Over the past few years, Netflix has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in anime streaming, securing titles new and old to bolster its catalogue. The platform looks to continue this trend in 2019 as well, and out of what’s been announced, these are the best anime coming to Netflix in 2019.
Best Anime Coming to Netflix in 2019
Neon Genesis Evangelion (Air Date: Spring 2019)
After being out of print and unavailable for legal streaming in the west for more than a decade, the landmark series Neon Genesis Evangelion will finally be available to viewers through Netflix.
The streaming service recently announced they’d acquired the rights not only to the original television show, but also its two feature films.
As such, fans new and old will be able to watch the journey of Eva pilot Shinji Ikari in its entirety from his first foray into mech battles all the way to its trippy, philosophical conclusion.
There is some controversy around Netflix’s handling of the series. The president of Funimation has voiced his concerns about the platform’s handling of Evangelin’s brand, while the original dub cast have been vocal about not being approached to reprise their roles for the series’ planned redub.
Regardless, it’s a big win for anime fans and a much needed preservation of one of the medium’s best works.
Best Anime Coming to Netflix in 2019
Ultraman (Air Date: Apr. 1, 2019)
A new take on the iconic classic, Netflix’s Ultraman has a lot going for it even before release.
Set several years after the story of the original Ultraman, the plot is centered around the hero’s teenage son, Shinjiro Hayata. After encountering a new evil with the same powers as Ultraman, hellions of his lineage and must take up the hero’s mantle to save the world.
The only problem is, he still lacks the ability to control Ultraman’s powers, and as a result must don a special mechanized suit to harness them.
With it, he may be able to hold off this new threat just long enough to understand his abilities and embrace his new found role as the world’s protector in earnest.
Host to gorgeous 3D visuals and an interesting premise, the series looks to be everything fans could want from a new adaptation of the property. It also helps that Production I.G., a studio with experience in 3D animation, is involved in its production, further bolstering hopes for the series’ success.
Best Anime Coming to Netflix in 2019
Kakegurui Season 2 (Air Date: Mid-to-late 2019)
One of the bigger hits from last year’s anime offerings on Netflix, Kakegurui certainly isn’t lacking in an interesting premise.
Set in a high school where students resolve issues and establish their hierarchy through gambling, it follows transfer student Yumeko Jabami as she takes on the student council in more and more elaborate games of chance.
This includes everything from a social status defining game of rock paper scissors to a high-stakes tarot card drawing that could place Yumeko under the control of someone else for the rest of her life.
Each new twist on the different games of chance, and the ways in which protagonist Yumeko Jabami overcame them, only got more exciting as the series progressed. Fans were understandably enraptured by each new episode and couldn’t wait for more.
Luckily, a new season has already been announced and the property remains licensed by Netflix. It’s currently scheduled for a January premiere in Japan and will run through the winter season with 12 new episodes.
Less fortunate is that it will take time for the series’ dub to be produced, and due to Netflix’s binge style of releases, fans will have to wait until the full product is ready sometime later in the year.
Best Anime Coming to Netflix in 2019
Godzilla: Planet Eater (Air Date: Jan. 9, 2019)
The thrilling conclusion to the trilogy of animated Godzilla films available on Netflix, Godzilla: Planet Eater sees the stakes higher than they’ve ever been for humanity and Godzilla alike.
Following the destruction of Mechagodzilla city, Haruo and the rest of the city’s survivors find themselves split on what to do next. Some wish to establish some form of peaceful existence on earth, while others believe they can find some way to defeat Godzilla once and for all with the use of Mechagodzilla’s remnants.
This all comes to a head when Ghidorah, an ancient god said to be even more powerful than Godzilla, is summoned to earth by an alien race aiding the humans, sparking a world ending battle between the two beasts. The winner could prove to be a new savior for humanity… or an even worse threat.
While the trilogy has had its missteps, Planet Eater looks to have learned from these mistakes. The visuals are at the top of their game, and the story looks to be poised for a climactic conclusion to the darker take on the Godzilla mythos established by the films.
Best Anime Coming to Netflix in 2019
Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac (Air Date: Summer 2019)
Another reimagining of a well known property, Netflix’s Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac brings the shonen series’ armor clad heroes into a 3D animated epic with a few new twists.
Like in the original series, the story follows a young man named Seiya. After obtaining the holy armor of Pegasus, he must team up with four other holy knights to protect the goddess Athena and prevent malevolent gods from taking control of the world.
To this end, the five knights must do battle with the forces of evil, whether that means defeating the evil minions of the gods or rooting out malevolent forces that lurk within their own ranks.
Though there has been some anger around changes made to the series, like a gender swap for Andromeda Shun, one of the five main characters in the series, the show still shows potential for bringing the beloved series into the modern age. Until then, fans can look forward to its release come the summer of 2019.
Looking to add a few more anime to your 2019 watch list? Look no further than our list of the 15 best new anime of 2019 to have on your radar. For other anime recommendations, check out our list of the 12 most underrated anime you need to watch.
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