5 Anime Built for Live-Action Fame (& 5 Hollywood Needs t...

5 Anime Built for Live-Action Fame (& 5 Hollywood Needs to Leave Alone)

Collage image of Bocchi, Maomao, and Sukuna representing the best anime of the 2020s so far.Custom Image by Ana Nieves

By Vanessa Piña Published 22 minutes ago

Vanessa Piña has been an anime writer at ScreenRant since 2024. She is freelance writer who worked as a copywriter and proofreader before deciding to write for her favorite series as an anime journalist. At ScreenRant, she focuses on timely coverage of the latest anime releases and updates on popular franchises.

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Anime has a complicated relationship with live-action adaptations. While live-actions like One Piece and Rurouni Kenshin have garnered praise and recognition even from die-hard fans, other adaptations are lackluster efforts that fall short of their source material and are best forgotten. However, as anime becomes more popular in the West, announcements of live-action adaptations in production are becoming more frequent.

Although recent years have thankfully brought a change to Hollywood's live-action productions, it's no secret that many experiments don't turn out as well as hoped because their anime simply don't work outside animation. Some anime are suitable for live-action adaptations, while others are simply better left as they are.

(Bad) Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen anime featured image - Itadori Yuji using his cursed energy and punching

As one of the most popular modern anime, a live-action adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen could be the next to be announced. However, there are many things that could go wrong when trying to bring Jujutsu Kaisen's story to life, starting with the cursed spirits. Jujutsu Kaisen features numerous cursed spirits who will require extensive use of CGI.

While some Disaster Curses' designs, like Mahito, could be recreated with detailed makeup effects, characters like Hanami and Jogo won't be as terrifying and could turn out odd-looking in real life. It's also challenging to display the cursed techniques and domain expansion faithfully.

Likewise, many of the battles could be cut or modified to make the fight choreography easier, which could make them far less impressive. Furthermore, in trying to adapt the anime for Western viewers, the Japanese symbolism and folklore related to the cursed techniques and rituals could be overlooked, losing part of the essence of the story in the process.

(Good) The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries - Maomao and Jinshi-1

Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Despite the historical Chinese-inspired setting of The Apothecary Diaries, it's an anime that could look amazing in a live-action adaptation. Unlike other anime, The Apothecary Diaries' story doesn't have any fantasy elements, as it focuses on intriguing court mysteries and the political game of hierarchies associated with the imperial palace concubines.

Yet, The Apothecary Diaries' biggest charm is the quirkiness of Maomao and her relationship with Jinshi. Fortunately, there have been many successful period romance K-dramas in recent years, so a live-action version of The Apothecary Diaries would only need good casting to determine actors that could convey the chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi.

(Bad) Bocchi the Rock!

Kita puts her hands and smiles at Bocchi who is holding her guitar and also smiling.

Bocchi the Rock! exceeded expectations, becoming one of the most-watched anime series after its premiere thanks to the endearing portrayal of Bocchi, who tries to cope with her social anxiety through her passion for music. Its simple story and small cast of characters might make it seem like an anime that could easily be adapted into a live-action series.

While the musical performances in Bocchi the Rock! can be accurately portrayed by experienced actors, part of the anime's charm lies in its animation style, which perfectly captures Bocchi's amusing expressions. Furthermore, while Bocchi the Rock's humor works well in anime, it could easily be cringe-worthy in a live-action version for some viewers.

(Good) Megalo Box

Megalo Box's Joe takes on a boxer

Legendary boxing stories are part of both Hollywood history and anime. But a live-action adaptation that can reach the excitement of global hits like Rocky and, more recently, Creed, is Megalo Box. A tribute to the classic anime Ashita no Joe, Megalo Box shares the sci-fi futuristic setting and underground fighters that succeeded in the blockbuster film Real Steel.

However, instead of robot matches, Megalo Box features men fighting in the ring using exoskeletons, following Gearless Joe's journey from the bottom to one of the most important tournaments. Megalo Box not only has brutal fights that take the sport to ruthless extremes, but it's also a profoundly emotional and inspiring story that will satisfy even the most die-hard boxing fans.

(Bad) Dandadan

dandadan episode 8 okarun and ayase shocked

Dandadan is a vibrant shōnen that has steadily climbed the charts to become one of the biggest anime in the past years. What has made Dandadan so famous is its ability to be unpredictable, telling an adorable, slow-burn romance amidst battles against paranormal phenomena that no other anime has dared to mix so far: ghosts and aliens.

However, although the anime works thanks to its eccentric characters and wacky tone, Dandadan features sensitive subjects and sexual content. Although it's not heavy-handed or explicit but rather part of the narrative and the series' humor, it could be uncomfortable for many viewers if adapted into a live-action film.

