7 Cool Anime That Probably Will Never Be Made into Live-Action!

Kapanlagi.com - Live-action adaptations of anime are trending hot in the entertainment industry. Both Japan and Hollywood are racing to turn popular anime into films, series, and even stage performances. Some major titles like MY HERO ACADEMIA, NARUTO, and ONE-PUNCH MAN are already in development, making fans even more curious.

But not all anime are suitable for the real world. Many stories are strong precisely because of their wild visual style, extreme concepts, and the animated energy that is hard for human actors to replicate. Even with modern CGI, the distinctive feel of anime often seems lost when translated into live-action.

For that reason, there are several titles that fans believe are "better off remaining as anime" rather than being forced into the real world. Now, here are seven anime that are often considered nearly impossible to adapt into live-action..

1. BERSERK

BERSERK (credit: IMDB)

When talking about brutal dark fantasy, Berserk is on a different level. Guts' story is filled with blood, tragedy, betrayal, and a very cruel demon world. The dark atmosphere is not just visual, but also emotional and psychological.

The terrifying demon monsters and extreme brutal scenes would be hard to realize realistically without super expensive costs. Not to mention the sense of suffering that is at the core of the story could be lost if the adaptation is too "polished".

2. DANDADAN

DANDADAN (credit: IMDB)

DANDADAN is a crazy mix of aliens, ghosts, action, and absurd romance. Okarun and Momo live in a world that suddenly becomes full of strange creatures and wild supernatural events.

The visual energy is fast, strange, and full of surprises. If made into live-action, the charm of its oddity and chaotic rhythm that is the main attraction could be lost and feel strange in the wrong way.

3. KILL LA KILL

KILL LA KILL (credit: IMDB)

This anime by Studio TRIGGER is known for its super fast action, vibrant colors, and explosive energy. Ryuko fights using a living uniform with incredible powers.

In addition to its bold costume design, its hyperactive animation style is almost impossible to translate into the real world. Without its distinctive visual energy, KILL LA KILL could lose its identity.

4. AKIRA

AKIRA (credit: IMDB)

AKIRA is a cyberpunk icon that depicts a futuristic Neo-Tokyo filled with social unrest and human experimentation. The future city and destructive psychic powers are the main attractions.

Several live-action projects have been planned but always failed. The complexity of the story and the scale of the destruction make its adaptation feel like an overly ambitious project.

5. NEON GENESIS EVANGELION

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION (credit: IMDB)

This legendary anime is not just about giant robots fighting monsters. The story of Shinji Ikari also discusses trauma, self-identity, and deep inner conflict.

Religious symbolism, character psychology, and existential philosophy make a live-action adaptation risky as it could simplify the actually complex meaning of the story.

6. MADE IN ABYSS

MADE IN ABYSS (credit: IMDB)

Don’t be fooled by its cute character designs. MADE IN ABYSS has a dangerous world filled with terrifying creatures and dark mysteries. The adventure down the abyss feels beautiful yet horrifying.

The fantastic environment and its unique creatures will be hard to realize realistically. Coupled with its dark themes, a live-action adaptation could lose the emotional balance that the anime version possesses.

7. GURREN LAGANN

GURREN LAGANN (credit: IMDB)

If we talk about epic scale, GURREN LAGANN has no rivals. From underground battles to intergalactic wars, everything gets more absurd and grand over time.

Excessive heroic energy and cosmic-scale mecha action make this anime almost impossible to visualize realistically. The story of Simon and Kamina feels perfect in the anime medium, a place where imagination is free and limitless.

(kpl/afd)