Novels have always had a huge influence on anime. It’s possible to point out literary influences in many anime series and movies. Full-length novels offer stories with complex, dynamic characters and plots.
Due to their intricacy and length, novels can be difficult to adapt into anime. While most anime adaptations end up changing the original story around, successful ones often stay true to the source material’s essence. Novels come in many different genres, whether it’s classic novels, contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, or younger adult, various novels have inspired different anime.
10 Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette Is A Kid-Friendly Les Misérables
Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette is a 52-episode drama that follows the plot of the French historical novel, Les Misérables. The novel, written in the 19th century by Victor Hugo, is an exploration of politics, justice, philosophy, and social conditions in French society.
The anime focuses on the story of Cosette, who is three years old when her struggling mother leaves her to find work. Unfortunately, her caretakers subject her to abuse, until a kind stranger named Jean Valjean rescues her from her hard life. Aimed at children, the anime doesn’t nearly depict all the violence and horror of the novel. However, it’s still a delightful adaptation that viewers of all ages can enjoy.
9 Saiyuki Is Based On A Chinese Literary Classic
Saiyuki takes place in a past where humans are plagued by demon attacks. Priest Genjo Sanzo must recruit a team of demons to embark on a journey to stop the resurrection of a powerful, evil demon. Saiyuki, which first aired in 2000 and has since received many sequels and prequels, is loosely based on the 16th-century Chinese novel, Journey to the West.
Written by Wu Cheng-en, Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature. The novel, which follows a Buddhist monk who sets out on a journey to find sacred texts, is full of Chinese mythology and philosophy. While Saiyuki makes many changes in its adaptation, both novel and anime are interesting epics.
8 Anne Of Green Gables Adapts A Beloved Children’s Novel
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is a 1908 children’s novel about a plucky red-headed orphan girl named Anne, who is accidentally sent to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. The Cuthberts, who wanted a boy to help with their farm, eventually warm up to Anne and her many antics, and the three become a loving family.
The eponymous anime follows the familiar story and was well-received when it aired in 1979. While the graphics have aged, the anime is still a worthwhile watch as it almost perfectly captures the charm and warm wholesomeness of the source novel.
7 Welcome To The N.H.K. Is More Of A Comedy Than Its Source
Welcome to the N.H.K. is an anime series that aired in 2006 and follows the misadventures of Tatsuhiro Satou, a 22-year-old hikikomori, a term in Japan describing a shut-in. Suffering from depression and living in a state of anxiety due to his belief in conspiracy theories, Satou soon meets a strange girl who decides to help him overcome his problems.
Part-comedy, part-social critique, the anime is based on a novel of the same name written by Tatsuhiko Takimoto. While in general the anime closely follows its source material, it has more of a focus on comedy, while the novel is a much darker story.
6 Tatami Galaxy Successfully Translates Its Novel’s Unique Style
In the widely acclaimed anime Tatami Galaxy, the protagonist is transported through time to live and relive his first day of college. This is not any typical isekai anime, however. At 11 episodes, Tatami Galaxy is a surreal, stylish foray into one man’s journey to experience the perfect college life he always dreamed of.
The series is based on The Tatami Galaxy, a novel by Tomihiko Morimi. The show is mostly faithful to its source material and accurately captures the novel’s tone and general feel with its unique style choices.
5 Paprika Is A Colorful Adaptation Of An Influential Novel
Paprika is a 2006 psychological sci-fi thriller that’s widely considered one of the best anime films of all time. It takes place in a world where a device exists that lets its users share their dreams. A “dream terrorist” steals this device and uses it to cause horrifying nightmares. A psychologist investigating these occurrences enters the dreamscape and becomes Paprika, her dream alter-ego.
Paprika is based on a 1993 novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui, one of Japan’s most renowned authors. The anime stays true to the novel’s mind-bending surrealness, and both have been influential in pop culture.
4 The Count of Monte Cristo Puts A Classic Story In Space
The Count of Monte Cristo is an adventure novel written by French author Alexander Dumas in 1844. It tells the story of Edmond Dantes, a young Frenchman who is wrongfully accused of treason and imprisoned. After escaping prison, he becomes wealthy and plans his revenge on those who ruined his life.
The anime of the same name takes this influential classic novel and puts an avant-garde spin on it. While the anime follows the novel’s general premise and plot and is true to its central theme of revenge, the show takes place far in the future where space travel is a normal occurrence. This anime is a fantastic sci-fi adaptation of its source material.
3 Legend Of The Galactic Heroes Is Based On An Award-Winning Series
Legend of the Galactic Heroes has been an anime classic since it premiered in 1988. The show follows the political maneuverings of two interstellar nations embroiled in a long war. Praised for its masterful storytelling and character designs, LOTGH is considered by many to be the greatest series in anime history.
LOTGH’s success makes sense considering its source material, a critically acclaimed science fiction novel series by Yoshiki Tanaka. This series, also called Legend of the Galactic Heroes, won the Seiun Award for best science fiction novel in 1987. The strategy-filled space opera, both in novel and anime form, is a must for any sci-fi fan.
2 Moribito Masterfully Adapts Its Fantasy Novel Source
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, is a 26-episode action-adventure fantasy anime about a world on the verge of drought and famine. To avoid this fate, the empire’s Star Readers decide that the emperor’s young son, Chagum, must be sacrificed as they believe he is a demon. Hired by Chagum’s mother, the highly skilled, spear-wielding mercenary named Balsa saves the boy and embarks with him on a journey to protect his life.
The fantasy novel series of the same name, by Nahoko Uehashi, is the anime’s inspiration. First published as a children’s novel, it appealed to adult readers and was republished. The show only covers the first book in the series, so fans of the anime’s characters and beautiful world should track down the novels.
1 Howl’s Moving Castle Is A Charming Take On a Beloved Novel
The popular Studio Ghibli film, Howl’s Moving Castle, is based on a fantasy novel of the same name by British writer Diana Wynne Jones. The award-winning young adult novel also follows the adventures of Sophie Hatter, a young woman who seeks the wizard Howl to reverse the curse that has transformed her into an old woman.
The novel delves deeper into the lives, backstories, and personalities of Sophie, Howl, and many other characters. While the film differs from the novel in some ways, such as the castle’s design and Howl’s personality, which is much more likable than his written counterpart, the film does a superb job at adapting its source’s whimsical world. It’s truly difficult to say which is better.
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