While some scenes could be toned down for a live-action adaptation, this might not sit well with fans who consider it part of the series' essence. Also, Dandadan's colorful animation by Science Saru has also contributed to making the anime so unique, and the references to yokai could be a counterpoint if the live-action adaptation wants to appeal to a Western audience.

(Good) Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Key Art Featuring Kafka, Shinomiya, and Ichikawa

Godzilla is a pop culture icon, with the Monsterverse being one of the most promising film franchises that has managed to become mainstream. This love among international fans for giant monster battles bodes well for a live-action adaptation of Kaiju No. 8.

Kaiju No. 8 tells the story of a man whose unfulfilled dream is to join the Defense Force to fight the monsters that frequently appear but who unexpectedly transforms one day into a human-kaiju hybrid.

The charisma and struggles of Kaiju No. 8's protagonist, Kafka Hibino, could resonate with viewers worldwide, and the anime's large-scale battles with special weapons could shine in live-action, putting a spin on what is commonly seen in the genre of typical giant monsters that destroy everything in their path.

(Bad) Chainsaw Man

Denji appearing run down while Pochita dances around him in Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.

Despite the divisive reviews of its first season, Tatsuki Fujimoto's work has become a global phenomenon thanks to the success of its film, Chainsaw Man: The Movie - The Reze Arc, which has become one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. While this success could create interest in Hollywood for a live-action, adapting Chainsaw Man would be a monumental task.

While Chainsaw Man has a violent and bloody nature, a less-than-heroic protagonist, and corrupt and depraved figures, these are traits that it shares with other over-the-top works that have been successfully adapted into real life, like The Boys. However, it's virtually impossible to do justice to the designs of the devils in Chainsaw Man while maintaining the expressionism they have in both the anime and manga.

Denji's transformation into the Chainsaw Man devil is terrifying, ruthless, and insane, and the battles overflow with anarchy and destruction. This makes Chainsaw Man a work whose potential can only be reached through animation.

(Good) Vinland Saga

Thorfinn and Askeladd looking off into the distance after the prologue

Vinland Saga, one of the best anime of the 2010s, is not just about Vikings, violence, and bloodshed, but a heartfelt story steeped in philosophy and personal growth, with a contrasting journey from revenge to redemption. Although Vinland Saga features many dynamic battles, moments of great sensitivity, and complex characters, a live-action adaptation could become a worldwide success.

Vinland Saga's live-action could follow in the footsteps of productions like Game of Thrones and Vikings, which respected the setting and landscapes of their stories and succeeded in immersing viewers in an age filled with raiding warriors and wars. If the original story remains largely unchanged, a live-action adaptation of Vinland Saga could become a masterpiece that takes the world by storm.

(Bad) Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer anime featured image - Tanjiro water breathing

Demon Slayer has the right to be called the world's most popular new-generation anime. Therefore, it's not surprising that rumors are circulating that Demon Slayer is in talks for a live-action adaptation by Netflix. Unfortunately, this isn't necessarily a good idea, especially since Demon Slayer's legacy was born thanks to its high production value.

The stunning visuals and fights full of grandeur are tough to replicate in a live-action adaptation. Although live-action series like Last Samurai Standing and Rurouni Kenshin successfully adapted sword fights from the manga pages, these works maintain a sense of realism.

As opposed to Demon Slayer, where the supernatural elements, like the demons' blood arts, and breathing styles, might not properly blend in a real setting. Similarly, Demon Slayer's eccentric character design might be difficult to recreate in a way that feels natural and doesn't resemble a cosplay.

(Good) Monster

Kenzou Tenma on one knee and aiming a gun in Monster.

The quintessential anime that could satisfy fans' expectations if adapted into a live-action series is Monster. Interestingly, Monster was eyeing its own live-action directed by the acclaimed Guillermo del Toro, but there was no confirmation that negotiations for the project continued. However, this suggests that the possibility of seeing a Monster live-action isn't entirely off the table.

Monster follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, who, after operating on a child instead of an influential politician, comes to regret this decision upon learning the truth about the one he saved. Monster is an anime suitable for a live-action series for its realistic storyline filled with suspense and twists that doesn't require a multitude of special effects or demanding locations.

With characters who have traumatic and complex pasts, scenes loaded with ethical dilemmas, and a villain with a reprehensible yet incredibly fascinating morality, there are many reasons why a live-action series of Monster could become a global hit if faithfully adapted.

33 8.4/10

Monster

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Animation Crime Drama Psychological Release Date April 7, 2004 Directors Masayuki Kojima, Morio Asaka Writers Tatsuhiko Urahata, Naoki Urasawa

Cast

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Liam O'Brien
Keith Silverstein

Genres Animation, Crime, Drama, Psychological Creator(s) Naoki Urasawa Powered by

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Anime
Demon Slayer
Jujutsu Kaisen

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