Highlights
- The success of the One Piece live-action adaptation has fans speculating about which manga series could be next and benefit from the same treatment.
- Oshi No Ko, Hunter X Hunter, Real, Monster, Space Brothers, Golden Kamuy, DOGSRED, Spy X Family, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Jujutsu Kaisen are among the manga series that fans believe would make great live-action adaptations.
- These adaptations have the potential to enhance the stories, highlight important themes, feature talented actors, and bring awareness to important issues like the struggles of people with physical disabilities and the plight of the Ainu in Japan.
The success of the One Piece live-action adaptation prompted manga fans to wonder which series could be next. Many thought a proper One Piece live-action series was impossible due to its classic shonen goofiness and over-the-top action. But after proving that it could be done without losing any of its charm, fans are debating which series should follow suit.
Part of One Piece’s success lies in its love and respect for the source material. Changes were necessary for some parts, but they were made to enhance the story. The cast and crew also showed enthusiasm for the production and dedication to completing the entire series. Here are a few manga that could benefit from the same treatment.
10 Oshi No Ko
Given how closely Oshi No Ko examines the Japanese entertainment industry, a live-action series could be groundbreaking. Writer Aka Akasaka’s in-depth research reflects on the changing reality of contemporary showbiz and holdover, sometimes abusive, practices. A live-action version can elevate the series’ critical look at the industry while highlighting its supernatural aspects.
A caveat for a successful adaptation is its treatment of Akane’s arc. Jungle Kimura, the mother of deceased wrestler Hana Kimura, stated that the series allegedly used her daughter’s death as a free resource. Any live-action adaptation must exercise sensitivity to Hana’s story to make it clear that her death would not be exploited for the show.
9 Hunter X Hunter
Hunter X Hunter had two live-action musicals in the 2000s. The first in 2002 featured a non-canon story between the Yorknew City and Greed Island arcs. A retelling of the Phantom Troupe finale was then staged in 2004.
These musicals were proof that bringing Gon and crew to life is viable and can look amazing. Then there’s the fact that the manga has only advanced a few arcs since the 2000s. A live-action series can give fans something to look forward to while mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi recuperates from his chronic illness.
8 Real
Slam Dunk author Takehiko Inoue’s foray into wheelchair basketball is a passionate coming-of-age story. It exemplifies Inoue’s strong character writing and ability to structure gripping action scenes. If adapted, Real can bring its emotional core to the forefront with pulse-pounding, hardcourt action.
A live-action adaptation can also provide actors with physical disabilities an opportunity to star in major works. Inoue, in an interview with L.A. Times in 2010, said his work could be read by “people who find themselves face-to-face with the negative aspects of life.” A live-action series can highlight these athletes with physical disabilities and bring awareness to the struggles of Japanese people with disabilities.
7 Monster
Even now, Monster is a masterful example of manga as an effective medium to explore a morally and psychologically complex story. Naoki Urasawa allowed readers to come to their own conclusions about the philosophical disputes raised in the story. But what’s indisputable is Johan Liebert’s standing as one of the cruelest villains in manga.
Japan isn’t for lacking talented actors who can embody Dr. Kenzo Tenma's struggle against Johan. The series also lends itself to great dramatic performances and cinematography. Monster can be the next great miniseries or prestige drama that shines a light on classics like it.
6 Space Brothers
Space Brothers was a long-running series about two brothers who want to become astronauts for JAXA (Japan Aerospace eXploration Agency). But 20 years after they saw a UFO and felt the pull of space, only younger brother Hibito Nanba achieved his dream.
Older brother Mutta’s journey to stand beside his brother in space, and Hibito’s own difficulties, made Space Brothersa compelling read. Its live-action movie in 2012 may have compressed details for time, but it is proof that adaptation is possible. And because the series is complete, there’s space to tell the story the way it deserves to be told.
5 Golden Kamuy
Golden Kamuy is known for having little to no filler. Side-tracking still plays some importance to the main goal, and contributes to the story or characters’ development. From beat to beat, Sugimoto and Asirpa’s adventure feels like a real voyage, and shows a side of Japan rarely explored in popular media.
A live-action adaptation can do more than bring this journey to a bigger audience. As a historical piece, it can also serve as a way for mainstream audiences to learn more about the Ainu on their terms. Anti-Ainu sentiments in Japan are still prevalent enough for Ainu groups to struggle for their Indigenous rights to date. By giving Ainu actors and consultants a platform to provide informed performances and genuine insight, Golden Kamuy can take a firmer stance on their plight.
4 DOGSRED
DOGSRED is a down-to-earth sports manga more in line with Haikyuu!! than Blue Lock. The reboot of Supinamarada!, Golden Kamuy mangaka Satoru Noda’s debut work, follows ice hockey rules closely despite its flair. It also has a ton of references for fans of the sport without alienating readers unfamiliar with hockey.
Hockey is a lot less famous than some other sports in North America. However, the National Hockey League is still expanding, and the sport is gaining more traction in Japan. Adapting DOGSRED on the small screen could be a sleeper hit, especially since the latest hockey-related Japanese media is an idol series.
3 Spy X Family
Spy X Family is an unexpected hit from 2019 that almost immediately received an anime adaptation. Part espionage, part action, and part comedy, Anya and the Forgers’ sweet found family dynamics played a huge part in its explosive popularity. Its simple storytelling and episodic nature also make it an easy read for all ages.
Translating its charm into live-action should be a breeze. The stage musical already proved that the Forgers are as charming in real life as they are on paper and digital celluloid. Creating a live-action series could also draw audiences who may be reluctant to dip their toes into anime, but are intrigued with the characters’ sudden popularity.
2 Fullmetal Alchemist
Netflix is no stranger to Fullmetal Alchemist. It released two live-action movies in 2022, albeit to strongly mixed results. A re-do could be in the cards for this highly-lauded series if produced the same way as One Piece.
There’s a strong case for it as well. Fullmetal Alchemist is renowned for its world-building, consistent world rules, exploration of difficult themes, and strong character development. Giving it some love in the way of a budget, practical effects, and pacing can make for a great adaptation.
1 Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen starts slow and hits cliché beats off the bat. However, its attempt at subverting these clichés, elaborate power system, and over-the-top abilities, plus dynamic fight choreography gave it a fighting chance. Jujutsu Kaisen also has a stellar cast of female characters like Nobara, Maki, and Yuki, which is still a bit of a rarity for mainstream shonen battle anime.
With a 2.5D stage play under its belt, a live-action series shouldn’t be out of the question. Talented teams of fight choreographers, prosthetics, and practical monster builds could make a formidable martial arts series that lives up to the original’s sweeping action sequences.