Cyberpunk: EdgerunnersDelicious in DungeonErasedFullmetal Alchemist: BrotherhoodJoJo's Bizarre Adventure
The streaming giant’s anime library didn’t add new titles in March. However, given the late February debut of the live-action adaptation of Avatar the Last Airbender, it was a smart play. Instead, Netflix focused on the return of the weekly anime series release. This time it's one of the streamer’s flagship series, The Seven Deadly Sins. The series returned with Four Knights of the Apocalypse on March 24 with weekly Sunday episodes picking up several years after The Seven Deadly Sins. Pokémon Horizons: The Series, following Liko and Roy through the nine regions from Kanto to Paldea, also began streaming in early March (for the US).
The release slow down is always a good time for playing catch-up on recent releases. But if you’ve paid any attention to the news coming out of Anime Japan, then you already know the slow down is over. April ushers in the release of several newly acquired licensed titles. Notably the first season of the Black Clover anime series debuts on Netflix April 1, 2024. It joins the feature length Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, that’s been streaming since June 2023. April also marks the return of feature length anime movies. One Piece Film: Red, Haikyu!! Movie 3: Genius and Sense, and Haikyu!! Movie 4: Battle of Concepts all arrive April 1, 2024.
You might have also noticed the list hasn’t been reset this year. There's good reason for that; Netflix is dedicated to broadening the types of anime available. The list, as it stands, offers a mix of good entry series for newbies, stand out new and original series, as well as longtime favorites worth a revisit. Keeping that in mind, if you’ve been anticipating the return of Kengan Ashura: Season 2, Part 2 (happening in August this year), now’s a perfect time to revisit Season 1 through Season 2, Part 1. It’s also time to get ready for the Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura crossover that is coming June 6, 2024!
Until the list reaches critical mass or Netflix stops supporting a title via licensing, I’ll continue to roll with it. And with that in mind, if anime adaptations of video games are your jam, consider checking out late 2023 release Onimusha.
Note: As this is a list of anime series to watch, no anime movies were considered for this feature. This list applies to U.S. Netflix subscribers. Some titles may not currently be available on international platforms (yet). This list will also be periodically amended to remove series no longer available on Netflix, as well as add anime shows now available for streaming on the service.
Onimusha
Onimusha pulls characters from the popular Capcom game into a supernatural samurai action anime series. Set in the Edo period in Japan, Onimusha follows Miyamoto Musashi, as he sets out to battle zombies and thwart a rebellion. Modeled on the icon Toshihiro Mifune, an aging Musashi secures the use of the soul-eating mythic weapon known as the Oni Gauntlet to aid him in battle. But the weapon comes with a deadline and dangerous risks. Accompanied by a ragtag band of fighters and a monk, this ronin must complete his covert mission before the weapon consumes him entirely. Brought to brilliant life with a blend of 2D and CGI animation, fierce battle sequences, and a surprisingly emotional and complex narrative, Onimusha is an unhurried journey full of blood, gore, off-beat humor, camaraderie, betrayal, and sacrifice. It’s not perfect but it resets the bar for what to expect from video game adaptations.
Akuma Kun
This twelve episode adaptation follows boy genius, Ichiro aka Akuma Kun, taken in and raised by demons. Ichiro and his demon-human hybrid compatriot Mephisto solve paranormal crimes. The series’ animation series blends in hand-drawn elements that give the show a vibrant and unique visuals. Each case offers new opportunities to build out the world and explore themes of good and evil, destiny as Ichiro struggles to keep his head above water all while knowing his demon father expects great things from him. There’s an excellent balance of wit, whimsy and pragmatism between Ichiro and Mephisto’s different personalities as they solve mysteries and contemplate life’s big issues. The show is thematically rich without being heavy-handed. The narrative’s constantly engaging and brought to life by a dynamic voice cast. Akuma Kun is the kind of fantasy series that isn’t afraid to be philosophical as this duo learn more about their world, its magic system and the part Ichiro’s expected to play in bringing about the Millennium Kingdom.
