As times change, some anime from earlier generations could reach a broader audience with a reboot. Many have great concepts, but their outdated art and animation may not appeal to modern viewers.
Then, there are those that didn’t get a faithful adaptation or left fans hanging with abrupt endings. Fruits Basket and Shaman King, for example, both had original versions reimagined and received massive acclaim afterward.
There are many more classic anime titles that could use an overhaul, so here are 10 of them.
Record of Lodoss War
Considered the grandfather of fantasy anime, Record of Lodoss War tells the story of medieval knights, dwarves, and elves battling the forces of evil. The most notable thing about it is that the story is a retelling of the creator’s own Dungeons and Dragons campaign, with some original lore added in.
Classic anime fans appreciate it for its simple, straightforward plot, free from complicated magic systems or overpowered reincarnated protagonists. While some still consider its animation to be impressive, it could benefit from more visually engaging fight scenes and improved spell animations.
Pandora Hearts
Pandora Hearts has the charm of a classic fairytale but with a unique and darker twist. This 2009 mystery adventure anime follows the story of Oz Vessalius, who becomes trapped in the Abyss and must rely on Alice, a powerful and unpredictable Chain, to escape.
Fans praise the manga for its brilliant dark fantasy narrative filled with dramatic surprises, while the anime is admired for its amazing soundtrack. However, it falls short with its dated animation and an unsatisfying original ending. A faithful reboot is the best way to do justice to the story.
Rave Master
Rave Master is one of Hiro Mashima’s finest works, featuring an entertaining plot and characters that fans still fondly remember even 22 years after the anime ended. The story follows Haru Glory, the wielder of the Rave Stones, as he travels with his "dog" Plue, the amnesiac Elie, the spirited Musica, and others to save the world from an evil organization.
The series embraces classic shounen elements like action, comedy, and the trope of villains turning into allies, but executes them skillfully. Unfortunately, despite its 51 episodes, the anime only covered half of the manga, leaving fans longing for a proper adaptation. It's a nostalgic series that truly deserves a revamp.
Rosario + Vampire
Although often recognized as a comedy harem anime, Rosario + Vampire has a more serious plot and darker themes that were unfortunately left unexplored in the anime, as these elements are only revealed in the manga.
The series follows Tsukune Aono, a boy who ends up at a boarding school for monsters, where he meets the vampire Moka Akashiya and other monster heroines who develop feelings for him. Fans appreciate the manga’s evolution from lighthearted ecchi moments to a more mature story with gruesome deaths. Many believe the series deserves a remake to fully realize its potential.
Ouran High School Host Club
One of the most beloved reverse harem anime of the 2000s, Ouran High School Host Club follows a financially-disadvantaged girl who works in an elite school’s host club to pay off a massive debt owed to the school’s wealthiest students.
With the hilarious antics of the Host Club members, a catchy opening theme, and plenty of fun, entertaining moments, fans often rewatch the show for nostalgia. However, the animation could be updated, and more character development for Tamaki Suoh, the Hitachiin twins, Haruhi Fujioka, and others were missing in the 26-episode anime, which only adapted 18 volumes of the manga. It’s a feel-good series that could use a refreshing reboot!
Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied is a popular horror series from the 2000s that follows Lucy, a Diclonius or an evolved superhuman with invisible arms used as weapons, who escapes from a facility that sees her as a dangerous threat. Meanwhile, greedy individuals seek to exploit her powers.
While Elfen Lied is often criticized for its wasted potential, it has gained a cult following, and many believe it could be a hit if reimagined. Fans hope for a reboot that improves animation, develops the characters more deeply, reduces excessive fanservice and shock-value gore, and features storylines that follow through effectively.
Slam Dunk
The sequel film The First Slam Dunk, released last year, took fans on an emotional roller coaster, leaving many wondering why the popular 90s basketball anime, Slam Dunk, hasn't had a reboot yet.
One area that could be improved is Slam Dunk's animation quality. Although its hand-drawn art and simple animation style still hold appeal, it may feel slow to viewers accustomed to faster-paced shows. Additionally, some of the show’s most interesting characters need more development, as their rude and troublesome behaviors require growth to meet today's standards.
Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is often brought up as a series in need of a reboot. While its first season was well-received, the second part, Tokyo Ghoul √A, faced heavy criticism for being a messy adaptation. The story follows Ken Kaneki, whose life takes a drastic turn after he becomes a superpowered, flesh-eating ghoul.
The manga’s themes of finding inner strength and learning to accept yourself deeply resonated with fans, especially as they followed Kaneki’s journey to come to terms with his new identity. However, the deviations in Root A left many disappointed. Even now, fans are still clamoring for a proper revival and can’t help but hope the reboot keeps the iconic opening song Unravel, a track that’s become a timeless favorite.
Soul Eater
The anime adaptation of Atsushi Ohkubo’s Soul Eater fared reasonably well compared to others on this list. However, fans still hope for a reboot since, like many anime with original endings, the manga was unfinished during the show's production.
Some important events were left out of the anime, resulting in a decent but less-than-faithful adaptation of the manga. With Soul Eater's 15th anniversary celebrated last year, the call for a reboot has grown louder. Fans also want Studio Bones, which worked on Fire Force, another Atsushi Ohkubo creation, to handle the animation again.
Berserk
Kentaro Miura’s dark fantasy manga Berserk is considered one of the most influential and greatest manga of all time, yet it still hasn’t received a proper anime adaptation. If you haven’t heard of it, Berserk follows Guts, a lone mercenary who faces countless hardships in a brutal world full of demons, corrupt leaders, and betrayal.
The series tackles dark, mature themes about trauma and the struggle to overcome it. While Berserk has had a few adaptations, none of them really manage to capture the full intensity and atmosphere of the manga, which is why a reboot feels so necessary.
Which anime is due for a reboot? Sound off in the comments!
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