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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Summary Table: Which Version is Better?

#	Anime Series	Verdict	Why is that version better?
1	Fullmetal Alchemist	✅ Reboot	Faithful to manga, polished, complete
2	Hellsing	✅ Reboot	Stylish, darker, true to source
3	Sailor Moon	❌ Original	More warmth, better pacing, iconic
4	Hunter × Hunter	✅ Reboot	Complete, fluid animation, modern
5	Fruits Basket	✅ Reboot	Full story, deeper emotion
6	Dororo	✅ Reboot	Emotional depth, strong visuals
7	Shaman King	❌ Original	Better pacing, music, atmosphere
8	Dragon Ball Z	🤝 Tie	Kai is cleaner, Z has nostalgic charm
9	Devilman	✅ Reboot	Bold, faithful, intense storytelling
10	Urusei Yatsura	❌ Original	Longer run, stronger character arcs
11	Trigun	❌ Original	Balanced tone, iconic arc
12	Devil May Cry	✅ Reboot	Better action, faithful, stylish reboot
13	Berserk	❌ Original	Stronger 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