Delicious in Dungeon
Based on Ryoko Kui’s manga Delicious in Dungeon follows Laios and his trio of adventurers. It’s a race against time to come up with enough money, and a solution, to save his sister after she’s swallowed by a dragon. This fantasy series is built on aesthetically pleasing visuals, endearing character design and free-wheeling worldbuilding. If you’re in need of a slightly more light-hearted fare, this sword and sorcery story will certainly balance out the seemingly endless real-world chaos.
Onmyoji
This first ever adaptation of Baku Yumemakura’s novel by the same name offers a near-perfect balance of outstanding animation, slow burn, and engaging storytelling. Set in ancient Japan, Onmyoji follows Abe no Seimei, a celebrated spell caster, as he meets and befriends noble Minamoto no Hiromasa. As he travels across Japan solving cases and connecting the dots of a larger mystery brewing. The series weaves history and legend together into a harrowing tale of friendship, honor, and sacrifice as the pair embark on a mission to defend the capital against a villainous mage plotting against the emperor. This tale is a journey into the supernatural wrapped in a character-driven bromance. There’s demon-slaying, magic twists and turns, and poignant revelations woven together into a storyline that’ll keep you invested. Onmyoji takes its time to put its players and pieces into place. But once the narrative gets moving, it all works to make this retelling into a riveting mystery brought to life with captivating color and motion. The story delivery may be quieter than some of the usual fare, but watching the interaction between the characters as the work to best each challenge and avert disaster is more than worth the time it takes to kick into gear. So, if you prefer your anime drawn from folklore and iconic figures then this thirteen episode series steeped in the dark and supernatural is exactly what you've been looking for.
Pluto
Pluto follows AI Detective Gesicht’s investigation into serial murders of the world’s most advanced robots and their human allies. As Gesicht hunts for the identity of the perpetrator, Pluto, he realizes the murders are challenges and Pluto has both him and Atom, also known as Astro Boy, in his crosshairs. Created by Naoki Urasawa (Monster), and reinventing an arc from Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, Pluto’s comes to extraordinary life with brilliant character design and animation by Studio M2 and an evocative soundscape. Over eight hour-long episodes Pluto explores humanity's drive to innovate and a world where its creations are increasingly indistinguishable physically and self-aware. This well-paced but winding story balances its philosophical musings with action, violence and thrilling cat-and-mouse race to stop a killer. This is more than a battle anime. Pluto never wastes an opportunity to develop its characters, invoke its allegory, or mess with your emotions amidst the mayhem. Simply put, Pluto is a vibrant, emotionally rich sci-fi masterpiece.
Read our review of Pluto.
My Happy Marriage
My Happy Marriage is the story about Miyo Saimori, an unhappy young woman from an abusive family who gets married off to a fearsome and chilly army commander. Set in 19th century Meiji Restoration era-Japan this twelve-episode adaption of Akumi Agitogi’s light novel is a splendid and eye-catching example of the caliber of Kinema Citrus animation work. The character design, landscape shots and close ups are all gorgeous. When paired with a pitch perfect score from the opening to ending My Happy Marriage is a slow burning romance riddled with trials, tribulations pushing its breathtaking narrative. Cinderella wishes her backstory got such a lush and nuanced treatment.
Good Night World
Based on the manga by the same name, Good Night World follows the Akabanea family who’ve, although estranged in the real world, found a sense of peace and unknowingly find their way to one another in a VR game called Planet. Directed by Katsuya Kikuchi with stylized character designs by Suzuna Okuyama and dynamic visuals animated by studio NAZ, leverages its understanding of gaming as a hefty connective thread between the real and digital world to anchor its story and use in-game elements and relationship building to best use. This story of a family battling debilitating grief and how it’s ravaged their lives and relationships in the real world is surprisingly well-suited to video game anime. The MMO style world introduces plenty of opportunity for monsters, battles and quests with choices the consequences of ripple into the far more somber real world. This family of four must confront their trauma and grief in ways that force them to acknowledge death, their dependence on the game, and what that means for them in the real world.
