After Castlevania's Success, These 9 Video Games Need Anime Series ASAP

When Netflix launched the animated adaptation of Castlevania, few could have predicted just how successful it would become. Combining rich storytelling, complex characters, and a gothic anime art style, the series brought the legendary video game to new audiences and redefined what game-to-anime adaptations could achieve. With multiple seasons and a passionate fanbase, Castlevania set the gold standard for adapting narrative-rich games into emotionally resonant, stylish anime.

Given that success, it is clear that the future of video game storytelling might just lie in anime. As gaming narratives become more sophisticated, cinematic, and character-driven, anime provides a medium that can capture their essence with depth and artistic flair. That being said, there are many amazing video games that, if handled with the same level of care and creativity as Castlevania, could become the next great anime series.

9

Baldur’s Gate 3

Video Game Released in 2023; Developed by Larian Studios

Baldur’s Gate 3

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

Engine

Divinity 4.0

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer

Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 is practically begging for an anime adaptation. With its sprawling narrative, deeply personal character arcs, and rich fantasy setting, it already feels like a high-budget anime in game form. The world of Faerûn is teeming with magical creatures, sinister cults, and political intrigue, providing fertile ground for an episodic or serialized anime format. Each companion in the game has a unique backstory and motivation that could anchor individual episodes or entire arcs.

Related

All Baldur’s Gate 3 Companions Ranked By Importance In The Main Story

Baldur’s Gate 3 has an amazing and expansive story that has tons of different characters, but some are way more important to the story than others.

A Baldur’s Gate 3 anime could dive into themes like identity, sacrifice, and destiny, bringing to life the drama of character choices and party dynamics. With a visual style inspired by high fantasy anime like Fate/Zero or Made in Abyss, the series could capture the grandeur and emotional intensity of the game. There is also room for plenty of action, ranging from brutal melee combat to elaborate spellcasting sequences that would dazzle on screen. Done right, this adaptation could be a rich, mature fantasy epic that appeals to anime and RPG fans alike.

8

Valorant

Video Game Released in 2020; Developed by Riot Games

Valorant

Systems

8/10

Released

June 2, 2020

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Language, Violence

Riot Games’ Valorant is known for its high-stakes tactical gameplay, colorful cast of agents, and tightly designed world, but beneath the surface lies a lot of lore that is begging for exploration in anime form. With factions, mysterious organizations, alternate realities, and superpowered “Radiants,” Valorant has all the ingredients for a fast-paced and espionage-style action anime. Think Psycho-Pass or Ghost in the Shell, but with even more personal flair and globe-trotting conflict. Each agent comes with their own backstory, culture, and motivation, giving the series multiple protagonists to explore.

A Valorant anime could dive deep into the origin of Omega Earth, the Radiant War, and the duality between mirrored agents. It could be structured similarly to My Hero Academia or Akudama Drive, with self-contained arcs focusing on different agents while gradually revealing the larger stakes. Stylized action sequences could bring each agent’s unique powers to life, from teleportation to firewalls to sonic shockwaves, making for visually inventive battles. With strong animation and sharp character writing, Valorant could transition from a competitive shooter to a beloved anime universe.

7

Hollow Knight

Video Game Released in 2017; Developed by Team Cherry

Hollow Knight

Systems

Released

February 24, 2017

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

Developer(s)

Team Cherry

Publisher(s)

Team Cherry

Engine

Unity

Hollow Knight is one of the most visually distinctive and emotionally affecting indie games in recent memory. Its haunting, subterranean world of Hallownest is packed with lore, melancholy, and mystery and is a perfect setting for a moody, atmospheric anime. The minimalist storytelling and silent protagonist would lend themselves well to an artsy, almost poetic anime adaptation akin to Mushishi or Haibane Renmei, emphasizing tone and ambiance over constant exposition.

In anime form, Hollow Knight could explore the tragic histories of fallen kingdoms and lost souls, using its stark black-and-white palette and splashy color highlights to stunning effect. The visual contrast would underscore the desolation and quiet heroism that define the game. Each episode could focus on different areas or bosses, building a larger tapestry of a kingdom in ruin. With minimal dialogue and a haunting score, this adaptation could be a meditative masterpiece, pulling viewers into a world that is as mysterious as it is heartbreaking.

6

Final Fantasy XVI

Video Game Released in 2023; Developed by Square Enix

Final Fantasy 16

Systems

5/10

Released

June 22, 2023

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

Final Fantasy XVI reinvents the classic JRPG franchise with darker tones, political intrigue, and intense, cinematic combat. The game’s medieval fantasy setting, complete with warring nations and Eikon-powered warfare, is practically tailor-made for a sweeping anime saga. It channels the emotional resonance of anime series like Attack on Titan or Vinland Saga, with a protagonist, Clive Rosfield, who experiences profound loss and growth throughout the narrative.

An anime adaptation of Final Fantasy XVI could lean into its Game of Thrones-style politicking while also exploring the burdens of power and trauma. The Eikons, which are massive summoned creatures linked to human hosts, would make for awe-inspiring kaiju-like animated battles. The morally grey characters and deeply layered lore provide ample material for multiple seasons. With its epic scale, emotional depth, and stylistic potential, this could be one of the most ambitious anime game adaptations ever made.

