Summary

• Some animated TV shows are better left untouched by live-action adaptations due to the unique visual style and thematic structure that is difficult to replicate.
• Adult animation has grown beyond stereotypes and offers sophisticated storytelling that resonates with viewers of all ages, like BoJack Horseman.
• Live-action adaptations of iconic animated series, like Hunter x Hunter and She-Ra, may struggle to capture the essence of the original due to technical challenges and nuanced storytelling.

Animation is a unique genre in the film and television landscape, and some animated TV shows have told their stories so well that giving them a live-action adaptation would be a mistake. Most often, this is because the visual style and artwork are specific and work well in animation, so it's hard to imagine a live-action version that doesn't rely solely on CGI. While some iterations of animation have tried this, they rarely succeed in capturing the atmosphere and thematic structure of the animated show. At their worst, live-action versions make audiences uncomfortable and drive them from both series.

The misconception that animation is only for children has faded over the years, and resulted in excellent adult animation that transcends the genre.

While many directors have mastered live-action and animation, there's rarely any crossover between the stories they tell in animation and those that utilize live-action. Those who work in both mediums understand that a TV show or movie is pitched in animation because it's a story that can only be told through this type of work. The misconception that animation is only for children has faded over the years, and resulted in excellent adult animation that transcends the genre. However, a good piece of animation doesn't have to be revolutionary to warrant appreciation for its craft.

The live-action iterations of classic Disney movies and anime series are some of the worst offenders. Netflix's recent adaptation of One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender has been commended for being some of the best live-action series that stays true to the original shows. However, it's not the same as watching the source material. This isn't to say that some live-action retellings don't have merit. They're useful because they raise awareness of the original series and broaden the audience base. However, some shows are so iconic and well-made that a new version would only ruin the story’s integrity.

6 BoJack Horseman (2014 - 2020)

An honest take on Hollywood from the perspective of an animated horse

Within BoJack Horseman’s world, anthropomorphic animals live side-by-side with humans, but this in and of itself isn't the only reason a live-action take on the series wouldn't work. However, it's true that attempting to create realistic animals that interact with humans would most likely turn into an unsettling VFX nightmare. The series is all about perspective, whether that be BoJack's or those around him, and some of the most iconic episodes of the show include well-realized explorations into the character's subconscious. There are many to recreate this in real life, but it wouldn't have the beauty of the original.

Much of adult animation is pure satire and frequently raunchy for the sake of being raunchy, which, unsurprisingly, is a turn-off to many viewers.

Adult animation existed long before BoJack Horseman came out. However, the series was a turning point for this niche of the genre because while it had elements of comedy, it was also a dramatic piece. Much of adult animation is pure satire and frequently raunchy for the sake of being raunchy, which, unsurprisingly, is a turn-off to many viewers. The show might have begun leaning more toward comedy, but nothing illustrates the change in tone and take on serious subject matter than the BoJack Horseman ending. It’s poignant, bittersweet, and made all the more genuine because the characters are animated.

5 Hunter X Hunter (2011 - 2014)

An Odyssey chronicling a young boy's growth, adapted from the beloved manga

Hunter x Hunter is at the top of many anime-watchers' lists for its incredible animation and storytelling. Following the story of Gon, a child who wants to be a Hunter, and is searching for his father, the manga created a fully realized world that the anime had the opportunity to expand on and bring to life. There are many arcs across the series, but one of the best, and most difficult to adapt, is the Chimera Ant arc. It's an epic part of the story that stands apart from the rest of the work because of its intricate battle sequences.

Trying to create them with physical sets and people would be nearly impossible. Additionally, magic systems are notoriously difficult to translate into live-action, and anime is known for the complex powers its characters are imbued with. Though it's true that the show Hunter x Hunter is an adaptation since it's based on the manga, this is different, as animation lends itself to perfectly recreating the drawings frame by frame. In live-action, much of the nuance of Hunter x Hunter would be lost in everything from the character design to the massive set pieces across the story.

Watch Hunter x Hunter on Hulu, Crunchyroll, or Netflix.

4 Phineas And Ferb (2007 - 2024)

Imagination meets adventure in this musical-comedy children's show

The many moving parts and grand scale would be too much for live-action, and Perry the Platypus wouldn't look right in real life.

