Some anime come from original ideas, while others are based on manga. Yet, another source is often overlooked: anime based on novels.
While many anime are inspired by manga, we shouldn’t forget the ones adapted from novels. These novels, often called light novels, tell stories in shorter, easier-to-read paragraphs.
Lots of these novels have been turned into anime, sometimes becoming even more popular than the books themselves.
Anime based on novels offers a different feel compared to those based on manga. Here are some recommendations for anime adaptations of novels that are worth watching:
Anime Adapted from Novels
1. Twelve Kingdoms
- Author: Fuyumi Ono | Illustrator: Akihiro Yamada
- Episode: 45
- Released: 2002
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
The setting of “Twelve Kingdoms” is a world with twelve kingdoms governed by individuals selected by Titans. The series focuses more on exploring the world than on a single protagonist.
However, one character stands out: Youko Nakajima, a girl from Japan who finds herself transported to this unfamiliar world. Youko faces the challenge of adapting and surviving in this new environment. “Twelve Kingdoms” is considered one of the finest fantasy anime series ever created.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle
- Author: Diana Wynne Jones
- Episode: 1 Film
- Released: 2004
- Genre: Fantasy, Romance
The story follows Sophie, a girl who is cursed by a Witch and transformed into an old woman. In her journey to lift the curse, she encounters Howl, a wizard reluctant to join the war despite being asked.
“Howl’s Moving Castle,” a film by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is an anime adaptation of a novel. While it takes some liberties from the source material, the movie became a massive success, ranking among the top box office hits for Japanese films.
3. Baccano!
- Author: Ryohgo Narita | Illustrator: Katsumi Enami
- Episode: 16
- Released: 2007
- Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller, Supernatural
“Baccano!” meaning “commotion” in Italian, is a story told from various perspectives, mainly in the fictional United States during different periods, notably the Prohibition era.
The anime centers on a diverse group of individuals, including alchemists, thieves, criminals, Mafiosi, and Camorristi, who initially appear unrelated. However, after the creation of the elixir of immortality in 1930s Manhattan, their paths start to intertwine, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control over time.
4. Haruhi Suzumiya
- Penulis: Nagaru Tanigawa | Illustrator: Noizi Ito
- Episode: 28 + 1 Film
- Aired: 2006-2009
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, School, Supranatural
Haruhi Suzumiya is one of the best examples of chuunibyou in anime—a phenomenon where middle schoolers believe they possess superpowers or are magical beings. In Haruhi Suzumiya’s case, it’s all true.
Kyon, the protagonist, gets caught up in the adventures of his classmate, Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi is eccentric and obsessed with finding supernatural phenomena and creatures. She recruits three other members: the nerdy Yuki Nagato, the shy Mikuru Asahina, and the transfer student Itsuki Koizumi.
The group believes that Haruhi wields dangerous powers capable of destroying the world. Together with Kyon, they try to keep Haruhi entertained and prevent her from getting bored.
5. Welcome to NHK
- Author: Tatsuhiko Takimoto
- Episode: 24
- Released: 2006
- Genre: Drama, Psychological, Slice of Life
The anime adaptation of the novel focuses on a young man named Tatsuhiro Sato, who drops out of college and becomes unemployed. Sato’s life turns when he meets Misaki Nakahara, who aims to help him leave his room and return to college.
Welcome to NHK became popular because it tackled a relatively new phenomenon: hikikomori.
6. Toradora
- Author: Yuyuko Takemiya | Illustrator: Yasu
- Episode: 25
- Released: 2008
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Toradora is a must-watch anime adaptation of a romantic comedy novel. Ryuji Takasu, appearing fierce but having a soft heart, forms an unusual friendship with Taiga Aisaka, a petite girl with a sharp tongue and an uncompromising attitude.
As they navigate their romantic interests, they discover that the only person who truly understands them is each other. As they find out, love often works in mysterious and unexpected ways.
7. Mardock Scramble
- Author: Tow Ubukata
- Episode: 3 Film
- Released: 2010, 2011, 2012
- Genre: Crime, Gore, Sci-fi, Seinen
In the futuristic setting of Mardock City, a young girl named Rune Ballot is under the care of Shell, who later tries to kill her. Despite Shell’s attempt, Rune survives but is transformed into a cyborg. She accepts this transformation to confront Shell and end his dangerous game.
Mardock Scramble spans various genres, including ecchi, horror, and psychological. It contains intense themes such as vulgar language, violence, gore, and more. Additionally, the anime tackles controversial topics like rape, incest, prostitution, and murder.
8. Aoi Bungaku Series
- Penulis: Osamu Dazai, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Ango Sakaguchi
- Episode: 12
- Released: Fall 2009
- Genre: Drama, Historical, Psychological, Seinen
Aoi Bungaku Series is an anime that adapts classic Japanese literature into captivating stories. The series comprises twelve episodes, each featuring a different tale.
The first story, “Ningen Shikkaku,” is based on Osamu Dazai’s novel. It incorporates Western influences and transforms into a gripping psychological thriller on screen.
The other stories include “Jigoku Hen” and “Kumo no Ito” by Ryunosuke Akutagawa and “Sakura no Mori no Mankai no Shita” by Ango Sakaguchi. Each story has its unique art style, ranging from a childlike aesthetic for Akutagawa’s tales to a more subtle approach for Sakaguchi’s works.
9. Monogatari
- Author: Nissio Isin | Illustrator: Vofan
- Episode: 15 (Bakemonogatari), 26 (Monogatari 2nd Season), 10 (Owarimonogatari)
- Aired: 2009-2018
- Genre: Comedy, Harem, Supernatural
Monogatari is an anime adaptation of a novel that you shouldn’t miss.
