18 Anime Series You Must Watch on Netflix
Netflix hasn’t had the best reputation for anime in the past, buying up distribution rights to shows but airing them significantly later than they would have aired in Japan. Not to mention its choices have been hit or miss.
Well, this anime fan is happy to report that this is no longer the case.
Over the past few years, Netflix has gone all-out in distributing anime in a timely manner, sometimes even funding shows themselves. A significant number of modern hits are now Netflix exclusives. Even beyond what’s exclusive to the platform, there are now a number of all-time classics available on the service. I used to recommend subscribing to other platforms if you like anime, but now, whether you prefer shonen (like Naruto ), shojo (like Sailor Moon ), mysteries, comedies, dramas, or romances, Netflix can be your one-stop shop — look no further than these 18 series to see an example of the breadth of material on offer.
Delicious in the Dungeon
If I could only recommend one anime from this list, it would be Delicious in Dungeon . Distributed exclusively by Netflix in the U.S., this adaptation of Ryoko Kui’s popular manga lovingly brings to life the author’s clear adoration for old-school RPGs and tempting feasts. Following broke monster fanatic Laios and his crew as they delve deeper and deeper into the eponymous dungeon, things start out with typical D&D traffic before quickly veering into Food Network or even National Geographic territory: since they can’t afford supplies, Laios and his crew must instead resort to cooking up the dungeon’s monsters to continue their journey, giving viewers a fascinating look at the ecosystems that support the Moria-like location around them. The result is hilarious and heartfelt, while still giving viewers enough action and drama to keep coming back for more. And the animation, expertly crafted by Trigger Studios (known for shows like Little Witch Academia and Kill La Kill ), complements the film beautifully, being both warm and ferocious depending on the scene.
Devil Crybaby
One of Netflix’s early successes in anime distribution, Devilman Crybaby is still as impressive today. Adapted from Go Nagai’s classic manga, this streamlined ten-episode epic is a great introduction to the characters and themes that have inspired much of the modern shonen and tokusatsu landscape (think Power Rangers ).
Don’t expect anything that’s going to appeal to kids, though. Under the direction of industry legend Masaaki Yuasa, Science Saru studios lovingly dedicate themselves to depicting hardcore sex and violence in nearly every other scene, and it all feels tasteful within the tight running time — more HBO prestige than exploitation. This hellish take on human nature, love, and the cycles of pain ends in some truly biblical places, and it’s definitely worth the ride.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Netflix acquired the distribution rights to new episodes of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure ahead of the anime’s most recent installment, Stone Ocean , and with the next installment, Steel Ball Run , officially announced , there’s no better time to catch up. Originally starting in the late ’80s as a supernatural twist on the tropes set by classic manga and anime Fist of the North Star , the series has since evolved into its own beast, drawing inspiration from high fashion, classic rock, the author’s own travels, and more. It’s known for its exaggerated physical proportions and cheeky high concepts (one episode sees our protagonist get into a fight with a sentient plate of spaghetti). Honestly, I’d recommend it to both action anime fans and Drag Race fans alike. And yet, as weird as it may be, there’s always a sense of seriousness to it that really helps you stay attached to the Joestar family despite its centuries-long conflicts with vampires, serial killers, and mafia bosses.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
When Netflix financed a new dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion in 2019, there was a lot of buzz online. It makes sense: The metatextual mecha anime, originally released in 1995, has become a defining text for many American fans. And yet, no matter how you watch it (I personally really like the new cast), Neon Genesis Evangelion remains worthy of your time.
Set in the aftermath of the apocalyptic Second Impact, the series follows teenager Shinji Ikari as he becomes embroiled in the machinations of the shadowy government organization NERV, led by his aloof and distant father, Gendo Ikari. With his rare ability to pilot one of NERV’s few Evangelions (think giant robot, but not quite), Shinji must battle kaiju-like “angels” who take turns attacking NERV and the city in which it is headquartered, attempting to trigger the apocalyptic Third Impact.
