Summary
A good remake or reboot can breathe new life into a classic story if it’s done right. When handled poorly, it can stillbreathe life into a classic storybut for the wrong reasons. Reboots can also introduce stories to a new audience and tell the story in an even better way.
Anime is no stranger to the reboot or remake world, and there are many anime that have gotten this treatment. While some have been underwhelming, there are others that have been a roaring success and are definitely worth a watch. Here are some of thebest anime reboots and remakesto check out.
Shaman Kingwasa little-known shonen showthat debuted way back in 2001. The anime adaptation had 64 episodes and was initially faithful to the manga until it started to diverge a little later on.
The 2021 remake was a more faithful adaptation of the manga and was done 20 years after the first one aired, which proved to be enough time for people to forget the old.Shaman Kingis a perhaps still considered niche, but it is certainly a good reboot and a nice watch.
Kino’s Journeyfirst came into the lives of anime fans back in 2003 and garnered a pretty decent following, with fans falling in love with the slower pace andthe fascinating world that Kino travels through.
The 2017 remake was a bit divisive, as older fans felt it wasn’t as good as the original, but for anyone picking up the show for the first time, 2017’s edition is an excellent rendition with great themes, a good story, and when the action hits, it does so quite well.
Rurouni Kenshinwas a highly successful manga that got an equally beloved anime and even a very good trio of live-action movies. While the mangaka’s legacy has been tarnished, many fans still remember Kenshin fondly.
The new reboot is an almostidentical story to the ’90s series, with just one of two stories going differently. But most importantly, it is expected that the new series will actually adapt the manga to the end, with the final arc being one of the most anticipated by those familiar with the manga’s material.
Devilmanwas a ’70s anime that featured all the visual and thematic ideologies of the time. That said, it still had a small following of fans who were intrigued by the story’s philosophy and message.
The remake,Devilman Crybaby, was a harrowing viewing experience, and the choice to use very psychedelic visuals was perfect. A whole new generation of people were introduced to the tragedy of Akira and the horrifying world of demons because of it. The adaptation was a success and was also way more popular than the more obscure early adaptation.
Trigunis one of those beloved classics that a reboot or remake could ruin if done poorly. Thankfully,Trigun Stampedeis an amazing work of art. Many were scared when it was revealed thatthe anime would be in 3D, but it was actually done well, proving that fans had nothing to worry about.
In terms of the story,Trigun Stampedeacts as a prequel to the events that took place in the 1998 anime, and it does a great job in delving further into the backstories of some of the villains of the original.
There have been some great gag anime over the years, including the likes ofGintama, which is considered one of the greatest anime ever, and stuff likeThe Disastrous Life of Saiki K. That said, none are as storied asMr. Osomatsu. Originally from the ’60s and then the 80s, this anime eventually got a new lick of paint, and it was perfect for the new generation.
When it released in 2016, it was one of the most popular shows in Japan, and as a comedy, it remains as hilarious as ever. The fact that six characters that look exactly the same and can produce such a range of emotion is one of the best things the show has going for it. It certainly deserves a watch for those looking for something funny.
The originalSpice and Wolfwas famous for its focus on the way economics works and was well-loved for how it made the generally boring topic highly accessible for the average individual.
The remake tells much of the same story with a few deviations, including the addition of a familiar narrator that hints at what the end of the story will definitely be. The new remake certainly has all it takes to become a modern classic.
The story of Hyakkimaru is a tragic one: Abandoned by his family and sacrificed to demons, the quiet samurai must fight to get his limbs back. Originally airing in the ’60s,Dororoisthe creation of the great Osamu Tezuka.
The story got a remake in 2019 with updated visuals and a more compact story, which was more digestible to a new audience. The story’s darker tone is now matched with amazing animation, and the story of Dororo and Hyakkimaru can now be enjoyed by multiple generations of anime fans.
Hellsingis an amazing show that introduces watchers to the ruthless Alucard, who has allied with the Hellsing Organization to destroy the monsters that terrorize humanity. That said, perhaps its is Alucard who is the monster to be most feared, as his power and cruelty are unmatched.
The OVAs calledHellsing Ultimatewere a more faithful adaptation of the manga and benefited from some pretty awesome animation and art.The story is grittier, the fights are more captivating, and it can be said to be a much better version than the original.
The originalFruits Basketwas a cutesy shoujo with a compelling lead and a lot of hijinks. When a remake was put out in 2019, fans were hoping for an even better version, and they were not disappointed.
Fruits Basket’s reboot took all the things that were great about the original and added to it immensely. The story took on darker shades and the characters were more nuanced. The romantic element was always the gripping factor in this show, and the reboot did not slack in that area either, producing an engrossing love story that also doubled as a dark family drama.