The story revolves around Koyomi Araragi, a high school student who survives a vampire attack. Later, he finds himself assisting girls entangled with supernatural beings like apparitions, gods, ghosts, and spirits.
Known for its innovative visuals, clever dialogue, and memorable characters, Monogatari has been captivating audiences worldwide for over a decade.
10. The Tatami Galaxy
- Author: Tomihiko Morimi
- Episode: 11
- Released: 2010
- Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life
In The Tatami Galaxy, our main character, let’s call him Watashi, seeks the vibrant campus life he’s always longed for. He engages in rapid-fire dialogues and monologues as he navigates through his experiences.
Adapted from a novel by director Masaaki Yuasa, The Tatami Galaxy stands out for its innovative storytelling approach, combining a straightforward premise with unique and entertaining narrative methods.
11. Fate/Zero
- Author: Gen Urobochi | Illustrator: Takashi Takeuchi
- Episode: 24
- Released: 2011
- Genre: Action, Drama, Supernatural
Fate/Zero is a prequel to the well-known visual novel and anime Fate/stay night. Set during the Fourth Holy Grail War, it depicts the conflict among the Einzbern, Matou, and Tosaka families as they vie for the power of the “Holy Grail.”
For those uncertain about where to begin, starting with Fate/Zero, the anime adaptation of this novel is a good option to explore into the Fate series.
12. Hyouka
- Author: Honobu Yonezawa
- Episode: 22
- Released: 2012
- Genre: Mystery, School, Slice of Life
Hyouka revolves around Hotaro Oreki, who reluctantly joins the Classics Club at his high school to prevent its disbandment. Alongside other new members, they explore into solving mysteries that unfold within their school.
This anime adaptation of a slice-of-life novel set in a middle school offers a captivating narrative worth experiencing.
13. Durarara!!
- Author: Ryohgo Narita | Illustrator: Suzuhito Yasuda
- Episode: 26 (S01), 36 (S02)
- Aired: 2010-2015
- Genre: Action, Suspense, Urban Fantasy
Durarara!! is an interesting tale penned by Ryohgo Narita, known for his work on Baccano!, which shares some common themes.
Set in Ikebukuro, a bustling district in central Tokyo, the story unfolds through the eyes of multiple characters. Ikebukuro becomes the backdrop for a series of intriguing plot twists and sporadic acts of violence that drive the narrative forward.
14. Sword Art Online
- Author: Reki Kawahara | Illustrator: abec
- Episode: 25
- Released: 2012
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-fi, Video Game
In 2022, a highly advanced multiplayer video game known as Sword Art Online (SAO) is released, promising an immersive virtual experience. However, the game becomes a nightmare when players discover they are unable to log out.
The story follows protagonists Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya and Asuna Yuuki as they navigate the dangers of this virtual world while trying to find a way to escape.
15. Hataraku Mou-sama (The Devil is A Part-Timer)
- Author: Satoshi Wagahara | Illustrator: Oniku (written 029)
- Episode: 13
- Released: 2013
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
In order to survive, Satan takes up a part-time job at a fast food restaurant called MgRonald’s. Eventually, Satan adopts the name Sadao Maō. One day, he encounters a girl who happens to be from his world.
Hataraku Mou-sama explores into the personalities of each character and examines their moral values in this modern setting. As more characters from the world of Ente Isla emerge, they also confront new dilemmas in this world, often portrayed in a humorous light.
16. Full Metal Panic!
- Author: Shoji Gatoh | Illustrator: Shiki Douji
- Episode: 24, 13, 13, 13
- Released: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2018
- Genre: Action, Mecha, Romance
Full Metal Panic follows Sousuke Sagara, a member of the secret anti-terrorist military organization Mithril. His mission is to protect Kaname Chidori, a Japanese high school girl.
This anime adaptation of a mecha genre novel offers an intriguing storyline.
17. Oregairu: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
- Author: Wataru Watari | Illustrator: Ponkan8
- Episode: 13,
- Released: Spring 2013
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life
Two loners find themselves as members of the school’s Service Club, where they must offer help and advice to their peers, despite their differing ideals and views.
Oregairu, an anime adaptation of the novel, explores into the everyday situations teenagers face, from heartbreak to friendship. It presents life lessons with a touch of lively humor.
18. Kyoukai no Kanata (Beyond the Boundary)
- Penulis: Nagomu Toori | Illustrator: Tomoyo Kamoi
- Episode: 12 + 1 Film
- Released: Fall 2013
- Genre: Fantasy, Slice of Life, Supernatural
Mirai unexpectedly stabs Akihito with a sword made from her blood. In the aftermath of this encounter, Akihito discovers that he is an immortal “half-youmu,” while Mirai is a specialist who hunts youmu.
This event marks the start of a fragile friendship between Mirai and Akihito despite Mirai’s persistent attempts to eliminate him.
19. No Game, No Life
- Penulis: Yu Kamiya | Illustrator: Akiko Takase
- Episode: 12
- Released: Spring 2014
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi
Two half-brothers devote their lives to gaming, showcasing exceptional intelligence. They adopt the hikikomori lifestyle and establish themselves as the formidable gaming duo known as ‘Blank’.
Their world takes an unexpected twist when virtual reality merges with their reality, altering their gaming journey in profound ways.
20. Violet Evergarden
- Penulis: Kana Akatsuki | Illustrator: Akiko Takase
- Episode: 13 + 1 OVA + 1 Film
- Released: 2018
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life
After the war ends, Violet Evergarden finds herself lost and empty. Seeking purpose, she works as a letter writer to discover her emotions and learn about love.
As an Auto Memory Doll, Violet embarks on a journey filled with adventures, where she helps change the lives of her clients through her heartfelt letters. Along the way, she searches for her true self.
These are some anime recommendations based on novels that offer intriguing stories and characters to explore.
