Recognition of Anime has been growing over the years like a wildflower. But, since it’s become an ever-growing part of popular culture, you can notice it breathing around you! Anime is something that transports you to a parallel universe without feeling bad. So, to get away from the stresses of everyday life with this list of live action anime films, because nothing beats a good anime film.
Why has live-action become so popular?
Unlike western films, live action is tailored specially for younger audiences. For instance, a stressful scenario will last for mere seconds, not minutes; this short-lived excitement naturally draws young people to enjoy live-action films without an end.
Live action depicts reality most colorfully. It’s more enjoyable to watch without specific goals when the information is visually pleasing. In addition, live action’s portrayal of whimsical themes often makes up for lost interest in life. Even Disney has been creating more live-action films because of their high demand and increasing popularity.
What takes longer: live-action or anime?
If you compare the time duration between these two, anime consumes several weeks or many months to finish, but live action is easy to shoot and takes a few days. Moreover, since live action is shot in real time scenario, it’s adjusted, modified, and edited right on time.
Though, a live-action Disney movies takes anywhere between 2 years to 4 months. In contrast, the anime movie The Overcoat took nearly 40 years to compete. So, the answer is simple! Live action films require lesser time to shoot in contrast with anime films.
21 Live Action Anime Movies:
1. Dragonball Evolution
- Director: James Wong
- Writer: James Wong, Ben Ramsey, Akira Toriyama
- Cast: Justin Chatwin, Emmy Rossum, Jamie Chung, Chow Yun-fat
- IMDb Rating: 2.6 /10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 15%
- Platforms available: Amazon Prime Video
About Dragonball Evolution:
Dragonball Evolution got its first Live action anime film Dragonball Evolution in the year 2009, helmed by James Wong and distributed by 20th-century fox studios. Unfortunately, the film, which ran for 85 minutes, miserably failed at the box office, inviting criticism from fans worldwide as well as movie critics alike.
The $30 million backed film managed to grab merely $58 million. For the unversed, it was deemed the worst film ever made in the 2000s. The film was compressed into video games, novels, and catchy songs.
During the year 1995, Hollywood actor Jackie Chan was the first person to express his interest in making the dragon ball series into a live-action anime film. Since then, fans could not contain their excitement.
2. Lone wolf and cub: sword of vengeance
- Director: Kenji Misumi
- Writer: Kazuo Koike
- Cast: Tomisaburo Wakayama, Akihiro Tomikawa, Fumio Watanabe, Shigeru Tsuyuguchi
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
- Platforms Available: Amazon Prime Video
About Lone wolf and cub: sword of vengeance:
Packed with extraordinary action sequences, Lone wolf and club: sword of vengeance is another live-action anime film that chronicles a samurai’s life. It was reported that the Japanese author Kazuo Koike derived inspiration from Japan’s weak family culture.
The book gained international admiration due to its realistic depiction. However, this Japanese live-action anime directed by Kenji Misumi offers more than what meets the eye. Set during the 17th century, the storyline of Lone wolf and cub had been compared with Mandalorian.
According to geniuses, the live-action movie series is also referred to by its worldwide initials Kozure Okami manga. Makers gave a treat to anime fans after releasing the movie’s first video game in the 1980s. Since lone wolf and cub: sword of vengeance was adapted from the most loved manga series, its popularity still echoes on the big screens.
3. Blade of the immortal
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Writer: Hiroaki Samura
- Cast: Hana Sugisaki, Sôta Fukushi, Takuya Kimura, Hayato Ichihara, Erika Toda.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 86%
- Platforms available: Netflix
About Blade of the immortal:
One of the best live-action anime films, cult classic Blade of the Immortal, hit the theatres in 2017. Synched with beautiful cinematography, its storyline enjoys great material of gore, violence, use of weapons and supernatural narrative laced together proudly in the movie. So, it’s no surprise that the samurai concept is so irresistible that you will not forget the film for a lifetime.
The filmmakers managed to polish the flavors of original anime wholeheartedly, and this aspect of the movie was equally appreciated by audiences all over the world. Moreover, unlike other live-action anime films, Blade of the Immortal put the performers of brilliant actors on the map. But not all good movies make it to the million-dollar box office collection, attracting only $8 million; Blade of the Immortal was received well by the critics.
