What to watch: 7 live-action movies that deserve your attention; on Amazon Prime Video & more

We've all felt that sinking feeling when a live-action remake of our favourite anime gets announced. For years, the track record of live-action movies was, to put it mildly, shaky. But fast forward to 2026, and that so-called 'curse' has finally been broken. Today, we're seeing beloved characters brought to life with the budget, care and creative vision they truly deserve. If you've ever wondered how your favourite comics , games, and animated stories translate into big-budget live-action movies, you're in the right place. What to watch: 7 live-action movies that deserve your attention; on Amazon Prime Video & more 1. Assassin's Creed – JioHotstar Set in two timelines, the movie follows Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender), a death-row convict rescued by the mysterious Abstergo Industries. Forced into the Animus, a revolutionary machine that unlocks genetic memories, Callum relives the life of his 15th-century ancestor, Aguilar de Nerha, during the Spanish Inquisition. As he experiences 15th-century Spain, he uncovers the long-standing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars – two secret factions battling over free will and control. While the 2016 film was a major milestone, 2026 marks a massive turning point for the series with a brand-new live-action project currently in production. As of early 2026, a high-budget Assassin’s Creed series has officially begun filming in Rome, Italy . Unlike the movie, which focused on the Spanish Inquisition, this series takes us back to 64 AD, at the heart of the Roman Empire. 2. The Jungle Book – JioHotstar Directed by Jon Favreau, the 2016 reimagining of The Jungle Book is a visual masterpiece that breathes new life into Rudyard Kipling’s timeless tale. The story follows Mowgli (Neel Sethi), a young orphan raised by wolves, who is forced to flee his home when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) vows to eliminate him. Guided by the stern panther Bagheera (Ben Kingsley) and the free-spirited bear Baloo (Bill Murray), Mowgli embarks on a high-stakes journey of self-discovery through a lush, hyper-realistic world. More than just a remake, this version balances thrilling action with heart, exploring the tension between Mowgli’s human nature and his love for the wild as he eventually stands his ground to protect his jungle family. 3. Rurouni Kenshin – Netflix Often cited as the definitive blueprint for adapting manga into live action, the Rurouni Kenshin saga is a sweeping epic of redemption, politics, and unparalleled swordplay. The story focuses on Himura Kenshin (Takeru Satoh), a former legendary assassin, who travels across Meiji-era Japan with a reverse-blade sword, vowing never to take another life. As he finds a new home at a training centre run by Kamiya Kaoru (Emi Takei), Kenshin is forced to confront ghosts from his past and new enemies who threaten the country's peace. The movie masterfully balances high-octane action and an emotionally-charged narrative. 4. Resident Evil – YouTube The Resident Evil movie franchise is unique because it features two distinct live-action timelines: the original high-octane action saga and the more recent survival -horror reboots. Serving as the explosive start to a multi-billion dollar franchise, the 2002 movie is a stylised blend of sci-fi horror and Matrix-inspired action. The film follows Alice (Milla Jovovich) as she awakens in a mysterious mansion with no memory, only to be swept into an underground laboratory called The Hive by an elite strike team. There, they must battle a rogue AI and hordes of undead scientists transformed by the highly contagious T-virus. While later entries leaned further into post-apocalyptic action, this original instalment remains a cult classic for its claustrophobic tension, iconic laser hallway scene, and its introduction of the sinister Umbrella Corporation. While critics were divided, the movie built a massive fanbase, making it one of the most enduring video game adaptations in Hollywood. 5. Gran Turismo – Netflix Unlike many video game movies that struggle to adapt pixels into plots, Gran Turismo (2023) takes a unique approach by telling the incredible true story of a gamer who made the jump to the real-world track. It is an adrenaline-fuelled sports drama based on the unbelievable true story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe). It chronicles his meteoric rise from a bedroom gamer to a professional race car driver after winning the GT Academy, a competition founded by marketing visionary Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom). Under the harsh mentorship of ex-racer Jack Salter (David Harbour), Jann must bridge the gap between digital simulation and the brutal reality of 200-mph tracks. The movie combines visceral, immersive racing sequences with a moving narrative. Interestingly, the real Jann Mardenborough actually served as the stunt driver for Archie Madekwe in the movie, so when you see those insane manoeuvres, you know who's behind the wheel. 6. Kingsman: The Secret Service – JioHotstar The movie that famously put the ‘gentleman’ back in ‘gentleman spy’ and took the world by storm with its blend of hyper-violent action and subversive British humour. It successfully translated Mark Millar’s comic book into a modern cinematic powerhouse. Eggsy ( Taron Egerton ), a street-smart young man recruited into a secret British spy agency known as the Kingsman. Under the mentorship of the impeccably dressed Harry Hart (Colin Firth), Eggsy is trained to become a refined yet lethal operative just as tech mogul Richmond Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson) launches global chaos. Known for its colourful visuals, gadget-heavy combat, and the legendary church fight sequence, the movie flips the traditional spy genre on its head – mixing classic James Bond-style elegance with over-the-top, comic-book violence and humour. 7. The Crow – Amazon Prime Video A haunting blend of supernatural noir and gothic romance, the 1994 movie is a somber masterpiece featuring the tragic final performance of Brandon Lee. The movie follows Eric Draven, a musician who is resurrected by a mystical bird a year after he and his fiancée are murdered, granting him immortality to track down the criminals responsible. Eric walks through a hyper-stylised, rain-drenched city seeking vengeance. While the 2024 reboot starring Bill Skarsgård attempts a more grounded, modern take on the source material, the original remains an untouchable cult classic, famous for its gritty aesthetic, iconic soundtrack, and its poetic message that real love is forever.