Top Seven Live-Action Anime Adaptations We’re Dying to See

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Live-action adaptations of anime are becoming increasingly common. Historically, many attempts haven’t pleased fans – films like Dragon Ball Evolution, Ghost in the Shell, Devilman, and Uzumaki didn’t quite capture the spirit of the original anime. However, recent successes like One Piece and Alita: Battle Angel demonstrate that these adaptations can be done well, and suggest a brighter future for the genre.

This list focuses on upcoming live-action adaptations of anime that haven’t been released yet. So, you won’t find titles like Netflix’s One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender here – but we’re really looking forward to seeing those shows too! Now, let’s jump into the list.

7.) Mobile Suit Gundam

There’s no question that Mobile Suit Gundam is the most popular giant robot anime series ever created. For decades, it’s expanded into TV shows, films, toys, and much more, becoming a global phenomenon. Riding this wave of popularity, Legendary Pictures and Bandai Namco Filmworks are collaborating on a live-action Gundam movie aimed at Western audiences. While we don’t have a release date or even a trailer yet, this project is surprisingly far along in development, largely because of its cast. Stars Sydney Sweeney and Noah Centineo are confirmed to appear, although their characters haven’t been revealed. No matter which Gundam story the film chooses to tell, there’s a wealth of source material to draw from.

6.) The Junji Ito Trilogy (Bloodsucking Darkness, The Mystery of The Haunted House Parts 1 & 2)

Fangoria Studios and Lens Entertainment are joining forces in 2024 to adapt some of the scariest manga stories for the big screen. They’ve partnered with renowned horror artist Junji Ito to create a trilogy of films based on his works, Bloodsucking Darkness and The Mystery of The Haunted House. The Bloodsucking Darkness movie will follow a girl investigating a series of vampire bat attacks in her town, while The Mystery of The Haunted House will be a two-part film centered around a terrifying location filled with monsters and unsettlingly familiar figures. Considered a master of horror in the anime world, Junji Ito’s involvement aims to deliver truly frightening cinematic experiences.

5.) Voltron

Voltron is a classic anime series with a significant place in introducing the genre to North American audiences. Though a popular animated version previously streamed on Netflix and is no longer available there, the franchise is getting a new life thanks to Amazon MGM Studios. Similar to the recent live-action adaptation of Mobile Suit Gundam, the new Voltron film has already announced a star-studded cast, including Henry Cavill, Sterling K. Brown, Alba Baptista, Samson Kay, and Rita Ora. Rawson Marshall Thurber, known for films like Dodgeball, Red Notice, and Skyscraper, is directing, and fans of giant robots are eagerly awaiting more details about the iconic lion-themed mechs.

4.) Your Name

This project is currently uncertain, despite previous announcements of a live-action adaptation. Paramount, Bad Robot, and Toho were originally collaborating to bring it to life, but the recent merger between Paramount and Skydance has put its future in question, as there haven’t been any updates in years. Director Carlos Lopez Estrada (known for Raya and the Last Dragon) was set to write and direct as of 2022, but no further news has emerged. Given the emotional depth and beauty of the original anime, created by Makoto Shinkai, a live-action version has strong potential for success.

3.) My Hero Academia

After the anime finished its main story, fans of My Hero Academia have even more to look forward to! One final episode is planned for this year, and the second season of the spin-off series, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, is already airing. Plus, the popular superhero series is getting a live-action movie! Netflix and Legendary are working together to bring the world of Deku and UA Academy to life. Shinsuke Sato, known for Alice in Borderland, is directing, and Jason Fuchs, who worked on Wonder Woman, is writing the script. While we don’t know when it will be released yet, it’s exciting news for fans who want to see Class 1-A in a new way.

2.) One-Punch Man

Sony Pictures has found great success with anime, especially after acquiring Crunchyroll. This has led to popular films like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man The Movie: The Reze Arc, so it’s not surprising they’re now making live-action adaptations. One-Punch Man is a key project in this effort, with Fast & Furious director Justin Lin at the helm. The writing team of Dan Harmon and Heather Anne Campbell is also on board, and fans are hopeful this adaptation will be faithful to the original material and improve upon some issues seen in the third season of the anime.

1.) Naruto

Fans have been hoping for a live-action Naruto movie for years, and it’s finally happening! Lionsgate announced in 2024 that they’re bringing the Hidden Leaf Village to life with director Daniel Deston Cretton at the helm. Cretton is known for his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and this year’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, suggesting the project is in capable hands. Even Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, has given his approval. While there’s no release date yet, the movie is sure to be a huge event for anime fans when it finally arrives.

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2026-01-07 00:46