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List of anime series that have been rebooted

Below is a comprehensive list of anime series that have been rebooted, each with a comparison between the original and the reboot, explaining why one version is better than the other with verdicts and key differences.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) vs. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • Brotherhood follows the manga faithfully and covers the entire story.
    • Superior animation, pacing, and world-building.
    • The 2003 version has a unique emotional tone and original ending, but lacks narrative coherence.

2. Hellsing (2001) vs. Hellsing Ultimate (2006–2012)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • Ultimate is a faithful adaptation of the manga with higher production values.
    • The original strayed from the manga early and had inconsistent pacing.
    • Ultimate is grittier, more intense, and more satisfying for fans of the source.

3. Sailor Moon (1992–1997) vs. Sailor Moon Crystal (2014–2023)

  • Original is better
  • Why:
    • While Crystal is more faithful to the manga and has modern visuals, it lacks character development and warmth.
    • The original had more heart, gradual relationship building, and iconic style.
    • Crystal’s early seasons suffered from stiff animation and weak pacing.

4. Hunter × Hunter (1999) vs. Hunter × Hunter (2011)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • The 2011 version adapts more of the manga and reaches the Chimera Ant arc.
    • Has better pacing, visuals, and fluid action.
    • The 1999 version has a darker tone and richer atmosphere, but is incomplete.

5. Fruits Basket (2001) vs. Fruits Basket (2019–2021)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • The reboot is a full adaptation of the manga with mature emotional arcs.
    • Higher-quality animation and deeper character development.
    • The original is charming but incomplete and tonally inconsistent.

6. Dororo (1969) vs. Dororo (2019)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • The original was unfinished and limited by the era’s technology.
    • The 2019 version reimagines the story with modern art and emotional storytelling.
    • Stronger thematic exploration of identity, war, and family.

7. Shaman King (2001) vs. Shaman King (2021)

  • Original is better
  • Why:
    • The 2021 reboot covers the whole manga but is criticized for rushed pacing and shallow emotional delivery.
    • The 2001 version has better atmosphere, character focus, and musical tone.
    • Reboot suffers from bland visuals despite following the story more accurately.

8. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996) vs. Dragon Ball Z Kai (2009–2015)

  • Tie
  • Why:
    • Kai removes filler and is more faithful to the manga, with remastered visuals and re-recorded voices.
    • However, Z has legendary moments, iconic soundtrack (Bruce Faulconer), and nostalgia.
    • Depends on preference: cleaner vs. classic.

9. Devilman (1972) vs. Devilman Crybaby (2018)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • Crybaby is a bold, emotional, and ultra-violent take that follows the manga’s bleak vision.
    • The original was toned-down and episodic due to TV limitations.
    • Crybaby pushes boundaries with a modern style and existential themes, though it’s divisive.

10. Urusei Yatsura (1981–1986) vs. Urusei Yatsura (2022–)

  • Original is better
  • Why:
    • The reboot is slick but cherry-picks stories and misses the heart of the characters.
    • The original had a long run with richer character arcs and evolving relationships.
    • Humor and chemistry feel stronger in the original.

11. Trigun (1998) vs. Trigun Stampede (2023)

  • Original is better
  • Why:
    • The 1998 version blends comedy, tragedy, and western themes with a memorable arc for Vash.
    • Stampede has gorgeous CG animation and bolder storytelling but feels like a reimagining more than a reboot.
    • Many fans miss the original tone and character balance.

12. Devil May Cry (2007) vs. Devil May Cry Netflix (2025)

  • Reboot is better
  • Why:
    • Netflix reboot is slick, serialized, and draws directly from DMC lore (mainly DMC3).
    • Higher production values and better pacing.
    • 2007 version is episodic and stylish but shallow; the reboot digs deeper and has broader critical acclaim.

13. Berserk (1997) vs. Berserk (2016–2017)

  • Original is better
  • Why:
    • The 1997 version had amazing atmosphere, music, and pacing, even though it only covered the Golden Age arc.
    • The 2016 reboot continued the story but had widely criticized CGI, awkward direction, and poor animation.
    • Despite the older look, the original carries more emotional weight and artistic consistency.

Summary Table: Which Version is Better?

#Anime SeriesVerdictWhy is that version better?
1Fullmetal Alchemist✅ RebootFaithful to manga, polished, complete
2Hellsing✅ RebootStylish, darker, true to source
3Sailor Moon❌ OriginalMore warmth, better pacing, iconic
4Hunter × Hunter✅ RebootComplete, fluid animation, modern
5Fruits Basket✅ RebootFull story, deeper emotion
6Dororo✅ RebootEmotional depth, strong visuals
7Shaman King❌ OriginalBetter pacing, music, atmosphere
8Dragon Ball Z🤝 TieKai is cleaner, Z has nostalgic charm
9Devilman✅ RebootBold, faithful, intense storytelling
10Urusei Yatsura❌ OriginalLonger run, stronger character arcs
11Trigun❌ OriginalBalanced tone, iconic arc
12Devil May Cry✅ RebootBetter action, faithful, stylish reboot
13Berserk❌ OriginalStronger tone, better animation &

💭 What’s your thought on which version of the listed animes being superior, The original or The remake? Let us know in the comments below.

Image credit Bones

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