When you think of anime adaptations, your mind probably goes straight to manga or light novels. But from global masterpieces to obscure gems, anime has a rich, often overlooked history of bringing classic literature to life. These adaptations don’t just retell familiar stories; they reinterpret them with bold visuals, emotional nuance and cultural twists that make them feel entirely new. You might not expect to see characters like Sherlock Holmes, Anne Shirley, or the Count of Monte Cristo on an anime screen, and yet, here they are. From high school mysteries to sci-fi revenge tales, from Swiss Alps nostalgia to literary action fantasy, anime has proven time and again that great stories transcend borders. Here’s a list of must-watch anime inspired by novels, literary icons and the authors behind them. Anne Shirley Based on: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (1908) Anime: Nippon Animation (1979), The Answer Studio (2025) L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is a beloved Canadian novel that has captivated readers worldwide for over a century. First published in 1908, the story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan mistakenly sent to live with a pair of elderly siblings on Prince Edward Island. The novel explores Anne’s misadventures, personal growth, and the relationships she forms in her new home with themes of identity, belonging, and creativity woven throughout. The 1979 adaptation of Anne’s story is a cornerstone of the World Masterpiece Theater series, and for good reason. Directed by Isao Takahata, the anime version is slow-paced, deliberate, and deeply character-driven — a true reflection of Montgomery’s prose. We follow Anne as she arrives at Green Gables and watch her transform from a lonely, misunderstood orphan into a confident and spirited young woman. The art direction leans into nostalgia with soft, natural colors and detailed backgrounds that make Prince Edward Island come alive. The legacy of Anne’s story in anime continues today. A brand-new adaptation titled Anne Shirley is currently airing, offering a fresh visual style and a more modern approach to storytelling while retaining the timeless heart of the character. For longtime fans and new viewers alike, it’s a reminder that Anne’s imagination and resilience never go out of style. For anyone who grew up with Anne, this anime is a treasure; for newcomers, it's a heartfelt introduction to a literary icon. Bungo Stray Dogs Based on: Bungo Stray Dogs (manga) by Kafka Asagiri and Sango Harukawa (since 2012); characters based on famous authors Anime: BONES (2016 – 2023) While not based on a single literary work in the sense of this feature, Bungo Stray Dogs is a love letter to global literature that reimagines real-life authors like Osamu Dazai, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, Agatha Christie, and Fyodor Dostoevsky as characters in a supernatural world. Each character’s ability references their writing: Dazai’s power “No Longer Human” nullifies others’ abilities, while Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” lives up to its name. RELATED: Bungo Stray Dogs Watch Order and Timeline The series is as much a celebration of literary history as it is a stylish action-mystery. It invites viewers to dive into the real works that inspired its cast, creating a fun intertextual game for book lovers. Though not a traditional adaptation, Bungo Stray Dogs belongs in this conversation for how it bridges anime and classic literature, and introduces fans to the authors behind the names. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo Based on: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1844) Anime: Gonzo (2004) One of the most enduring works of 19th-century French literature, Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo tells the story of Edmond Dantes, a young sailor falsely imprisoned for treason. After escaping from prison, Dantes discovers a vast treasure and reinvents himself as the enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo, dedicating his life to enacting revenge on those who betrayed him. The novel is a sweeping tale of betrayal, justice, identity, and redemption, and is regarded as one of the greatest adventure novels ever written. Gonzo’s Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo is not a literal adaptation but a bold, futuristic reinvention. The setting is space-age Europe, and the narrative centers on Albert de Morcerf’s entanglement with the mysterious Count. This version plays fast and loose with historical accuracy but retains the core themes. The anime’s visual style is dazzling and unconventional, using layered digital patterns to create an unforgettable aesthetic. Beneath the visual spectacle lies a deeply emotional core. The Count’s quest for revenge is tinged with sorrow and obsession, transforming a classic novel into a psychological sci-fi opera. Heidi, Girl of the Alps Based on: Heidi by Johanna Spyri (1880) Anime: Zuiyo Eizo later