It’s no secret that Netflix has an expansive library of movies and television shows available to subscribers at their fingertips. The concept is no different when it comes to the streaming service’s anime catalog, containing a heavy collection of work from both new and old Japanese animated shows. This list features the best 25 anime on Netflix available for streaming right now.
Though some may complain that many shows in Netflix’s index are old and outdated, the company is trying its best to acquire exclusivity deals for upcoming anime set to debut here in the West. The best examples that come to mind in recent history include Kakegurui, a hit in Japan right now that takes place in an academy where the student hierarchy is determined by gambling fortunes away, Fate/Apocrypha, a new entry in the well-established Fate series set in a parallel universe to the cult classic Fate/stay night, and Violet Evergarden, a highly anticipated series from the visual novel of the same name that follows a group of automatons called Auto Memory Dolls after they’re no longer needed to perform their origin function. It’s quite the impressive lineup, to say the least, and it wouldn’t be too surprising if the streaming service manages to acquire more fan-acclaimed titles in the future.
Until then, rewatching some classic anime – or introducing ourselves to shows we’ve never seen before – is always a plus, too. Shows like Hunter x Hunter, Naruto, Death Note, One-Punch Man, Fate/Zero and more are all included with the subscription and make for great weekend binge-watching sessions. What’s more is that regardless of what genre you may like there’s definitely something for you here, as action, drama, romance and even ecchi anime can all be found on Netflix. Want to expand your otaku horizons a bit? Look no further than here.
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Little Witch Academia
The North American Netflix-exclusive Little Witch Academia follows a girl named Atsuko (or Akko for short) as she tries to fulfill her childhood dream of being as great a witch as her idol Shiny Chariot. Its 13 episodes were crowdfunded through Kickstarter a couple of years back, with production headed by the well-established Studio Trigger. Little Witch Academia is a cute series to watch for fun - just don't go in expecting the best story ever written.
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is easily a modern day anime classic. Originally aired 10 years ago, this 27-episode series takes place in an alternative Earth where humans are forced to live underground. It follows protagonists Simon and Kamina on a journey to defeat the "Spiral King" of the surface, giving audiences more than just a few amazing mech fights to drool over. What's more is that the show is surprisingly emotional too, ensuring that its story is one you won't soon forget.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter x Hunter on Netflix is the second anime adaption of the now nearly 20-year-old manga of the same name. Consisting of 148 episodes and developed by the great Madhouse, the show follows the adventures of Gon Freecss and his friends Kurapika, Leorio and Killua as each competes in a rigorous exam to become a world-renown Hunter. Whomever owns a Hunter license gives him or her clearance for a variety of pursuits like exploring, animal hunting, and tracking down criminals. Each member of the party has his own reason for becoming a Hunter and as you see as the show progresses, there's no shortage of action and drama along the way. Though this is one of the longest entries on this list, the time you spend on Hunter x Hunter will definitely be worth it.
Fate/Zero
The critically acclaimed Fate series revolves around the Holy Grail War, a battle in which seven participants and their familiars, or "servants", fight to the death in order to acquire the chalice and make their greatest wish come true. Fate/Zero follows one of these participants - a soulless man by the name of Kiritsugu Emiya - as he seeks to obtain the Holy Grail under binding contract to his wife's family. Its a bit confusing at first, but once the ball gets rolling the anime's plot pieces itself together and becomes more clear. Get ready for some of the best fight scenes you've ever seen, because Fate/Zero has them in spades.
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works
Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works takes place after the events of the last Holy Grail War and follows the adoptive son of Kiritsugu Emiya in Fate/Zero. Though not taking place immediately after Zero (that distinction goes to Fate/stay night - without the colon), watchers of the first series can still understand the general plot of Unlimited Blade Works, which revolves around the next war. This 25-episode series somehow improves on the visuals of Zero, offering unrivaled animation and some of the best technical design the anime industry has ever seen.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha is one of the most recognizable anime series in Japan for good reason. Adapted from the manga of the same name that ran from 1996 to 2008, this show heavily borrows from the country's rich culture to provide a modern take on Japanese history, with protagonist Kagome Higurashi transported to the Sengoku period after falling down her family's well. Don't expect everything to be 100% historically accurate, however, as when she's there she meets a half-human, half-demon dog named Inuyasha. Together the two travel across Japan in order to assemble a broken jewel back together, fighting powerful foes and making close allies along the way.
