Anime Live-Action Adaptations That Were Absolute Failures

It’s often hard for anime adaptations to capture the unique look and intricate stories of the original work. While some succeed, many live-action versions are criticized by fans for changing characters too much. These adaptations frequently try to fit long stories into shorter movies or shows, which can result in rushed plots and confusing scenes. The following is a look at several productions that were generally considered unsuccessful due to negative reviews and poor quality.

‘Dragonball Evolution’ (2009)

A teenager learns he’s a chosen warrior with the power to save the world from an age-old evil. His journey takes him to famous places as he collects magical orbs to awaken a powerful dragon. However, the movie faced criticism for changing key elements of the original story and the way characters looked. Many viewers and critics also found the special effects and the speed of the story problematic. It’s often used as an example of how hard it is to adapt complex fantasy anime into live-action films.

‘Death Note’ (2017)

A gifted student discovers a strange notebook with a deadly power: anyone whose name he writes in it will die. He starts killing criminals around the world, but a brilliant detective is hot on his trail. This American remake takes place in Seattle and features very different versions of the characters from the original. However, reviewers found that the film didn’t capture the complex ideas or the thrilling cat-and-mouse game that made the original so popular. Many viewers were also let down by the story’s simpler questions and rushed plot.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (2017)

In a futuristic city, a soldier with cybernetic enhancements commands a special team to take down dangerous criminals and hackers. Though visually impressive, the film received criticism for its casting and changes to the story. It toned down deeper philosophical themes about what it means to be human to appeal to a wider audience. Many viewers who loved the original 1995 animated movie felt this new version lacked its rich atmosphere and intricate plot. Ultimately, the film didn’t perform well in theaters and didn’t lead to any sequels.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2015)

People live in huge, walled cities to stay safe from enormous, human-eating creatures called Titans. The recent live-action movie changed the story and characters in ways that many fans disliked. Although the special effects for the Titans looked good, most critics didn’t like the writing or how the story unfolded. Many viewers felt the movie didn’t capture the grim and hopeless feeling of the original series. It highlights how hard it is to successfully adapt complex fantasy stories into movies.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist’ (2017)

Two brothers try to revive their mother using alchemy, but their efforts go terribly wrong. This sets them on a quest to find a legendary artifact, the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping it can fix what they’ve broken. Along the way, they stumble upon a large-scale government cover-up. While the movie has its fans, critics found the special effects unconvincing and the acting stiff. Many who loved the original anime or manga felt the movie didn’t capture the story’s emotional depth, and the complex backstory was hard to follow for newcomers.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (2021)

Set in 2071, this show follows a team of bounty hunters as they journey through space, both chasing criminals and trying to outrun their own troubled histories. The creators aimed to capture the look and feel of the iconic 1998 anime, but the live-action adaptation received mixed reviews. While the actors were praised, some viewers found the show’s story uneven and overly complicated. Ultimately, it didn’t quite capture the original’s unique blend of coolness and sadness, and was canceled after just one season due to its divisive reception.

‘Kite’ (2014)

This movie, set in a world devastated by economic collapse, follows a young woman as she tries to find the person who killed her father, with help from a police detective. It’s a live-action remake of a visually striking animated film from the 1990s that sparked debate upon its release. However, reviewers found that the live-action version lost the unique visual style of the original and that the acting and story didn’t have the same impact. The film was largely disliked by critics and didn’t find a wide audience.

‘Devilman’ (2004)

A troubled young man joins forces with a demon to protect humanity from an overwhelming monster invasion. However, this movie is often considered one of the worst ever made in Japan, largely because of its cheap-looking special effects and a storyline that’s hard to follow. Critics also disliked the acting, finding it uninspired even for a fantasy film. Those familiar with the original, dark, and intense manga felt the movie didn’t capture the depth of the source material. It serves as a warning to filmmakers trying to bring beloved supernatural horror stories to the big screen.

