Live-action adaptations have a notorious reputation for often failing to capture the essence and magic of their source material. Fans of beloved books, comics, or animated series often approach these adaptations with a mix of excitement and trepidation. This week’s latest Netflix release, Avatar: The Last Airbender, unfortunately, falls victim to this trend.
ATLA may leave many disappointed. However, amid the sea of disappointments, there are always exceptions—adaptations that not only do justice to their origins but also stand tall as compelling television in their own right.
As you settle in for a weekend of binge-watching, these five live-action adaptations promise to transport you to captivating worlds filled with adventure, mystery, and heartfelt moments.
Here are five essential live-action series you can dive into this weekend.
Five essential live-action adaptation shows to binge on Netflix:
One Piece
One Piece, a fantasy adventure series, sailed into live-action territory with a bang.
Developed by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda for Netflix, this adaptation brings to life the beloved manga series created by Eiichiro Oda. With Oda himself serving as a creative consultant, the series follows the escapades of the Straw Hat Pirates, led by the charismatic Captain Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy). One Piece has garnered praise for its performances, writing, and visual effects, marking it as one of the standout adaptations in recent memory.
The Sandman
Based on Neil Gaiman’s iconic comic book series, The Sandman weaves a mesmerising tapestry of the fantastical and the dramatic.
Developed for Netflix by Gaiman alongside David S. Goyer and Allan Heinberg, the series delves into the realm of Dream/Morpheus, the enigmatic Sandman. Tom Sturridge leads the cast as the titular character, supported by Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, and Patton Oswalt.
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
Offering a glimpse into contemporary life in a geisha house in Kyoto, Japan, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House serves up a delectable blend of culture, drama, and all things delicate and cosy in this world.
Written and directed by Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda, this series follows best friends Kiyo and Sumire as they navigate the intricacies of the Gion district. Nana Mori and Natsuki Deguchi shine in the lead roles in this heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery.
Death Note
Enter the realm of dark fantasy and psychological thriller with the 2015 TV series adaptation of the iconic Death Note.
Adapted from the iconic manga, this gripping tale follows university student Light Yagami, portrayed by Masataka Kubota, as he grapples with the power of a death god’s notebook. With a riveting cat-and-mouse game between Light and the mysterious detective L (Kento Yamazaki), this adaptation of Death Note is mighty fun.
Heartstopper
Rounding out our list is Heartstopper, the British coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama based on Alice Oseman’s acclaimed webcomic and graphic novel.
Following the journey of Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor), as they navigate love and identity, Heartstopper is heartfelt storytelling at its best. And its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences makes this series a must-watch for fans of tender romances.
