The world of anime is no stranger to remakes and reboots. While some revitalize beloved series for new audiences, others risk tarnishing the legacy of the originals. Certain anime classics are so iconic and perfectly crafted that attempting a remake would not only be unnecessary but potentially detrimental. These shows have captured a specific moment in time, with unique animation styles, storytelling, and cultural contexts that are difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. Here are ten classic anime that a remake would just ruin.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a timeless masterpiece that defies easy categorization. Its blend of science fiction, western, and film noir elements, set to a jazzy soundtrack, creates an atmosphere that is both cool and melancholic. The series follows the bounty hunting crew of the spaceship Bebop as they navigate a solar system filled with danger and intrigue. Each episode feels like a standalone story, while also contributing to the overarching narrative of the characters’ pasts and personal demons. The anime’s unique animation style, direction, and music are integral to its charm, and attempting to recreate them would likely fall short. The live-action adaptation on Netflix was a stark reminder of how difficult it is to capture the magic of the original, with many considering it one of the worst anime adaptations ever made, which further solidifies the argument that the original should remain untouched.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Unique Style: The anime’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and jazzy soundtrack are a core part of its identity and are incredibly difficult to replicate effectively.
- Complete Story: The original series told a complete and satisfying story, so a remake would feel unnecessary and potentially alter what made the ending so impactful.
- Live-Action Failure: The unsuccessful live-action adaptation is a cautionary tale of how difficult it is to capture the spirit of the original.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a groundbreaking anime that deconstructs the mecha genre while delving into complex psychological themes. The series is known for its symbolism, existential questions, and deeply flawed characters. It follows teenagers who pilot giant bio-machines called Evangelions to fight against alien invaders known as Angels. The show explores themes of trauma, isolation, and the search for meaning, pushing the boundaries of anime storytelling. Its experimental visuals, surreal imagery, and introspective narrative make it a landmark series that cannot be replicated. A remake risks losing the original’s unique charm and the impact of its complex themes.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Experimental Nature: The show’s unique blend of psychological horror, religious symbolism, and mecha action would be hard to reproduce without losing its impact.
- Cultural Impact: Evangelion is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the anime landscape. A remake could not capture the zeitgeist that the original created.
- Complex Themes: The series delves into deeply complex and philosophical themes that risk being diluted or misinterpreted in a remake.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is an iconic shonen anime that defined the genre for a generation. The series follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they battle increasingly powerful enemies. With its over-the-top action sequences, epic transformations, and memorable characters, it has captivated audiences worldwide. Although it already had a pseudo-remake, Dragon Ball Z Kai, which visually upgraded the original and removed filler, another remake would be largely redundant, and also risk seeming generic because the series has inspired so many other anime.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Genre-Defining: Dragon Ball Z has set so many trends that retelling the story would only seem generic and redundant.
- Existing Remaster: The existence of Dragon Ball Z Kai already provides a modern viewing experience of the original series.
- Franchise Fatigue: The Dragon Ball franchise is still very active with new series such as Dragon Ball Daima, so going back to the past is unnecessary.
Death Note
Death Note is a suspenseful thriller that follows a high school student who finds a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. The series is a cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist, Light Yagami, and the brilliant detective, L, as they try to outwit each other. It’s praised for its intense plot twists, moral ambiguity, and thought-provoking themes. The anime adapted the entirety of the manga, and while it made some changes, it remained complete and accurate. A remake of Death Note would risk losing the tension and carefully crafted narrative that make the original so compelling, and any alterations to the story would be met with criticism from its dedicated fan base.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Complete Adaptation: The original anime adapted the manga’s story fully and accurately, making a remake unnecessary.
- Perfect Tension: The original series has a perfect combination of animation, pacing, and music that creates suspense and should not be altered.
- Risk of Change: Any changes to the series would likely be met with criticism from its dedicated fan base.
Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)
The original Mobile Suit Gundam is a landmark series that revolutionized the mecha genre. Set in a future where humans have colonized space, the series explores themes of war, political intrigue, and the cost of conflict through the eyes of young soldiers. The show’s gritty realism, complex characters, and philosophical undertones set it apart from other mecha anime at the time. The series has been so influential on the genre that remaking it would be a risky endeavor. Furthermore, the franchise as a whole is already too defined by the original series and the RX-78-2 Gundam mobile suit.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary:
- Genre-Defining: The original Mobile Suit Gundam defined the mecha genre, and a remake risks losing its unique legacy.
- Over-reliance on the Original: The brand is so defined by the original series that focusing on new anime that are more inclusive for newcomers is a better use of resources.