‘Fist of the North Star’ (1995)

A solitary fighter travels through a devastated future, using deadly skills to defend the helpless from violent gangs. However, this American film, made with a limited budget, didn’t quite capture the intense action and grand scope of the original Japanese comic. Critics and fans found the costumes and scenery looked cheap and lacked imagination compared to the source material, and the fight scenes weren’t fast-paced or powerful enough. As a result, the movie was released on home video in many countries and quickly faded into obscurity.

‘Black Butler’ (2014)

Okay, so I just finished watching this movie, and while the premise – a girl disguising herself as a guy to solve mysteries with her demon butler – is super cool, the execution left me a little cold. They moved the story from Victorian England to a futuristic Asian city, which honestly felt really jarring and lost a lot of what I loved about the original source material. The leads just didn’t click the way they do in the manga – they were missing that dark, intriguing energy. Plus, the plot felt really messy and hard to follow if you weren’t already familiar with the story. Honestly, the direction felt pretty flat, and the whole thing just lacked any real visual flair. It felt…uninspired, you know?

‘Terra Formars’ (2016)

The movie follows a team of criminals sent to Mars to wipe out giant, evolved cockroaches that have adapted after years of human colonization. While directed by a recognized filmmaker, the film was criticized for its strange creature designs and inconsistent visual effects. Many reviewers felt it didn’t successfully translate the suspense and horror from the original manga. The large number of characters also made it hard for audiences to connect with their fates. Ultimately, the movie performed poorly in theaters and received largely negative reviews.

‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2018)

A young man who hides his emotions and possesses strong psychic powers attempts to lead a normal life by assisting a fraudulent psychic. The live-action adaptation of the story had difficulty capturing the original creator’s distinct and energetic visual style. Viewers often found the show’s humor didn’t work as well in live-action, and the story felt too fast-paced. The visual effects were uneven in quality and occasionally pulled focus from the story’s emotional depth. Ultimately, the live-action series didn’t reach the same level of success or positive reviews as the animated version.

‘Blood: The Last Vampire’ (2009)

The movie follows a part-human vampire hunter tasked with eliminating shapeshifting demons at a US military base. Critics found the film disappointing due to its noticeably bad CGI and weak storyline. Although the main actress gave a strong performance, the movie as a whole felt unoriginal and didn’t capture the mood of the initial short film that inspired it. Fast editing and dim lighting made the action scenes difficult to see. Ultimately, the film didn’t perform well with audiences worldwide.

‘Oldboy’ (2013)

A man spends twenty years in prison without knowing why, then is unexpectedly freed and tasked with finding the person who put him there. This American film, based on a Japanese comic book, didn’t attract many viewers and was often compared to a well-regarded Korean movie made earlier. Reviewers thought it didn’t have the same visual flair or emotional impact as the original, and changes to the story’s central puzzle disappointed fans. Ultimately, the film wasn’t successful financially and is considered a weak adaptation of the source material.

‘Gatchaman’ (2013)

A movie featuring five young, tech-savvy superheroes fighting off an alien invasion was met with criticism. While the heroes had cool powers and fighting skills, the film took itself too seriously, clashing with the fun, vibrant spirit of the original show. Many fans disliked the new suit designs and felt the team lacked chemistry. Critics found the story to be unoriginal and full of tired tropes, failing to give the franchise a fresh, modern feel. Ultimately, the movie didn’t succeed financially or with reviewers.

‘The Guyver’ (1991)

A young man discovers an alien suit of armor that gives him amazing abilities, but also makes him a target for a shadowy company. This initial anime adaptation was hampered by limited funds and relied too much on silly, over-the-top comedy. While the special effects were created using practical methods, they appeared awkward and old-fashioned, even when the film was first released. Viewers familiar with the original, darker manga found the movie too cheerful and a significant departure from the source material. Although it’s developed a small, dedicated fanbase over time, it’s largely considered an unsuccessful adaptation.

‘Crying Freeman’ (1995)

This action movie follows a guilt-ridden assassin who cries after each kill, making him a target for other criminal groups while he tries to keep a woman who recognized him safe. Though it aimed to recreate the striking visuals and action of the original manga, the film received mixed reviews. Critics felt the dialogue was awkward, and the story was too melodramatic and lacked depth. Despite having some good action sequences, the movie ultimately felt like a typical action film and didn’t capture the artistic beauty of the source material.

