Top 10 Best Anime Character Portrayals

“Bleach” (2018)

Be honest, none of us expected this flick to be any good. It was adapting the start of the series which is already an episodic river of meandering. Much to our surprise, it was pretty good. Effects and action were on point, and most importantly everyone’s favourite sword-swinging strawberry was very believable. He had that bad boy streak, sense of bewilderment, sold the hell out of those fight scenes, he even pulled off the orange hair. As long as this guy is still in the driver’s seat, we’re more than open to a sequel!

“Prison School” (2015)

Hats off to those involved with creating this live-action drama, because they practically recreated each scene within an inch of perfection, and in a show well-known for bust sizes and the hilariously erotic exploits of its cast, that takes commitment. This can easily be seen in its portrayal of Hana, who not only nails the sweetness but also the psychotic rage of the tiny council member. Just look at the crazy in her eyes when she’s attacking Kiyoshi in the stall, all to see his prisoner’s package. That’s Hana alright.

“Hana Yori Dango” (2005)

Look, there had to be one shoujo entry in here somewhere, and none are more popular than this adaptation of Boys Over Flower, mainly due to this handsome lad starring in the lead role as the ultimate bad boy with a heart of gold. He’s got it all down; the seemingly volatile persona that actually hides a gentle soul, the smouldering gaze, standing up to his wealthy family for the sake of being with the financially struggling girl he’s come to adore. You may commence “squeeing.”

“GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka” (1998)

There have been many who have worn the eccentric mantle of this iconic character across multiple movies, shows and plays, but in our mind only one has truly managed to capture the essence of the gangster educator. Which is an achievement unto itself considering the two don’t even look vaguely similar. However, due to the sheer force of his performance, you never once doubt you’re watching the charismatic beast of a teacher help bring a troubled class back from the brink. Bravo to you Mr. Sorimachi.

“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” (2003-04)

The tokusatsu that exploded all across the land of the rising sun, managing to almost rival the success of the original anime in the process, all of which was helmed by a leading performance that was just as glittery as the admittedly dated visual effects. Since this adaptation tended to favour the Sailor Senshi’s civilian lives over their battles with the forces of evil, it needed an Usagi who could be just as captivating both in and out of her tiara. Luckily for them, this particular Superhero Princess is so colourful it would make a rainbow jealous.

“JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable Chapter I” (2017)

No matter what you think about this rather…unique choice to adapt Part 4 of JoJo, there’s no denying that this is likely the closest a human being is going to get to inhabiting the mannerisms and quiet fury of Jotaro. Not only did this guy actually make THAT wardrobe work, but he also radiates a natural swag and maturity that totally has you believing that he punched the crap out of Dio several years earlier. Not sure we’ll ever get a Chapter II, or if they’ll find a way to make those CGI Stands look any less creepy, but we’re more than up for it if this iteration of Jotaro makes a return.

“Kaiji” series (2009-)

You’ve got to show this guy mad respect, since not only did he capture just how much of hapless loser Kaiji really is, but thanks to the success of his performance and the live-action movie franchise overall, we got that beastly second anime series. While obviously lacking the unique art-style that makes the gambling rogue so recognisable, the awkward charm found in his on-screen counterpart holds up surprisingly well, like he’s constantly caught between having a nervous breakdown and passing kidney stones. That takes skill!

“Death Note” series (2006-16)

While no one will truly ever live up to the original L’s glory, as far as the endless onslaught of live-action copycats go, the best among them by far is this heartthrob, who not only nailed the weird physicality of the genius detective, but also managed to navigate his various oddities while maintaining his intrinsic, magnetic authority. Considering he’s also played the character outside the anime-centric storyline in spin-offs and sequels like Change the World and Light Up the New World, he’s sort of managed to make the character all his own!

“Rurouni Kenshin” series (2012-)

With this is trilogy often cited as the best live-action anime adaptation to date, you can count on its portrayal of the Manslayer to be pretty much on point. Whether he’s quietly reflecting on his deeds or lashing out like a madman, every aspect of Kenshin’s character is on full display here, with very little being lost in translation, which is kind of a miracle given the treatment of so many classic anime icons as of late – looking at you Fullmetal Alchemist. At least here they did justice to his signature scream!

“Gintama” series (2017-18)

We’re not joking. These films have no right to be as good as they are, and yet they completely nail the ridiculous narratives and atmosphere that the property is hailed for. As for the White Demon himself – get ready for a damn impressive mixture of complete badassery and nonsensical absurdity! It shouldn’t be possible, and yet every time this Silver Soul wannabe opens his mouth or unleashes his sword, we’re full convinced the original Gintoki just hopped dimensions and got cast in his own flick. If anything, that’s a more plausible explanation.