4. Death Note
- Director: Shusuke Kaneko
- Writer: Tsugumi Ôba, Takeshi Obata, Tetsuya Oishi
- Cast: Light Yagami, Misa Amane, Ryuk, Nat Wolff.
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 78%
- Platforms available: Netflix
What makes Death Note the most desirable live-action anime?
One of the master arts of live-action anime films, Death Note, is the best treatment for the audiences. Its intriguing concept surrounding forbidden apples is unlike the anime style. Released in the year 2006, Death Note is influential and, at the same time, remains the cult classic of the anime world.
Scores of fans dive deep into sheer confusion about whether Light is Kira, and within ten minutes of Death Note glimmers its light on the screen, these little spoiler alerts will most likely pinch your nerves. If you’re planning to watch this live-action anime movie over the weekend, keep the character L in mind. The rivalry between L and Light is equally enjoyable for avid anime lovers.
Though the first part of Death Note impressed manga fans, the second part experienced its shortcomings. However, once you switch to anime, there’s no turning back! And that’s what the feel of Death Note does to you.
5. Alita: Battle Angel
- Director: Robert Rodriguez
- Writer: Laeta Kalogridis and Cameron
- Cast: Christoph Waltz, Rosa Salazar, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Keean Johnson, Jennifer Connelly, Jackie Earle Haley
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 61%
- Platforms available: Amazon Prime Video
About Alita: Battle Angel
Alita: Battle Angel remains one of Gen-Z’s most loved live-action anime films. One can’t realize whether the sequences are shot on the green screen, sets or real locations since the feel is so genuine; it mingles with the animation so exuberantly. It’s a highly recommended live-action movie for all age types.
The action moments are so incredible that you could question if they are genuine or not. Alita enjoys the right amount of gore and violence. Everything from the cinematography to the backdrop of Alita seems so balanced. Nevertheless, the movie kicked the box office bucket of $400 million.
6. Speed Racer
- Director: Lilly Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
- Writer: The Wachowskis
- Cast: Christina Ricci, Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Matthew Fox, Susan Sarandon, Roger Allam, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rain, Richard Roundtree, and Benno Fürmann.
- IMDb rating: 6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 41%
- Platforms available: Amazon prime video
About Speed Racer:
Teamed by action and adventure, Speed Racer seems like a suitable option for a guy gang who’s willing to hit the night on the weekend. It also offers good feel entertainment, which is hardly seen in any live-action anime film.
If you’re into the freak show of flying cars and living as an avid gamer, then put Speed Racer on the checklist. Not to forget, there’s a sci-fi version of comedy that won’t hurt you a little. Based on a popular Japanese manga anime of the 1970s, Speed Racer was adapted into a live-action movie by the same name in 2006.
Its combination of CGA makes it effortless to watch. While some can’t make a difference between a game and this movie, it’s still vibrant because of its immense creativity. Though it could strain eyes being a 2-hour film, it’s still worth giving a shot!
7. Fullmetal Alchemist
- Director: Fumihiko Sori
- Writer: Fumihiko Sori, Hiromu Arakawa, Takeshi Miyamoto
- Cast: Ryosuke Yamada, Tsubasa Honda and Dean Fujioka
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 28%
- Platforms available: Netflix
About Fullmetal Alchemist:
If you’re someone who loves to hoard blond wigs and resonate with plastic hair, Fullmetal Alchemist seems like the best reminder on this subject. However, the out-of-the-box narrative blended with anime manga adaption drives a rising force for the audience. You might feel it’s fast-paced backdrop soon catch the feel of thunder.
It’s just another anime adaptation to die for as a manga addict! The 2-hour live-action film, laced with pretty cheesy action sequences, offers a great plot and visually rich material.
Though full metal alchemist got its certain hits and misses, you’ll easily forgive the director for this blunder! Avid manga fans suspect the live-action anime Fullmetal Alchemist will come back with a highly anticipated sequel. People worldwide can’t wait for it as they can’t contain their excitement.
8. JoJo’s bizarre adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Writer: Itaru Era
- Cast: Josuke Higashikata, Kento Yamazaki, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Keicho Nijimura, Yukako Yamagishi.