‘Cutie Honey’ (2004)

The movie centers around a lively android girl who can transform and uses these powers to battle a villainous group and safeguard those she cares about. Despite being directed by a well-known anime director, it didn’t connect with most live-action moviegoers. Many found the visuals overwhelming and the acting too dramatic. Critics also felt the plot was weak and focused more on appealing to fans than developing its characters. Ultimately, the film is more often remembered for its unusual elements than for being a good movie.

‘Initial D’ (2005)

The movie tells the story of a young tofu delivery driver who unexpectedly becomes a famous street racer in the mountains. However, it significantly altered the backstories and relationships of characters from the original manga, which upset many longtime fans. While the racing sequences were visually impressive, the scenes focusing on the characters’ personal lives were often considered slow and uninteresting. The casting choices also sparked debate, as many actors didn’t match the descriptions of their characters in the source material. The film achieved some success in certain areas, but overall, it wasn’t well-received by dedicated fans.

‘Lupin the 3rd’ (2014)

The movie follows a skilled thief and his team as they try to steal a famous jewel from a heavily guarded vault. However, it received criticism for being too long and having a complicated story that wasn’t as clever as the original show. Many fans also felt the connection between the characters wasn’t as strong as in the anime, and the action scenes, while visually elaborate, lacked the simple appeal of the original’s animation. Ultimately, the film didn’t quite capture the excitement and sense of adventure that has made the franchise so beloved for years.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2017)

After a strange accident turns a college student into half-ghoul, they have to figure out how to live in a world shared by humans and monsters. While the movie’s costumes were well-received, viewers felt the story moved too quickly and didn’t quite find its footing. Important ideas about right and wrong, and the character’s constant hunger, weren’t explored as deeply as they could have been due to the film’s length. The effects used for the supernatural parts of the story got a mixed reaction. Ultimately, the movie didn’t attract a large enough audience to warrant any follow-up films.

‘Bleach’ (2018)

This movie follows a teenage boy who can see ghosts and becomes a protector, fighting monstrous spirits in his town. While it aimed to adapt the beginning of a popular manga series, it left out several beloved characters. Reviewers found the story rushed and felt that those unfamiliar with the source material would struggle to understand the world. Although the action sequences were okay, the film generally felt like a shortened and less developed version of a much more compelling story. It wasn’t a big hit with audiences and didn’t spark the sequels many expected.

‘Gantz’ (2011)

A strange black orb brings people back to life, forcing them to fight aliens on the streets of Tokyo in a dangerous game. While based on a popular manga, the movie adaptation lost some of the original’s intense action and violence. Fans were unhappy with the altered ending and missing story elements. The acting was uneven, and the alien effects weren’t always convincing. Ultimately, the film didn’t capture the dark, hopeless feeling that made the original manga so successful.

‘ReLIFE’ (2017)

A 27-year-old man takes part in an experiment that temporarily makes him look like a teenager, giving him a chance to experience high school again. However, the movie rushed through a complex and heartfelt story, turning it into a typical romantic comedy. Critics found the characters weren’t well-developed and the ending felt too easy. Viewers familiar with the original webtoon and anime were let down by the superficial portrayal of the relationships between the students. Ultimately, the film didn’t offer anything new in a genre already full of high school dramas.

‘Your Lie in April’ (2016)

A gifted pianist who loses his hearing rediscovers his passion through a vibrant young violinist. However, the live-action adaptation received criticism for its lead actors, who many felt didn’t capture the characters’ deep emotions. The musical scenes also lacked the visual excitement of the original animated version. Some critics found the story too overly emotional and felt it lost some of its power and sadness in the remake, leaving fans of the original disappointed.

