If you’re an anime fan, you’ve encountered some anime based on light novels. Light novels are Japanese literature often targeted toward young adults and feature illustrations throughout the book. Light novels have become popular source material for anime adaptations in recent years.
From the heart-wrenching drama of Sword Art Online to the nail-biting suspense of Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World, these anime series will blow your imagination and leave you yearning for more. So why wait? Come with us as we dive deep into the world of light novels and anime, and discover the best of both worlds.
Anime based on Light Novels
Whether you are a seasoned anime fan or a newcomer to the genre, these anime adaptations will leave you spellbound. So sit back, relax, and get ready for a journey that will take you to the heights of excitement and the depths of despair.
Table of Contents
Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is one of the most popular anime series based on a light novel. The story follows Kirito, a gamer trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online. If he dies in the game, he will also die in real life.
The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the impact of technology on society. With stunning animation, an engaging storyline, and lovable characters, Sword Art Online is a must-watch for any anime fan.
Main Character: Kazuto Kirigaya, Asuna Yuuki, Suguha Kirigaya are the main characters.
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Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World
Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World is another popular anime based on a light novel. The story follows Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary high school student transported to a fantasy world. However, he quickly discovers that he can return to life after dying.
The series explores love, sacrifice, and redemption themes and features a wide range of memorable characters.
Main Character: Emilia, Subaru Natsuki are the main characters.
The Rising of the Shield Hero
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a dark fantasy anime based on a light novel. The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, a college student transported to a fantasy world with three other people.
Each of them is tasked with saving the world from destruction, but Naofumi is betrayed by one of his companions and is falsely accused of a crime. The series explores themes of betrayal, prejudice, and the nature of heroism.
Main Character: Raphtalia, Naofumi Iwatani, Filo are the main characters.
Overlord
Overlord is a popular isekai anime based on a light novel. The story follows Momonga, a powerful wizard transported to a fantasy world after his favourite MMORPG shuts down.
However, he soon discovers that he has been transformed into his in-game avatar and that the world he finds himself in is not just a game. The series explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of playing god.
Main Character: Momonga, Albedo are the main characters.
No Game, No Life
No Game No Life is a unique anime based on a light novel that explores the world of gaming. The story follows Sora and Shiro, two siblings known as undefeated gamers in the online gaming world.
One day, they are transported to a fantasy world where all conflicts are resolved through games. The series explores themes of strategy, teamwork, and the power of the human mind.
Main Character: Sora, Shiro, Stephanie Dola are the main characters.
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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is a fun and engaging anime based on a light novel. The story follows Satoru Mikami, an average corporate worker reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world.
The series explores themes like adventure, friendship, and the power of knowledge.
Main Character: Rimuru Tempest is the main characters.
Fate/Stay Night
Fate/Stay Night is one of the most famous ones on this list. It was turned into a movie for the first time in 2005, but the series’ success meant more was needed. In 2011, a prequel was made, and in 2014, a remake was made.
Since then, the franchise has kept going strong, giving us many new video games, manga, light novels, and animated versions of the Holy Grail War, a legendary conflict that happens repeatedly worldwide. There have even been spinoffs with popular characters from the franchise.
Main Character: Saber, Rin Tohsaka, Archer, Shirou Emiya are the main characters.
Violet Evergarden
After a terrible war ends, Violet goes from being a soldier to an Auto Memories Doll. Her job as an Auto Memories Doll is to carry mail. Violet has trouble understanding basic human feelings because she was once used as a weapon, but her new job allows her to learn about other parts of life.
Violet Evergarden is a tearjerker mostly told in episodes, but the main character’s growth is the main focus of the light novels, anime, and a movie.
Main Character: Violet Evergarden is the main characters.
Gamers!
In the show, a young boy, Keita Amano, is asked to join the video game club at his high school by Karen Tendo, the most beautiful girl there. He tells her no when he finds out that the club is about playing games against other people. This anime sets off a chain of events that leads to this comedy.
The series has a good mix of humour and intelligent comments about gaming, which helps it get into the hearts of anime and gamer fans everywhere.
Main Character: Karen Tendo, Chiaki Hoshinomori, Aguri, Amano Keita, Tasuku Uehara are the main characters.
