We’ve all felt that sinking feeling when a live-action remake of our favourite anime gets announced. For years, the track record of live-action movies was, to put it mildly, shaky. But fast forward to 2026, and that so-called ‘curse’ has finally been broken. Today, we’re seeing beloved characters brought to life with the budget, care and creative vision they truly deserve. If you’ve ever wondered how your favourite comics, games, and animated stories translate into big-budget live-action movies, you’re in the right place.
What to watch: 7 live-action movies that deserve your attention; on Amazon Prime Video & more1. Assassin’s Creed – JioHotstar
Set in two timelines, the movie follows Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender), a death-row convict rescued by the mysterious Abstergo Industries. Forced into the Animus, a revolutionary machine that unlocks genetic memories, Callum relives the life of his 15th-century ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha, during the Spanish Inquisition. As he experiences 15th-century Spain, he uncovers the long-standing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars – two secret factions battling over free will and control. While the 2016 film was a major milestone, 2026 marks a massive turning point for the series with a brand-new live-action project currently in production. As of early 2026, a high-budget Assassin’s Creed series has officially begun filming in Rome, Italy. Unlike the movie, which focused on the Spanish Inquisition, this series takes us back to 64 AD, at the heart of the Roman Empire.
2. The Jungle Book – JioHotstar
Directed by Jon Favreau, the 2016 reimagining of The Jungle Book is a visual masterpiece that breathes new life into Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale. The story follows Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a young orphan raised by wolves, who is forced to flee his home when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) vows to eliminate him. Guided by the stern panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray), Mowgli embarks on a high-stakes journey of self-discovery through a lush, hyper-realistic world. More than just a remake, this version balances thrilling action with heart, exploring the tension between Mowgli’s human nature and his love for the wild as he eventually stands his ground to protect his jungle family.
3. Rurouni Kenshin – Netflix
Often cited as the definitive blueprint for adapting manga into live action, the Rurouni Kenshin saga is a sweeping epic of redemption, politics, and unparalleled swordplay. The story focuses on Himura Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), a former legendary assassin, who travels across Meiji-era Japan with a reverse-blade sword, vowing never to take another life. As he finds a new home at a training centre run by Kamiya Kaoru (Emi Takei), Kenshin is forced to confront ghosts from his past and new enemies who threaten the country’s peace. The movie masterfully balances high-octane action and an emotionally-charged narrative.
4. Resident Evil – YouTube
The Resident Evil movie franchise is unique because it features two distinct live-action timelines: the original high-octane action saga and the more recent survival-horror reboots. Serving as the explosive start to a multi-billion dollar franchise, the 2002 movie is a stylised blend of sci-fi horror and Matrix-inspired action. The film follows Alice (Milla Jovovich) as she awakens in a mysterious mansion with no memory, only to be swept into an underground laboratory called The Hive by an elite strike team. There, they must battle a rogue AI and hordes of undead scientists transformed by the highly contagious T-virus. While later entries leaned further into post-apocalyptic action, this original instalment remains a cult classic for its claustrophobic tension, iconic laser hallway scene, and its introduction of the sinister Umbrella Corporation. While critics were divided, the movie built a massive fanbase, making it one of the most enduring video game adaptations in Hollywood.