5 Best Live Action Anime Adaptations, From One Piece to Gintama!

Kapanlagi.com - The best live action anime adaptations often spark debates among fans. Many are skeptical because numerous previous projects have failed to capture attention. However, there are several titles that have managed to dispel doubts with stunning quality.

Live action adaptations of anime and manga are indeed a double-edged sword; if successful, they will be praised, but if they fail, sharp criticism will follow. Some of these films and series have succeeded in creating experiences that not only honor their source material but also attract new audiences.

So far, here is a list of the 5 best live action anime adaptations that have won the hearts of many..

1. Rurouni Kenshin

Release Year

• Film 1: 2012
• Kyoto Inferno: 2014
• The Legend Ends: 2014
• The Final: 2021
• The Beginning: 2021

Synopsis
It tells the story of Himura Kenshin, a former legendary assassin Hitokiri Battousai who wanders to atone for his past sins. He now vows not to kill, uses a reverse-blade sword, and protects those in need. Each film delves into great battles, dangerous enemies, and Kenshin's dark past that continues to haunt him.

Cast

• Takeru Satoh – Himura Kenshin
• Emi Takei – Kamiya Kaoru
• Munetaka Aoki – Sagara Sanosuke
• Yu Aoi – Takani Megumi
• (Other films also feature Tatsuya Fujiwara, Mackenyu, Kasumi Arimura)

2. Death Note

Release Year

• Death Note: 2006 (June 17)
• Death Note: The Last Name: 2006 (direct sequel)

Synopsis
This film follows Light Yagami, a genius college student who discovers a death notebook called Death Note. With its power, Light attempts to create a world without crime, but his actions attract the attention of an eccentric detective named L. The battle of wits becomes the core of a story filled with intrigue, manipulation, and gray morality.

Cast

• Tatsuya Fujiwara – Light Yagami
• Kenichi Matsuyama – L
• Erika Toda – Misa Amane
• Shidou Nakamura – voice of Ryuk

3. Gintama

Release Year: 2017

Synopsis
Set in an alternative Edo era occupied by alien Amanto, this film follows Sakata Gintoki, a lazy former samurai who now works odd jobs. Along with Shinpachi and Kagura, he gets dragged into various crazy conflicts, serious battles, and the absurd comedy typical of Gintama. The film successfully blends parody humor and its anime-style action well.

Cast

• Shun Oguri – Sakata Gintoki
• Masaki Suda – Shimura Shinpachi
• Kanna Hashimoto – Kagura
• Hirofumi Arai – Nizo Okada
• Masaki Okada – Kotaro Katsura

4. Fullmetal Alchemist

Release Year: 2017
(Followed by two sequels in 2022: The Revenge of Scar & The Final Alchemy)

Synopsis
This film tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who perform forbidden alchemy to bring their mother back to life. The failure of the ritual causes Al to lose his body and Ed to lose part of his limbs. They then embark on an adventure to find the Philosopher's Stone while facing the dark mysteries of the country of Amestris and the Homunculi.

Cast

• Ryosuke Yamada – Edward Elric
• Atomu Mizuishi – Alphonse Elric (motion capture + voice)
• Tsubasa Honda – Winry Rockbell
• Dean Fujioka – Roy Mustang
• Yoshino Kimura – Lust

5. One Piece (Live Action)

Release Year: 2023

Synopsis
The live action One Piece follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a cheerful young man who dreams of becoming the Pirate King. With the power of rubber after eating the Gomu Gomu no Mi, Luffy embarks on a grand journey across the seas to find the legendary treasure known as One Piece. Along the way, he recruits his first crew for the Straw Hat Pirates: a skilled swordsman pirate hunter, a mysterious navigator, a dramatic sharpshooter, and a flamboyant cook who is also a fighter.

The first season focuses on the crew's early journey, including conflicts with Morgan, Buggy, and Arlong, leading to the official formation of the Straw Hat Pirates. The story is packaged with modern visuals, the signature humor of One Piece, and a more grounded dramatic touch while remaining true to the spirit of the original work.

Cast

• Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy
• Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro
• Emily Rudd as Nami
• Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp
• Taz Skylar as Sanji
• Vincent Regan as Garp
• Jeff Ward as Buggy
• McKinley Belcher III as Arlong
• Peter Gadiot as Shanks
• Langley Kirkwood as Captain Morgan
• Ilia Isorelís Paulino as Alvida

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