, where do we even start with this monstrosity?
Death Note is an excellent anime that has everything going for it: a great and twisty plot, moral dilemmas, a thirsty girlfriend character, and a layered cast. What could have been a recipe for an epic Netflix live-action adaptation was turned into the storytelling equivalent of instant ramen: quick, bland, and unsatisfying.
It was more like watching a cliff-notes version of the anime, but if the cliff-notes were also missing half the pages and had the stupidest ending I could have ever dreamed of. The original Death Note — about a high schooler who finds a notebook that allows him to kill anybody he wishes simply by writing their name — dealt with big, ethical questions, like whether it’s right to play God and the consequences of absolute power. Netflix’s version? A stupid teen drama with a supernatural twist, but light on the “drama” and heavy on the “why did they do this to my beloved anime?”
This is literally a textbook case of how not to adapt an anime.
14. Cowboy Bebop (2021)
Netflix’s attempt at bringing this legendary space cowboy saga to live-action was a big miss, yet again. Fans of the original show were sitting on the edge of their seats and hoping for a miracle: that Netflix could capture the jazzy coolness, existential moodiness, and kickass action of this famous show. It didn’t happen.
This is Cowboy Bebop we’re talking about, one of the untouchable classics. The original had this perfect harmony of of space chases, bounty hunting shenanigans, and the best soundtrack in any anime ever, gifted to us by a band called the Seatbelts. But Netflix’s version came off as trying too hard to be as cool and ended up embarrassing itself. From severely awkward dialogue to a complete lack of convincing emotional moments, this live-action adaptation was lost in space.
After just one ill-fated season, Netflix put Cowboy Bebop out of its misery, and we’ve moved on pretending that just didn’t happen.
13. Bleach (2018)
Look, this Bleach movie isn’t a total train wreck; they did an okay job translating the anime’s first arc to the big screen. But “okay” isn’t what we wanted. The original Bleach anime is an amazing epic with twists, turns, and character development that takes place over years. Trying to jam all of that goodness into a two-hour movie? Yikes, Netflix.
And let’s talk about depth, or in this case, the lack thereof. One of the magical things about the original Bleach anime is how deep and layered the story and characters are. You get attached, you care about what happens to them. In the Netflix version, it’s like they were sprinting through the storyline so fast we barely got to know anyone. Ichigo went from zero to hero in the blink of an eye. And the supporting characters, especially my boy Renji? They felt like cardboard cutouts, props rather than actual people.
Netflix’s Bleach may not be the worst anime adaptation ever, but it’s no Bankai at all.
12. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge Of Scar/The Final Alchemy (2022)
Talk about a letdown.
Though these Fullmetal Alchemist movies did feature Scar, a villain we all love to hate, this final two-part chapter of the live-action movie series did a wonderfully bad belly-flop right into the pool of disappointment. It felt like Netflix tried to stuff a 12-course meal into a tiny bento box, which is impossible. I am not sure what Netflix tried to do by cramming so much storyline into just one movie. It’s a confusing jigsaw puzzle not even the most die-hard fans could piece together.
And don’t even get me started on the acting and CGI. You know you screwed up when the original animated material feels more lifelike than its live-action counterpart. If the acting were any stiffer and ungraceful, you’d think you were watching a bunch of mannequins standing next to each other. As for the CGI, I’ve probably seen better special effects on TikTok.
11. Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)
If you’re a fan of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime or manga, don’t watch this. Keep Ed and Al in your mind as they are in the anime. Netflix took a beautiful, intricate story and then tried to recreate it with a computer with a keyboard missing almost all the letters.
The original Fullmetal Alchemist is an emotionally rich tale that goes very deep into themes of sacrifice, morality, and the complexities of being human. But the Netflix version? It defenestrated all of those intricate points and said, “Hey, you know what people love? Explosions and action scenes!” Except, plot twist: even the action scenes were kind of “meh”.
This adaptation felt like Netflix just skimmed through the Wikipedia page for Fullmetal Alchemist and called it a day. It’s not just that they ignored the emotional and moral layers that make the original series an iconic part of anime culture; it’s that they couldn’t even nail the action sequences they were so dead-set on prioritizing instead of those intense and touching moments.
You’d think if they’re going to neglect the story’s heart and soul, they’d at least make it visually dazzling, right? Nope.
10. From Me To You: Kimi Ni Todoke (2023 – Present)
Ah, the sweet blush of anime love!
When Netflix announced a live-action adaptation called From Me to You, fans were excited and a tiny bit nervous. Though this wasn’t nearly as bad as previous live-action adaptation attempts, it wasn’t great; it was kind of like wanting your favorite dish but getting a fast-food equivalent; still tasty, but not the same.
The show rushes through Sawako’s journey from shy girl to confident young woman, ignoring the quiet moments where we all feel for her and Kazehaya from the original anime. The music is also a bit letfown. The original soundtrack was excellent, but in this adaptation? Meh.
