The Japanese art style of animation, popularly known as anime, has taken the world by storm. More and more people are getting drawn to it every day. The recent hype around the upcoming Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Arc is proof of anime’s ever-growing global influence. Its impact on contemporary cinema is far from minor. Several Hollywood films were either inspired by or directly adapted from anime classics.
Here’s a look at the top 10 Hollywood movies inspired by anime and the works that influenced them.
10. Knights Of The Zodiac (2023)
Based on Masami Kurumada’s iconic anime Saint Seiya, this live-action film retells the story of Seiya, an orphan destined to become a Zodiac knight. Tasked with protecting the reincarnation of the goddess Athena, Seiya embraces his fate while battling formidable foes. Though it takes creative liberties, the film largely stays true to its source material.
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9. Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)
Adapted from the 2000 anime of the same name, this live-action version follows Saya, a half-human, half-vampire who infiltrates a military base to hunt Chiropterans—demonic creatures plaguing humanity. Set in the 1970s, the film mirrors the anime’s dark tone and brutal action sequences, centered around Saya’s relentless swordplay.
8. Kite (2014)
This remake of Yasuomi Umetsu’s 1998 anime adapts the story of Sawa, a young orphan turned deadly assassin by her father’s corrupt police partner. Driven by revenge, she hunts her father’s killers while battling her own trauma. While the anime was notorious for its extreme violence, the film toned down much of the graphic content while keeping the core revenge narrative intact.
7. Speed Racer (2008)
The Wachowskis brought the classic 1960s manga and anime to life in a hyper-stylized, colorful spectacle. It tells the story of Speed Racer, a young driver determined to take down a corrupt racing industry with his beloved Mach 5. The film leans heavily into vivid visuals and kinetic energy, staying faithful to the spirit of the anime.
6. Dragonball Evolution (2009)
This adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball manga was widely criticized and rejected by fans. The plot follows Goku as he races to collect seven Dragon Balls before Lord Piccolo can use them to conquer the world. Despite its potential, the film strayed too far from the source, leading to its poor reception.
5. Death Note (2017)
Netflix’s adaptation of the hit manga and anime relocates the story to Seattle. It follows Light Turner (a reimagined Light Yagami), who discovers a supernatural notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written in it. While the film retained the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Light and L, it faced criticism for its changes to beloved characters and themes.
4. Oldboy (2013)
Directed by Spike Lee, this remake of the acclaimed 2003 South Korean film (itself based on a Japanese manga) tells the story of a man imprisoned in a solitary room for 20 years. Upon release, he embarks on a brutal quest to uncover who held him captive and why. Though divisive, it mirrors much of the original’s harrowing plot.
3. Ghost In The Shell (2017)
Scarlett Johansson stars as Major, a cyborg counter-terrorism operative, in this live-action remake of Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 anime. The film faithfully recreates iconic sequences such as the rooftop dive and water fight. However, casting choices sparked controversy, overshadowing its visual homage to the source material.
2. Edge Of Tommorow (2014)
Based on Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s light novel All You Need Is Kill, this sci-fi action thriller stars Tom Cruise as a soldier trapped in a time loop during a war against alien invaders. Forced to relive the same deadly day over and over, he hones his combat skills to become humanity’s best hope. The film’s inventive premise and execution earned it critical acclaim.
1. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
A longtime passion project for James Cameron (ultimately directed by Robert Rodriguez), this film adapts Yukito Kishiro’s manga Battle Angel Alita. It follows Alita, an amnesiac cyborg rebuilt by a kind scientist, as she discovers her extraordinary combat abilities in a dystopian world. Praised for its dazzling “Motorball” action and immersive world-building, it remains one of the most faithful anime-to-Hollywood adaptations.
