10 Anime series based on famous classic novels from Romeo and Juliet to Alice in Wonderland
Anime's artistic liberty enables timeless tales to grow beyond their original content. Whether remaining loyal to the source or entirely redefining the story, these adaptations honour literature in making it available to new audiences.
To fans of the art of telling stories in all its mediums, these anime provide a potent reminder that magnificent stories are never lost—only learn new methods to continue. Some of the most fascinating anime productions borrow straight from the realm of classic literature—reinterpreting familiar characters and storylines in fresh ways.
The adaptations series infuse new life into old tales, ranging from Shakespearean tragedies to nineteenth-century novels introducing them to fans who may never have heard of the original stories.
Below are 10 of the most engaging anime based on classic literature, each with its own artistic twist.
Anime series inspired by classic literature books
Romeo x Juliet: A futuristic twist to Shakespeare's Tragic Romance
Based on: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Source: Amazon, IMDb
Instead of a true adaptation of the original play, Romeo x Juliet (2007) takes audience members to Neo-Verona—a city in the sky. Juliet is there reimagined as a sword-wielding heroine fighting against the corrupt Montague government. Though the underlying themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny remain, the series strays far from Shakespeare's original setting and plot.
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This new version provides a fresh perspective, mixing drama, romance, and fantasy into a compelling blend. It is respectful to the original but makes it available and exciting to today's audiences.
Kaiketsu Zorro: A brash anime twist on the masked hero
Based on: The Curse of Capistrano by Johnston McCulley
Source: Amazon, IMDb
Kaiketsu Zorro revives the classic legend of the masked avenger with fresh vitality. With aerial acrobatics and fierce swordfighting, this take strives towards the shonen genre, infusing Zorro with a young sheen and anime flair.
While it never gained widespread popularity in the West—mainly because of its Italian production roots—the anime has turned into a cult favorite in Europe and portions of Asia. The essentials of the de la Vega family and justice and rebellion themes continue to be integral parts of the story.
The Jungle Book: The adventures of Mowgli: Closer to Kipling than Disney
Based on: The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
Source: Amazon, IMDb
This 1980s anime adaptation is praised for being more faithful to Kipling's work than Disney's interpretation. Unlike the Disney version, where Kaa is a villain, this anime keeps Kaa as Mowgli's ally, as in the original book.
The series offers a richer, more emotionally engaging narrative. Despite having difficulty finding a Western audience because of its English dubbing several years after the completion of the series, it is a highly praised adaptation of Kipling's coming-of-age jungle adventure.
Stories of little women: A warm retelling with period charm
Based on: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Source: Amazon, IMDb
BROADCAST in 1987, Tales of Little Women takes the March sisters from trials to triumphs in 19th-century America. With 48 episodes, it preserves much of Alcott's novel's emotional richness and complexity.
The anime retains the timeless appeal of the sisters—Jo's spirited nature, Meg's maturity, Beth's sweetness, and Amy's drive—yet adds subtle anime stylistics of the late '80s. It's an informal, family-friendly adaptation that's respectful of its source material.
Snow White with the Red Hair: A contemporary retelling of Independence
Inspired by: Snow White by The Brothers Grimm
Source: Amazon, IMDb
Instead of rehashing the traditional fairy tale itself, Snow White with the Red Hair incorporates only the gist—beauty, niceness, and determination—and creates a completely new tale.
Shirayuki, the heroine, excels as an herbalist who defies royalty and fate to be labeled by.
The anime employs themes of agency, development, and love. This radical departure from the norm is possible to achieve a gripping fantasy drama with appeal to modern audiences.
Treasure Island: A Pirate Adventure Classic in Anime Style
Based on: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Source: Amazon, IMDb
Treasure Island took the lead before One Piece made pirates fashionable in anime, retelling Stevenson's swashbuckling epic faithfully. The 1987 anime maintains the spirit of adventure from the novel with rich narrative and traditional character depictions—particularly Long John Silver's.
Though more popular in Europe and Asia, the anime was English-dubbed and was a critical success. Its historical value and artistic decisions have paved the way for many contemporary pirate-themed anime.
Moriarty the Patriot: A Villain-Centric Take on Sherlock Holmes
Inspired by: Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Source: Amazon, IMDb
Moriarty the Patriot turns the classic detective genre on its head by making James Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes' arch-rival, the main character. Moriarty is humanised to become an anti-hero who struggles against class oppression in Victorian England.
It creates a psychological thriller with biting script and intriguing characters. It borrows from Doyle's universe, yet remakes its moral orientation—providing new perspectives to familiar characters and adding depth to the Holmesian universe.
Alice in Wonderland: A Loyal and Whimsical Retelling
Inspired by: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Source: Amazon, IMDb
Of the numerous anime versions of Lewis Carroll's fantastical classic, the first one is unique in its faithfulness to the original. With 26 episodes, the anime brings out the strange appeal, poetic peculiarity, and flighty atmosphere of the source material.
Unlike most other interpretations, it does stay faithful to the narrative, capturing Alice's trip through a fantasy landscape inhabited by strange characters. Though now almost forgotten, it still stands as a treasure for those who desire faithful literary transpositions in anime guise.
The Swiss Family Robinson: A Survival Story of a Family-Friendly Kind
Based on: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Source: Amazon, IMDb
This anime adaptation of The Swiss Family Robinson adds a light, easy-going touch to the original survival tale. Defoe's novel had been serious and contemplative in tone, but the anime has a more wholesome, family-friendly tone for children to enjoy.
The series maintains the central storyline of being a family stuck on an island and maintains their resourcefulness, teamwork, and strength. It was incredibly popular in Japan and is one of the more recognized literary adaptations of its time.
Anne Shirley: Anime's Heartwarming Take on Anne of Green Gables
Based on: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Source: Amazon, IMDb
The latest anime retelling of Anne of Green Gables, known as Anne Shirley, is a colorful and endearing adaptation of the red-haired heroine. With a soothing tone and breathtaking visuals, the show brings the imagination and emotional resonance of the book to life.
Lauded for its faithful characterizations and considerate approach to the novel's most essential themes—such as self-discovery, imagination, and belongingness—this anime still enthralls viewers of all ages.
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