Image: Netflix
With the discharge of One Piece season 2, we’re looking at the perfect live-action manga diversifications at present streaming on Netflix.
Of all streaming companies, Netflix is without doubt one of the greatest locations for authentic and licensed reveals and films based mostly on manga. A number of the top-performing reveals from 2025 included One Piece, Naruto Shippuden, and Demon Slayer.
Naturally, the streamer has tailored just a few manga works into live-action collection over time. Admittedly, such diversifications have endured diversified success — for each smash-hit like One Piece, there’s a disappointing adaptation like Cowboy Bebop.
On this put up, we take a look at 10 occasions manga was reworked into live-action with nice success. All of those can be found for streaming on Netflix proper now.
10
Bleach (2018)
Produced by Warner Bros. Japan, Netflix has had the worldwide streaming rights to Bleach since September 2018. It very briefly left the streamer’s library in 2023, however has general been a long-standing success at Netflix.
The city fantasy film chronicles the adventures of excessive schooler Ichigo Kurosaki (Sota Fukushi), who’s granted the skills of a Soul Reaper. It was extremely praised on launch, nailing the manga aesthetic and never compromising on the intricate mythology for wider audiences.
9
Fullmetal Alchemist
Critically acclaimed manga collection Fullmetal Alchemist was written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The manga totalled 27 volumes whole throughout over 100 chapters. It was subsequently tailored into two widespread anime collection. Given the breadth and success of the supply materials, there was a whole lot of pleasure surrounding the live-action motion pictures. The saga started with Fullmetal Alchemist (2017) and continued with two extra motion pictures in 2022: The Revenge of Scar and The Last Alchemy.
The story follows Alchemist Edward and his brother Al, who’re mutilated after trying human transmutation to revive their mom. To revive their our bodies, they ardently seek for the legendary Thinker’s Stone.
The films considerably condense the supply materials. Mixed, they do inform your entire narrative following the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric, however closely narrowed down. Your complete trilogy is at present streaming on Netflix via an unique distribution deal.
8
Zom 100: Bucket Checklist of the Useless
The zombie style is suffering from predictability and samey storytelling. That’s precisely the place Zom 100 comes into play, chronicling a unique and kooky story a couple of man, Akira (Eiji Akaso), attempting to to cross every little thing off his bucket checklist earlier than he in the end turns right into a zombie. After being bullied by his boss and being labored across the clock, the zombie apocalypse—hilariously— permits him the liberty to have a while off.
As a standalone film, Zom 100 is improbable. It seamlessly interprets into the film format. Certain, there’s liberties taken that don’t make it a trustworthy adaptation, however in the event you can look previous the condensing and unusual pacing, that is the zombie film you didn’t know you wanted.
7
Rurouni Kenshin (Motion pictures)
Netflix’s Rurouni Kenshin adaptation consists of 5 motion pictures, starting with Rurouni Kenshin: Origins (2012) and concluding the saga with a double-feature in 2021. The films are a masterclass in excellent motion and intense combat choreography. Whereas the story is first rate, the flicks shine most of their motion sequences.
Set in 1878, we observe wandering swordsman Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh). They condense a whole lot of the unique manga — a consequence of the restricted runtime of films — however general seize the spirit or the unique, whereas providing up top-tier motion.
These motion pictures are usually not Netflix originals, however relatively distributed globally on the streamer as an unique.
6
Yu Yu Hakusho
Written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho is without doubt one of the most coveted and celebrated manga collection from the Nineties. It tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who’s killed in a automotive crash whereas attempting to save lots of a baby’s life. He’s resurrected as a Spirit Detective, defending the mortal world from every little thing from demons to different supernatural threats.
The 5-episode live-action collection stars Takumi Kitamura as our protagonist, who excellently brings the character to life. It delivers excessive motion and beautiful visible results. As soon as once more, it massively condensed the supply materials into 5 jam-packed episodes.
All issues thought-about, it was a profitable launch on Netflix, notably turning into the primary Japanese manufacturing to high Netflix’s international non-English rankings.
5
Metropolis Hunter
Based mostly on the cult ‘80s manga by Tsukasa Hōjō, Metropolis Hunter is about within the streets of Tokyo, which is flooded with violence from folks with superhuman power, we observe personal eye (and awkward womaniser) Ryo Saeba (Ryohei Suzuki). Having misplaced his pal and accomplice Hideyuki to road crime, he embarks on a vigilante mission to place an finish to all of the violent assaults.
On his quest, he’s joined by his late accomplice’s sister Kaori (Misato Morita).
Metropolis Hunter launched in April 2025. It obtained blended rankings, but when one factor stays true, it’s that the motion sequences are thrilling and unforgettable. It’s an actual, turn-your-mind-off joyride.
4
Wager
Based mostly on the manga collection Kakegurui by author Homura Kawamoto and illustrator by Tōru Naomura, Wager (2025) takes every little thing nice in regards to the authentic manga (and subsequent anime collection), and brings it to live-action in a satisfying adaptation. It doesn’t ‘reinvent the wheel,’ however proves its value as a live-action collection. After a profitable launch on Netflix, it was formally renewed for season 2.
Tailored into live-action by Simon Barry, Wager takes place in a gambling-driven boarding college, the place a Japanese switch scholar with superior playing expertise challenges the Pupil Council, threatening the college’s establishment.
This collection was completely well worth the gamble for Netflix, in the event you’d pardon the pun.
3
Parasyte: The Gray
Parasyte: The Gray runs below the radar a little bit. The collection launched as a restricted collection in 2024, garnering vastly constructive rankings. It at present stands at an ideal 100% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes — a testomony to its success.
To name Parasyte: The Gray a direct adaptation can be a little bit inaccurate. It’s a derivative of the unique collection. It takes place in the identical continuity as the unique story, however this model takes place in South Korea and follows completely different characters. All of that mentioned, the collection brings the magic of the unique into live-action with ease. The collection takes place when parasites take over human hosts, and achieve absolute energy. At simply 6 episodes it’s comparatively brief, however it packs one hell of a punch.
2
Alice in Borderland
By way of brutal survival dramas, Ok-Drama Squid Recreation takes all of the headlines and plaudits. Nevertheless, Alice in Borderland is each bit pretty much as good, and it debuted across the identical time. It has the same premise with the ‘sadistic video games’ format, although Alice in Borderland takes a extra fantastical, video-game-style method. It follows a bunch of persons are positioned in an alternate model of Tokyo, the place they have to participate in sadistic video games to make sure their survival. The entire ‘battle royale’ format is properly and really exhausted at this level, however Alice in Borderland stands out as one of many most interesting collection of the style.
Alice in Borderland was probably quietly canceled by Netflix following its third season in 2025.
1
One Piece
Image Credit score: Netflix
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of beloved manga and anime One Piece might’ve gone two methods — there was apprehension from the outset. Nevertheless the collection immediately gained nearly all of viewers over. It was positively helped by the direct involvement from authentic creator Eiichiro Oda.
It had a heap of strain to ship; we’re speaking about an adaptation of one of the vital widespread anime collection of all-time. It effortlessly captured the magic in live-action, retaining the whacky, irreverent and kooky parts of the unique. In contrast to different live-action diversifications at the moment, notably Avatar: The Final Airbender, it didn’t attempt to department out or change its tone.
To see simply how good One Piece is, look no additional than star Iñaki Godoy, who match the function of Monkey D. Luffy completely, bringing an electrical and infectious vitality. Hopefully the Straw Hats are right here to remain for a lot of extra seasons!
Which live-action manga adaptation on Netflix do you want essentially the most? Inform us within the feedback down under!
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