Is There An Anime Based On Books One Must Read Before They Die?

I’ve been obsessed with anime adaptations of classic literature for years, and there are a few that stand out as must-reads before diving into their animated counterparts. 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' is a breathtaking Studio Ghibli film based on the ancient Japanese folktale 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.' The original story is a cornerstone of Japanese literature, and the anime elevates it with stunning visuals and emotional depth. Another essential is 'No Longer Human' by Osamu Daza—its anime adaptation is haunting, but the book’s raw exploration of human suffering is unparalleled. Lastly, 'The Count of Monte Cristo' has an anime version ('Gankutsuou'), but Alexandre Dumas’ novel is a masterpiece of revenge and redemption that everyone should experience at least once. These stories transcend their mediums, offering profound insights into humanity.

As someone who thrives on deep narratives, I always recommend reading the source material before watching anime adaptations because books often delve into details that anime can’t fully capture. 'The Garden of Words' by Makoto Shinkai is a visually stunning film, but the accompanying novel expands on the characters’ inner struggles in ways the animation only hints at. Similarly, 'Howl’s Moving Castle' is a beloved Ghibli film, but Diana Wynne Jones’ original novel is richer in whimsy and world-building. For darker themes, 'Berserk' by Kentaro Miura is a manga (close enough to a novel series) that’s infinitely more gruesome and philosophical than its anime versions.

Another gem is 'Mushishi,' based on Yuki Urushibara’s manga. The anime is atmospheric, but the written stories explore the supernatural with a quiet, meditative depth that lingers. And let’s not forget 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind'—Hayao Miyazaki’s manga is a sprawling epic with environmental themes far more complex than the already brilliant film. These works prove that while anime can dazzle, the books they’re based on often hold the truest magic.

I’m a firm believer that some stories are best consumed in their original written form, even if they have iconic anime adaptations. Take 'Vinland Saga'—the anime is brutal and beautiful, but Makoto Yukimura’s manga digs deeper into Thorfinn’s journey from vengeance to pacifism. It’s a historical masterpiece that challenges morality in ways few stories dare. Then there’s 'The Tatami Galaxy,' based on Tomihiko Morimi’s novel. The anime is a mind-bending ride, but the book’s stream-of-consciousness style makes the protagonist’s existential crisis even more immersive.

For something lighter, 'Barakamon’s' manga captures the warmth and humor of rural life more intimately than the anime. And if you’re into sci-fi, 'Legend of the Galactic Heroes' is a novel series so grand in scale that its anime, while excellent, can only cover a fraction of its political brilliance. These books aren’t just preludes to anime—they’re foundational experiences that reshape how you see storytelling.