‘Prison School’ (2015)

A live-action series about five boys attending a school that used to be all-girls faced criticism for its strange and awkward approach. The show, based on a manga known for its over-the-top humor, followed the boys after they were caught peeking at students. While it tried to capture the manga’s energy, many viewers found the live-action version uncomfortable and not as funny. The show struggled to blend comedy and drama, and ultimately didn’t attract a large audience, receiving mostly negative reviews for its unusual execution.

‘Psychic Kusuo’ (2017)

This movie follows a high school student with incredible psychic abilities who simply wants a normal life, but his unusual classmates keep getting in the way. While the film used a lot of silly, over-the-top humor and bright colors, many viewers found it overwhelming. Reviewers pointed out that the anime’s quick, energetic jokes didn’t work as well in a live-action movie, and the costumes looked cheap. Ultimately, the film wasn’t successful and didn’t capture the cleverness of the original source material.

‘Parasyte: Part 1’ (2014)

When alien parasites invade Earth, they take control of people by entering through their ears or noses. One teen manages to contain the parasite to his hand, leading to a strange partnership as they try to survive. While the visual effects showing the body transformations were okay, the movie was criticized for its uninspired visuals and quickly developed characters. Many fans felt the deeper ideas from the original manga were lost, replaced with standard action sequences. The film received mixed reviews and is generally considered less impressive than the animated series it’s based on.

‘Space Battleship Yamato’ (2010)

A famous battleship and its crew travel to another galaxy in a desperate attempt to save Earth from a radioactive disaster. However, the movie received criticism for its visual effects, which appeared rough and outdated. Critics also found the story to be too melodramatic and filled with familiar tropes from older sci-fi films. Longtime fans of the original 1970s anime series felt the adaptation didn’t capture the spirit or grand scope of the original, and ultimately, it didn’t revitalize the franchise as hoped.

‘Casshern’ (2004)

This movie tells the story of a revived warrior battling a robot army to save a world on the brink of collapse. While praised for its striking visuals and digital scenery, it received criticism for a confusing and overly complex plot. Many found the story hard to follow because it jumped around in time and featured a lot of dense, philosophical conversations. The fast-paced editing and extensive visual effects sometimes overshadowed the action itself. Ultimately, it’s a divisive film often remembered for prioritizing impressive style over a clear, compelling story.

‘Yatterman’ (2009)

As a big fan of retro cartoons, I was really excited for this movie! It follows two young heroes and their incredible robot dog as they chase after powerful artifacts, battling a trio of hilariously inept villains. It’s definitely a vibrant and over-the-top take on the classic seventies cartoon it’s based on, and the filmmakers really tried to stay true to the original. Honestly though, I think it missed the mark a little. Some of the humor felt a bit too much, and visually, it was a lot to take in. Plus, it felt pretty long for such a straightforward story. It got a mixed reaction overall and didn’t really break out as a huge hit outside of Japan, which is a shame.

‘Blade of the Immortal’ (2017)

A timeless samurai takes on a job helping a young woman avenge her parents’ deaths. Though the fight scenes were skillfully done, the movie received some criticism for being too long and having similar action repeated throughout. Many viewers felt the film didn’t quite capture the dark, artistic style of the original manga. While it did okay at the box office, it didn’t fully meet the director’s ambitious goals.

‘Blue Spring Ride’ (2014)

The movie centers around a high school girl reconnecting with her childhood crush and attempting to support him as he deals with difficult emotions. However, reviewers found the film moved too slowly and didn’t give enough attention to characters other than the leads. Many felt the story was predictable and didn’t capture the emotional depth of the original manga, and fans pointed out significant changes and omissions from the source material. Ultimately, it was a typical romance that didn’t make a strong impact on viewers.

‘Say “I Love You”‘ (2014)

A shy girl who’s stopped trying to make friends unexpectedly gets noticed by the school’s most popular boy. However, the recent movie version of this story was criticized for being boring and lacking the appeal of the original. Reviewers found the acting uninspired and the romance between the leads unbelievable. The movie followed familiar romantic story patterns without offering anything fresh, and ultimately didn’t succeed with audiences or fans of the original series.

Please share your thoughts on these anime adaptations in the comments.

2026-02-06 21:19