10 Best Live-Action Anime Movies

Of all the movies on this list, Alita: Battle Angel isn't necessarily the "best" one, as the film is terrific but full of issues, such as a dull leading romance, uninspired villains and side stories that feel pointless.

However, it makes up for those with a brilliant leading figure, some incredible visuals and the fact that it has come the closest any movie has to bringing live-action anime to the mainstream.

Battle Angel - adapted from the 1993 OVA, based on the 1990s Manga - tells the tale of the titular cyborg as she is revived by the charismatic yet mysterious Dr Dyson Ido and sets off on a mission of self-discovery that takes her to many places around the cyberpunk world it's based in.

The charm of this film comes from two main aspects, the first being Alita herself, who is incredibly likeable and has a wonderfully engaging dynamic with her "father", Ido. Secondly are the stunning VFX, which look a little uncanny, but fill the world with vibrant robotic characters, and capture that bombastic anime sense of scale.

Sadly, while the movie had a giant spotlight, it wasn't a smash hit. It didn't lose money, but didn't make enough to excite the production company, which means that the cliff-hanger ending will probably remain hanging forever.