Netflix’s One Piece is currently taking over the world, raising the question of what other anime shows could receive the live-action treatment. As far as anime live-action adaptations go, One Piece is easily one of the most successful. Much like the trend of bad video game adaptations, anime shows in live-action did not work for a long time.
As of One Piece season 2’s ending, though, it is clear that the live-action Netflix show has cracked the code. By being faithful to the original manga and anime where possible and being produced on an absurd scale, the show has amassed praise from both new and familiar audiences. Soon, One Piece season 3’s story will only continue the show’s success.
Looking beyond One Piece, however, the live-action adaptation has proven that dense, fantastical worlds from some of the best long-running anime shows can be successfully translated. With that in mind, here are eight anime series that deserve a live-action adaptation as good and faithful as Netflix’s One Piece.
Key Takeaways
- Success of One Piece: Netflix’s adaptation has set a high standard for future anime adaptations.
- Naruto’s Potential: The long-running story and themes make it ideal for a live-action series.
- Ghost in the Shell: A new adaptation could explore its rich universe beyond previous films.
- Demon Slayer: Despite challenges, its unique style could translate well to live-action.
Naruto
Naruto is undoubtedly one of the most popular anime series of all time, for a variety of reasons. Like One Piece, it features classic shōnen themes like friendship, fulfilling your dreams, and coming of age, to name only a few. It also has hundreds of episodes, meaning it features a vast world, a long-running story, and a variety of intense battle sequences.
As such, Naruto seems almost perfect for the Netflix live-action treatment. Everything that Netflix has proven it can do with One Piece would translate to Naruto, with the latter having a different flavor of ninjas and shinobi as opposed to pirates. Interestingly, a live-action Naruto movie has been announced, set to begin production in 2026.
However, as many would agree, Naruto suits the long-form storytelling of a TV series much better. Regardless of whether the live-action movie is good, Naruto would be perfect for a TV show adaptation in order to do it, and its sequel, Naruto: Shippuden, justice.
Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell has had several adaptations, including a Hollywood live-action movie in 2017. That said, this film did not receive the strongest of reviews from critics and fans of the original alike. As such, a Ghost in the Shell live-action TV show could be excellent, only one that doesn’t retread the same story.
After all, the story of Motoko was told perfectly in the original 1995 anime film, with the 2017 remake being a dull rehash of such. What makes Ghost in the Shell so perfect for a live-action adaptation on TV, then, is how vast and rich the world is. There is so much potential to tell a new, compelling story in that world with exciting visuals, original characters, and an expansion of the original lore.
Much like how Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was an anime set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, a Ghost in the Shell live-action show could really work. It would not have to match up to the beloved original in terms of thematic storytelling and characters but have the freedom of such a visually inspiring world to delve into at its heart’s content.
Jujutsu Kaisen
In many ways, Jujutsu Kaisen is the defining shōnen anime of the modern era, almost like Naruto‘s successor. It features a deep world of magic with a horror-based twist and excellently choreographed and animated fight scenes. While Netflix’s One Piece does a lot right, its fight scenes are one of its strongest aspects.
With the same being said for Jujutsu Kaisen, a live-action TV show of the anime could really work. If true dedication to adapting the long fantastical battles of the anime is shown, it could be something special. Yes, a large budget would be necessary but One Piece has already proven that this can be feasible.
Of course, any live-action JJK would need to translate characters mature arcs high stakes and twists on shōnen genre too. However any solid screenwriter who is fan of <em.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer might be most difficult anime on this list to adapt into live-action many once thought same about One Piece . Demon Slayer biggest strength supernatural fight scenes similar Jujutsu Kaisen . Therefore if one could work so could other . A One Piece size budget could allow focus on what makes Demon Slayer unique making great candidate for live-action show so long same faithfulness love original displayed .
<b Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood often counted among best anime ever made Unlike many others this ilk FMA:B praised concise narrative clocking only 64 episodes This combined unique equivalent exchange magic system strong fight scenes complex characters deep thematic messages renders FMA:B excellent anime Moreover all this means great live-action version possible Adapting FMA:B would not lead worries show never finished most common discussion around One Piece prevalent likes Naruto were ever adapted This would main benefit adapting beloved anime engaging story .
Dragon Ball
<p One Piece furthered featuring lot themes action sequences directly inspired Dragon Ball With such vast world available TV show best choice Dragon Ball adaptation hopefully gets Netflix One Piece treatment .
Attack on Titan
Eren from Attack on Titan happy…<p Attack on Titan also considered one best genre which grown large appeals non-anime fans too Attack on Titan somewhat grounded likes One Piece Dragon Ball many other mentioned list Yes features giant man-eating creatures huge-scale battles but mostly grounded medieval-inspired world This would give live-action adaptation distinct advantage less CGI needed craft huge otherworldly locations A lot show could grounded bigger sense reality aside titular titans themselves With only four seasons anime adapt too live-action Attack on Titan would have similar storytelling benefit Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood The show not overly long all character arcs hard-hitting themes able explored fullest If world expansive One Piece can brought life one slightly more realistic though own fantastical aspects certainly worth live-action treatment .
