Image: Netflix
with the release of a piece Season 2, we’re taking a look at the best live-action manga adaptations currently streaming on Netflix.
Of all the streaming services, Netflix is one of the best destinations for original and licensed shows and movies based on manga. Some of the top performing shows of 2025 include one piece, naruto shippuden, And demon slayer.
Naturally, the streamer has adapted some manga works into live-action series over the years. Of course, such adaptations have had varying degrees of success – like every smash-hit. a pieceas is disappointing adaptation cowboy bebop.
In this post, we’ll look at 10 times when manga were adapted into live-action with great success. All of these are available to stream on Netflix right now.
10
bleach (2018)
Produced by Warner Bros. Japan, Netflix has global streaming rights bleach From September 2018. It left the streamer’s library very briefly in 2023, but overall has been a long-running success on Netflix.
The urban fantasy film chronicles the adventures of high school student Ichigo Kurosaki (Sōta Fukushi), who is granted the abilities of the Soul Reaper. It was highly praised upon release, as it honed the manga aesthetic and did not compromise the complex mythology for a wider audience.
9
full Metal Alchemist
Critically acclaimed manga series full Metal Alchemist Was written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The manga contained a total of 27 volumes containing over 100 chapters. It was later adapted into two popular anime series. Given the breadth and success of the source material, there was considerable excitement surrounding the live-action films. The saga began full Metal Alchemist (2017) and continued with two more films in 2022: scar’s revenge And final alchemy.
The story centers on alchemist Edward and his brother Al, who become disfigured after attempting human transmutation to revive their mother. To restore their bodies, they Eagerly search for the legendary philosopher’s stone.
The films condensed the source material to a great extent. combined, they to do Tell the full story following the journey of Edward and Alphonsus Elric, but is greatly shortened. The entire trilogy is currently streaming on Netflix through an exclusive distribution deal.
8
Zom 100: bucket list of the dead
The zombie genre suffers from predictability and uniform storytelling. this is exactly the place zoom 100 This comes into play in the drama, which narrates a completely unique and eccentric story about a man, Akira (Eiji Akaso), who is trying to finish off everything from his bucket list before ultimately turning into a zombie. After being bullied by her boss and working around the clock, the zombie apocalypse – hilariously – gives her the freedom to take some time off.
As a standalone film, zoom 100 is fantastic. This basically translates to movie format. Sure, there are some liberties taken that don’t make it a faithful adaptation, but if you can look past the condensation and awkward pacing, this is the zombie movie you didn’t know you needed.
7
Rurouni Kenshin (films)
of netflix rurouni kenshin The adaptation consists of 5 films, beginning with Rurouni Kenshin: Origins (2012).) and concluding the saga with a double-feature in 2021. The films are a masterclass in excellent action and intense fight choreography. Although the story is good, the films shines brightest in its action sequences.
Set in 1878, we follow wandering swordsman Kenshin Himura (Takeru Sato). They abridge a lot of the original manga – which is a result of the limited running time of the films – but capture the overall spirit or original, while still offering top-level action.
These films are not Netflix originals, but are distributed globally on the streamer as exclusives.
6
Yu Yu Hakusho
Written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho One of the most iconic and famous manga series of the 1990s. It tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who is killed in a car accident while trying to save a child’s life. He is resurrected as a spirit detective, protecting the mortal world from demons and other supernatural threats.
The 5-episode live-action series stars Takumi Kitamura as our protagonist, who brings the character to life excellently. It offers high action and stunning visual effects. Once again, it condensed the source material extensively into 5 jam-packed episodes.
All things considered, it was a successful launch on Netflix, notably becoming the first Japanese production to top Netflix’s global non-English rankings.
5
City Hunter
Based on the 80s cult manga by Tsukasa Hojo, City Hunter Set on the streets of Tokyo, filled with violence from people with supernatural powers, we follow private eye (and strange womanizer) Ryo Saeba (Ryohei Suzuki). After losing his friend and partner Hideyuki to street crime, he sets out on a vigilante mission to end all violent attacks.
In his quest, he is joined by Kaori (Misato Morita), his late partner’s sister.
City Hunter Released in April 2025. It received mixed ratings, but if one thing is true, it is that the action sequences are thrilling and unforgettable. It’s a real, mind-bending joy ride.
4
Condition
based on the manga series kakegurui By author Homura Kawamoto and illustrator Toru Naomura, Condition (2025) takes everything great about the original manga (and its subsequent anime series), and brings it to live-action in a satisfying adaptation. It doesn’t ‘reinvent the wheel’, but proves its worth as a live-action series. After a successful launch on Netflix, it was officially renewed for season 2.
Adapted in live-action by Simon Barrie, Condition It takes place at a gambling-inspired boarding school, where a Japanese transfer student with superior gambling skills challenges the student council, threatening the school’s status quo.
This series was absolutely worth the gamble for Netflix, if you’ll pardon the pun.
3
Parasite: The Gray
Parasite: The Gray Runs a little under the radar. The series was released as a limited series in 2024, receiving extremely positive ratings. It currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – a testament to its success.
to call pAracite: The Gray Direct adaptation would be a bit inaccurate. It is a spinoff of the original series. It takes place in the same continuity as the original story, but this version takes place in South Korea and follows different characters. That said, the series effortlessly brings the magic of the original to live-action. The series takes place when parasites take over human hosts and gain full power. At only 6 episodes it’s relatively short, but it packs a huge punch.
2
Alice in Borderlands
In the context of brutal survival dramas, K-dramas squid game Takes all the limelight and praise. However, Alice in Borderlands Good in every way, and it started around the same time. However, its premise is similar to the ‘sadistic game’ format. Alice in Borderlands Takes a more fantasy, video-game-style approach. It follows that a group of people are placed in an alternate version of Tokyo, where they must participate in sadistic games to ensure their survival. The entire ‘battle royale’ format is really dead at this point, but Alice in Borderlands It is one of the best series of the genre.
Alice in Borderlands Possibly quietly canceled by Netflix after its third season in 2025.
1
a piece
Image Credit: Netflix
Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the beloved manga and anime a piece Could have gone two ways – there were apprehensions from the beginning. However the series immediately won the hearts of most viewers. The direct involvement of original creator Eiichiro Oda certainly helped.
There was a lot of pressure on him to complete the work; We’re talking about an adaptation of one of the most popular anime series of all time. It effortlessly captured the magic in live-action, while maintaining the strange, outrageous, and whimsical elements of the original. Unlike other live-action adaptations of the time, especially Avatar The Last AirbenderIt didn’t try to move forward or change its tone.
To see just how good One Piece is, look no further than star Iñaki Godoy, who fits the role of Monkey D. Luffy perfectly, bringing an electric and infectious energy. Hopefully the Straw Hats will be here for many more seasons!
Which live-action manga adaptation on Netflix do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!