5

Split Fiction

Video Game Released in 2025; Developed by Hazelight Studios

Split Fiction

Systems

10/10

Released

March 6, 2025

ESRB

T For Teen // Blood and Gore, Crude Humor, Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Hazelight Studios

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Players embraced mind-blowing moments as they were pulled deep into the many worlds of Split Fiction, a boundary-pushing co-op action-adventure from the studio behind 2021’s Game of the Year winner, It Takes Two. The story of Split Fiction centers on Mio and Zoe, two very different writers, one of science fiction, the other of fantasy, who become trapped in the chaotic, shifting realities of their own stories after a machine begins siphoning their creativity. Struggling to hold onto their memories, they must work together to master new abilities, tackle strange obstacles, and navigate fantastical and futuristic realms in a thrilling tale of trust and collaboration.

Split Fiction would be a perfect candidate for a genre-blending anime, bouncing between magical creatures and cyberpunk warriors, hover car chases and dragon flights. Its ever-changing world allows for vibrant, unpredictable animation that could shift in style to match each realm. The emotional core, which is the evolving friendship and sisterhood between Mio and Zoe, could be the heart of the series, giving depth to the high-octane adventures. This adaptation would deliver an eccentric, heartfelt ride that is as wild as it is imaginative.

4

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Video Game Released in 2017; Developed by Guerrilla Games

Horizon: Zero Dawn

Systems

Released

February 28, 2017

ESRB

T for Teen: Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Sexual Themes, Violence

Developer(s)

Guerrilla Games

Publisher(s)

Sony

Engine

Decima

Horizon: Zero Dawn delivers one of the most intriguing sci-fi premises in modern gaming, with a post-apocalyptic world overrun by robotic creatures and ruled by tribal societies. Its protagonist, Aloy, is a compelling hero on a journey of discovery, and her quest to unravel the mysteries of a fallen civilization would translate perfectly into a character-driven, futuristic anime. With themes of identity, loss, and technological reckoning, this adaptation could channel the emotional gravity of series like Ergo Proxy or Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

The visual potential of a Horizon anime is huge. The juxtaposition of nature and machine could be explored through vivid landscapes and intricately animated robotic beasts. Each episode could take Aloy deeper into the world’s secrets, building tension around the ancient AI systems and the true history of humanity’s collapse. Flashbacks to the old world, emotional interactions with evolving tribes, and explosive encounters with massive machines would offer a dynamic storytelling rhythm. A Horizon anime could easily evolve into a multi-season epic that blends action, emotion, and philosophical depth.

3

Elden Ring

Video Game Released in 2022; Developed by FromSoftware

Elden Ring

Systems

10/10

Released

February 25, 2022

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence

Developer(s)

From Software

Publisher(s)

Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software

Engine

Proprietary

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer

Few games in recent years have captured the imagination quite like Elden Ring. With world-building contributions from George R.R. Martin and FromSoftware’s signature dark fantasy design, the game is a sprawling epic filled with cryptic lore and brutal battles. Its non-linear structure and mythic tone would make it a compelling anime in the vein of Berserk or Claymore, steeped in existential dread and gothic grandeur.

An Elden Ring anime could lean into the haunting silence and fragmented storytelling that define the game, using sparse dialogue and symbolic visuals to convey its themes. It would be a visually intense experience, with grotesque creatures, ruined kingdoms, and tragic heroes populating each arc. Flashbacks, dream sequences, and alternate timelines could be used to flesh out its mysterious lore. With the right director, this could become a dark fantasy masterpiece that matches or even surpasses the legacy of its source material.

2

It Takes Two

Video Game Released in 2021; Developed by Hazelight Studios

It Takes Two

Systems

9/10

Released

March 26, 2021

ESRB

T for Teen: Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Language

Developer(s)

Hazelight Studios

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

While It Takes Two might seem like an odd pick compared to the darker, more mature games out there, its whimsical world and heartfelt story make it a strong candidate for a unique anime series. The game centers on a divorcing couple transformed into dolls who must work together to return to their human forms, learning to understand each other again. This emotional core, paired with inventive level design, could result in a touching and visually creative anime.

Imagine an It Takes Two anime with each episode set in a new, fantastical environment, reflecting different aspects of the couple’s relationship. With the right balance of humor, heart, and surreal animation, it could echo the charm of Paprika or The Tatami Galaxy. The series could appeal to a wide audience, including families and older viewers alike, offering both emotional insight and visual wonder. It would be a reminder that anime can explore relationships and personal growth just as powerfully as it can depict war and fantasy.

1

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Video Game Released in 2006; Developed by Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Released

November 19, 2006

ESRB

T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

Developer(s)

Nintendo EAD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Engine

Proprietary Engine

Among the many Legend of Zelda titles, Twilight Princess stands out as the one most ripe for anime adaptation. Its darker tone, complex characters, and haunting visual style make it ideal for a serialized story. The transformation of Link into a wolf, the shadowy Twilight Realm, and the enigmatic Midna offer a level of narrative depth that could translate beautifully into a moody, dramatic anime.

Related

The Legend of Zelda’s Live-Action Movie Will Be Fine, But Face It: An Anime Would Be Way Better

The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of the most iconic in gaming history, with many different art styles and storylines, and it deserves an anime.

An anime adaptation could explore the emotional toll of heroism and duality, themes central to the game’s story. With a mix of action and introspective moments, the show could resemble something like Princess Mononoke in tone and scope. The animation could use a muted color palette with bursts of luminescent twilight to capture the game’s unique aesthetic. A Twilight Princess anime would not just cater to longtime fans; it could stand alone as a compelling fantasy saga with universal appeal.