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 100%
- Platforms available: Amazon Prime Video
About JoJo’s bizarre adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable
One of the cult classic live-action anime remakes and television adaptations, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable, was converted into a successful live-action movie. It follows the tale leading back to generations. Though Jojo’s dark theme is not recommended for children, the thrilling narrative manages to grip your seats until the movie’s end.
It is reported that when the director was offered to work on the live-action movie, the excitement led him to lose 3 days of sleep. Moviegoers will surely have a gala time watching the film since it’s riddled with an additional amount of long shots, intriguing cinematography, and a fantastic soundtrack is like a cherry on the cake! However, the film’s feel is relatively very smooth.
9. Ghost in the shell
- Director: Mamoru Oshii
- Writer: Kazunori Itô
- Cast: Akio Ōtsuka, Iemasa Kayumi, Atsuko Tanaka
- IMDb rating: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 97%
- Platforms available: Amazon prime video
About Ghost in the shell:
A live-action movie way ahead of its times, Ghost in the Shell is so futuristic that it will leave you wanting for more. Its cyber-punk anime doesn’t seem like fiction but a masterpiece of reality. Though sci-fi nature resonates well with western movies like Matrix, Ghost in the shell has a lot more to offer for anime fans which isn’t only limited to the Japanese version.
The dark tone is often not loved by all, but this one successfully manages to run the screen time. So artistically sketched, the film pressurizes the idea of prospective life forms, and this is the kind of idea filmmakers must relish in current times. More laid towards brilliantly executed and thought-provoking nature, it will let you sink deep in its extraordinary soundtrack, life-punching dialogues, and artwork that forces anime fans to dance in a joyful parade.
10. Butai Yu Yu Hakusho
- Director: Chûji Mikasano
- Writer: Chûji Mikasano, Yoshihiro Togashi
- Cast: Yuka Hirata, Hirofumi Araki, Shōhei Hashimoto, Tsubasa Sakiyama, Hiroki Suzuki, Naoya Gomoto
- IMDb rating: 8.1/10
- Platforms available: Netflix
About Butai Yu Yu Hakusho:
Though another twisted live-action remake is on the way, fans thoroughly enjoyed Butai Yu Yu Hakusho. This live-action film is fantastic in so many ways. You’ll love its divine special effects, from brilliant actors to superb scripting. This live-action project is yet again a special gift for anime manga fans, without a doubt.
Not too dark, the theme revolves around supernatural stuff, which is great for an anime-laced movie. While characters are seen blending well with its backdrop, the stage play adaptation of the manga series Butai Yu Yu Hakusho, again by the same name, exceeds in quality.
11. Gintama: the movie
- Director: Shinji Takamatsu
- Writer: Akatsuki Yamatoya
- Cast: Tomokazu Sugita, Daisuke Sakaguchi, Rie Kugimiya, Akira Ishida, Takehito Koyasu, Susumu Chiba
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Platforms available: Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+
About Gintama: the movie:
Produced by Japanese Sunrise, live-action anime Gintama: The movie offers a blend of multiple genres under one umbrella. It’s a rare gem that enjoys a hard walk of life and how striding through it can welcome success. However, while its visually appealing sequences can make you jump, Gintama’s emotional act can leave you in tears!
Referred to as a great movie, Gintama’s character-building to, narration, and crude humor is sometimes hard to digest. While some believe Gintama has warmed up specific spaces in the hearts of anime fans, watch it for yourself to draw better judgment. The storyline seems more neutral, neither harsh nor mushy, so we recommend Gintama: the movie!
12. Assassination Classroom
- Director: Eiichiro Hasumi
- Writer: Tatsuya Kanazawa
- Cast: Anri Okita, Tomakazu Sugita, Riku Hagiwara, Sheishiri Kato, Kanna Hashimoto.
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Platforms available: Amazon prime video
About Assassination Classroom:
Though the title of assassination classroom reminds us of a video game we played in high school, and it’s far from how dark it sounds. You’ll be touched by its storyline riddled with heavy emotions and incredible portrayal of characters. People who enjoy lighthearted entertainment will find assassination classrooms soothing.
