The young adult demographic in Japan has long been served by the light novel genre. Light novels, written in Japanese and illustrated in a style similar to anime and manga, have gained a large following in recent years. Light novels are popular because of their interesting plots, a wide variety of genres, and one-of-a-kind characters.
RELATED:Best Isekai Light Novels
Often,animeseries are released after the publishing of their light novel and use it (light novel) as the source material for said anime; however, some anime series have that backward with the anime releasing first. Popular anime shows often precede their light-novel adaptation, though this is unusual.
7Psycho-Pass
A biomechanical computer network calledthe Sibyl Systemevaluates a person’s mental health and the likelihood of criminal behavior in the futuristic Japan of this anime series. Before a person may do any harm to society, their criminal potential is assessed bywhat is sometimes called a ‘Psycho-Pass.‘But is it right to assume someone’s evilness and then put them in bars before there’s any evidence to support that assumption?
This anime series blends drama and interpersonal conflict into a plot that will make its viewers think. Its light novel was released on July 02, 2025, and the anime premiered on May 12, 2025. Naoyoshi Shiotani and Katsuyuki Motohiro directed the series.
6Madoka Magica
Exploring the tale of Madoka Kaname, a 14-year-old girl, the series exploresthe power of wishes and the price one must often pay for granted wishes. The series begins with the protagonist Madoka Kaname as she is offered the chance to have any wish granted in exchange for becoming a magical girl who must face witches in battle.
Hesitant on her decision, Madoka delays her reply as she explores the world of magical girls and witches with a magical girl classmate, Homura Akemi. A strong fan base formed soon after the anime debuted, prompting the creation of light novels and video games based on the show’s success.
5Gurren Lagann
The Spiral King Lordgenomerules over Earth and forces humanity to live under the surface of the Earth in subterranean villages. Meanwhile, in a particular underground settlement lies Simon, a young boy who dreams of exploring the surface world and seeing all it has to offer. In the absence of Kamina, an eager young man who shares Simon’s goal of reaching the surface, Simon’s desire will stay just that: a dream.
RELATED:The Best Gurren Lagann Mechs
Together the duo form Team Gurren with their mecha Lagann as they explore the surface world. Now on the surface world, the duo fight off Lord Genome’s forces as they meet other young individuals who join their team.
4Code Geass
In a world divided between the three superpowers, the Holy Britannian Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union, Lelouch vi Britannia gains the power to control the will of others through his eyes. With the help ofC.C., an immortal girl, Lelouch leads an uprising against his family and the Holy Britannian Empire.
Taking on the persona of Zero, a masked vigilante with a devoted following who opposes the Britannian Empire, Lelouch engages in mecha combat, explores political themes, and hatches numerous schemes in an effort to bring down the Britannian Empire. Lelouch, who hasa mind that is both brilliant and cunning, lives in a world where relatives and lies are as common as the sun and the moon. The huge success of the anime spawned several light novels that continue to tell the lovely story.
3Guilty Crown
In 2029, a meteorite crashed into Japan, bringing an Apocalypse Virus. Unable to manage the virus outbreak, Japan requested international help, and the UN dispatched an organization called ‘GHQ’ to help. With the help of the GHQ, Japan was able to contain the virus but at the cost of its independence.
After 10 years, a gang calling itself ‘Funeral Parlor’ begins fighting GHQ in an effort to reclaim Japan’s freedom. Shu Ouma, a high school student, is smack dab in the thick of it all after he develops a potent genetic ability from the Apocalypse Virus. With his power, Shu is drawn into a conflict between the two factions as he reawakens his repressed memories. While the anime series debuted in 2011, a light novel adaptation was published in 2012.
2Neon Genesis Evangelion
Set in an apocalyptic world,Neon Genesis Evangelionfollows the adventures of Shinji Ikari as he fights off monstrous beings known as Angels. To stop humanity from being destroyed by Angels, humanity developed giant bio-machine weapons called Evangelions. A selected few known as Eva Pilots operate the Evangelions. Following his father Gendo’s invitation to join the elite group of Eva Pilots, Shinji embarks on a journey of discovery and growth.
In the series, a diverse group of characters faces forth the Angels and their inner demons, including mental anguish and emotional pain. With its unique and thought-provoking storytelling, the anime series is quite popular and has had light novel adaptations that explore alternate endings.
1Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
Diva, the first fully autonomous artificial intelligence and vocalist, was built for a future where AI and humans coexist. Diva met Momoka, a young girl who dubbed her Vivy after seeing her perform at NiaLand amusement park. Later, Matsumoto, an AI from the future appears before Vivy and tells her of the singularity project. He explains that 100 years in the future, a conflict between AIs and humans break out, and the singularity points are essential occurring over those 100 years that lead to the battle between AI and humanity.
Despite her initial misgivings, Vivy resolves to help Matsumoto stop the war by following him on his mission. With a great picture of friendship, emotion, and music, the series has had a light novel series published as an adaptation of the original anime series.
