Many people are looking forward to upcoming anime or manga, but when it comes to live-action movies, the opinions split sometimes.

I admit that some live-action films could’ve been better, but if you are a fan of the series, I am sure you’d give it a try anyway regardless of who is playing or how the trailer looked like.

Between the many live-action anime adaptations, here are some of my best picks:

Bleach

I remember I used to watch the series on Animax when I was little and loved Ichigo a lot. I decided to go and see the movie after my friend told me that Miyavi is in it and, as his fan, I had to give it a try.

I went to the cinema to see it, and it was a pleasant surprise to see that it follows the anime and the actors are perfect for the roles.

The talented and popular actor, Sota Fukushi, played the protagonist of the series (and my favorite character), Kurosaki Ichigo, and I couldn’t imagine a better match for our main character.

He played it flawlessly, and the movie was indeed a pleasant surprise, so I am glad I gave it a try.

Gintama

Another popular series is Gintama.

 

Oguri Shun plays the leading role of Gintoki Sakata.

 

This movie had good reviews, both in Japan and overseas. Also, the graphics, costumes, and actors have been constantly praised by the audience.

I also agree, but at the same time, I feel that those who haven’t seen the anime, might have a bit of trouble with the plot, so better watch the anime, too, before watching the movie!

Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru is a popular manga in Japan that later had an anime adaptation, followed by the live-action movies.

The manga by Yuki Suetsugu also won popularity awards and became quite the talk in Japan.

The story follows Chihaya, a beautiful girl who is very immersed in competitive karuta(Japanese card game). I find it a lovely series, and the live-action also sticks with the plot from the anime.

The lead character, Chihaya, is played by Hirose Suzu, a famous actress in Japan. Way before the movie casting came out, I remember saying to my friend that Hirose Suzu would be great in the role of Chihaya.

The live-action adaptation consists of three movies: Chihayafuru: Kami no Ku, Chihayafuru: Shimo no Ku, and Chihayafuru: Musubi.

Fullmetal Alchemist

The movie of the popular series Fullmetal Alchemist is featuring famous actors such as Yamada Ryosuke as Edward Elric, Tsubasa Honda as Winry Rockbell, and Dean Fujioka as Roy Mustang.

I was a bit skeptical at first because of Al, but the technology once again left me in awe.

The visuals were great, the transmutations flawless, and I was amazed to see how on spot the characters were. Especially the homunculus! Gluttony, Envy, and Lust felt like they just came out of the anime.

Yamada was also a perfect Edward, and even though I was most worried about how Al will turn out, I must say that the armor looked so real and cool!

These are my top recommendations of live actions that more or less stick with the original series and also had the best reviews so far!

Yakusoku no neverland/The Promised Neverland

At the end of this year, there is another promising live-action coming: Yakusoku no neverland/The Promised Neverland, and after watching the trailer, I am looking forward to seeing how it will turn out.