The term “live-action adaptation from anime” often evokes a sense of “dread” among fans. This is understandable, given the historical track record of failures in transforming beloved anime into live-action series, with titles like Dragon Ball Evolution and Cowboy Bebop still infamous to this day.
However, this does not mean that all anime adaptations are doomed to fail. In reality, many adaptations maintain the original narrative while leveraging the strengths of live-action filmmaking to bring a fresh perspective on characters and situations that viewers already know and love.
Below are some of the most notable examples!
1. Ya Boy Kongming!
Ya Boy Kongming! began as a manga on Kodansha’s Comic Days website in 2019. The story quickly garnered a following, leading to its adaptation into an anime produced by PA Works in 2022. However, this is not the only adaptation of this manga, as a live-action film version of the story was released in 2023.
One of the best aspects of the live-action Ya Boy Kongming! is how the material is enhanced by the physicality of live-action, making the character’s “lacking” qualities more humorous. The juxtaposition between the historical figure Zhuge Liang and modern Shibuya fashion has become a source of comedy in the anime. However, in the live-action version, this contrast is more pronounced, allowing viewers to better appreciate both Zhuge Liang’s witty dialogue and musical performances while also enjoying his “offbeat” expressions.
2. Cutie Honey
Created by the legendary Go Nagai, Cutie Honey is one of Japan’s most beloved superheroine characters, appearing in many manga and animated films. In 2004, Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion, finally brought this character to the big screen in a live-action adaptation. The film follows Honey Kisaragi as she battles the evil Panther Claw organization, which desires the I-System (Cutie Honey’s source of power) for nefarious purposes.
The live-action adaptation of Cutie Honey succeeded in translating the manga’s “light” tone into film, while also introducing a campy charm that was missing in other adaptations. Eriko Sato delivered an impressive performance as both Honey Kisaragi and Cutie Honey (her superhero alter ego), making the character feel incredibly vibrant.
3. You’re Under Arrest
Debuting in the pages of Morning Party Zōkan and Morning in 1986, You’re Under Arrest was created by Kōsuke Fujishima. The story revolves around Natsumi Tsujimoto and Miyuki Kobayakawa, two female police officers working for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. These two characters tackle various cases while dealing with the hilarious chaos that ensues from their daily lives.
In 2002, You’re Under Arrest was transformed into a nine-episode live-action series. This adaptation effectively captured the comedic essence of the original manga while retaining the characters’ charm and appeal.
4. Parasyte: Part 1
The manga Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki debuted in 1989. The story follows high school student Shinichi Izumi, whose life is turned upside down when a parasitic alien attempts to take over his body. However, the parasite fails, resulting in a symbiotic relationship between Shinichi and the alien.
This unique dynamic creates a compelling narrative as Shinichi must navigate the challenges of being a high school student while also dealing with threats from other parasitic aliens wanting him dead. The story was adapted into two live-action films released in 2014 and 2015.
5. Assassination Classroom
One of the most glaring warning signs of a potential failure in a live-action adaptation is selecting source material that isn’t suitable for adaptation. One of the strengths of anime is its ability to break boundaries, allowing creators to do whatever they please. Hence, transforming an anime that employs the full “creative power” of animation into a live-action series can force producers to make challenging decisions, often leading to disappointing results.
Theoretically, Assassination Classroom (Lớp Học Ám Sát) should be like that, as the manga highly favors following quirky paths and “absurd” scenarios. However, the 2015 live-action film directed by Eiichirō Hasumi managed to capture the essence of what made the anime so engaging while translating it into a live-action context.
6. Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club, created by Bisco Hatori, is one of the most iconic manga and anime series of the early 2000s. The story follows Haruhi Fujioka, a poor girl who gets accepted into the prestigious Ouran Academy. One day, she accidentally stumbles into a music room and discovers a group of boys running a “host club.” Haruhi must quickly disguise herself to pay off her debt to the club.
The live-action adaptation of Ouran High School Host Club in 2012 served as a continuation of the 2011 animated series, following Haruhi and her male classmates as they prepare for the prestigious Ouran Festival. The live-action film, like the previous animated series, successfully brought the characters to life, capturing the humor and charm of the original manga.
7. Laid-Back Camp
When it debuted in Manga Time Kirara Forward in 2015, Laid-Back Camp by Afro quickly became a favorite among fans due to its relaxing atmosphere and endearing characters. This popularity led to an anime adaptation in 2018, further enhancing its appeal. This widespread recognition eventually resulted in a live-action series released in 2019, consisting of 24 episodes.
This live-action adaptation excelled at capturing the serene charm of the original manga and anime. Additionally, the cast was perfectly chosen, with each actor effectively embodying their respective characters.
8. Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan
Created by Hirohiko Araki, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan is a spin-off of the beloved JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series. This one-shot manga follows the character Rohan Kishibe, who travels the world seeking inspiration for his stories, often encountering various supernatural elements along the way. In 2020, NHK announced that it would produce a live-action miniseries based on the manga’s stories.
This miniseries effectively showcases the unique storytelling style of the manga, while also expanding the universe with additional episodes and a film, Rohan at the Louvre. It’s clear why fans are drawn to this live-action adaptation, as Issey Takahashi skillfully brings Rohan Kishibe’s enigmatic life to the screen.
Source: CBR