If that setup feels familiar, that’s by design. Series creator Hideaki Anno grew up watching plenty of mecha shows about young boys banding together or piloting robots for secret societies dedicated to protecting Earth, and Evangelion feels like both a loving homage and a gritty deconstruction of that premise. Like Watchmen , which did that for superheroes, the show asks, “How would kids actually react in this situation?” Under Anno’s seasoned direction, the result is a complex and avant-garde examination of pop culture obsessions, real-world mythology, and, perhaps most importantly, teenage angst.
A bunch of Gundams
My personal favorite, and often held up as the prototype for mecha anime, Mobile Suit Gundam is as inherently transgressive as Neon Genesis Evangelion . The series has been around in one form or another since 1976, and while Netflix doesn’t have every Gundam under the sun, it has enough to get you started.
You can start with the movie trilogy, which cleverly condenses and summarizes the first Gundam show into a few days’ worth of content, telling the story of a warship manned by war orphans as it navigates a devastating conflict between Earth and its economically struggling space colonies. If you like Evangelion , you’ll see a lot of the same themes here: preternaturally talented teenage pilot Amuro Ray is forced to fight battle after battle for a distant government that sees him as nothing more than a tool of war. If that sounds depressing, don’t worry. The suspense is balanced out by a disco-tastic score and the devilishly charming machinations of Amuro’s rival, a gorgeous bastard named Char Aznable.
Once you’re done with that, you can see how that relationship pays off in Char’s Counterattack , which has its own Netflix sequel called Hathaway’s Flash . Oh, the generational trauma. (Unfortunately, you’ll have to turn to other services to see what happens between these entries.)
If all of this sounds more intense than you expected, I don’t blame you. While Gundam is often compared to the Transformers franchise overseas, in Japan it’s credited with kickstarting the “real robot” genre, which reimagined the already thriving but often toy-like mecha genre into a more grounded political drama in the style of Game of Thrones . It’s been around long enough that there’s something for everyone now, with Netflix’s picks providing the perfect entry point into the long-running series.
Dorohedoro
Another Netflix-exclusive series, this entry on this list is likely to make you say “hell yeah.” Like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure , Dorohedoro is an unapologetically weird show that follows the exploits of a lizard-headed man as he and his favorite restaurateur navigate the seedy magical underworld of The Hole, the slum where they live. As it turns out, The Hole is used as a testing ground for a society of sorcerers who teleport there from their much wealthier, but clearly mafia-infused world to conduct their experiments.
The resulting adventure is far more dramatic than you might expect, as you quickly become attached to both sides of the situation, meeting cute Hole residents like Nikaido and equally cute wizards like Noi and Shin. It’s heartbreaking to see these two sides clash, but even so, Dorohedoro never forgets its outlandish premise and still contains plenty of comedy. Class conflict is present throughout this series no matter which side you’re looking at, but a good plate of gyoza is always just out of reach.
Brotherhood of Fullmetal Alchemists
A remake of the 2004 anime Fullmetal Alchemist that was released before Hiromu Arakawa’s manga was finished, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood has replaced its predecessor in the eyes of many fans. Personally, I think both are worth watching, but with more characters and a more fleshed-out ending, there’s certainly a lot that gives this more faithful adaptation the edge.
Following two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, in an industrial-age world where alchemists can use special symbols called transmutation circles to instantly transform compatible ingredients into any shape or form they desire, the series is a darkly comic treatise on war, the value of human life, and what we’re willing to trade for our desires. There’s also a guy who can cause explosions with a snap and a ghost kid who gets stuck in a suit of armor. It’s suitable for all ages, but also stands out as one of the more thoughtful shonen out there, and is a great choice for teens who feel like they want a little more to chew on along with their awesome anime battles.
Hunter x Hunter
Another shonen classic, Hunter x Hunter adapts a still-running manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, the manga writer behind my favorite shonen series , Yu Yu Hakusho (a live-action adaptation of which is on Netflix, but the anime recently left the service). Overall, though, I’m a bit of an outlier here: YYH is beloved in its own right, but HxH is generally regarded as Togashi’s magnum opus.