Nippon Animation (1974) Image via Amazon Prime Johanna Spyri’s Heidi is one of the most beloved works of children’s literature. First published in 1880, the novel tells the story of a young orphan girl sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Through Heidi’s innocence, optimism, and connection to nature, the book explores themes of kindness, healing, and the contrast between rural simplicity and urban sophistication. The 1974 anime adaptation was a unique cultural project — not just a domestic production but a commissioned collaboration between Japanese studio Zuiyo Eizo and European broadcasters ZDF (Germany) and ORF (Austria). It was part of a broader trend where European broadcasters ordered Japanese-produced anime versions of Western classics alongside titles like Pinocchio , Vicky the Viking , Sindbad , and Maya the Bee . These series were made for children but designed to have a strong cross-cultural appeal. In Germany and other parts of Europe, Heidi, Girl of the Alps became a massive hit and a lasting icon of childhood. RELATED: How The Apothecary Diaries Explores the Beautiful Nuances in Female Relationships In Japan, Heidi is often considered a classic example of a “reception story” — a foreign narrative deeply reinterpreted through Japanese cultural aesthetics and values. The character design embraced a cute sensibility, while the storytelling emphasized emotional subtlety, nature, and familial bonds — themes that resonated with a Japanese audience, especially in the postwar era. Directed by Isao Takahata and with visual direction from Hayao Miyazaki, Heidi saw the two working together before the formation of Studio Ghibli. In fact, as noted in the official Studio Ghibli documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness , the studio might not exist at all without Takahata’s foundational influence. Emphasizing nature, empathy, and emotional realism, Heidi remains a quiet but powerful cultural bridge between continents and is a classic that bridged continents and shaped a generation. Howl's Moving Castle Based on: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (1986) Anime: Studio Ghibli (2004) Image via GKIDS Diana Wynne Jones’ Howl’s Moving Castle is a whimsical and clever British fantasy novel that follows Sophie Hatter, a young woman who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old lady. As she journeys to break the curse, she encounters the mysterious wizard Howl, his sentient castle and a world full of magic and war. The book blends humor, heart, and commentary on personal transformation and self-worth, making it a standout in children’s literature. Hayao Miyazaki’s adaptation retains the spirit of the original but takes the story in a more anti-war direction, reflecting his own values and concerns. RELATED: Giant Squids, Minimalism and Miyazaki: Building the Bigger Picture with Joe Hisaishi Studio Ghibli has a long tradition of adapting novels into stunning films. Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono and When Marnie Was There by Joan G. Robinson are other great examples of literary adaptations that blend heart and artistry. While Howl's Moving Castle does diverge from the plot, it beautifully captures Sophie’s emotional journey, the mystery of Howl’s character and the wonder of a magical world in motion. The animation is breathtaking, from the roaming castle to the fantastical landscapes, giving us a love story, a war allegory, and a celebration of courage and compassion. There’s a reason why it’s one of Ghibli’s most beloved films worldwide. Inu-Oh Based on: Tales of the Heike: Inu-Oh by Hideo Furukawa (2017) Anime: Science SARU (2021) Hideo Furukawa’s novella Inu-Oh is a postmodern reimagining of a historical figure — a 14th-century Noh performer shrouded in legend. Furukawa blends historical research with speculative fiction, giving voice to a forgotten artist and reshaping history with empathy and imagination. His prose is lyrical and experimental, reflecting the performative nature of the subject. RELATED: Masaaki Yuasa on Why You Should Never Stop Learning Science SARU’s animated film adaptation, directed by Masaaki Yuasa, transforms that literary experiment into a full-blown rock opera. Set in a vibrantly stylized medieval Japan, Inu-Oh is a tale of disability, art, censorship and freedom. It's told through music that feels both ancient and electrifyingly modern. It’s not just an anime based on literature, it’s literature come to life on screen. Moriarty the Patriot Based on: The Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1887 – 1927) Anime: Production I.G (2020 – 2021) Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories introduced the world to one of fiction’s most enduring detectives, and with him, the infamous Professor Moriarty. While Doyle’s original works painted Moriarty as a shadowy criminal mastermind with little character development, modern adaptations have explored his character in more depth. Moriarty the Patriot takes