10 Adaptations That Ignored the Source Material — and Somehow Got It Right

Adaptations often face a tough crowd. Fans of books, games, or comics expect loyalty to the original, and any deviation can spark backlash. Yet, some projects boldly rewrite the rules, veering far from their roots while still delivering something special.

These 10 adaptations—spanning movies, shows, games, and anime—ignored their source material in big ways but somehow nailed the landing. From reimagined characters to entirely new plots, they prove that straying from the path can lead to unexpected brilliance. Here’s my take on why they worked.

10. The Angry Birds Movie (2016)

The mobile game ‘Angry Birds’ is a simple slingshot fest with no real story—just birds smashing pigs. The movie builds a full world around this, creating a comedic tale of Red, a grumpy bird, leading his flock against scheming pigs. It adds personalities, like Chuck’s hyperactivity, and a vibrant island setting.

This works because the game’s lack of depth gave filmmakers freedom to craft a fun, family-friendly plot. Voices like Jason Sudeikis and Josh Gad bring charm, making it a hit despite having little to do with the original. The humor and visuals carry it far beyond its basic premise.

9. Uncharted (2022)

The ‘Uncharted’ video games follow Nathan Drake’s treasure-hunting adventures with a set backstory. The film reworks this, making Nate younger and tweaking his bond with Sully, played by Mark Wahlberg. It leans into action-comedy vibes, drawing more from the genre than the game’s lore.

I love how it captures the games’ adventurous spirit without copying their plots. Tom Holland’s fresh take on Nate feels lively, and the set pieces—like a cargo plane fight—pop. By focusing on fun over fidelity, it delivers a blockbuster that stands on its own.

8. Mortal Kombat (2021)

The ‘Mortal Kombat’ games center on a deadly tournament, but the reboot skips this, crafting an origin story with a new character, Cole Young. It dives into the fighters’ backstories, like Sub-Zero and Scorpion, while keeping the brutal combat fans expect.

This approach nails the franchise’s gritty vibe. The R-rated fights, with Hiroyuki Sanada’s Scorpion stealing scenes, feel true to the games’ energy. By delaying the tournament, it sets up a sequel while delivering enough gore and action to satisfy.

7. Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ games are about a speedy hedgehog battling Dr. Robotnik. The movie places Sonic in a modern human world, teaming him with a small-town cop. It ignores much of the game’s lore, focusing on a buddy-comedy dynamic and Sonic’s quest to fit in.

Jim Carrey’s over-the-top Robotnik and Ben Schwartz’s Sonic make it a blast. The film’s charm lies in its lighthearted take, using the games’ essence—speed and sass—without sticking to their plots. It’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t need the original’s blueprint.

6. Kakegurui (2017-2019)

The manga ‘Kakegurui’ thrives on high-stakes gambling in a twisted high school. The Netflix live-action show keeps the core idea but condenses episodes into bite-sized chunks, some under six minutes. It sticks close to the manga’s vibe but tweaks pacing and visuals for TV.

This format makes it addictive, with Saori Hayami’s intense Yumeko driving the drama. The show’s tight episodes and sharp focus on gambling’s thrill capture the source’s spirit, proving less can be more when adapting a complex story.

5. The Witcher (2019-Present)

Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, ‘The Witcher’ series reshuffles timelines and adds new arcs for Geralt, Ciri, and Yennefer. Unlike the books’ linear storytelling, it jumps across years, weaving a broader fantasy world.

Henry Cavill’s gritty Geralt anchors the show, and its bold changes expand the universe in a way fans embrace. By prioritizing character depth over strict adherence, it crafts a gripping saga that feels fresh yet true to the books’ heart.

4. Arcane (2021-2024)

‘Arcane’ draws from ‘League of Legends,’ a game with loose lore told through text. The show builds a rich story around sisters Vi and Jinx in a steampunk world, exploring class divides and personal struggles. It barely touches the game’s mechanics.

Its stunning animation and emotional depth, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell, make it a standout. By crafting a narrative that feels cinematic, it transcends the game’s limits, creating a story anyone can love, gamer or not.

3. Castlevania (2017-2021)

The ‘Castlevania’ games focus on vampire hunters battling Dracula. The Netflix anime expands this, diving into Trevor Belmont, Alucard, and Dracula’s motivations. It shifts from the games’ action focus to a character-driven tale with gothic flair.

The voice cast, including Richard Armitage, elevates the drama. Its dark tone and rich world-building honor the games’ vibe while telling a new story. This freedom lets it appeal to both fans and newcomers, making it a genre gem.

2. One Piece (2023-Present)

The manga ‘One Piece’ spans hundreds of chapters, but the Netflix show tightens the story of Luffy and his pirate crew. It reworks arcs and cuts details to fit a live-action format, yet keeps the adventure’s heart.

Iñaki Godoy’s infectious Luffy brings the series to life. By balancing action with character moments, it captures the manga’s spirit without being a page-for-page copy. It’s a rare live-action anime win that feels authentic yet accessible.

1. The Last of Us (2023-Present)

The game ‘The Last of Us’ is a cinematic tale of Joel and Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world. The HBO series tweaks events, expands side characters, and adds new subplots, like Bill and Frank’s romance, while keeping the core emotional journey.

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey shine, making every scene hit hard. The show’s changes deepen the story, proving that straying from the source can enhance its impact. It’s a masterclass in adapting with care and creativity.

Which adaptation surprised you the most, or did I miss one that nailed it despite big changes? Drop your thoughts in the comments!