That Classic Show Deserves a Modern Remake!
Recently, the trend of bringing back nostalgic, popular works in new forms has been accelerating.
2026 is set to see the broadcast or release of new projects like Mahou Kishi Rayearth, Hokuto no Ken -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-, Koukaku Kidoutai THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, and Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor EZY. They’re garnering attention not just from longtime fans, but from a whole new generation as well.
Given this, Anime! Anime! conducted a reader survey titled “Which Anime Do You Want Remade?”. During the survey period from January 29th to February 2nd, we received responses from 158 people.
The gender ratio was almost even. The age breakdown was roughly 20% under 19, about 15% each for people in their 20s and 30s, and around 25% in their 40s.
■ Bring That Masterpiece Back to Anime!
In this survey, many votes were cast for titles that have source material like manga or light novels. Among these, a standout trend was titles that were only partially adapted into anime.
For example, for Kateikyoushi Hitman REBORN! we received comments like, “It’s been 20 years since the 2006 TV anime adaptation, a milestone, so I’d love to see it in anime again. I want to see Hibari-san once more” and “It’s the work of my youth. Amano Akira-sensei’s art is beautiful, so I’d love to see it animated with modern expression.” Since it was animated during its serialization, many fans seem eager to see the story adapted to its conclusion, including the unanimated episodes.
For the fantasy novel series Saiunkoku Monogatari, comments hoping for a sequel adaptation also came in. “Among Chinese-style fantasies, it’s top-tier interesting, with both story and characters being captivating. I love how it carefully depicts the protagonist, Kou Shuurei’s reason for aiming to become an official and her struggles after becoming one.” Another reader shared their long-held wish: “The second series left various foreshadowing, but a third series was never made, which is a shame. I’m still waiting for it.”
On the other hand, there were also many voices hoping not just for a continuation, but for a completely new production, remade from the ground up.
For Dr. Slump Arare-chan: “Since ‘Dragon Ball’ is still getting new works, I want to see the origin of Toriyama Akira-sensei’s work with a Reiwa-era cast. Even Son Goku can’t beat Arare-chan’s power!”
For Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun: “The gags set in a southern island were just hilarious, and the interactions with the strong-personality creatures (the ‘Nama Mono’) were the best.” and “The anime ended with Shintarou leaving Papuwa Island, so in a remake, I’d want to see it from beginning to end.”
For Mezon Ikkoku: “With remakes of Takahashi Rumiko’s works continuing with ‘Urusei Yatsura’ and ‘Ranma ½’, us older guys naturally have expectations too. It would be great if the cast could continue like in ‘Ranma’, but what do you think?” showing an opinion based on recent trends.
For GS Mikami: “With the occult genre being popular now, I’m curious what kind of expression a modern animation adaptation would have. I want to see Mikami-san’s activities pacifying vengeful spirits even in the Reiwa era.” pointing out its compatibility with the times.
Furthermore, for Doraemon: Nobita no Wan Nya Jikuuden (Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Wannyan Space-Time Legend): “There are many remakes of Doraemon movies, but I want to see the last movie voiced by Ooyama Nobuyo-san with the current cast. It was also memorable that guest seiyuu Seki Tomokazu appeared, so this time I’d love to fully enjoy his performance as Suneo.” showing a perspective unique to a long-running series.
Many comments also wished for classic robot anime to be revived with the latest technology.
For Kidou Senshi Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam): “The anime ‘Kidou Senshi Gundam THE ORIGIN’, which depicted First Gundam from a new perspective, was interesting. I want the very first work, the beginning of it all, remade with today’s technology.” and “Many people must have first encountered Gundam through ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX’. If the heavy human drama of the original generation is visualized again, it could become a bridge between old and new fans.” showing awareness of creating a new entry point.
For another work by director Tomino Yoshiyuki, Seisenshi Dunbine (Aura Battler Dunbine): “It was the work where I first learned about the ‘isekai transition’ genre. Since isekai transition/reincarnation works have become commonplace, it might gain more fans.” and “You could call it a pioneering work that depicted isekai transition in anime. Watching it now, I think I could enjoy it with a fresh feeling.”
For Rokushin Gattai GodMars: “I loved the protagonist’s brother, Marg, but back then there were hardly any official goods or spin-offs, which was lonely. I really want a remake to enjoy various developments. Maybe a different fate awaits Marg…”
For Choudenji Robo Combattler V: “This year is its 50th anniversary. I want a new generation to know the charm of the heroine Nanbara Chizuru, who captivated anime fans in the 1970s. I’d love to enjoy it in a movie version.” showing comments using the anniversary year as a tailwind.
The full list of titles that received votes is also included. A wide range of titles from the 1960s to the 2010s were named. Also, for works like Kochira Katsushikaku Kameari Kouenmae Hashutsujo and World Trigger, which already have remakes decided, there were votes filled with hope.
What kind of titles made the list? Please take a look!
■ Titles That Received Multiple Votes
[Which Anime Do You Want Remade? 2026 Edition]
- Saiunkoku Monogatari
- Yakusoku no Neverland (also known as The Promised Neverland)
- GS Mikami
- Kateikyoushi Hitman REBORN!
- Konjiki no Gash Bell!! (also known as Zatch Bell!)
- NARUTO -NARUTO-
- Aikatsu!
- Gintama
- Kobo-chan
- Mekakucity Actors
- Nangoku Shounen Papuwa-kun
- BLEACH
- Fushigi no Umi no Nadia (also known as Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water)
- Kyou kara Ore wa!!
- Boku no Hero Academia (also known as My Hero Academia)
- Kidou Senshi Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam)
- Kidou Senshi Gundam ZZ
- Kidou Senkan Nadesico (Martian Successor Nadesico)
- InuYasha
- Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro
(Survey Period: January 29, 2026 – February 2, 2026)
Next Page: Revealing All Titles That Received Votes
※ This survey is part of a series of reader surveys regarding “current interest in and attention to anime works and characters.” The results are not intended to rank any characters or works as superior or inferior. We hope this article can serve as a way to discover new works and characters, or to deepen your understanding and interest in them.
《Takahashi KatsuNori》
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