- Unique Style: The original series has a distinct visual style and pacing that would be difficult to replicate.
Ashita no Joe
Ashita no Joe, also known as Tomorrow’s Joe, is a classic boxing anime that tells the story of Joe Yabuki, a troubled young man who rises through the ranks of the boxing world. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of the sport, its intense emotional drama, and its unflinching look at poverty and social inequality. Ashita no Joe is a gritty and powerful story that resonated with audiences at the time and still remains a significant part of anime history. A remake would risk losing the raw and powerful emotion that defines the original.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary:
- Gritty Realism: The anime’s realistic depiction of poverty and the boxing world is a major part of its appeal and would be hard to capture today.
- Cultural Significance: Ashita no Joe is a product of its time and is tied to a specific period of Japanese history, meaning a remake would lack the same impact.
- Emotional Weight: The anime’s emotional intensity would be hard to recreate without feeling forced or artificial.
Rose of Versailles
Rose of Versailles is a historical romance anime that tells the story of Oscar François de Jarjayes, a woman raised as a man to serve as the commander of the French Royal Guard. Set during the French Revolution, the series explores themes of duty, love, and sacrifice amidst the backdrop of political upheaval. Known for its elegant art style, dramatic storytelling, and memorable characters, Rose of Versailles is a beloved classic that continues to influence anime today. A remake would struggle to capture the beauty, romance, and historical context of the original.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary:
- Unique Art Style: The show’s elegant, detailed style would be hard to replicate.
- Historical Context: The anime is deeply tied to the historical events it depicts. A remake would have difficulty capturing the nuances.
- Romantic Drama: The series is a classic example of historical romance in anime, and a remake may fail to capture the same level of emotional engagement.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is an epic space opera that delves into complex themes of war, politics, and philosophy. The series follows the conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, focusing on the lives of the characters on both sides. Legend of the Galactic Heroes is known for its vast scale, its morally ambiguous characters, and its intellectual approach to storytelling. Its unique combination of political intrigue and space battles makes it a standout classic that defies easy categorization. A remake risks losing the intellectual depth and nuanced storytelling of the original. Although a remake has been produced, many fans still hold the original as the superior version.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Intellectual Depth: The original series is known for its complex political and philosophical themes, which are hard to replicate in a modern remake.
- Nuanced Characters: The morally ambiguous characters are central to the series and are difficult to replicate effectively.
- Epic Scale: The vast scale of the series and its intricate narrative are a challenge to adapt without losing their impact.
Welcome to the NHK
Welcome to the NHK is a dark comedy-drama that follows the story of Tatsuhiro Satō, a hikikomori (a social recluse) who is struggling with his agoraphobia, paranoia, and delusions. The anime explores themes of social isolation, mental health, and the challenges of modern life with a unique mix of humor and pathos. Its raw and honest portrayal of social anxiety and depression is what made it stand out. The series’ unique charm lies in its imperfect characters and its ability to balance dark humor with genuine emotion. A remake would risk losing the nuances of the original’s storytelling. Also, the anime’s distinct style is a key element of its charm and is hard to replicate.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Imperfect Charm: The series’ strength comes from its imperfect characters and raw portrayal of social issues, which could be lost in a remake.
- Unique Blend: The mix of comedy and drama is perfectly balanced in the original and would be difficult to reproduce.
- Distinct Style: The animation and visual style is very specific to the anime, meaning a remake would risk losing the charm of the original.
Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking war film that depicts the struggles of two siblings trying to survive in Japan during World War II. The film is a harrowing portrayal of loss, hunger, and the devastating impact of war on innocent lives. Grave of the Fireflies is a powerful and emotionally resonant work that remains one of the most poignant anime films ever made. Its realistic animation style and unflinching look at the realities of war make it a classic that should remain untouched. A remake would likely fail to capture the emotional weight and historical context of the original.
Why a Remake is Unnecessary
- Emotional Impact: The film’s powerful emotional resonance is difficult to recreate.
- Historical Significance: The film is a significant work that provides an authentic portrayal of a specific time in history that would be hard to reproduce.
- Complete Story: The original film tells a complete and compelling story, so a remake would not be necessary.
These ten anime classics are revered for a reason. They are products of their time, with unique storytelling, animation, and cultural contexts. While remakes can sometimes offer fresh perspectives, they also risk diluting the magic of the original. In the case of these ten titles, it’s best to let them remain untouched, cherished as timeless works that continue to inspire generations of anime fans.
