Did You Know? These 5 Best Anime Adaptations Are Based on Western Literature!

Kapanlagi.com - Anime usually adapts stories from popular Japanese manga or light novels. There are also stories that are original creations by anime production companies. However, it turns out there are anime that take inspiration from Western works.

There are quite a few anime movies and series that adapt stories from Western literature. These anime adaptations of Western literature usually take inspiration from novels. The stories presented are equally interesting as anime adaptations of Japanese literature.

Here are the best anime adaptations of Western novels that you must follow. With their exciting stories, these anime are perfect to accompany your leisure time!

1. HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE (2004)

HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE (Credit IMDb)

HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE is adapted from a novel by Diana Wynne Jones with the same title. This anime tells the story of a hat seller girl named Sophie Hatter who is cursed by a wizard and turned into an old woman. The curse also prevents her from speaking about it, so Sophie chooses to embark on an adventure.

In her journey, Sophie enters a moving castle owned by a handsome wizard named Howl, who has a reputation for devouring the hearts of young and beautiful girls. From here, Sophie learns the secrets and problems of the handsome wizard. Therefore, she decides to help Howl and the people involved with him to solve their problems.

2. GANKUTSUOU: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (2004)

GANKUTSUOU: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO (Credit: IMDb)

GANKUTSUOU: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO is an anime adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas titled THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. This anime tells the story of a man named Edmond Dantes who claims to be the Count of Monte Cristo in order to seek revenge on those who betrayed him.

The Count forms a friendship with a young nobleman named Albert Morcerf with the intention of mingling with the upper class in Paris. Albert easily introduces his relatives and friends to the count without knowing the motive behind their friendship.

3. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (2010)

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (Credit IMDb)

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is adapted from the novel by Mary Norton titled THE BORROWERS. This anime tells the story of a girl named Arrietty who comes from a borrower. Borrowers are humans who are very small in size.

Arrietty lives hidden in the house of an old grandmother who takes care of her grandson named Sho. Sho is a boy suffering from a heart condition. One day, Sho discovers Arrietty's presence in his grandmother's house and they form a friendship. However, it seems that friendship between humans and borrowers is not allowed.

4. WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE (2014)

WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE (Credit: IMDb)

WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE is an anime adaptation of the novel by Joan G. Robinson with the same title. This film tells the story of a quiet girl named Anna who has to move to a village because of her illness. Anna, who is not used to interacting with others, always tries to avoid the village children who want to be friends with her.

One day, Anna discovers a European-style house and befriends a girl named Marnie. Anna wants to be friends with her because she feels that only that girl can understand her feelings. However, people around her say that the house where Marnie lives has been uninhabited for a long time and will soon be demolished. Anna begins to doubt Marnie's existence.

5. MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER (2017)

MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER (Credit: IMDb)

MARY AND THE WITCH'S FLOWER adapts the story of the novel by Mary Stewart titled THE LITTLE BROOMSTICK. This anime tells the story of a cheerful little girl named Mary who goes to her grandmother's house to spend her summer vacation. However, Mary continues to feel bored there.

Until one day, Mary follows a black cat that goes into the forest. In the forest, she finds a magical blue flower that transforms her into a witch with her flying broomstick. With the magical broomstick, Mary embarks on a thrilling and enjoyable adventure.

So, those are some Western literature adaptations with interesting stories that are highly recommended to fill your free time. Which one interests you the most?

Written by: Ursea Mayoriska

(kpl/mag)