Anime has inspired countless Hollywood and international adaptations but not all of them are widely known. Some have flown under the radar while others were overshadowed by bigger productions. Whether they stayed true to their source material or took creative liberties, these films are worth discovering. Here are 12 anime-based movies you may not have realized exist!
Knights of the Zodiac, 2023
Based on Saint Seiya, this live-action adaptation follows Seiya, a street fighter who discovers his cosmic powers and battles gods. Despite high expectations, the film struggled with weak storytelling, inconsistent CGI and a lack of emotional depth. Longtime fans found it disappointing, as it failed to capture the magic of the anime’s legendary battles and rich mythology.
Tokyo Revengers 2, 2023
Split into two parts, Tokyo Revengers 2 continues Takemichi’s journey to change the past and save his friends from tragic fates. The movie stays faithful to the anime’s intense gang fights and emotional weight. While the live action cast brings the characters to life, some fans felt the adaptation lacked the raw energy of the anime’s most powerful moments.
The Legend of Hei, 2019, Global Release 2023
This Chinese anime film follows Hei, a shape shifting cat spirit trying to find his place in a world shared by humans and supernatural beings. The film blends breathtaking animation with deep emotional storytelling, exploring themes of belonging and change. Its stunning visuals and heartfelt message make it a must watch, even for those unfamiliar with the original web series.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, 2023
This Netflix live action adaptation brings the zombie apocalypse to life with a comedic twist. It follows Akira, a burnt out office worker who sees the undead outbreak as a chance to finally live freely. While it captures the anime’s humor and energy, some fans found the pacing uneven and the execution less engaging than the source material.
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Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Alchemy, 2022
The third and final installment in Netflix’s Fullmetal Alchemist live action series, this movie concludes the Elric brothers’ quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. Unfortunately, it suffers from rushed pacing, underdeveloped characters and excessive CGI that fails to bring the beloved story to life. While dedicated fans may appreciate the effort, it lacks the depth and emotion of the anime.
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One Piece, 2023
Netflix’s One Piece live action series was a rare success, bringing Luffy and the Straw Hats’ adventure to a new audience. The casting, world building and action sequences stayed true to the anime, earning praise from fans and newcomers alike. Unlike many failed anime adaptations, this one proved that live-action remakes can work when done with care and respect.
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Kaguya-sama: Love is War – Final, 2022
The final installment in the live action Kaguya-sama series continues the hilarious battle of wits between Kaguya and Miyuki. Staying true to the anime’s humor and charm, the film delivers heartfelt moments and a satisfying conclusion. Fans of romantic comedies will appreciate how well the characters’ quirks and chemistry translate to live action.
Inu-Oh, 2022
This historical fantasy film, inspired by The Tale of the Heike, blends ancient Japanese storytelling with modern rock music. The film follows Inu-Oh, a deformed performer who discovers his true voice through mesmerizing dance and music. With its striking animation and unique artistic vision, Inu-Oh stands out as a cinematic experience unlike any other.
The Silent Service, 2023
A gripping military thriller, The Silent Service is based on the manga about a rogue Japanese submarine captain defying international powers. The movie focuses on intense political and naval drama, making it a must watch for fans of war films. While it stays true to the original story, its heavy focus on military tactics might not appeal to all audiences.
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Golden Kamuy, 2024
Bringing the award winning historical manga to life, Golden Kamuy follows a soldier and an Ainu girl on a dangerous treasure hunt in early 20th century Japan. Known for its mix of action, history and humor, the film aims to capture the unique charm of the anime. Fans are eager to see if the live action version does justice to the original’s depth and cultural themes.
City Hunter, 2024
This French adaptation modernizes City Hunter, a classic action comedy about a smooth talking detective with a sharp aim and a love for trouble. While it updates the setting, the film retains the humor, action and charismatic energy of the original. Fans of stylish crime thrillers will find it a fun and nostalgic ride.
Attack on Titan, Upcoming
Hollywood is working on a big budget Attack on Titan movie, hoping to succeed where Japan’s 2015 live action attempt failed. The original adaptation was widely criticized for straying too far from the anime’s world building and character depth. With Warner Bros. backing this new project, fans are cautiously optimistic that it could finally do the franchise justice.
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Anime inspired movies are becoming more common, but not all adaptations get the attention they deserve. While some stay true to the source material, others struggle to capture the depth and impact of their anime counterparts. Whether they succeed or fail, these films prove that anime’s influence on cinema is stronger than ever.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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