Phineas and Ferb was recently revitalized with the 2020 movie, Phineas and Ferb: Candace Against The Universe. However, the show is reportedly returning to the small screen with an all-new season (via Variety). This is great news for kids who grew up watching the show and younger audiences who will be exposed to the series for the first time. Though revivals have become increasingly popular in the last few years, the beloved series is being revived for a good reason. After the many years since it left the air, few shows have realized the imagination of childhood so well.

The titular brothers, Phineas and Ferb, are known for being the most inventive pre-teens on television, as in every episode they concoct a new scheme to build or invent something incredible. Their creations are grand in scale, and this is enough to discourage a live-action take on the story, as the budget likely wouldn't cover it. A Phineas and Ferb episode wouldn't be complete without a well-choreographed and perfectly timed musical number that encapsulates the story. The many moving parts and grand scale would be too much for live-action, and Perry the Platypus wouldn't look right in real life.

3 Steven Universe (2013 - 2019)

A group of heroes navigates their identities while saving the universe

Steven Universe creator, Rebecca Sugar, is known for their contributions to the equally iconic animated series, Adventure Time, and went on to make history with Steven Universe. Sugar centers on LGBTQIA+ issues in her work and wasn't afraid to prioritize this in Steven Universe. The series focuses on a diverse group of super-powered beings, and the art style has inspired many up-and-coming animators. Its influence can be felt in many contemporary animated series. Though the animation wouldn't be impossible to adapt to live-action, the fluidity of the character's identities and relationships would be difficult to portray accurately.

For many young people growing up watching cartoons, seeing the kind of representation Steven Universe provides can be vital for their development. It's important to acknowledge the power of animation and the fact that it's a safe place for many young people to explore their feelings for the first time. Steven Universe holds up so well against other shows to people of all generations because it doesn't sacrifice any parts of its quality or beliefs for the sake of popularity. It became popular because it held fast to its convictions and created a gorgeous world where these stories belong.

2 She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power (2018 - 2020)

An unexpectedly revolutionary part of the Mattel universe

She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is part of the Mattel brand of toys and television shows and started as a companion piece to the He-Man series. If anything can be learned from the disastrous live-action He-Man movie, Masters of the Universe, there's no reason for She-Ra to get the same treatment. Revamping the classic characters for Netflix in 2018 was already a risk However, it quickly paid off, as She-Ra might not be the most well-known animated series, but it's a fantastic addition to the genre and continuously pushed boundaries across every season of the show.

Similarly to Steven Universe, the series provides excellent LGBTQIA+ representation, and the fantasy world is so well fleshed out that it feels like the audience could step through the screen and live there with the princesses.

Later in the series, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power fully evolved into the show that it was supposed to be. The mirrored character arcs between Catra and Adora were expertly crafted and cemented their relationship as one of the strongest of the narrative. Similarly to Steven Universe, the series provides excellent LGBTQIA+ representation, and the fantasy world is so well fleshed out that it feels like the audience could step through the screen and live there with the princesses. Its success came from the ability to examine universal feelings in an exciting new world, and live-action wouldn't achieve this.

1 Neon Genesis Evangelion

An essential piece of anime that laid the groundwork for sci-fi and fantasy shows

Neon Genesis Evangelion is difficult to describe, and the only way to fully grasp the influential and genre-bending nature of the series is to experience it. While the manga is the text that started it all, the series and spin-off movies captured the hearts and minds of everyone who has watched and served as the work that defines the 1990s art style of anime. Movies like Pacific Rim have drawn inspiration from the show, but have come nowhere close to providing the visual power and emotionally raw storytelling that only anime can provide.

Though there's plenty of action in Evangelion, it would be too easy for live-action to boil down the story to its battles, forgetting the deeper meanings. There were rumors of a live-action Neon Genesis Evangelion. Fortunately, these whispers almost always faded because of the moving parts and intense pressure that an adaptation would face (via Collider). Many of the biggest and most popular anime series get adaptations because producers think there will be money to gain from these new iterations. However, fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion and other complex anime have high standards for any adaptation they see.