Good Night World’s strength lies in the human element and intimate care taken with the vital, if winding, path of emotional growth playing this game sets this broken family on. Despite a few wobbly story elements and some pacing inconsistencies episode to episode (due to being occasionally thematically overly ambitious), Good Night World makes for an constantly entertaining and deeply affecting story about relationship building, escapism and unavoidable if often grim nature of reality certain to resonate with those who like a bit of philosophical and existential angst with their escapism.
Den-noh Coil
If you prefer your coming-of-age stories in the form of a techno-thriller, Mitsuo Iso’s (Orbital Children) directorial debut Den-noh Coil and its near-future world where augmented reality glasses are a necessary accessory to everyday life. Set in 2026 Den-noh Coil follows middle schooler Yasako and her family as they attempt to settle into their new tech-saturated town Daikoku City. Yasako stumbles upon a mystery afoot in this scenic town where the traditional and futuristic collide: cyberpets and kids are going missing. Yasako joins her grandmother's unofficial detective agency. Soon she and the other school-age sleuths are hot on the trail of a virus, and its creator, corrupting the virtual space. Den-noh Coil, or Coil, and its storyline diving into the pros and cons of permitting tech integration into daily life may feel a bit prophetic in 2023. But that just means its stellar worldbuilding, careful character development, and narrative twists and turns holds up. It’s the kind of compelling slow-burn mystery that meets at the intersection of youthful shenanigans, urban legends, and the digital hubris. Animated by Madhouse and relying on beautiful watercolor-style visuals and music, Iso's first outing is a twenty-six episode gem that’s still far too underrated.
Mononoke
Mononoke follows Kusuriuri, also known as The Medicine Seller, (first introduced in Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror) in a supernatural murder mystery set in feudal Japan. Kusuriuri, a master of the occult, travels across Japan in search of malevolent spirits, mononoke, to destroy. These spirits prey on the negative emotions of humans. In order to destroy them, The Medicine Seller must complete intricate and dangerous steps in order to wield the Exorcism Sword in the fight against the. Between its animation styled after ukiyo-e paintings and a storyline firmly rooted in the supernatural, Mononoke offers varied story arcs rooted in folklore to take you on a thematically rich journey into a psychologically kaleidoscope. It’s intensely weird, and yet, strangely humanistic. This engaging nightmare-fuel is a cult classic for good reason.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Adapted from the manga by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a colorful satire where finding yourself in the midst of the zombie apocalypse is better than being a wage slave in a dead end job. 24-year old Akira Tendou is worn out after three years of mind-numbing work at a company deadset on wringing every bit of life out of him to meet their corporate demands. What was once his dream job has left him alone and feeling unaccomplished. Until the day he wakes up in the middle of the zombie outbreak and realizes he never has to go to work again. What follows is a hilarious and fantastical adventure jam-packed with life lessons and horrific cautionary tales as Akira decides to work his way through his bucket list with all his sudden free time. If you’re looking for a slice-of-life anime series with a unique manic energy and horror edge then Zom 100 calling your name.
One Piece
One Piece is a long-running shonen anime about Monkey D. Luffy sails with his globetrotting crew of Straw Hat Pirates on their hunt for the treasure One Piece and quest to become the new king of the pirates. Based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga the anime adaptation is full of high action and laughs. With an ensemble made up of an eclectic group of male and female characters, there’s a camaraderie and sense of adventure that keeps the series engaging season after season. This series houses some of the greatest anime characters of all time.
See our guide to watching One Piece in order for more info about the series.
Ōoku: The Inner Chambers
Ōoku: The Inner Chambers is an historical drama that takes place on an alternate timeline at the end of the Edo era in feudal Japan. One where Ōoku, the women’s quarters of Edo Castle, now serve as the home for men who work in service to a woman Shogun. A deadly plague, known as redface pox, has decimated the male population. Ōoku: The Inner Chambers follows Tokugawa Iemitsu, the illegitimate daughter of the last Shogun, as she ascends to his seat of power to rule in his stead. As she works to navigate her new role and its attendant duties, she falls in love. But the societal shifts within and beyond the walls of the palace mean her love can’t reign supreme. In the aftermath of the plague, men are held precious and women have taken over many of the positions traditionally held by men. This is so they can focus on reproduction. The most attractive and gifted men are sent to serve the Shogun as concubines in her Inner Chambers. Ōoku: The Inner Chambers explores the contradictions and complexities of women ascending to power in a world shaped by, and for, men.
