Video games and anime have long been intertwined, sharing a rich history of creative exchange and mutual inspiration. As gaming narratives have grown more complex and anime has pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling, the line between these two mediums has increasingly blurred. This convergence has given birth to a unique entertainment category: anime adaptations of video games.
These adaptations serve as bridges between the interactive realms of gaming and the narrative-driven world of anime. At their best, they capture the essence of their source material and expand upon it, offering new perspectives, deeper character development, and explorations of storylines that may have been only hinted at in the original games.
From faithful recreations that bring beloved pixel characters to vibrant, animated life to bold reinterpretations that take familiar gaming concepts in unexpected directions, game-based anime offers something for every fan. These series can enhance our appreciation of the original games, provide entry points for newcomers to iconic franchises, or stand as captivating works of art in their own right.
In this article, we’ll get into the cream of the crop – the 10 best anime based on games. Our selection spans various genres, from action-packed adventures to introspective dramas, reflecting the diverse gaming and anime worlds landscape.
Anime Based on Games
10. Pokémon
We can’t talk about iconic game-to-anime adaptations without mentioning Pokémon—one of the most famous and longest-running animes worldwide. It played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between video games and animated series. The franchise demonstrates this partnership’s success, especially with its vast array of characters that can be transformed into collectibles.
Interestingly, an entire generation may not realize that Pokémon originally started as video games before blossoming into anime. Nintendo’s strategy was to launch the animation to promote the games, particularly outside of Japan.
This approach proved a massive success, turning the franchise into a cultural phenomenon. Almost 30 years later, characters like Pikachu remain relevant, and Ash is still on his quest to become a Pokémon Master!
9. Digimon Adventure
With the immense success of Pokémon, it was only natural for other games featuring creatures to try to ride the wave of popularity. Enter Digimon is often considered the most notable “copy” of Nintendo’s iconic monsters.
This perspective is somewhat contentious, as there’s ongoing debate about which franchise came first. Digimon originated from earlier virtual creatures that predated Pikachu and friends, but the concept of transforming these into digital monsters gained traction following Pokémon’s success.
Unlike its more famous counterpart, Digimon has opted not to follow a single, continuous narrative. Instead, it has released multiple seasons, introducing new characters, plots, and creatures. The original season remains the most beloved, not only for introducing this expansive universe but also for being immortalized by Angélica’s catchy theme song.
8. Sonic X
Another beloved gaming icon that made its mark in the anime world is Sonic the Hedgehog. Over the years, Sonic has starred in several animated adaptations, including some recent CGI series. However, in Sonic X, the anime’s distinct style truly shines.
Premiering in the early 2000s, Sonic X transports Sonic and his friends to the human world, where he befriends a Japanese teenager who aids him in battling the nefarious Dr. Robotnik. Despite taking creative liberties, the series successfully captures many story arcs from the games, including Shadow’s origin—a storyline set to be explored in upcoming movies.
7. Dota: Dragon’s Blood
Netflix recognized the growing interest in adapting popular games and quickly began exploring franchises that could translate into compelling stories. This led to the creation of Dota: Dragon’s Blood.
Set in the medieval fantasy universe of the game, the anime follows a knight tasked with harnessing the power of a legendary dragon to combat a demon threatening humanity. While the premise is a classic adventure, it effectively utilizes the rich lore and diverse elements of the Dota universe, making for an engaging narrative.
6. Dragon’s Dogma
Dragon’s Dogma is another tale filled with knights, dragons, and hidden powers, born from a collaboration between Netflix and Capcom to reignite interest in the game. Initially met with mixed reviews upon its release, the franchise has recently gained renewed attention with the announcement of a sequel.
The anime serves as a great introduction to the world of Dragon’s Dogma, offering intriguing twists. The story starts when the hero is slain by a dragon, only to be mysteriously resurrected through magical forces he struggles to understand. Armed with this second chance, he sets out on a quest to destroy the beast that took his life.
5. Tekken: Bloodline
Next to Street Fighter, Tekken stands as one of the most iconic video game franchises, and it took some time for Bandai Namco’s classic to receive a worthy anime adaptation. The recent Tekken: Bloodline effectively distills the saga’s complex timeline, focusing on the revenge narrative of the Mishima family while showcasing its beloved characters.
The story follows Jin, a young man whose life is shattered after a mysterious monster attacks his family, seeking the hidden power within him. Driven by vengeance, Jin seeks out his grandfather, the legendary Heihachi. However, he soon discovers that the old man harbors dark secrets that could endanger their family and the entire world.
4. Street Fighter II: Victory
Street Fighter is synonymous with fighting games and stands as one of the greatest icons in video game history, so it was only natural for anime to capitalize on this success and bring the stories of Ryu and Ken to life.
Among the various adaptations, Street Fighter II: Victory remains one of the most beloved. While its visual style differs significantly from the games—Ryu doesn’t even sport his signature red headband—the series effectively explores its characters’ origins, enriching the franchise’s mythology. This was especially important given the chaotic timeline of the games.
The anime debuted in the mid-1990s, coinciding with the Street Fighter II arcade phenomenon, contributing to its massive popularity. If you’re over 30, you’ve likely mimicked the arm movements to channel a Hadouken!
3. Devil May Cry
Capcom is one of the studios that fully embraces anime to enhance the popularity of its games. In addition to Street Fighter and Dragon’s Dogma, the company also created an animated series centered around the classic Devil May Cry.
Released in 2007, this cartoon showcased a more brash and irreverent side of the hero, Dante, aligning closely with his personality in the franchise’s third game. While it didn’t achieve the same level of success as the games, the adaptation effectively explored the story of the demon hunter, the son of a powerful demon lord. This cursed legacy not only shapes his identity but also makes him a target for dark forces seeking to exploit his heritage.
2. Dragon Quest: The Adventures of Dai
When anime began to take over TV screens in the mid-1990s, Dragon Quest: The Adventures of Dai quickly became a hit, thanks in part to its similarities to Dragon Ball and its adventurous storyline, not to mention its catchy theme song. Many viewers didn’t realize then that this beloved series was an adaptation of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
In the West, Fly was the title given to the anime adaptation of Dragon Quest, one of the biggest RPG series in the world. The show’s popularity was so immense that the main character, originally named Dai, became a cultural icon in his own right, leading Square Enix to develop a game specifically based on his story.
Recently, the anime received a reboot that retells the classic tale while modernizing some elements—though it unfortunately lacks the original’s memorable music.
1. Castlevania
Of all the games Netflix has adapted into anime, none have matched the success of Castlevania. This isn’t just because the game is a classic and beloved franchise but also due to the streaming service’s meticulous attention to detail in recreating its gothic universe, which has resonated deeply with fans.
The series follows the Belmont family, renowned vampire hunters, who wage a fierce battle against Dracula. However, this conflict transcends a simple quest to vanquish evil; it delves into family rivalries and the lingering traumas that echo through generations, adding depth to the story.
