The most exciting event for manga fans is when they hear that their favorite series is getting an anime adaptation. They're eager to see how their favorite characters will look on the screen and re-experience their favorite story arcs with flashy visual effects and a killer soundtrack.
The best adaptations faithfully adhere to their source material and seldom stray from it. Even if they do, it's forgivable when they keep the series' tone and never feel out of character. Though some adaptations missed the mark and disappointed the majority, there are plenty of excellent ones that blew viewers away.
10 Mob Psycho 100 Enhances The Series' Simplistic Art Style With Colorful Visual Effects
Mob Psycho 100's purposefully simplistic art style may have been offputting to some viewers initially, but the anime's utilization of flashy visual effects and bright colors improves everything in the story. The series' best power moves wouldn't evoke the same emotions from the viewers without these deliberate artistic choices.
Studio Bones exceeded fans' expectations for this psychic-shonen extravaganza. Even the series' opening sequences are memorable and adhere to the series' overall aesthetic. Plus, it seldom strays from the content of the manga, making the viewing experience even sweeter for avid readers.
9 Haikyuu! Did An Excellent Job Portraying The Complexity Of Volleyball
Haikyuu! is one of the most beloved sports manga series of all time. The story follows Shoyo Hinata, a relatively short teenager who compensates for his lack of height with impressive agility and boundless enthusiasm. Production I.G.'s handling of the series blew viewers away, going above and beyond their expectations for the series.
It did an excellent job portraying volleyball, impressing viewers with how it handled complex actions like spiking a ball or somersaulting across the court after blocking. Manga fans were pleased with its adherence to the source material, such as the series' visual analogies representing some of the most intense moments on the court.
8 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure's Adaptation Showcases A Unique Art Style & Outstanding Soundtrack
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure has a very distinct art style. However, avid fans recognize that Araki's art has evolved with each generation of Joestars. Parts 1, 2, and 3 showcased more muscular builds and character designs that heavily relied on thick, black lines. The later parts, however, had lankier silhouettes and poses that came straight out of fashion magazines. The designs also relied more on coloring instead of heavy linework.
The anime adaptation did an outstanding job showcasing Araki's artistic evolution. The series' fight scenes are some of the best in shonen anime, and the adaptation heavily relies on its source material. Additionally, the series' soundtrack truly helps bring the story to life. Many of Jojo's openings have become iconic, and a few character theme songs have gone viral on social media.
7 Gintama's Genius Voice Actors Encapsulates The Series' Quirkiness
Gintama is one of the quirkiest shonen series viewers can watch. Though the manga was excellent, dedicated fans agree that the anime handles the story better. This is, in part, thanks to the hilarious voice acting. Each actor helps build their character's personality and elevates the storyline with their talent.
The lovable protagonist, Gintoki, is voiced by Tomokazu Sugita, while Rie Kugimiya voices the hilarious Kagura. Additionally, the series has several anime-original episodes. Though fans would typically scoff at and disregard them, these episodes enhance the series and make viewers fall even more in love with their favorite characters.
6 Komi Can't Communicate's Adaptation Stuck To Its Source Material
Komi Can't Communicate's first season exceeded viewers' expectations after it hit Netflix in October 2021. The manga's art style was already gorgeous, but the anime enhanced everything. The adaptation makes it look like each character is glowing, particularly the protagonist, Shoko Komi.
It also did a great job handling the series' more comedic scenes that called for the chibification of the characters. Komi's chibi form with cat ears has become a mascot for the series at this point. Though a few of the stories from the manga have yet to appear in the anime, it was still a faithful adaptation that pleased manga readers.
5 Attack On Titan's Adaptation Was Expertly Handled By Both Studios WIT & MAPPA
Attack On Titan's first three seasons were animated by WIT Studio, while MAPPA handled the final. Both studios did a phenomenal job, and viewers were amazed by how some of their favorite characters came alive. The voice actors are perfect for each character, and the soundtrack evokes the right emotions from the audience to immerse them in the series' grittiness.
Though there were a few pacing issues in the first season, major plot points still played out perfectly. The final season, however, brought its animation to a new level. Eren's Founding Titan form looks even more menacing than in the manga, and its reveal sent chills down viewers' spines.
4 Jujutsu Kaisen's Best Cursed Techniques & Most Terrifying Cursed Spirits Came To Life
Jujutsu Kaisen's anime adaptation was highly anticipated. Fans grew even more excited when they found out that MAPPA was in charge of it. The studio didn't disappoint, and fans were ecstatic when all of their favorite characters were brought to life in ways they didn't think possible. Gojo's flashiness was only exaggerated in the adaptation, while Mahito became even more grotesque and terrifying.
Some of the best cursed techniques kept viewers on the edge of their seats, and every single fight lived up to the hype. The movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, also didn't disappoint. Its gorgeous artistic choices truly made fans feel immersed in the story. The series also has a killer soundtrack that furthers the world-building.
3 Demon Slayer's Unique Manga Art Style Is Enhanced In The Anime Adaptation
Demon Slayer's colorful, visually appealing art style is what drew many readers to the manga. When the anime adaptation was announced, some were concerned that UFOTable wouldn't have been able to replicate Koyoharu Gotouge's brilliant artwork. However, the studio went above and beyond and enhanced the series' unique art style.
Some would even argue that the series is carried by its outstanding animation. Its expert utilization of color makes or breaks certain scenes by evoking specific emotions in the audience. Each slayer's breathing technique is made to be as flashy as possible, while the demons are portrayed in grim settings to evoke equal amounts of fear and sympathy from the audience.
2 Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War Breathes Life Into The Manga's Comedy
Some slice-of-life and romance series just don't translate well into an anime. Many become drab and boring, with little incentive for the audience to keep watching. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War, however, actually works better in its anime adaptation.
The manga's visual effects are further enhanced by the anime's brilliant soundtrack. Every punchline hits differently in the adaptation. Kaguya and Shirogane's will-they-won't-they dynamic feels just as intense as the cat-and-mouse dynamic in Death Note. A-1 Pictures did a brilliant job, and fans are excited to see what the upcoming movie holds.
1 Fruits Basket's 2019 Reboot Went Above & Beyond To Make Up For The 2001 Adaptation
Fruits Basket's 2019 reboot was one of the most highly anticipated at the time. Fans were disappointed by the 2001 adaptation and wanted their favorite series handled properly. Luckily, TMS Entertainment did a beautiful job producing the reboot. Fans were pleased that it adhered to and improved upon the manga's art style.
It was a faithful adaptation that stayed true to the story and brought this magical slice-of-life series to life. Though it changed the order of certain events, the story still flowed cohesively. It defined each character's personality, from the kind protagonist, Tohru Honda, to the mysteriously volatile family head, Akito. After the disappointment of the 2001 adaptation, this reboot went above and beyond fans' expectations.