that further by placing him front and center as a morally complex protagonist. RELATED: 7 Anime Series That Take Place in England Moriarty the Patriot reimagines William James Moriarty as a brilliant and charismatic young man disillusioned by the class inequalities of Victorian England. Rather than pure villainy, his crimes are calculated acts of rebellion against an unjust society. The anime transforms Conan Doyle’s detective fiction into a period political thriller, complete with dramatic visuals, intense showdowns and philosophical musings. It offers a compelling look at what happens when justice and vengeance blur, and how far someone will go to dismantle a broken system. Run with the Wind Based on: Run with the Wind by Shion Miura (2006) Anime: Production I.G (2018) Shion Miura’s novel follows a group of misfit university students who decide to train for the Hakone Ekiden, a grueling long-distance relay race in Japan. The story is deeply character-driven, delving into the motivations, struggles, and transformations of each team member as they train and grow closer together. It’s a celebration of perseverance, friendship and the emotional payoff of hard work. RELATED: Cozy Anime Corner: Set a New Pace with Run with the Wind The anime adaptation captures this perfectly. Visually polished and emotionally compelling, Run with the Wind builds momentum through character arcs and quiet moments of introspection. It doesn’t just focus on athleticism, it’s about why we run, what we’re running from and what we hope to reach. Whether you're a sports anime fan or not, it’s hard not to get swept up in its sincerity. Shiki Based on: Shiki by Fuyumi Ono (1998) Anime: Daume (2010) Fuyumi Ono’s Shiki is a horror novel that brings the vampire myth into a rural Japanese village. It explores what happens when the isolated town of Sotoba becomes the site of mysterious deaths and undead activity. The story blends Gothic horror with social commentary and asks who the real monsters are when survival is on the line. RELATED: What Are the Fundamentals of Great Horror Anime? The anime adaptation leans into the slow-burn terror and moral ambiguity of the novel. With its eerie atmosphere and escalating dread, Shiki challenges viewers to think about how fear can override ethics and how hard it is to choose between community and compassion. The stylized character designs may seem jarring at first, but they reinforce the unsettling tone. This is a vampire story where the scariest part isn’t the blood, it’s the choices people make. SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary Based on: The Shoshimin series by Honobu Yonezawa (since 2004) Anime: Lapin Track (2024 – 2025) Honobu Yonezawa is best known internationally for Hyouka , but his Shoshimin series is another sharp, contemplative take on the high school mystery genre. The novels follow Kobato and Osanai, two students who aim for quiet, unremarkable lives, only to find themselves constantly pulled into low-key, everyday mysteries. Their desire for normalcy clashes with the inevitability of human complexity, making for stories that are thoughtful, layered and emotionally resonant. RELATED: SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary Has a Rather Unordinary Twist The first season of SHOSHIMIN: How to become Ordinary aired in 2024, introducing viewers to the duo’s delicate dynamic and the quiet intensity of their problem-solving. With the second season currently airing, the show continues to explore the emotional weight of ordinary situations with subtlety and nuance. Rather than loud confrontations or outlandish cases, the focus here is on the small moral and emotional dilemmas of youth. If you're drawn to introspective storytelling and the bittersweetness of growing up, this is one to keep watching. Sound! Euphonium Based on: Sound! Euphonium by Ayano Takeda (2013 – 2024) Anime: Kyoto Animation (2015 – 2024) Ayano Takeda’s Sound! Euphonium novel series explores the emotional highs and lows of high school life through the lens of a concert band. It tells the story of Kumiko Oumae, a euphonium player who joins her school’s struggling brass band and gradually rediscovers her passion for music. The books focus on friendship, self-doubt, ambition and the quiet, introspective growth of adolescence. RELATED: Which Instrument Would You Play in a Sound! Euphonium Concert Band? Kyoto Animation’s adaptation elevates the source material with stunning animation, a strong musical score and meticulous attention to emotional nuance. Each character’s inner world is given time and care, with subtle expressions and dynamics capturing the awkward beauty of youth. Sound! Euphonium stands out not just as a music anime, but as a thoughtful coming-of-age story that hits all the right notes emotionally. The Heike Story Based on: The Tale of the Heike , translated and retold by Hideo Furukawa (2016) Anime: Science SARU (2021) The Tale of the Heike is a monumental work of Japanese literature that chronicles