The film is unlike a sweet teenage high school drama! This live-action anime has an absurd feel and quite well captures the manga anime adaptation. Apart from that, the CGI style is impressive.
Violence and gore aren’t too loud so that you can bear Assassination Classroom‘s action sequences. It’s a great movie with entertaining and enticing source material. The actors have done a pretty decent job making the film likable.
13. Slumberland
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Writer: Michael Handelman, Winsor McCay
- Cast: Marlow Barkley, Jason Momoa, Weruche Opia, India de Beaufort, Kyle Chandler, and Chris O’Dowd
- IMDb rating: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 84%
- Platforms available: Netflix
About Slumberland:
If you’ve grown up watching Adam Sandler movies for the love of lighthearted entertainment, you can’t miss this one! Etched from a famous comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland, penned by Winsor McCay, a live-action movie adaptation was released by the same name Slumberland, around this year. This one live-action sci-fi movie will increase your love for beastly creatures.
There’s just enough excitement to make your weekend special. However, this would become a sober reminder for those who loved watching sea films like Finding Nemo, it remains mountain apart from the recent release Slumberland, but you’ll still enjoy to your heart’s contentment.
14. Fist of the North Star
- Director: Toyoo Ashida
- Writer: Susumu Takaku
- Cast: Akira Kamiya, Kenji Utsumi
- IMDb rating: 7.2/10
- Platforms available: Amazon Prime Video
About Fist of the North Star:
The 1986 release Fist of the North Star is a perfect choice if you’re looking for the best anime masterpiece. Its intriguing execution makes the gore and violence of its storyline find a perfect balance. Topped with immense intensity, Fist of the North Star remains enticing and joyful in the anime genre. Also, nearly everything related to the post-apocalyptic era is magic.
Established on the Japanese manga by the same name, martial arts are equally enjoyable, which remains the core subject of the live-action movie. It is said that the movie’s manga series sold more than $100 million copies. In addition, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Dragon ball were inspired by Fist of the North Star.
15. Ace Attorney
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Writer: Takeharu Sakurai, Sachiko Ōguchi
- Cast: Hiroki Narimiya, Mirei Kiritani, Takumi Saitoh
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Platforms available: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
About Ace Attorney:
Ace Attorney is one of the most beautiful live-action courtroom dramas ever made. The filmmaker employed techniques from video game series, which were applauded by anime fans worldwide. You won’t find many differences between characters’ costumes in the movie or the video game.
Music tracks of Ace Attorney are a blessing in disguise. There’s just a bunch of fan art one will catch on Twitter for many reasons. Also, the rich video game appeal is appreciative. With a good feel and humor on the way, it’s fun to watch if you’re looking for something light this weekend!
16. Akira
- Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
- Writer: Izô Hashimoto
- Cast: Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, Mami Koyama, Taro Ishida, Mizuho Suzuki, Tetsusho Genda
- IMDb rating: 8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 90%
- Platforms available: Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
About Akira:
One of the most iconic anime movies of all time, Akira, was sketched from a world-famous manga by Katsuhiro Otomo. Released in 1988, its storyline carefully presents post-apocalyptic visions which will make your skin crawl. Its live-action adaptation was about to hit the rack as a feature film but couldn’t make it.
Renowned filmmakers are trying their hands at remaking Akira into an anime tv series. If reports are to be believed, Thor director Taika Waititi has abruptly stopped working on Akira’s live-action remake. Anime manga fans are still expecting good news from Waititi.
Hollywood’s Warner Bros have taken the rights to the film. Akira got regarded as the most influential film to date. It shaped the anime universe and comic books. You should immediately and without hesitation view it if you haven’t already.
17. Crying Freeman
- Director: Christophe Gans
- Writer: Kazuo Koike
- Cast: Julie Condra, Mark Dacascos, Byron Mann, Rae Dawn Chong, Yoko Shimada, Tchéky Karyo, Mako, Masaya Kato
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
- Platforms available: Amazon Prime Video
About Crying Freeman:
After Crying Freeman‘s initial release, it became the eye candy of critics for creating too many stereotypes. However, anime fans all over the world did not cry over its overall storyline. Christophe Gans employed the best filmmaking techniques for a debut live-action anime film. From the Japanese manga aspect, it’s got a fresh feel from a western director.