Kill la Kill
Another Trigger anime on this list is Kill la Kill, a raucous, completely ridiculous dive into a world of blood, mayhem, more blood and nudity. This show's story (which is not meant to be taken seriously at all) centers around schoolgirl Ryuko Matoi on a quest to find her father's killer. Only 24 episodes long, this is a show you should see if you really want to know just how far anime can push the envelope.
Ajin: Demi-Human
Ajin: Demi-Human quickly became a hit in Japan and it's not hard to see why. In an alternate Earth, immortal beings called "Ajin" exist. Despite any harm that may come to them, these creatures can never die, thus making for the perfect test subjects for the government to experiment on. When Kei Nagai discovers that he himself is a Ajin, a hunt for his life and a battle between mortals and immortals commences, making for a 26-episode roller coaster ride of action, drama and high stakes.
Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April is a touching comedic romance with beautiful animation to boot. After Kosei Arima's abusive mother passes away, the piano prodigy struggles to deal with her loss, abandoning his pursuit of music entirely. Together with the help of some of his friends, however, he learns to find the strength within himself again, making for a sincerely touching tale that you won't soon forget. With only 22 episodes, this is an anime you simply cannot miss out on.
Case Closed
Case Closed is, to put it very simply, fun. With close to 900 episodes to its name since its debut in 1996, this show doesn't look like it'll be slowing down anytime soon. It revolves around Jimmy Kudo, a high school student who doubles as a detective and whose skills are so great that he even helps out the cops sometimes. Each episode has a new mystery to be solved, making for a great show to jump into and out of on the fly.
Attack on Titan
Chances are that you've probably heard of Attack on Titan. Based on the manga on of the same name, protagonist Erin lives in a world of monstrous skyscraper beings known as Titans whose sole purpose is to seemingly eat all humans alive. This is an anime with crazy twists and turns you won't see coming, keeping you on the edge of your seat for all 25 of its episodes.
Aldonoah.Zero
Aldonoah.Zero is perhaps the most controversial entry on this list. A mech anime taking place amidst an all-out war for Earth declared by the Vers empire of Mars, this shows is punctuated with intense moments of action and drama, and the end of its first season is jaw-dropping, to say the least. The same can't be said for the series' second season, although it does offer a good payoff and ties everything back up together neatly. Only 24 episodes long, Aldonoah.Zero is definitely worth a curious peek.
One-Punch Man
The viral action comedy sensation One-Punch Man is an anime you should watch if you want to fit in with your friends. Starring a bald-headed superhero named Saitama, the story mostly unfolds around the fact that its lead is so overpowered that he can defeat anything in just one punch. Consisting of only 12 episodes and featuring some of Madhouse's best work yet, this is an anime you don't want to skip.
Durarara!! and Durarara!!x2
Both Durarara!! and its anime sequel Durarara!!x2 (those aren't misspellings) can be found on Netflix, both seasons equally worthy of your time. Composing of 26 and 36 episodes for each respectively, the show focuses around the most dangerous people within the real-life city of Ikebukuro and the chaos that unfolds across eleven unique perspectives, each changing every episode. Durarara!! offers a different take on the standard anime narrative so if you're looking for something new and refreshing, look no further.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Speaking of different takes on the norm, Puella Magi Madoka Magica offers strange, dark and twisted new eyes into the popular magical girls genre. What may look cute and inviting is actually quite brutal and unapologetic in nature, leaving viewers shocked and downright nauseous half-way through the 12-episode storyline. I won't say much else other than this: get ready for episode three. It will change you.
The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
The Devil Is a Part-Timer! is almost exactly what it looks like. When Demon Lord Satan Jacob is forced to retreat from his efforts to conquer the mystical world of Ente Isla, he and his demon general Alciel find themselves transported to modern Tokyo, Japan. Without any magic to his name, Satan is forced to take a part-time job at a fast food restaurant named MgRonald in order to survive. It makes for a unique take on the proven fantasy show formula we're all used to and is definitely worth the 12-episode investment if you want a more grounded anime experience.
Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin consists of 95 episodes and, similarly to Inuyasha, serves as a great introduction to both the culture and history of Japan. Set in the early Meiji era, Himura Kenshin roams around the countryside of Japan offering aid to people in need as an atonement for the crimes he committed as an assassin in war. This anime is definitely not one to be taken lightly, as it revolves around mature themes like self-discipline and peace. If you want a break from modern spectacle and a more thought-provoking show to watch, Rurouni Kenshin is right up your alley.
Blue Exorcist
Blue Exorcist stars protagonist Rin Okumura as he discovers that he and his twin brother Yukio are actually the spawn of Satan, thereby inheriting all of their father's powers. When their dad kills their guardian, Rin decides to enlist himself in True Cross Academy with hopes that he'll become an exorcist and one day be able to defeat his father. If you're in need of more action in your life and are willing to watch an anime that doesn't diverge too far from the norm, Blue Exorcist could make for a good 12-episode binge-watch.
Death Note
Death Note is perhaps the most iconic anime on this list. With both its manga and television adaptation making huge waves across domestic and foreign markets, Death Note's 37-episode narrative revolves around protagonist Light Yagami, a genius high school student who's bored out of his mind until he notices a mysterious notebook falling from the sky. Light discovers that the book, titled the "Death Note", has the power to kill whomever's name is written in it, and goes forth to deliver justice upon a world he sees as filthy. Themes of morality are no stranger to this thrilling series, making it a great watch no matter what year it is. What's more is that a North American adaptation of the series is set to debut later this month.
Castlevania
Castlevania is Netflix's most recent anime addition, borrowing from the Konami video game franchise of the same name. Needless to say, if you're a fan of the game you'll probably be a fan of the show, as it remains faithful to the title's original cast of characters while expanding the narrative a little more. With its first season only consisting of four episodes at 23 minutes each and a second season confirmed for release next year, this show is a must-see if you call yourself a gamer.
Naruto
Naruto is almost synonymous with the word anime at this point. It tells the story of a young ninja boy named Naruto Uzumaki who dreams of one day becoming his village's Hokage, or leader. Though Netflix currently only has the original show in its catalog, the streaming service offers new fans the chance to get acquainted with the beginnings of what's become a global phenomenon.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a romantic comedy that's regarded as a classic by many female otaku crowds. The anime stars scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka as he interacts with and eventually becomes a part of Ouran High School's host club, often not taking itself too seriously and making fun of a lot of the clichés found within the shojo, or female viewer, genre. If you're looking for a show with good, lighthearted humor to end your day with, Ouran High School Host Club will make sure you'll go to bed with a smile on your face.
Bleach
The 366-episode anime series Bleach is one of the coolest shows on this list, melding modern sensibilities with Japan's rich history. It revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki after he becomes a Soul Reaper (akin to something like the Grim Reaper), tasked with defending humans in the present day from spirits of the afterlife. Though a big time investment, the more you watch Bleach, the more you'll understand just why its amassed the fan following it has to this day.
Knights of Sidonia
This Netflix-exclusive mech anime is set in the year 3394, a thousand years after humanity flees from Earth after an alien invasion. When our planet is shattered, our species is somehow able to survive on the pieces that remain. One such pieces is named Sidonia and is where protagonist Nagate Tanikaze lives together with his grandfather - that is, until the alien race that threatened humanity a thousand years ago rears its ugly head again. Its an exciting 12-episode anime worth the short time investment for its compelling setting and premise.
Mushishi
Mushishi is probably one of the least known anime on this list, but one of the best - if not the best - of them all. Centered around a man named Ginko who's committed himself to helping people stay safe from mysterious creatures called Mushi, this 20-episode show is surprisingly deep in its exploration of what motivates everyone to live. Themes of mental illness are prevalent too, making this not only the most emotionally captivating anime of all time, but also one of the most memorable.
About the author
David Lozada
David is an Italian/Latino New York City-based writer whose passions include music, anime, cosplay, movies, bike riding, video games, and just being an all-around nerd. He's always out and about, going to anime and gaming conventions alike across America and posting all of his shenanigans on social media for the world to see. If you bump into him, wherever he may be, don't be shy to say hello!
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