That said, the side characters Chizu and Ryu totally steal the show, with their love story almost making up for the things the main plot lacks. Almost. You might find some sort of nostalgic enjoyment or at least appreciate Netflix’s effort here if you’re a fan of the original anime. But if you’ve never watched it, do yourself a favor and start there.
9. Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead (2023 – Present)
Just a month after the anime Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead was released and devoured by fans, a live-action adaptation directed by Yusuke Ishida arrived on Netflix. Based on Haro Aso (Alice in Borderland) and Kotaro Takata’s acclaimed manga, this light-hearted comedy-horror follows Akira Tendo, an exhausted and burnt-out corporate worker turned zombie-apocalypse survivor.
The live-action adaptation has its highs and lows, but it’s truly fun when Akira teams up with his friends Kencho and Shizuka. Together, they are like the Three Musketeers of the apocalypse: they drive around Japan in an RV doing all the fun things Akira never had the time for. It’s all laughs and goofy adventures, and the chemistry between the actors keeps you hooked.
The Netflix adaptation doesn’t dig too deep into the supporting characters, and some jokes start to feel a bit stale, but this zombie comedy has a heart. It ends up being as much about embracing life as it is escaping death.
8. Kakegurui (2019 – Present)
Netflix’s adaptation of Kakegurui is a bit of a ride.
Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we? Kakegurui plays it smart by sticking close to its anime roots, showing us that Netflix had learned some lessons over the years. Netflix kept it simple, focusing on that high-stakes, sweat-on-your-brow gambling that we all loved from the original series. They didn’t try to reinvent the whole story, and it paid off.
However… while keeping it simple worked in favor of the story, it also felt like the adaptation played it a bit too safe at times. The anime is known for its deliciously twisted characters and the intricate strategies they come up with, while the Netflix version seems to dial it down a notch. While the show does justice to the anime, it misses out on pushing the envelope a little and giving us those”they did not just do that!” moments.
7. Rurouni Kenshin – The Beginning (2021)
Netflix’s take on Rurouni Kenshin was… alright.
To give credit where it’s due, props to Netflix for creating an adaptation that actually feels like it respects its roots. It’s a love letter to both fans of the original anime and old-school samurai movie buffs. They stayed true to the original story while adding some fresh spins, a tough balance to achieve. The characters don’t just look like they walked out of the anime, they act like it too, with epic showdowns that pay respect to the original series.
But it ain’t all cherry blossoms and sword clashes. While this movie does a lot of things right, it’s got plenty of flaws and hiccups. In trying to please everyone, there are moments when the film feels a bit stretched. While it’s a good enough adaptation, don’t go in expecting perfection on a platter.
6. The Ingenuity Of The Househusband (2021 – Present)
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of The Ingenuity of the Househusband, a story about a retired mob boss who has a knack for housework, is actually pretty decent.
If you’re a fan of the original anime, you’ll be happy to know that Kenjirô Tsuda, the anime’s original voice actor, steps into the live-action show as… himself. This means fans can relax a little bit while watching, since there’s a familiar element. Tsuda nails it, bringing the same quirky charm and deadpan hilarity to the live-action show that made the anime a hit.
While it’s awesome to have the original voice actor on board, something’s missing when it comes to moments where you spit out your soda because you’re laughing so hard. Those are a bit scarce in the live-action adaptation, leaving us craving more.
5. Rurouni Kenshin – The Final (2021)
Much like Netflix’s Rurouni Kenshin, The Final manages to deliver a live-action adaptation that didn’t just try to mimic the original, but take it to another level. This movie does a great job of weaving together Kenshin’s backstory with the present-day hustle, creating a story that sometimes outshines the anime and manga, depending on the angle you’re using. Another great thing is that the fight scenes are actually really good, making you feel every slice of the sword and marvel at every acrobatic flip.
But hey, we’re talking Netflix adaptations; there are usually a few quirks. In trying to do justice to both the backstory and the current events, the pacing takes a bit of a hit. There are moments when you’re just begging the bosses at Netflix to just give us some action. The story can feel stretched, much like it did in the first movie. While it does a lot of things right, it also has us checking our watches now and then.
4. Alice In Borderland (2020 – Present)
Netflix deserves praise for opting to turn Alice in Borderland into a series instead of cramming it all into a two-hour movie. This is a tale about gamer friends who find themselves in a weird part of Tokyo, playing sadistic games in order to survive.
The extended format gives us time to really dive into this twisted world and get to know the characters, not to mention those what’s-gonna-happen-next moments that has us all hitting that “Next Episode” button when watching the anime. The character development? Chef’s kiss. The story? A nail-biting thrill. Netflix really did good with this one.
But while Alice in Borderland hits a lot of high notes, it’s got a couple of flat ones too. If you’re a purist who’s super-attached to every little detail in the original anime, some of the changes might get you a bit upset. Also, there are moments when the pacing feels off; one minute you’re at the peak of an adrenaline rush, and the next you’re just waiting for the plot to move along. But hey, no adaptation is perfect, right?