It also delves into the dynamics of shifted roles behind the secretive walls of the Inner Chamber. There’s political intrigue, backstabbing, moral dilemmas, power struggles and emotional upheaval aplenty. Both men and women struggle to conform with the preexisting social expectations and the demands of hierarchy.
CyberPunk: Edgerunners
Set in the video game world of Night City, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows struggling student, David, into the criminal underbelly and world of body modification. David attends a prestigious school his overworked mother can’t really afford. If there’s a socio-economic hierarchy, then they’re at the very bottom. David falls in with a gang of mercenaries — cyberpunks — after meeting a mysterious but netrunner (a hacker) named Lucy and starts taking jobs in the hopes of bettering their circumstances. This ten episode series based on CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk: 2077 and brought to life by Studio Trigger is where exceptional animation and social commentary on greed, capitalism and a desperate need to belong collide exploding an extraordinary adventure.
This sci-fi story peels back the layers of a coming-of-age story to reveal a dystopian landscape that has no right to look this damn gorgeous while weaving a narrative that makes no effort to blunt its bleak and bloody edges. If extremely violent, over the top, and bombastic anime with a heavy 90s edge to both its character design and sense of humor is your jam, then 2022 juggernaut Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is calling your name.
Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune
Based on Carlo Zen’s sci-novel The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Yakitori: Soldiers of Misfortune follows a group of five soldiers mired in an intergalactic war. This military sci-fi offers highly detailed character design, action-driven, thematically rich story of youths recruited by the into the inner circle of the Pan-Star System Trade Federation Security Council in order to help in the fight against the Barkans, a race of intelligent mice who have grown tired of the Trade Federation’s presence and resistant to their command. It’s a do-or-die story about expendable soldiers full of battlefield drama entwined with the complicated dynamics of politics of war. It’s a six-episode Orwellian space opera that is absolutely a must-watch if this is your brand of sci-fi.
Vinland Saga
Everyone has their personal favorites when it comes to shonen anime. The field is jam-packed with a myriad of coming of age stories. Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn on his journey of growth and in search of revenge after witnessing the murder of his father at a young (six) age. It’s vividly drawn and exquisitely detailed. Set in the Middle Ages, Vinland is a balancing act between a cautionary tale about the perils of war and rich worldbuilding about growing up amidst rampant warfare. There’s violence, gorge, moral lessons and righteous vengeance. If you’re not watching, then you’re missing out.
Ajin: Demi-Human
Directed by Katsuyuki Motohiro, this series follows Kei Nagai, a pre-med student who resurrects after a car accident. He’s Ajin, an immortal demi-human, now on the run from government experiments and searching for other beings like himself. Despite its relatively standard entry point for a seinen anime intent on exploring how humans behave; Ajin perfectly capitalizes on the violence and cat-and-mouse elements of the maga and pairs it with creepy, and atmospheric 3D animation. So, if evading capture, not knowing friend from foe and uncovering secret organizations with agendas of their own is your bag this is the quick-paced, visually rich, thrill ride for you.
Monster
Set in Germany, Monster follows brain surgeon Kenzo Tenma as his complicated work life unravels after he makes the fateful decision to operate on a young boy instead of the mayor. That choice sets in motion a chain of events that see Tenam ostracized, with his career derailed, and him accused of murder. Using a blend of relationship drama, social climbing, and professional betrayals, Monster weaves in heavy moral and ethical dilemmas into the storyline in ways that maximize tension and keep the pace pushing from episode to episode.
By the time the big reveals and twists come, you’ll be fully invested. And if horror is what raises the stakes for you, this adaptation of Naoki Urasawa’s 1994 manga definitely leverages unsettling - even horrific - encounters between its main characters to a wicked character study of a serial killer and murder mystery. If you’re looking for an engrossing, complex psychological thriller where a great historical timeline, hefty philosophical themes, compelling characters and a damn good cat-and-mouse game come together into an exceptional series then this globetrotting classic is just what you need.
