Top 20 Anime That Need A Reboot

Many anime series started with promising concepts but faced problems like incomplete source material, low funding, or plots that shifted unexpectedly. A well-done reboot can stay true to the original story, finish storylines that were left out, or bring older animation up to current quality. The following shows have potential for improvement through complete adaptations or updated visuals. Each description details the original issues and how a new version could resolve them, giving viewers a more complete experience.

‘Berserk’ (1997–1998)

This series covers the early part of the story, ending before some of the most important events happen. It doesn’t include popular characters like Skull Knight or major storylines like Conviction and the Falcon of the Millennium Empire. While the story continued in other forms, those adaptations weren’t always successful. A fresh start, following the manga from the beginning with a consistent art style, could be a better approach.

‘Claymore’ (2007)

As a long-time fan, I’ve always felt the anime did a really solid job of sticking to the source material – the manga – for most of its run. However, it took a different path for the finale, crafting its own ending. Sadly, a lot of great story arcs from the manga, like the mysteries surrounding the Organization and the events in the northern regions, never made it to the screen. And towards the end, things felt a bit rushed, with character development and power-ups not getting the attention they deserved. Honestly, a fresh reboot that follows the manga faithfully could finally give us the complete story we’ve been waiting for.

‘Soul Eater’ (2008–2009)

The live-action version takes a different path from the original manga in its final act, resulting in a changed ending. It leaves out several villains and character arcs that appeared later in the manga. Details about power levels and the history of both kishin and witches are also simplified. A future adaptation could more closely follow the manga’s story and include its complete ending.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014–2018)

The first season closely follows the beginning of the story, but the second season introduces plot points that don’t align with what happens later on. When adapting the sequel manga, the show rushes through major storylines and cuts out important reasons behind characters’ actions. Development for both Kaneki and the CCG feels rushed and incomplete. A fresh start could more accurately follow both the original manga and its sequel, allowing the story to unfold at its intended speed.

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019–2021)

The first season closely follows the story’s escape plot, but the second season cuts out many storylines and rushes through others. Several important characters from the original story are either left out completely or have very small roles. Details about the world – like the demon power structure and the humans fighting back – are also less developed. A remake could bring back the missing storylines and give the full story the attention it deserves.

‘D.Gray-man’ (2006–2008)

The show took a break before it could cover key storylines involving the Heart of Innocence and the Noah clan. When the series returned, it was set years later with a new team and fewer episodes. Many chapters from the manga, after the Alma storyline, haven’t been made into animation. Starting over with a fresh adaptation could allow the whole story to be told with a consistent look and feel.

‘Gantz’ (2004)

Initially, the anime closely follows the story of the manga, but it eventually diverges with a unique ending, leaving future storylines unexplored. The original manga continues beyond this point, introducing international adventures and more detailed game mechanics. Compared to the manga, the anime features different outcomes for characters and altered technology. A remake could potentially cover the entire story and maintain the original game rules.

‘Katekyo Hitman Reborn!’ (2006–2010)

The series covers the beginning and main storylines, but stops before the story concludes. Important family disputes and satisfying endings for some characters aren’t shown. The show doesn’t fully explain how powers and special rings work, especially towards the end. A continuation could complete the remaining plot points and improve the fight scenes.

‘Air Gear’ (2006)

The anime doesn’t cover everything from the original manga, stopping before some key competitions and important story details. Several teams and characters don’t get the development they deserve, and the show only briefly explains the technology and customization that are central to the sport. A new version could finish the tournament storylines and give a more in-depth look at the technical side of things.

‘Ouran High School Host Club’ (2006)

The anime ends before the story fully develops in the manga. Important character arcs and relationship resolutions from later on are left out. Key plot points involving school life and family issues that appear in the manga’s ending are also missing. A new adaptation could cover the entire manga storyline and reach its proper conclusion.

‘Deadman Wonderland’ (2011)

As a fan of the source material, I’m a little frustrated with the anime’s adaptation. It sets up this incredible prison world and its unique powers, but then it just…stops. We don’t get to see many of the characters I love from the manga, and key storylines like the Tokyo tragedy and the Wretched Egg arc feel really rushed and unfinished. I truly believe a full adaptation would tie everything together and finally explain where these amazing abilities come from. It has so much potential!

‘Rave Master’ (2001–2002)

The show concludes well before the story is finished in the original manga, leaving plot points and characters unresolved. Important connections to future events and character backgrounds are missing, and the characters don’t fully develop their abilities or weapons. A remake could tell the complete story and create a more cohesive and understandable world.

‘Zetman’ (2012)

The anime adaptation streamlines the story by combining several book volumes and changing the order of events, which affects why characters do what they do. Some villains and complex moral questions about creating heroes are rushed or cut short, and important relationships don’t have enough time to develop. A more accurate retelling could fix the timeline and better convey the original story’s themes.

‘GetBackers’ (2002–2003)

This adaptation starts by closely following the beginning of the story, but then moves away from the original source material and doesn’t finish the complete plot. Key storylines, like the Babylon City arc and everything happening within the Limitless Fortress, are cut short. We also don’t get to see the full extent of what characters are capable of or learn their complete backstories. A fresh start could allow for the entire story to be told, including a proper ending.

‘Noblesse’ (2020)

The story picks up after establishing the world and the main characters’ backgrounds. Several story arcs are quickly summarized, which speeds up the path to the major conflicts with the Union. Details about power structures and clan relationships are kept concise. The story could be effectively restarted from the beginning, adapting each arc in its original order.

‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

The anime adaptation doesn’t finish the story told in the manga and makes some changes to the plot. It leaves out extra characters with special abilities, as well as later events and conflicts. Details about the science behind the outbreak are also simplified. A remake could include the remaining chapters of the manga and give the story its intended ending.

‘Ranma ½’ (1989–1992)

Okay, so I just finished watching this adaptation, and while it definitely had its moments – the comedy and fight scenes were fun – it felt… incomplete. They pulled from a lot of the source material, but it seemed like they didn’t quite have the time or space to wrap things up properly. A bunch of key characters and training sequences from the original manga were missing, and they introduced this interesting curse element, but never really did anything with it. Honestly, a new version that covers the whole story could be amazing and finally give us the satisfying ending this series deserves.

‘Bokurano’ (2007)

The anime version changes what happens to the characters and feels different in tone from the original manga. Important details revealed later on, like how the selection process works and the existence of parallel worlds, are either changed or left out completely. Some of the pilots don’t get as much development as they did in the manga. A remake that stays true to the source material could bring back the story’s original structure and deeper themes.

‘Lunar Legend Tsukihime’ (2003)

This adaptation streamlines the original story, condensing its various paths and simplifying important details about characters, family histories, and the supernatural beings within the world. Some explanations from later parts of the original, which helped clarify each romantic storyline, are left out. A remake could fully explore each path and present a more complete version of the story’s universe.

‘Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle’ (2005–2006)

As a huge fan, I was really enjoying this anime, especially the beginning where everyone was traveling around. But it felt incomplete, stopping right before things really got wild with the multiverse stuff. A lot of cool connections to other stories and the big reveals about who certain characters actually are were just… left hanging. Honestly, the manga has so many amazing twists and a fantastic final battle that I was hoping to see animated, but they weren’t included. I keep thinking a reboot could finally give us the complete story and tie everything together across all those different dimensions – that would be incredible!

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which anime you think should get the next fresh start.

2025-10-21 09:54