Anime That Began as Novels
Sword Art Online
Before becoming a mega-franchise, SAO was a self-published web novel turned bestselling light novel series.
Violet Evergarden
This emotional masterpiece was originally a beautifully written light novel that won Kyoto Animation’s grand prize.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
A cult classic that began as a light novel series—its quirky storytelling and time loops drew massive fan love.
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
Re:Zero started as a web novel and became a hit light novel before getting its emotional anime adaptation.
Bakemonogatari
Known for its unique dialogue and visual style, it’s based on Nisio Isin’s hugely popular light novels.
No Game No Life
Started as a light novel known for its vibrant world-building and genius-level characters in a fantasy game realm.
Baccano
A chaotic crime-action anime rooted in a complex light novel series filled with immortal gangsters and time jumps.