10 Anime Series That Need a Reboot
A reboot could breathe new life into these beloved worlds, introducing them to new audiences while satisfying long-time fans. Here are ten anime series that deserve a reboot, ranked by their popularity, along with their captivating storylines, memorable characters, and the unique worlds they inhabit.
10. Tenjou Tenge
Tenjou Tenge is set in Toudou Academy, where martial arts reign supreme. The story follows Souichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara, two delinquents who aim to take over the school. However, they soon encounter Maya Natsume, a skilled fighter, and her brother Shin, who possesses the dangerous Dragon Eye ability.
As the protagonists delve deeper into the academy's history, they uncover supernatural abilities and ancient conflicts. The anime adaptation was criticized for its incomplete storyline and inconsistent pacing. A reboot could focus on exploring more of character arcs, martial arts battles, and the mystical history of Toudou Academy.
9. Inuyasha
Inuyasha follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day high schooler who is transported back in time to Japan's Sengoku period. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon searching for the Shikon Jewel, a powerful artifact that can grant strength.
Together, they journey to collect the jewel's shards before they fall into the wrong hands, encountering foes like the sinister Naraku. While the anime eventually concluded with Inuyasha: The Final Act, the original adaptation was riddled with filler episodes. A reboot could streamline the pacing, allowing for a tighter focus on the core storylines and characters.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003)
The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime diverged from Hiromu Arakawa's manga due to the source material still being incomplete at the time. The story follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who use alchemy to search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed experiment.
In the original 2003 series, the anime took a different direction from the manga halfway through. While Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood corrected this, some fans still love the original’s unique ending. A reboot blending the best aspects of both versions could give the story new vision and a more cohesive narrative.
7. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity faces mysterious beings known as Angels. The story follows Shinji Ikari, a reluctant teenager recruited to pilot a giant bio-mechanical robot called an Evangelion to fight these invaders.
Alongside other pilots like Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji battles not only the Angels but also his own psychological struggles and the complex motives of NERV, the organization behind the Evangelions. A reboot could offer updated visuals and potentially a more cohesive narrative to address the anime's complex, abstract themes and infamous original ending.
6. Outlaw Star
Outlaw Star follows Gene Starwind, an outlaw and jack-of-all-trades, who stumbles into a galactic adventure after being hired to protect the mysterious Melfina. Together with his crew, which includes the cat-like warrior Aisha Clanclan and the assassin "Twilight" Suzuka, they pilot the spaceship Outlaw Star in search of the fabled Galactic Leyline.
A reboot of this space-western could revitalize its unique blend of adventure, space combat, and philosophical undertones with modern animation, while potentially expanding on the unexplored elements of its rich universe.
5. Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho tells the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who dies unexpectedly while saving a child. Given a second chance at life, Yusuke becomes a Spirit Detective, tasked with protecting the human world from supernatural threats.
Alongside friends like Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei, Yusuke battles powerful demons and competes in the Dark Tournament, harnessing his Spirit Gun ability. Although beloved, Yu Yu Hakusho’s animation quality suffered in its later arcs, and a reboot could refresh its visuals while potentially expanding on its spirit world lore.
4. Claymore
Claymore follows Clare, a half-human, half-Yoma warrior who hunts down monstrous Yoma creatures across a medieval fantasy world. Clare is part of an organization that uses these hybrid warriors, called Claymores, to protect humanity.
As Clare seeks revenge against Priscilla, a former Claymore who became a powerful Awakened Being, she encounters enemy alliances. The anime's rushed ending diverged from the original manga, leaving fans craving more of Clare’s story. A reboot could explore the manga's lore and character development, including Clare’s final confrontation with Priscilla and the fate of the Claymores.
3. Soul Eater
Soul Eater is set in Death City, where students from the Death Weapon Meister Academy train to become Meisters or Weapon partners. The main trio includes Maka Albarn and her scythe-partner Soul Eater, Black☆Star and Tsubaki, and Death the Kid with his twin pistols, Liz and Patty.
Together, they hunt Kishin eggs to prevent these dangerous souls from turning into powerful demons. The anime deviated from the manga’s plot halfway through, which disappointed fans. A reboot would offer the opportunity to faithfully follow the manga's narrative, giving justice to its darker and evolving character arcs.
2. Bleach
Bleach centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager with the ability to see spirits. After an encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, he gains her powers to fight evil spirits known as Hollows. Ichigo’s life drastically changes as he learns about the Soul Society and his own hidden potential, including his Bankai and Hollowfication abilities.
The anime adaptation has finally adapted the final arc, "Thousand-Year Blood War." Just like One Piece, a reboot could provide a newer adaptation of Tite Kubo's manga, improving both the pacing and animation quality of later episodes.
1. Naruto
Naruto follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest Hokage in the Hidden Leaf Village. Naruto bears the Nine-Tails Fox, a powerful demon sealed within him, which makes him both feared and shunned by the village.
Along with teammates Sasuke Uchiha, a vengeful genius, and Sakura Haruno, a skilled kunoichi, Naruto faces dangerous enemies, forms powerful bonds, and hones his extraordinary abilities like the Rasengan. While its sequel Naruto Shippuden concludes Naruto’s journey, a reboot without so many fillers (over 200) would be a great addition.
