Iñaki Godoy as Luffy in One Piece Season 2 in front of visuals of Kingdom and Look Back Anime live action adaptations 2026Custom Image by Vanessa Piña
By
Vanessa Piña
Published Jan 31, 2026, 8:32 PM EST
Vanessa Piña has been an anime writer at ScreenRant since 2024. She is freelance writer who worked as a copywriter and proofreader before deciding to write for her favorite series as an anime journalist. At ScreenRant, she focuses on timely coverage of the latest anime releases and updates on popular franchises.
Sign in to your ScreenRant account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recapAnime fans' relationship with live-action adaptations has improved over the last few years thanks to praised series like One Piece and Alice in Borderland. Therefore, it's not surprising that there are more and more announcements of live-action adaptations of popular anime being in production, with several titles set to arrive in 2026.
In addition to the highly anticipated premiere of One Piece Season 2 on Netflix in the coming months, several anime franchises are set to release live-action films and series that would be a waste for viewers to miss. From recently announced titles to movie sequels fans have been waiting years for, here are the live-action anime projects confirmed for 2026.
Golden Kamuy: The Attack on Abashiri Prison
Golden Kamuy: The Attack on Abashiri Prison live action adaptation main visual
Release date: March 13, 2026
Streaming Platform: To be confirmed
Continuing the live-action adaptation of Satoru Noda's manga, a second Golden Kamuy film is set to be released in Japanese theaters in March 2026. Golden Kamuy's live-action series currently includes a film and a nine-episode series, released in 2024 and 2025, respectively, both of which are available on Netflix and have been well received for their faithful reflection of the original work.
Following Sugimoto the Immortal's story and his alliance with an Ainu girl, Golden Kamuy is a survival treasure hunt known for its eccentric comedy. It's the perfect time for a new live-action film, as the anime is currently airing its final season. While not yet confirmed, Golden Kamuy: The Attack on Abashiri Prison could also be acquired by Netflix, just like its previous installments.
Kingdom
Kingdom 2026 live action adaptation main visual
Release date: Summer 2026
Streaming Platform: To be confirmed
The fifth Kingdom film is one of the most anticipated releases in Japan for the summer of 2026 as one of the few live-action adaptations that have far surpassed the quality of their anime counterpart. Released in 2019, the four live-action Kingdom films are currently streaming on Netflix and are arguably the best way for fans to get into the franchise.
While the early seasons of Kingdom's anime generated controversy due to their CGI animation, the live-action film series boasts a stellar cast, incredible production values, and stunning battle choreography. So far, the live-action films have covered up to around chapter 173, with the latest release being Kingdom 4: Return of the Great General.
However, Shin's appearance in his armor in promotional material suggests that the next Kingdom film might skip a story arc. Even so, Kingdom's author, Yasuhisa Hara, is writing the screenplays for the live-action film, which generates great anticipation for the upcoming installment in the series.
Viral Hit
Yoo Hobin in Viral Hit live action adaptation Netflix
Release date: May 28, 2026
Streaming Platform: Netflix
More than two years after the anime's premiere, the acclaimed webtoon Viral Hit just got a Netflix live-action adaptation. Although Viral Hit was one of the most underrated of 2024 due to its lackluster animation, the anime managed to win over fans with its story that focused not only on brutal fights but also on criticizing the negative impacts of social media.
Interestingly, the live-action adaptation of Viral Hit is a Japanese production, despite being based on a manhwa. This demonstrates Viral Hit's potential to become a global hit when it premieres on Netflix, and it could even compete with other successful webtoon-based series like Weak Hero.
Blue Lock
Yoichi Isagi in Blue Lock live action adaptation main visual
Release date: July 2026
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Blue Lock became one of the most popular sports anime of the last decade, with its manga even topping the charts as the best-selling manga of 2023. Yet, after its controversial second season, Blue Lock surprised fans by announcing a live-action adaptation. Blue Lock's film is expected to hit Japanese cinemas this summer, aligning with the hype train for the 2026 World Cup.
According to Oricon, CEO Shinzo Matsuhashi revealed that CREDEUS has been developing the Blue Lock movie since 2022. The live-action film has focused on realism and conveying the competitive spirit of the Blue Lock's characters, with the cast training alongside professional soccer players. This level of commitment suggests that the Blue Lock live-action film could live up to fans' expectations.
Sakamoto Days
Sakamoto Taro as seen in Sakamoto Days Live-Action Movie
Release date: April 29, 2026
Streaming Platform: To be confirmed
One of Shōnen Jump's most popular titles, Sakamoto Days's anime adaptation topped streaming charts on Netflix in 2025, and the franchise is about to take a step forward to become a bigger global phenomenon by taking its story to real life. Following the story of an overweight former hitman, Sakamoto Days is scheduled to release in Japanese theaters on April 29, 2026.
The trailers for Sakamoto Days's live action already make clear the lighthearted and fun tone of the adaptation, with many action scenes of Sakamoto and the members of ORDER. Although there's currently no information on its international release, given the success of the anime on Netflix, it's possible that the streaming platform will pick up the movie in the coming months.
Look Back
Look Back Live Action Film adaptation
Release date: To be confirmed
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Following the acclaimed 2024 anime movie, Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot, Look Back, has a live-action adaptation scheduled for 2026. Although a release date hasn't yet been confirmed, the film will be directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for titles such as Shoplifters and Our Little Sister.
Look Back revolts around Fujino and Kyomoto, showing how they connected through their shared passion for manga and offering an honest and emotional look at an artist's journey: the creative process, rivalries, and frustrations, as well as overcoming loss and tragedy. While the anime film was a hit with audiences, Look Back's realistic story could shine even brighter as a live-action.
One Piece Season 2
Luffy seeing Usopp getting kissed by Kaya in One Piece
Release date: March 10, 2026
Streaming Platform: Netflix
The phenomenon that took the world by storm and raised the reputation of live-action anime adaptations, One Piece, returns with a second season on Netflix in 2026. This new season follows the Straw Hats after they enter the Grand Line and is expected to cover the Loguetown Arc before entering the Arabasta Saga.
Although this season has a lot to offer, One Piece's anime fans are eagerly awaiting the introduction of characters like Chopper, Miss Wednesday, Miss All Sunday, and the members of Baroque Works. One Piece Season 2's trailer has teased a higher-quality production than its first installment, with flamboyant CGI and more frenetic action that make it a must-watch on Netflix.
One Piece - Season 2
Like TV-14 Action Adventure Fantasy Release Date March 9, 2026 Network Netflix Series One Piece Episodes 8 Powered by
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