The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Gon Freecss, who is trying to follow in the footsteps of his absent father, Ging, and become what is known in his world as a “hunter.” However, rather than focusing on big game, a hunter in this world is better described as anyone at the top of their field. Sure, you could be a treasure hunter, but if you’re a skilled chef, you could also be a “gourmet hunter.” And given the world Gon lives in, being the best in your field is a particularly impressive feat.
Hunters need a license to be officially recognized, and getting one is a dangerous task that opens up a ton of new opportunities for the license holder. It’s a fun piece of world-building, and as you’ll quickly learn, getting a hunting license is just the first step in becoming a true hunter. The resulting adventure is one of the most emotionally gripping in the genre, as Gon quickly realizes that he cares about much more in life than copying his father. What’s outstanding is his relationship with fellow hunter Killua, who has his own family issues to deal with. Guys, this is one of the best bromances of all time.
Technically, the story isn’t finished, as the manga it’s based on hasn’t finished yet, but the anime picks a strong point to end on, and the manga is released infrequently enough that it’s unclear how much more of it we’ll actually get. That shouldn’t stop you from checking out what we’ve got — as Gon learns, sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination.
Pharmacist’s diaries
Anime isn’t just about fighting. Sometimes you’re looking for a good mystery. The Apothecary Diaries is set in a fictional country heavily inspired by Imperial China. It follows Maomao, a young girl who grows up in the red-light district of the royal capital after being kidnapped and sold to the imperial court. Starting out as a common servant, her medical skills, honed by her adoptive father, a former court physician, quickly catch the attention of the highest courtiers, and she eventually becomes a problem solver for a mysterious court official named Jinshi.
With a sometimes distant but always fair attitude and an unwavering dedication to her special interest, Maomao becomes indispensable in uncovering poisonings, urban legends and other courtly political dramas, all the while reluctantly bonding with the more cheerful Jinshi. The romance is poignant and the occasional mystery has shades of Columbo , but as it turns out, there are bigger secrets at play – both Maomao and Jinshi have more in their pasts than you might initially think, and the slow reveal of who they really are is a thrilling reason to come back week after week.
Ranma ½
Part martial arts, part romantic comedy, Ranma ½ has something for everyone. Inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s classic manga, the Netflix version is actually a remake rather than the well-remembered original anime from the late ’80s. But don’t let that stop you. While the original was deeply influential in its time, the remake features gorgeously remastered animation courtesy of Studio MAPPA from Attack on Titan , as well as a crisper pacing that’s more faithful to the original manga. The show is about a boy who turns into a girl when he is doused with cold water—a premise that still makes great setup for jokes as before—but there’s also a good dose of drama to be drawn from Ranma’s double life. The remake also has the potential to do something the original never did – actually finish the story.
Dan Yes Dan
A critical darling of last year along with Delicious in Dungeon , Dan Da Dan is another Science Saru collaboration, and like Devilman Crybaby , it’s also not afraid to break taboos. Following a young, nerdy UFO conspiracy theorist who becomes involved with a criminal who has a history in the occult, the show asks the question: what if they’re both right? What follows is an unusual odyssey that, on the surface, involves fighting aliens, cryptids, and ghosts, but is actually mostly about puberty. The sex and violence are on full display here, but like Devilman , it all feels more subtle than shocking. The characters are deeply endearing, and underneath all the high-concept flash, the story is one of the most relatable and vulnerable portrayals of teenage awkwardness I’ve seen in a while.
Freeren
In an unusual premise for a fantasy anime, Frieren , subtitled “Beyond Journey’s End”, asks the question “what happens after you save the world?” Where other shows would roll over the credits, Frieren begins its journey by following a near-immortal elf years after her adventuring party defeated the Demon King. Although she is still relatively young, all of her human companions have either reached old age or died altogether, and the show follows her as she learns the true value of something she took for granted all those years ago. It’s a melancholy look at legacy, regret, living in the present and being around younger generations, and while those of us in the real world may not live for thousands of years, it will certainly resonate with anyone who sometimes looks back on their past and thinks “if only.”
