Charles Esther
Live-action adaptations may not appeal to everyone.
If you’re a loyal comic or manga fan, or if animation is more your style, the idea of watching your favourite stories in a live-action format can be difficult to embrace.
Many adaptations have disappointed fans, either by straying too far from the original source or by trying too hard to copy it.
As someone who usually prefers animated shows, I never expected to enjoy live-action versions — but a few titles genuinely surprised me.
Below are eight live-action adaptations that are actually worth your time.
These picks offer compelling stories, quality performances, and strong production values.
Please note that availability on Netflix may vary by region.
If a title isn’t currently accessible in your country, consider using the “Remind Me” button or a VPN to switch regions.
Why I Usually Prefer Animation Over Live Action
Animated series, particularly anime, tend to stick closer to the heart of the source material.
They offer artistic freedom and visual styles that are hard to recreate in live-action.
I’ve seen too many live-action attempts fall flat — losing the essence of the original story or coming off as awkward.
Netflix, in particular, has had mixed success in adapting anime.
Some shows like Death Note were met with backlash, while others like Cowboy Bebop were cancelled quickly.
That said, One Piece changed my perspective.
Its faithful yet creative execution gave me hope that good live-action adaptations do exist.
8. Titans
Release Year: 2018
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 49
Status: Ended
Based on DC’s Teen Titans comics, Titans explores the journey of young superheroes confronting crime and their inner demons.
Dick Grayson (Batman’s ex-sidekick) and Rachel Roth (an empath with a dark secret) take center stage.
Other characters like Beast Boy, Starfire, Jason Todd, and Superboy bring depth and diversity to the team.
The show has a gritty, mature tone and gets better with time — especially by Season 3.
It’s a solid choice for fans of dark superhero narratives.
7. Alice in Borderland
Release Year: 2020
Seasons: 2
Episodes: 16
Status: Ongoing
A gripping survival thriller, Alice in Borderland follows Arisu and Usagi as they navigate deadly games in a deserted Tokyo.
Players earn life extensions by winning, but the cost of failure is death.
With high-stakes action, emotional backstories, and a compelling mystery, this series is a must-watch.
Season 3 is expected in late 2025, so now is the perfect time to catch up.
6. Parasyte: The Grey
Release Year: 2024
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 6
Status: Ended
Inspired by the Parasyte manga, this Korean spin-off introduces a new character, Jeong Su-in, partially possessed by a parasite named Heidi.
Together, they battle alien invaders while evading a government task force.
Unlike many adaptations, Parasyte: The Grey tells a fresh story in the same universe rather than retelling the manga directly.
The show has earned positive feedback and quickly rose to Netflix’s Top 10 TV (Non-English) chart.
5. Yu Yu Hakusho
Release Year: 2023
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 5
Status: Ended
This five-episode miniseries adapts the beloved ’90s manga into a fast-paced, high-energy adventure.
Yusuke Urameshi dies while saving a child, but is resurrected to serve as a Spirit Detective investigating supernatural crimes.
Despite its short run, the show delivers strong action scenes and a decent plot arc that stays true to the original.
It also attracted over 7.7 million viewers during its first week.
4. Erased
Release Year: 2017
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 12
Status: Ended
Unlike other versions of Erased, this live-action Netflix series stays faithful to the manga.
Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old with the ability to travel back in time, tries to prevent his mother’s murder by stopping a serial killer from his childhood.
It blends emotional storytelling with suspense and time travel in a way that keeps viewers engaged throughout.
3. The Umbrella Academy
Release Year: 2019
Seasons: 4
Episodes: 36
Status: Ended
Based on Gerard Way’s comic series, The Umbrella Academy features a dysfunctional superhero family reunited by their father’s mysterious death.
They face time travel, alternate realities, and the looming threat of an apocalypse.
With quirky humour and complex characters, the show stands out in the superhero genre.
Though its final season was polarising, the overall journey is entertaining and binge-worthy.
2. Sweet Tooth
Release Year: 2021
Seasons: 3
Episodes: 24
Status: Ended
Sweet Tooth is set in a post-apocalyptic world where hybrid children (half-human, half-animal) are hunted by humans.
The story follows Gus, a deer-boy searching for his mother, alongside other hybrids trying to survive.
With stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and strong storytelling, Sweet Tooth is one of the most emotional and imaginative adaptations available.
It was watched by more than 60 million households in its first month.
1. One Piece
Release Year: 2023
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 8
Status: Ongoing
Netflix’s One Piece is arguably the gold standard for anime live-action adaptations.
It captures the heart, humour, and ambition of the original manga while introducing the world of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
Luffy’s dream of becoming the Pirate King leads to a thrilling adventure packed with powerful friendships, epic fights, and mythical treasures.
The show won fans worldwide, with 37 million views in just two weeks.
A second season is already confirmed for release in 2026.
Final Thoughts
While live-action adaptations don’t always hit the mark, the shows above prove they can succeed with the right vision.
From high-stakes thrillers to heartfelt adventures, these series bring fresh life to beloved source material without completely losing their soul.
If you’re still unsure about live-action anime, these eight titles are a great place to start.
And who knows?
You might just become a fan.
