The synergy between light novels and anime has birthed some of the most enthralling series. As such, we've come up with a selection of the best anime based on light novels.
From imaginative fantasy worlds to intricate character-driven dramas, these adaptations are a testament to the symbiotic relationship between literary work and animation.
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The Eminence in Shadow
Starting the list is The Eminence in Shadow, which is based on the light novel series of the same name written by Daisuke Aizawa and illustrated by Tozai.
The story revolves around Cid, whose aspiration, even in his previous life, wasn’t to be a hero or a villain.
He aimed to remain inconspicuous until he could reveal his genius or at least fake it.
Reborn in a new world, he is set to make his dreams come true.
With his vivid imagination, Cid playfully forms a fictional organization and enemy cult.
Ironically, these made-up enemies happen to be genuine, a fact everyone is aware of except him.
The anime adaptation of The Eminence in Shadow light novel is excellent in terms of action, entertainment, and humor.
No Game No Life
This ecchi anime is based on a light novel titled No Game No Life by Yuu Kamiya.
Exceptionally talented gamer siblings, Sora and Shiro, hailed as unbeatable, are called Blank.
Meanwhile, a mysterious boy named Tet, claiming to be a God, transports them to a dimension where games replace violence.
Of 16 races, Humanity is the weakest and is nearing extinction. As such, Sora and Shiro use their intellect to engage in unique battles, aiming to rescue Humanity from the brink of extinction.
Ascendance of a Bookworm
Ascendance of a Bookworm is an isekai anime with a slice-of-life theme.
Based on the light novel written by Miya Kazuki and illustrated by You Shiina, Ascendance of a Bookworm follows the life of Urano Motosu.
Urano, a college student devoted to books, meets a fatal end under her own collection during an earthquake.
In her last moments, she wishes for a world to read eternally. Reborn as Myne who is a tender five-year-old in a book-scarce realm limited to elites.
However, she manages to retain her past memories. Determined, Myne sets out to craft and publish her own books, driven by her longing to read once more.
With its refreshing take on the isekai genre, the series is filled with comedic movements and a solid storyline.
I especially loved the beautiful blend of comedy and adventure in the show. Plus, the eclectic characters around Myne are phenomenal.
Classroom of the Elite
Classroom of the Elite is a school anime that explores themes such as battle royale, friendship, and manipulation.
The series is an adaptation of the light novel of the same name written by Shogo Kinugasa and illustrated by Shunsaku Tomose.
Kodo Ikusei Senior High School is a renowned school that boasts advanced facilities and a nearly 100% success rate for higher education or employment.
Credit: Lerche
While students enjoy freedom in appearance and belongings, the truth unveils favoritism toward the elite.
Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a D-class student, stands among the “inferior” as he was placed there due to a mishap on his entrance exam.
After meeting Kikyo Kushida and Suzune Horikita, his classmates initiate a shift in Kiyotaka’s circumstances.
True to its source material, the series has enough twists to make the plot unpredictable and interesting.
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is based on a light novel written by Hajime Kamoshida and illustrated by Keji Mizoguchi.
There are rumors spreading like wildfire of a weird occurrence called puberty syndrome.
Sakuta Azusagawa, a high schooler, experiences it firsthand when a bunny girl, Mai Sakurajima, appears before him.
Mai, his senior and a famous actress on a hiatus, bafflingly remains invisible to those around her even in the bunny-girl guise.
Driven by curiosity, Sakuta aims to uncover this riddle, delving into Mai’s deep-rooted emotions through their interactions.
Soon, other characters afflicted by the same condition cross Sakuta’s path.
Overlord
In 2138, the world of virtual reality gaming experiences an unprecedented surge in popularity.
Among these, the widely enjoyed online game, Yggdrasil, undergoes an unexpected quiet closure.
In the middle of this, an adventurous player known as Momonga defies the norm by choosing to remain logged in.
To his astonishment, Momonga’s digital persona is morphed into that of a formidable skeleton, now recognized as the most powerful wizard.
Credit: Madhouse
As time progresses, the game’s universe undergoes a remarkable transformation, leading to the emergence of emotions within the non-player characters.
Bereft of familial ties, companionship, and a set role in society, the once average teen, Momonga, seizes the opportunity to establish his dominance in this newly evolved virtual world.