Vampire in the Garden
In Vampire in the Garden the fate of the world hangs in the balance when a vampire queen and human join forces in an effort to find Paradise. Paradise isn’t just a euphemism for a way to end the warring between the factions, but an action place where the two species lived harmoniously. The double entendre holds true for all of this beautifully drawn five episode fantasy anime series. Despite the story of young Momo and her fateful meeting with vampire queen Fine feeling occasionally rushed (the pitfalls of an extremely limited series) this story of a duo intent on finding a way for humans and vampires to live peacefully once again is a compelling little romance from Wit Studios.
High-Rise Invasion
High-Rise Invasion centers Yuri Honjo. A high schooler who finds herself in a twisted world of interconnected buildings known as “abnormal space.” Pulled into a wicked situation she chooses to fight back against her attackers. This is a blood-soaked dark story full of sadistic figures hellbent on mayhem. It’s got thrills, screams and a slaughterhouse of insanity.
Oni: Thunder God’s Tale
If you like the trend of incorporating new animation techniques, like say a 3D stop-motion hybrid, into anime visual effects, then Oni: Thunder God’s Tale may be just the thing for you. Based on Onari's Lullaby by Emi Tsutsumi, Oni follows free-spirited Onari on her quest to become like the heroes from (Japanese) folklore. In her quest to unlock her inherent powers, Onari undergoes transformations - that offer lessons on empathy and connection with a light touch.
The pacing is slow, but with 45 minute episodes it covers a lot of ground with fun, action and plenty of emotion pay off to balance the occasional drag. So despite being a fantasy children's story brought to such life and flair that even the crabbiest of diehards will find themselves rooting for Onair and laughing at the hijinx of the odd-ball gods and monsters she encounters along the way. A warm, family friendly story anchored by the consistently stunning animation is the perfect mini-series palette cleanser.
exception
exception takes a walk on the post-apocalyptic horror side with a story about a mission to terraform a planet that goes horribly awry. To escape AI control, humans have taken to space in search of a new home. The crew of humanoid entities created (from the DNA of living people) in a biological 3D printer called The Womb make up the advance party. Just as they arrive to start the work of making a new habitable planet, a misprint turns one crew member into a monster. Soon their ship becomes a hunting ground.
exception is a visual stunner with a unique way of bringing humor, mayhem and action. The story balances complicated questions about what makes someone human with an action-driven, unsettling sci-fi drama. Directed by Yuzo Sato, exception brings to life an original story by Hirotaka Adachi also known as Otsuichi (Goth: Love of Death) with non-traditional animation and character design that may not be everyone’s cup of tea but its original story and immersive pacing makes this a space horror a do not miss.
Tekken: Bloodline
A surprisingly straightforward adaptation of the Tekken 3 storyline, Tekken: Bloodline follows fifteen-year old Jin Kazama (Kaiji Tang) on his quest to avenge his mother. You don’t have to be a lover of the video game to find this six episode arc worthwhile. It showcases character design and story structure that’s reminiscent of the source’s gameplay but the real lure is in the slow burning reveal of Jin’s family history and his struggle to honor his mother and fight to control his destiny. There’s mystery, intrigue, and just enough fighting to keep things very interesting.
Kotaro Lives Alone
Kotaro Satо̄, a 4-year old boy living on his own, moves next door to Shin Karino, a manga artist. Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Mami Tsumura, Kotaro Lives Alone is the inverse odd couple you didn’t know you were missing in your life. It’s witty, self-aware, and relies on an animation style that only adds to the vibrancy of this adorably engaging ten episode slice of life series.
Little Witch Academia
Little Witch Academia is an underrated gem in the streamer’s library. This magical girl anime series directed by Yoh Yoshinari is a pastel drenched delight. Atsuko Kagari longs to be a world-class witch like her idol. There’s only one problem, she’s got a decidedly non-magical background. But the enthusiastic youth finesses her way into Luna Nova Magical Academy, her fav’s alma mater to train. What follows is a blend of lighthearted and hijinx as she attempts to navigate school. The animation is masterful and the characters joyfully entertaining. It’s a feel good watch with just enough depth to intrigue.