Overall, its diverse nature, culture, and great action sequences make it a bearable watch for a manga fan. Apart from this, the emotional ride is unlimited. With a mere budget, Gans made his first attempt and succeeded worldwide. Crying Freeman also offers excellent cinematic shots. All the actors leave a punch of talent and give their best performances at hand.
18. Gantz: O
- Director: Keiichi Sato, Yasushi Kawamura
- Writer: Tsutomu Kuroiwa
- Cast: Mao Ichimichi, Daisuke Ono, Saori Hayami, Masane Tsukayama, Shūichi Ikeda, Yūki Kaji, Tomohiro Kaku
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10
- Platforms available: Netflix
About Gantz: O
If you’re into sci-fi anime that highlights brilliant CGI, Gantz: O is something to look forward to. It’s fun to watch and will make you laugh in specific sequences. In addition, their action scenes seem so illuminated that it’s easy to understand what’s going on.
The only thing most likely upset younger audiences are sexualizing female roles; the rest seems fine! You’ll enjoy character development taking its own pace. Well adapted from the famous manga series, their dialogues get bonus points. From the breathtaking ending to the entire plot of Gantz: O, it’s a must-watch film on your bucket list.
19. Animal World
- Director: Han Yan
- Writer: Han Yan
- Cast: Li Yifeng, Michael Douglas, Zhou Dongyu
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
- Platforms available: Netflix
About Animal World:
Etched from Nobuyuki Fukumoto’s manga Kaiji, Animal World remained number 1 at the box office with $77,403,61 million worldwide and received appreciation from film critics. Being an adaptation, its material on screen was solid as fire, which is why everyone enjoyed watching it repeatedly.
Contrary to the movie title, you won’t encounter any animals. Though it’s a milder version of Japanese comics, you won’t get bored until the end of the conclusion. It’s laden with excitement, and emotional rides and CGI is just wonderfully executed. But all of which makes it the most balanced adaptation made to date! Watch this gem to believe it!
20. Blood: the last vampire
- Director: Hiroyuki Kitakubo
- Writer: Kenji Kamiyama
- Cast: Joe Romersa, Saemi Nakamura, Yûki Kudô, Akira Koieyama, Rebecca Forstadt, Tom Fahn, Stuart Robinson
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 47%
- Platforms available: Amazon Prime
About Blood: the last vampire
If you admire the horror genre, open your eyes to this one! Blood: the last vampire is something anime fans will enjoy! Adaptation from an anime movie does justice to its execution. However, don’t forget its concept is far from light entertainment, and it’s not for the weak-hearted!
You might be familiar with fictional vampires because of Twilight’s undeniable popularity. Blood: the last vampire is a true ode to westernized cinematography and screenplay that defines the horror genre. It easily looks like another Hollywood film consisting of sequences that will make you scream with fright!
21. Kingdom (2019)
- Director: Shinsuke Sato
- Writer: Shinsuke Sato, Yasuhisa Hara, Tsutomu Kuroiwa
- Cast: Kanna Hashimoto, Kento Yamazaki, Masami Nagasawa, Ryo Yoshizawa
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
- Platforms available: YouTube, Amazon Prime Video
About Kingdom:
This Japanese movie is based on the manga series of the same name. The writer of the manga series Kingdom is Yasuhisa Hara. The movie received mixed reviews from the audience.
The plot is set during ancient China period where people were forced to do slavery. In that period, two boys who were forced to do labor work became brothers, and both dreamt of being free one day. They both trained hard to perfect their skills. However, they both encounter many obstacles on their way to achieve freedom.
Why is a live-action anime films better than Roger Rabbit?
If you’re a ’90s kid, we’re sure cult classic Roger Rabbit must have been your favorite live-action animation movie of that era. It has got everything to offer for anime fans, the absurd comedy that pulls the audience’s strings away and lively characters who appear more like prosthetic plastics.
However, we can’t call it better than live-action anime films. So, Roger Rabbit’s combination of 2-dimensional animation became popular as the ‘Roger Effect’.
