Top 10 Anime That Should Definitely be Rebooted!

Written by Alex Crilly-Mckean

Top 10 Anime That Need to be Rebooted or Revived

Can we get take two on that? Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we are counting our picks for the top ten anime that need to be rebooted or revived.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the anime that we believe should be remade to follow the original source better, or need to be revitalised and given a sequel series to continue the original plot.
In other words, shows that need the “Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood” treatment.
As such, we’ve included a mesh of anime that range from lackluster to impressive. Finally, be aware of a few spoilers down the line since we’ll be discussing endings to certain shows.

#10: “Rurouni Kenshin” (1996-98)

While his exploits have had the odd revival here and there, we believe that it’s time for the Man-Slayer to unleash his blade again and have his story retold for a new generation. Himura Kenshin’s journey of redemption amidst the conflicts of Japan still remains one of the better anime of the 90s, filled to the brim with laughs, tears and epic sword fights. Not only would a reboot bring his battles with the likes of Shishio Makoto to a whole other level, but would allow for the inclusion of some of mangaka Nobuhiro Watsuki’s more recent Kenshin-related works such as Restoration and To Rule Flame.

#9: “The Flowers of Evil” (2013)

Shuzu Oshimi’s tale of youthful relationships and all the confusion that can come with them well-received amongst readers. The introspective look at the mindset of two students, whose misguided desires not only act as a source of tragedy but a somewhat inspiring learning curve was fascinating. The anime could have matched this, save for one glaring issue. The animation. By using rotoscoping techniques, the whole look of the anime seems somewhat lifeless and jarring, serving as a distraction instead of magnifying the emotional turmoil of the characters. What’s more, it would be nice to see the manga’s ending animated.

#8: “Zetman” (2012)

Clearly inspired by darker comic book heroes, the original manga followed two protagonists, one cursed with the ability to transform into a super powered being known as Zet, and the other so desperate to become a hero he gets himself an armoured suit to kick ass. All familiarity to Marvel and DC characters aside, it’s fair to say due to its limited run, the anime adaption had little time to explore the dynamics between its leads which ultimately resulted in an underwhelming series of battles between generic experimental creatures. Better luck next time guys.

#7: “Gantz” (2004-)

Despite being utterly unapologetic when it came to blood, gore, sadism and sex, the life or death situations that surrounded our hardly noble protagonist Kei Kurono were nonetheless addictive. While the anime certainly touched on some of its darker themes, it’s fair to say that a remake would be welcomed among fans, especially if they decide to go a step further and remove the previous censorship and include the official manga conclusion. The result would no doubt filled with unlikable people killing and getting killed by horrific alien beings with plenty of hardcore subject matter in-between. Yeah we know there was recently a CGI adaptation of the Osaka arc…but that just ain’t gonna cut it.

#6: “Soul Eater” (2008-09)

Easy there, no one is disputing how much fun this series is. With a great cast that range from the studious Maka, the emotionally shattered Crona, the hilarious Death the Kid, and of course the native sexy kitten Blair. However, anyone who knows anything about the manga calls bullshit on the anime’s ending. Maka managing to defeat evil incarnate with a single-falcon punch didn’t really leave many satisfied, especially considering the highs the show had been riding until then. Receiving a reboot would allow the series to extend much further into the plot of the source material, not to mention we could finally see Soul become a Death Scythe!

#5: “Akame ga Kill” (2014)

The heroic assassins of Night Raid and the beautiful sadist Esdeath have become modern anime icons, with their respective series balancing intriguing characters, bloody scuffles and a fittingly dark ending. However, due to the anime’s reasonable but still concise twenty four episode run, certain plot points were rushed, and then they did what we hate the most – an anime original ending. It would be fine if they left it open for a sequel, but by killing off most of the cast they really screwed the pooch.

#4: “Bleach” (2004-12)

You all knew it was coming. Despite a heavy amount of filler, this shonen juggernaut ended just before the release of the manga’s final arc. Even with all the controversy surrounding it, it’s only fair that we see Ichigo and company get their happy ending…after slaying their way through an entire Quincy Army. Whatever the result would be, whether a revival would follow the manga to the letter or would have the guts to veer off it’s in own direction, it would be quite the sight to see.

#3: “Umineko: When They Cry” (2009-)

Anyone one who simply watched the anime of this series will likely be thoroughly unimpressed – and this is an absolute crime. The original source material, the visual novel series “Umineko no Naku Koro ni” spans over 8 incredible instalments, which simply cannot be contained in a rushed, unfinished 24 episode anime series. The tension between Battler and Beatrice, the gruesome murders, and the mind bending plot twists all need to be properly adapted into a series that can truly hit the same tone instilled by the original.

#2: “Tokyo Ghoul” (2014-15)

If you’re not already exposed to the original, Tokyo Ghoul is pretty damn good. However, for those who don’t know, the manga…well…makes the anime look like a PG-13 slap-fight. If the series were to be rebooted and follow the original narrative, the anime would switch genre from shonen to seinen. The fights would be even more brutal, the death scenes would be all the more upsetting, and Kaneki would end up suffering even more. It’s still baffling that Studio Pierrot decided to rush the series and skip such integral plot elements.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here is an honourable mention.

“Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle” (2005-06)

“Rosario + Vampire” (2008)

“Chaos;Head” (2008)

#1: “Fate/stay night” (2006)

Any fan of this franchise will tell you that Fate/Zero and Unlimited Blade Works are some of the greatest modern contributions to the fantasy anime genre. The original series? Eh, not so much. Similar to Type-Moon’s other project, Tsukihime, the first undertaking of turning this widespread visual novel into an actual animation certainly doesn’t blow anyone away, especially when compared to its far more polished source material. With the Heaven’s Feel adaptation on the horizon, why not have UFOtable round out the series in style by doing some justice to the fate route?

Do you agree with our list? What anime do you think is in dire need of a reboot or revival? With new top tens published every day be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.