Spriggan
Based on the manga by Hiroshi Takashige and Ryōji Minagawa, Spriggan enters the list after only a six-episode debut jam-packed with action, slick character design, and a premise interesting to overcome an uneven start. Spriggan follows Yu Ominae, a 16-year-old super soldier tasked with finding and securing powerful artifacts.
With various military and private groups vying for control of what they see as potential weapons, Yu must defend against all comers if he hopes to comply with his employer’s mandate to safeguard the artifacts. Sticking close to the source, this anime series capitalizes on open-ended storytelling, charismatic characters, humor, necessary violence, and bombastic action sequences. This globetrotting adventure is all about world-building and setting up for adventures to come but still makes the most of its character arcs to be off to a fantastic start both newcomers and fans of the manga and previous movie.
Eden
The world feels like it's a bit of a constant dumpster fire. So, it can’t hurt to have a bit of wholesomeness in your end-of-the-world adventure. It’s been a thousand years since humans have been on Earth. AI robots inhabit a city called Eden 3. Their overlords are long gone, but the robots continue to farm the land. Two maintenance robots accidentally wake up a human baby girl from stasis. Her appearance calls into question all their beliefs. The two robots decide to raise the little girl in a safe haven outside the city. Eden has engaging character design brought to life with great voice acting. The story’s simple and sweet. There isn’t much trope subversion but sometimes, sweet is exactly what the post-apocalyptic story needs.
Komi Can’t Communicate
Directed by Ayumu Wantanbe and based on the popular manga series written and illustrated by Tomohito Oda, Komi Can’t Communicate follows Shouko Komi, an extremely popular girl, and socially average Hitohito Tadano. Komi comes off as poised to others at school but in fact suffers from severe social anxiety that makes it difficult for her to interact with others. When Hitohito discover’s beautiful classmate’s secret, he vows to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends at their prestigious prep school.
Komi Can’t Communicate is a stellar example of a slice-of-life anime. It explores touchy themes with a light-hearted, humorous edge. The characters' personalities are engaging, the various situations they find themselves in at turns ridiculous, humorous or relatively serious but alway relatable. Brought to life with near flawless animation color scheme and impressive character design this series is a well balanced delight. If you’re into slice-of-life anime series, not necessarily into waiting. The full first season Komi Can’t Communicate is now in the anime library.
Death Note
Death Note follows Light Yagami, a teen who comes into possession of a magical notebook that allows him to kill anyone he wants just by writing their name inside. What comes after is a captivating cat-and-mouse game between him and the investigator intent on discovering who’s behind the deaths. This classic from director Tetsurō Araki is an engrossing exploration of morality, justice, loyalty, honor, and friendship. With illustrations and character design that never go out of style, Death Note is an absolute classic. The world seems intent on being a never-ending dumpster fire. So you can never go wrong with a classic anime series that isn’t afraid to dig into the dark side even as it reminds you that life’s direction is always a choice.
High Score Girl
High Score Girl follows Haruo Yaguchi, a sixth grader gamer, as he encounters a true challenger to his supremacy at the local arcades. Classmate Akira Oono who appears to be practically perfect on every level, best his favorite game, Street Fighter 2. From there this unlikely duo bond over vintage video games that allow them to decompress and avoid the anxieties of their everyday lives. Yaguchi slow learns that Oono’s life isn’t as idyllic as it seems and that he has a lot to learn about himself and life. High Score Girl’s full of funny misadventures, sly life lessons, and acts of ego. Sometimes, you need a coming-of-age story with a side of nostalgia and irony. If you’re a gamer, and have a chaotic internal monologue hyping you up, then High Score Girl may be just the ticket.
The Orbital Children
Set in 2045 The Orbital Children, also known as Extra-terrestrial Boys and Girls, follows two children born on the moon and three from Earth. The story takes place in outer space (where internet and artificial intelligence are widespread) on a Japanese commercial space station. A massive accident leaves this group of kids stranded with little hope of rescue. They must rely on their wits, limited communications, and what’s available to try and avert further disaster…and possible death.