the fall of the Taira (Heike) clan during the Genpei War. Rooted in oral tradition, the tale is filled with dramatic battles, political intrigue and Buddhist reflections on the impermanence of life. It’s been reinterpreted countless times in literature, theater and film… but never quite like this. RELATED: So You Want to Get Into Japanese Historical Anime? Here's What to Watch! Science SARU’s The Heike Story , based on Hideo Furukawa’s contemporary retelling, re-centers the story through the eyes of Biwa, a fictional blind girl who can see into the future. This framing adds a layer of personal tragedy and narrative intimacy. The series is hauntingly beautiful, with stylized animation and poetic storytelling. It’s less about historical precision and more about emotional truth, and it leaves a lasting impression. The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED Based on: The Millionaire Detective by Yasutaka Tsutsui (1978) Anime: CloverWorks (2020) Yasutaka Tsutsui’s The Millionaire Detective is a quirky Japanese novel about a hyper-wealthy man who solves crimes using his fortune in increasingly absurd and creative ways. The book is more of a satirical detective romp, poking fun at crime fiction tropes and class disparities. While not as internationally known as some of the other books on this list, it holds a cult status in Japan. RELATED: The Real Price Of Being The Millionaire Detective The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED modernizes and reimagines this concept entirely. Daisuke Kambe is turned into a stoic, ultra-rich agent of justice whose motto seems to be "problems can be solved with enough money"… and sometimes a drone strike. Partnered with the principled and exasperated Haru Kato, the series becomes a buddy-cop procedural with style, comedy and surprisingly heartfelt moments. It’s flashy and entertaining, and while it’s a loose adaptation, it stays true to the spirit of the original: detective work with an extravagant twist. The Tatami Galaxy Based on: The Tatami Galaxy by Tomihiko Morimi (2004) Anime: Madhouse (2010) Tomihiko Morimi’s The Tatami Galaxy is a surreal, rapid-fire novel about a nameless college student’s endless “what if” loops through alternate versions of his university life. Each chapter explores a different club or social path he could take, only for him to end up dissatisfied and isolated every time. Beneath the humor and absurdity is a poignant commentary on choice, regret and the paralysis of perfectionism. RELATED: The Best Works of Science SARU Masaaki Yuasa’s anime adaptation is as fast-paced and chaotic as the novel’s prose, using frenetic animation and rapid dialogue to pull viewers into the main character’s restless psyche. The series is a wild ride that invites rewatching, and in its final moments, it delivers a simple but powerful realization: life doesn’t wait for you to make the perfect choice; it rewards presence, not perfection. The Wonderful Adventures of Nils Based on: The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf (1906 – 1907) Anime: Studio Pierrot (1980 – 1981) Selma Lagerlöf’s The Wonderful Adventures of Nils was originally commissioned by the Swedish National Teachers’ Association as a geography reader for children, but it became a literary classic in its own right. The novel follows Nils Holgersson, a mischievous boy who is shrunk to a tiny size by a tomte and travels across Sweden on the back of a goose, learning about the land and becoming a better person along the way. The anime adaptation stays true to the novel’s educational and transformative spirit. While it adds more episodic adventures and side characters to suit the format, it retains the heart of the story — a personal journey of growth through wonder and experience. The anime’s landscapes are lovingly drawn to represent real Swedish locations, making it both entertaining and subtly informative. For viewers looking for something cozy, reflective and surprisingly meaningful, The Wonderful Adventures of Nils is a hidden gem. Undead Murder Farce Based on: Undead Girl Murder Farce by Yugo Aosaki (2015) Anime: Lapin Track (2023) Yugo Aosaki’s Undead Girl Murder Farce is a playful but dark detective novel set in an alternate version of the 19th century where humans coexist with supernatural beings. The story follows Aya Rindo, a decapitated immortal woman who solves mysteries with the help of a half-demon and a reluctant ex-cage fighter. It’s witty, violent and steeped in both mystery and myth. RELATED: Undead Murder Farce Is A Series That Oozes Style The anime leans into this blend of period drama and supernatural spectacle. Visually stylish and narratively clever, it invites comparisons to both classic Holmesian mysteries and action-horror anime. It’s a genre mashup that works because of its sharp writing and dynamic trio of leads. Undead Murder Farce doesn’t just solve cases, it unravels expectations, one gruesome clue at a time. 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