Log Horizon
Log Horizon made a big splash in the “trapped in a video game” style of isekai. When everyone was stuck in the MMO Elder Tale and couldn’t log out, they had to try to stay alive in their favourite game.
Given that death results in respawning, the characters must educate themselves on everything, from preparing meals to establishing a functional economy.
Main Character: Shiroe, Akatsuki, Naotsugu are the main characters.
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Conclusion
Many great anime series based on light novels are worth watching. Whether you’re a fan of action, romance, or fantasy, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the best anime based on light novels you should check out. We hope this guide has been helpful and you enjoy watching these fantastic anime series.
Which anime has the best light novel?
It’s difficult to determine which is best Anime based on Light Novels as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some anime adaptations have become incredibly popular due to the quality of their light novel source material, such as “Sword Art Online” and “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World.”
Ultimately, the best light novel will depend on what type of story and characters you enjoy, as well as the quality of the writing and world-building. It’s worth checking out some of the most popular light novel series to see which ones resonate with you the most.
What was the first anime based on light novel?
The first Anime based on Light Novels is generally considered to be “Legend of the Galactic Heroes,” which first aired in 1988. The series was based on a series of ten novels written by Yoshiki Tanaka, which were published between 1982 and 1987.
“Legend of the Galactic Heroes” is a space opera set in the distant future and tells the story of two interstellar nations locked in a century-long war. The anime adaptation, which ran for 110 episodes, was highly praised for its complex characters, political intrigue, and epic space battles.
Since then, many anime series have been adapted from light novels, with some of the most popular examples being “Sword Art Online,” “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World,” and “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.”
What is the most successful light novel?
The most successful light novel series in terms of sales is “Sword Art Online” by Reki Kawahara. As of September 2021, the series has sold over 27 million copies in Japan alone. The series has also been adapted into a popular anime, manga, and video game franchise.
“Sword Art Online” is a science fiction/fantasy series that follows the adventures of a young man named Kirito, who gets trapped in a virtual reality massively multiplayer online game. The series has been praised for its unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, as well as its exploration of themes such as mortality, identity, and the nature of reality.
Other successful light novel series include “Overlord” by Kugane Maruyama, “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” by Tappei Nagatsuki, and “No Game No Life” by Yuu Kamiya.
Which is better light novel or anime?
Whether a light novel or anime is better depends on personal preferences and the individual story being told. Some people prefer the light novel format, which can provide more in-depth descriptions, character development, and world-building. Light novels also typically have more room for internal monologues and introspection that may not translate as well to the visual medium of anime.
On the other hand, anime adaptations can bring the story to life with animation, voice acting, and music, providing a more immersive and engaging experience for some viewers. Additionally, anime adaptations can expand upon or even improve upon the source material in some cases, with additional scenes, changes to the plot or characters, or visual enhancements.
Ultimately, the best way to enjoy a story is to experience it in the format that you prefer. Some fans enjoy reading the light novel first and then watching the anime adaptation to see how it compares, while others prefer to watch the anime first and then read the light novel for more details.
What is Korean anime called?
The term “Korean anime” is technically incorrect, as the word “anime” specifically refers to animation that originates from Japan. Instead, animation from Korea is commonly referred to as “Korean animation” or “Korean cartoons.”
Korean animation has a long history, with early animation dating back to the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that Korean animation began to gain international recognition, with the success of shows like “Pororo the Little Penguin” and “Pucca.”
Some popular Korean animated series include “The Haunted House: The Secret of the Ghost Ball,” “Yobi, the Five Tailed Fox,” and “Larva.” Korean animation is also known for its unique art style, which often blends elements of both traditional Korean art and contemporary animation techniques.
Is Naruto a light novel?
No, Naruto is not a light novel. It is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The manga was first serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from 1999 to 2014, and has since been adapted into an anime series, several movies, and numerous video games.
A light novel is a style of Japanese novel that typically targets young adult or adult readers and is characterized by its short length, often with less than 50,000 words per volume. Light novels often have anime or manga-style illustrations and are frequently adapted into anime, manga, or video game formats.
While Naruto has been adapted into various formats, including novels, these novels are not light novels, but rather, they are traditional prose novels based on the original manga and anime series.