Written and directed by Mitsuo Iso (Ghost in the Shell, Rurouni Kenshin and Blade Runner: Black Lotus) this two part science fiction series not only takes anime to space, it stares directly into the distance and asks, are humans necessary? Iso takes direct aim at the ticking clock on Earth’s ability to adequately sustain human life. Then it ponders whether humans are capable of doing what’s necessary to save themselves. Although this philosophical schism should come as no surprise given it is Mitsuo Iso, The Orbital Children blends smooth animation, a striking color palette, relatable character design - that puts its excellent voice cast to great use - turning this into a coming of age story and full blown existential (and literal) crisis that shouldn’t be missed.
Record of Ragnarok
If you’re a fan of The Seven Deadly Sins, list mate JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure or the just idea of the gods giving humanity one last chance to prove itself tournament-style appeals, then get into the twelve episode first season of Record of Ragnarok. The pace is binge-perfect, the animation traditional, and the battles over the top (it's a race to seven victories out of thirteen rounds). If we must contemplate our own humanity and face the end, let it be watching 13 champions fight their way through the pantheon of gods.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
After a demon attack leaves most of his family slaughtered and his sister turned, Tanjirou Kamado swears to save her and avenge his family. He joins a mysterious group calling themselves the Demon Slayer Corps intent on doing anything to exact revenge. If you’ve finished all the few remaining seasons of Attack on Titan the streamer has in its library but still want your fight scenes crisp then give Demon Slayer a go. You won’t be disappointed.
See our list of the best anime like Demon Slayer.
7 Seeds
You’re minding your business, living your life. Then between one thing and the next, the world ends; leaving you behind. What would you do? Those left behind are confronted with giant bugs and flooded cities being reclaimed by nature. What a time to realize you weren’t ready for the apocalypse.
Aggretsuko
December 2021 meant a fourth season for Aggretsuko fans. This slice of life anime is full of subtle lessons about not letting life’s challenges get the best of you. Turns out, ten more episodes following 25 year-old Retsukothe as she deals with the highs and lows of her crap job as a police accountant, lackluster dating life, and life’s frustrations with heavy metal (and her werewolf-esque transformations) as her main outlet surprisingly still isn’t too much of a good thing. The simple art style is a perfect foil for the wry, witty writing and fully-loaded soundtrack. This is one series possibly destined tolist staple as long as it remains in the Netflix library.
Super Crooks
Based on the four-issue comic series by Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu, Super Crooks debuted on the platform in December. This prequel to the comic series follows Johnny Bolt and his band of crooks as they attempt to pull off the ultimate heist. This world of super-powered people offers a slick opening, simple, yet action-packed story full of quips, quirks, interesting characters, and crisp (Studio Bones) visuals. Although it won’t be to everyone’s taste (if redemption arcs and character growth are your bag then you’ll be left wanting), this 13-episode was definitely a 2021 surprise.
B: The Beginning
The vigilante “Killer B"’s turning the island of Cremona into their personal hunting ground. To catch this escalating killer, the Royal Investigation Service calls its ace - if eccentric - detective Keith Flick back into active duty. But the kills aren’t what they seem and Flick will need to unravel dangerous secrets in order to solve these crimes. If you’re in the mood for a cat-and-mouse detective story - with more than a few science fiction twists - then look no further than B: The Beginning. This visually stunning story offers a blend of mystery and horror for fans who like their anime to take ambitious risks (even if it doesn’t always stick the landing).
Code Geass
Sent to Japan as a hostage, Lelouch, a prince of Britannia, escapes after an encounter leaves him with the power to control anyone. Lelouch becomes the masked rebel known as Zero and begins to mercilessly exact vengeance against Britannia. Code Geass is a genre blend with action, charisma, and just the right amount of bombasticness to carry the story from episode to episode. This alternate history full of mechs and magic is a wild ride.