The Overlord anime is adapted from Kugane Maruyama and so-bin’s light novel series of the same name.
This fantasy anime has elements of ecchi, isekai, virtual reality, and computer gaming.
Fate/Zero
Originally based on a visual novel developed by Type-Moon, Fate/stay night eventually expanded its universe to include a prequel in the format of a light novel titled Fate/Zero.
The events in Fate/Zero take place 10 years before the events of Fate/stay night.
Fueled by the promise of fulfilling any desire, the all-powerful Holy Grail has incited three wars in the past, each ending without a clear victor.
Despite this history, the affluent Einzbern family holds unwavering confidence in the Fourth Holy Grail War.
In pursuit of this advantage, they engage the infamous Magus Killer Kiritsugu Emiya, offering him marriage to their sole heiress, Irisviel, as an unbreakable pact.
In the midst of a ruthless contest for survival, Kiritsugu becomes the pivotal figure, contending with six other opponents.
Credit: Ufotable
Each of these contenders wields an ancient familiar and is driven by distinct ambitions and beliefs.
Aided by his own familiar, Saber, the renowned mercenary’s most formidable enemy comes in the form of Kirei Kotomine.
Kirei is a priest seeking redemption for his inner void by chasing Kiritsugu’s downfall.
This epic anime series is part of a huge franchise, often entangled in perplexity due to its intricate timeline.
However, Fate/Zero has a gripping plotline that is character driven and highly engaging, making it a series that you cannot miss.
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Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
The Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- anime is based on the light novel of the same name, written by Tappei Nagatsuki and brought to life through illustrations by Shinichiro Otsuka.
The series follows Subaru Natsuki, an average high schooler, who gets lost in a parallel world. There, a beautiful girl with silver hair comes to his rescue.
Driven by gratitude, he remains by her side, yet he soon realizes the overwhelming destiny she bears.
Adversaries assail them relentlessly, eventually leading to their death.
Credit: White Fox
In an astonishing revelation, he finds out about his ability to reverse death, rewinding time to his initial arrival in this unfamiliar world.
However, he alone retains the memories of each harrowing experience they go through.
Taking the fantasy and isekai genre to another level, Re:Zero doesn’t shy away from showcasing sheer brutality.
Filled with sadness, the plot of the anime is nothing short of intense.
What truly captivated me about this series was the constant sense of melancholy enveloping the characters.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
The anime is based on the light novel by Rifujin na Magonote, which was first published as a novel series on an online web novel site named Shosetsuka ni Naro.
Shirotaka was roped in to illustrate the characters for the Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation light novel series.
The anime revolves around a 34-year-old virgin NEET who has never experienced intimacy or held a job.
His life is a mess when he finds himself evicted from his home due to financial struggles.
Credit: Studio Bind
As he reflects on the choices he has made, a sudden death in a traffic accident transports him to a new world brimming with medieval elements like blades and magic.
Reincarnated as an infant named Rudeus Greyrat, he determines to lead a life void of remorse, leveraging the wisdom from his prior existence.
Progressing in the art of magic, he encounters a young girl who mentors him in the mystical arts, alongside an exquisite quarter-elf displaying vibrant green hair.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is a fascinating series that is incredibly immersive with clever writing.
Violet Evergarden
A fantasy anime with themes around war and the military, Violet Evergarden is based on the light novel written by Kana Akatsuki and illustrated by Akiko Takase.
At a particular time, in the continent of Telesis, the continent’s populace witnesses the end of a prolonged conflict that had cleaved the land into North and South.
As the dust settles, a fresh era dawns, welcoming a new generation.
Shedding her former identity as “the weapon,” a young girl named Violet Evergarden leaves the battleground to start a new life at the CH Postal Service.
Credit: Kyoto Animation
Within these confines, she encounters a profoundly touching job as an Auto Memory Doll.
These "dolls" capture people’s sentiments and transform them into eloquent letters.
Thus starts Violet’s epic journey as an Auto Memory Doll, leading her to confront a myriad of emotions.
Among the echoes of conflict, certain words reverberate within her memory.
These are the words that elude her for now, but her pursuit to decipher their true meaning is unyielding.
Violet Evergarden is an emotional series with several ups and downs. The unique characters and Violet’s interactions with them make this series a fantastic watch.
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