Well, there are a couple that come a little closer:
3. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Netflix's live-action remake ofAvatar: The Last Airbender burst onto the scene in 2024, decked out in its finest, aiming to dazzle and win over the hearts of fans far and wide. With viewership numbers that would make any network swoon, it's like the popular kid at school everyone wants to be friends with.
It’s got the charm, the magic, and the nostalgia all wrapped up in one neat package. But... here's the thing: it’s like that sweet, fun new friend who's great to hang out with but doesn't quite have the depth or unpredictability of your bestie. That bestie, in this world of Netflix live-action remakes, is the live-action version of One Piece. Despite Avatar's commendable attempt to bridge the gap between the fantastical elements of its animated predecessor and the live-action format, it's like trying to catch lightning in a bottle twice. It shines, yes, but next to One Piece, with its sky-high critic and audience scores, it's more of a flicker than a blaze.
The absence of Avatar's original creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, who left due to creative differences, is like setting sail without your compass; you might find your way, but you'll miss some of the magic that guides you to hidden treasures. The One Piece remake, on the other hand, had Eiichiro Oda, the original creator, steering the ship closely alongside the showrunners, ensuring that not a single piece of its soul was lost in translation. This is why, despite Avatar pulling in some solid numbers and getting renewed for future seasons, falls just short of the top stop. It's like a well-loved cover band: enjoyable and comforting but lacking the je ne sais quoi of the original.
In the grand scheme of Netflix’s ambitious anime adaptations, Avatar: The Last Airbender does indeed sparkle, but is definitely not sitting pretty in the number one spot.
2. Parasyte: The Grey (2024)
In the realm of live-action anime adaptations, Parasyte: The Grey emerges as a beacon of creative brilliance and reverence. Netflix's take of the iconic manga and anime series Parasyte has not only embraced the core essence of its predecessor but also carved out its own niche, creating a new TV series that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative.
The transformation of Parasyte's gripping narrative into the hauntingly dark corridors of Parasyte: The Grey is similar to a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly, but a butterfly with razor-sharp tentacles. This series has managed to balance the delicate act of paying homage to Hitoshi Iwaaki's original work while infusing a unique flair that caters to both die-hard enthusiasts and newcomers to the Parasyte universe. The decision to shift the story's location and introduce new characters, like the captivating Su-in, was initially met with skepticism. But as the story unfolds, it became clear that these choices were bold strokes of storytelling genius.
The unexpected cameo of Shinichi Izumi, the heart and soul of the original series, is a masterstroke that bridges the worlds of manga, anime, and live-action. This inclusion was not just a nod to long-time fans but a seamless integration that enriches the narrative, suggesting endless possibilities for future storylines. It sends a clear message: Parasyte: The Grey respects its roots while daring to explore new ground. The series' ability to maintain the dark, sinister undercurrent of the manga paired with its exploration of the human condition and our eternal struggle with morality sets it apart. The darker turn does not dilute the essence but rather enhances the storytelling, allowing for a deeper dive into the psyche of its characters and the world they live in.
Parasyte: The Grey stands as a testament to the power of respectful adaptation. It shows that, with a careful blend of reverence for the source material and a willingness to innovate, it is possible to create a work that resonates with both old fans and new. This adaptation has not only met the colossal expectations laid before it but has soared beyond, crafting a narrative that is as enthralling as it is profound. Netflix, with its history in the treacherous waters of live-action anime adaptations, has struck gold with not just One Piece, but also with this one, setting a new standard for how adaptations can and should be approached.
Why didn't they do this with Avatar: The Last Airbender?
1. One Piece (2023 – Present)
Let me tell you: I was super skeptical about Netflix adapting One Piece into live-action. I mean, come on, how can you even begin to capture the wild rollercoaster of pirates, mystical fruits, and fantastic battles that makes up One Piece? But myself and the rest of the world has to admit: Netflix knocked it out of the park.
First off, can we talk about the casting? Iñaki Godoy as Luffy is pure genius; he’s basically the human embodiment of our stretchy pirate hero. And it doesn’t stop there: every actor felt tailor-made for their role, like they’d been plucked right out of the anime.
Somehow, Netflix managed to keep the wackiness of the manga and anime intact. I was grinning ear to ear seeing fish-men, killer clowns, and all those quirky Devil Fruit powers come to life without losing an ounce of their original charm. The storytelling? Emotionally charged and absolutely gripping. The action scenes? A feast for the eyes! By the time I got to the season finale, I was practically glued to my screen, shouting, “Give me more, Netflix!”
Season 2 can’t come fast enough. If you’re a One Piece fan or even just an anime lover in general, do yourself a favor and dive into this awesome adaptation.
Netflix has had a roller-coaster journey adapting anime to live-action. While there have been notable failures, recent successes indicate that the streaming service is learning. One Piece leads the pack, showing that with the right ingredients, a live-action anime adaptation can not only work but thrive.
As Netflix continues to explore this genre, it will be interesting to see how future adaptations measure up.
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