Dorohedoro
Set in a grim world, Dorohedoro is a quixotic and disorderly series about a big crocodile man who loves gyoza. It’s almost equal parts comedy and carnage. It’s a bizarre, gory, sci-fi world full of surprisingly compelling characters. With bold color and a brisk pace, Dorohedoro makes the most of its strange world to confuse and entertain.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Based on the wildly popular manga series, this multigenerational story follows the adventures of a Joestar family member - each with the same titular nickname and endowed with immense psychic strength - as they battle against rivals (and evil) down through the ages. With each new protagonist comes an independent story that expands the universe and keeps the narrative fresh and engaging. It’s sly wit and frequent hattips to popular Western trends add just the right amount of hilarity to this adventure-driven fantasy. With five quality seasons (Stone Ocean being the latest installment) now available on Netflix as of December 1st, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s addition to the best of list may just be a bit overdue.
Beastars
If you prefer your shounen occasionally NSFW and built on a narrative designed to explore themes like prejudice, choice, introspection then Beastars may be the slice of life fantasy series for you. This drama-heavy mystery series digs into the lives of anthropomorphic animals; where carnivores and herbivores are trying to coexist peacefully. If Zootopia-eques that dig into slice-of-life stories and self-discovery are what grab and hold your interest then Beastars is definitely an anime series for you.
Violet Evergarden
Based on a light novel series this thirteen episode show brings to life a story of post-war reintegration into civilian life through the lens of fourteen-year-old Violet Evergarden. This fantasy coming-of-age story tells the tale of the young orphan’s attempt to find purpose beyond soldiering. It's an introspective and touching narrative with a phenomenal score. This series is why phrases like “visually stunning” won’t soon go out of use. It is simply one of the most beautifully animated series around.
Now’s an excellent time to revisit this show then pick up with Violet Evergarden: The Movie added to the streamer on October 13, 2021.
Erased
Follow 29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma as he discovers an ability to time travel and ends up in the past trying to solve a murder mystery. This powerful ability he calls “Revival” permits him to jump back to the recent past (a few minutes) to change events and save lives. But after being accused of a murder himself, however, Satoru wakes up, as his younger self, eighteen years in the past. Soon realizing the crime he’s accused of is connected to an abduction and death of a classmate, Sartoru strikes out to unravel the mystery, prevent his classmate’s death, and ultimately clear his (future) name. Erased is a gripping adaptation of Kei Sanbe's full manga run. The story is dynamic and brought to life through gritty and immersive animation. Set aside time, because it’s a binge-worthy series.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
All-powerful psychic Kusuo Saiki attempts to fly under the radar are continually thwarted and result in a high comedy. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. follows Saiki as he tries to navigate school drama free despite his magnetic ability to attract people. It’s quirky, full of lovable characters, and hijinks. Despite its lighter tone, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. offers a quality crowd-pleasing story.
Great Pretender
Makoto Edamura’s a con man on the run. But don’t think that’ll stop him from falling head-first into new schemes instead of laying low. The Great Pretender is colorful, quick-step, offering all the elements of a perfectly designed heist film. If you like your anime stylish and your character’s too-slick for words, then this Netflix exclusive is tailor-made for you.
Latest Anime Series on Netflix
The first season of Black Clover arrived on April 1, 2024, while the remaining (2-4) seasons don’t have a firm release date yet. The first season of Haikyu!! has also returned to the streamer on April 1st, after a three year absence. Expect the second season to arrive at some later date in 2024. Season 1 of Tooru Fujisawa’s Great Teacher Onizuka about reformed gangster-tuned teacher, Eikichi Onizuka, also premiered April 1, 2024. Coming up next is Mob Psycho 100 seasons one and two on April 15th. The month closes with the release of anime reimagining of Brother’s Grimm Fairy Tales, the Grimm Variation on April 17, 2024.
How We Choose the Best Anime Series on Netflix
The goal is to have a list of great anime series that span many subgenres. We've included a mix of popular classics like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, along with relatively more obscure titles like The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Whether you're a complete anime newbie or a hardcore otaku, there's something for everyone here.
See our guide to Netflix subscription plans and costs for a more information on the streaming service.
Ro is a freelance film and television critic who’s definitely going to suggest you read Fonda Lee’s Green Bone Saga because she needs that television adaptation. You can always find her talking about anime, villain agendas, invasive species, costume dramas, or with her nose in a book.
