Popular Anime Series Based on Light Novels

Anime based on light novels ranks among the most popular shows worldwide. Unlike manga, light novels provide the readers with a more detailed plot with fewer illustrations, making it easier for everyone to get a grasp of the situation. As a result, their popularity has massively increased in the last couple of decades. To make things more interesting, several animation studios have cashed in on these light novels, adapting them into popular anime and even live action. Also, to approach a larger audience, they have been made into manga and web novels. With that thought, here are the top five anime series based on light novels that have become a worldwide sensation.

1. Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

• Author: Tappei Nagatsuki
• Illustrator: Shinichirou Otsuka
• Serialization Start: January 23, 2014 (Ongoing)
• Publisher: Media Factory
• Anime Start: April 4, 2016 (Ongoing)
• Animation Studio: White Fox
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World is one of the best isekai anime ever. It follows the journey of a NEET named Subaru Natsuki, who is teleported to a fantasy world and ends up in Lugunica. There, he meets a half-elf named Emilia and accompanies her in achieving her dreams. Surprisingly and hauntingly, Subaru discovers that he can respawn at a “save point” after dying. It is due to the ability known as “Return by Death.” Even though it has been more than a decade since its inception, the light novel is still going strong and shows no signs of stopping.

With high emotional stakes, great character developments, action sequences, and fascinating abilities, along with elements of psychology and horror, it is enough to earn the first spot.

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2. Sword Art Online

• Author: Reki Kawahara
• Illustrator: abec
• Serialization Start: April 10, 2009
• Publisher: ASCII Media Works
• Anime Start: July 8, 2012 (Ongoing)
• Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

When a massive multiplayer online role-playing game, Sword Art Online, was launched, it came with a helmet that stimulates all five senses via the brain. The helmet is called NerveGear and connects the game to the brain. The entire system is created by Akihiko Kayaba, who reveals the haunting truth that the ones who wore the helmet had to clear all 100 levels. Forcibly removing it or dying in-game will lead to death in real life.

Sword Art Online’s world-building is praiseworthy, and the detailing has always been top-notch. It has evolving narrative arcs and fast-paced actions, making it one of the best in its genre. The constant fear of elimination is the secret fuel that keeps the anime fresh and popular.

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3. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

• Author: Nagaru Tanigawa
• Illustrator: Noizi Ito
• Serialization Start: June 6, 2003
• Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten
• Anime Start: April 2, 2006 (Finished)
• Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll/Prime Video

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is different from the others, following the comedy and science fiction genres. Haruhi Suzumiya is a schoolgirl who is eccentric and loves doing things she enjoys. When Kyon befriends her, he suggests she start a club for people to join her in her eccentricities. Soon enough, three students, Yuki Nagato, Mikuru Asahina, and Itsuki Koizumi, joined the club. It was not long before Kyon found out that all three have secret identities, and they came to keep an eye on Haruhi because she possesses the powers of a god. Kyon joins the three in their task to keep Haruhi at bay so that she does not destroy the world.

One of the best features of the light novel is Haruhi’s unpredictability and influence on the plot. It has a bold narrative with a fusion of meta-humor, school life, and sci-fi, which is rarely seen.

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4. Monogatari Series

• Author: Nisio Isin
• Illustrator: VOFAN
• Serialization Start: August 10, 2005
• Publisher: Kodansha
• Anime Start: July 3, 2009 (Ongoing)
• Animation Studio: Shaft
• Where To Watch: Prime Video

The Monogatari Series has multiple titles under its banner, like Bakemonogatari, Nisemonogatari, Nekomonogatari, etc. The story follows Koyomi Araragi, who became a vampire during the spring break but thankfully returned to his human self after a short while. However, later, he discovers that even though he is human, his physical strength defies the laws of physics. He meets Hitagi Senjougahara, Mayoi Hachijuki, Suruga Kanbaru, Nadeko Sengoku, and Tsubasa Hanekawa and learns about their oddities.

He helps them solve their problem with the aid of Meme Oshino, a middle-aged man, and Shinobu, a blonde vampire. The Monogatari Series is famous for the author’s signature style of playing with meta-humor and wordplay. There are great monologues, supernatural elements, philosophy, and most importantly of all, fan service. If emotional, surreal, and intellectual content is preferred, the Monogatari Series is the one to watch out for.

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5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

• Author: Fuse
• Illustrator: Mitz Vah
• Serialization Start: May 30, 2014
• Publisher: Micro Magazine
• Anime Start: October 2, 2018
• Animation Studio: Eight Bit
• Where To Watch: Crunchyroll

When 37-year-old Satoru Mikami saves his colleague from getting stabbed, the assailant stabs him in return. Lying on his deathbed, Satoru hears a strange voice asking several questions, and he answers them accordingly. The voice then reveals that Satoru will have various gifts and abilities in his next life. Satoru is reincarnated as a slime with the ability to mimic and gain the abilities of anything that he devours. It is unusual to see a slime as a protagonist who ultimately ends up with godlike powers.

The light novel has an interesting set of characters with great fight sequences to showcase the protagonist’s newfound abilities. With a pronounced world-building and a great fantasy plot, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is definitely one of the best anime based on light novels.

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Also Read: Top 10 Magic Anime Where Power Isn’t Just About Spells

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