Playing pirate hunter Roronoa Zoro in the One Piece live-action, Mackenyu Arata has proven he was born for this role. His expert swordsmanship combined with his flawless, handsome looks have sparked a massive sensation, winning over even the most critical viewers.
If you’ve already fallen for this rising star, let’s look at 10 other standout projects that prove Mackenyu’s talent goes far beyond his looks.
1. Knights of the Zodiac (2023)
Adapted from the legendary Saint Seiya anime, Mackenyu stars as Seiya, an orphaned boy who carries the hidden power of the Pegasus constellation and the mission to protect the rebirth of the goddess Athena. This Hollywood project highlights his mastery of action scenes and special effects.
2. Rurouni Kenshin: The Final (2021)
This is considered Mackenyu’s iconic villain role. As Enishi, Kenshin Himura’s relentless enemy, he delivers a furious and vengeful Watōjutsu fighting style. His duel with Takeru Satoh is praised by critics as one of the best sword fights in Japanese cinema history.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar (2022)
Continuing his live-action success, Mackenyu plays Scar, the deadly alchemist hunter. With his scarred look and fierce gaze, he perfectly captures the character’s pain from family loss and intense thirst for revenge.
4. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable (2017)
Though not the lead, Mackenyu’s role as the villain Okuyasu Nijimura is highly memorable. His showdown with Josuke Higashikata (played by Kento Yamazaki) is one of the most unforgettable scenes, especially for die-hard JoJo fans.
5. Code Blue: The Movie (2018)
Stepping away from action roles, Mackenyu appears as Akio Kishida in this acclaimed medical drama. The film focuses on doctors fighting to save lives at Narita Airport, showcasing his versatile acting alongside stars like Tomohisa Yamashita.
6. Tokyo Ghoul S (2019)
In the sequel to Tokyo Ghoul, Mackenyu plays Sota. Though a supporting character, his presence in the half-human, half-ghoul world adds unique appeal, supporting protagonist Ken Kaneki’s struggle to control his brutal survival instincts.
7. 12 Suicidal Teens (2019)
Adapted from Tow Ubukata’s novel, this psychological film features Mackenyu as Shinjiro, one of 12 teenagers gathered in an abandoned hospital planning suicide. The role demands deep emotional expression, portraying modern youth’s depression and despair.
8. Over Drive (2018)
If you love speed, don’t miss Over Drive. Mackenyu plays Naozomi Hiyama, a talented but reckless race car driver. His dynamic with his older brother (played by Masahiro Higashide) creates an emotional story about passion and family bonds on the intense racing circuit.
9. Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)
This role was Mackenyu’s golden ticket to international fame. As trainee Ryoichi, he caught Western audiences’ attention with his top-tier action scenes, paving the way for many future Hollywood projects.
10. Night’s Tightrope (2016)
In this suspenseful mystery adapted from Kanae Minato’s novel, Mackenyu plays supporting role Hikaru Mikase. The film explores dark psychological themes among high school girls and their strange fascination with death, creating a tense, eerie atmosphere.