Vinland Saga
The Vinland Saga is set in the 11th century and is based on a fictionalized version of the real-life historical figure Thorfinn Karlsefni. It’s a brutal historical epic that follows our protagonist as he grows from a bitter, vengeful teenager into an explorer seeking peace in the distant land of Vinland (an island off the coast of Canada). His story contrasts with that of the Danish prince Canute, whose ambitions encroach on Thorfinn’s homeland.
Based on historical sources including Plateyarbok and the Saga of Eric the Red, the story is, however, also influenced by contemporary conflicts and provides a nuanced depiction of the traumas of war and the limits of revenge.
Mob Psycho 100
Written by the same author as One Punch Man , Mob Psycho 100 explores many similar themes, following a young psychic who has enormous power but isn’t particularly interested in wielding it. Instead of training to become the strongest like many of his shonen contemporaries, Mob is more interested in living a normal life, spending his time working for the rogue Arataka Reigen and training for the school’s body enhancement club. However, trouble catches up with him and makes Mob reluctant to use his power to stop it.
Featuring smooth and often psychedelic animation from Studio Bones, Mob Psycho 100 will satisfy your battle anime cravings while also making you laugh, cry, and never forget about the little guy.
One piece
You can watch any other anime on this list and still watch fewer episodes than One Piece . This long-running pirate epic has been on the air since 1999, with over 1,100 episodes. Ostensibly about a little boy named Luffy who travels through an unusually dangerous ocean called the Grand Line in search of a treasure called One Piece. It has also been around long enough to cover everything from class conflict to shadow world governments. I’m told that the beauty of the show is that elements are established early on and then pay off in unexpected ways years later, truly leveraging in-depth storytelling and rewarding viewers for their dedication. Truth be told, I’m still only in The Arabasta Saga, so I’ve barely scratched the surface of it. Please forgive me; I have very little free time.
However, even early on there are many standout moments, from Buggy the Clown’s ridiculous strength to Nami’s heartfelt cry for help during the Arlong Park arc. It’s the best-selling manga in Japan for a reason, and if you’re committed, there’s never been a better time to jump on board (or you can wait for Studio Wit’s definitive remake, The One Piece , which promises to pick up the pace).
Aggretsuko
An office comedy that my husband stopped watching because it was “too real,” Aggretsuko is a stunningly entertaining show considering it’s about anthropomorphic animals living in Sanrio’s Hello Kitty world. Following an adorable red panda named Retsuko, the gimmick is that while she acts soft and resentful during the day, at night she heads to a karaoke booth to vent her frustrations by singing death metal.
Slowly, as the show progresses, these two parts of her life begin to collide as her co-workers recognize her, and much to her surprise, the real her. While Retsuko definitely faces a lot of stressors in her life, the show is also a fantasy about standing up for yourself. If you’ve ever felt the urge to yell at your boss, this is the anime for you.
Oh, there are still boys. So. Many. Boys.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: A young boy with immense psychic powers whose only goal is to live a normal life keeps getting pulled into supernatural shenanigans against his will. Yes, at first glance, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is very similar to Mob Psycho 100 , but while Mob isn’t unfunny, it’s really unfair for Saiki to compare the two. The former is a serialized mix of action, comedy, and coming-of-age, while the latter is a pure joke show.
And it’s hilarious. Have you ever seen that viral meme about an anime character who notices that he has dyed hair and is destined to be the main character, but all he wants to do is stay home and play video games? Saiki is that. The character is essentially all-powerful and will do everything in his power to prevent typical anime plots from arising around him, from battle to romance. His complete commitment to being boring is surprisingly entertaining to watch, as are his reluctant friendships with a colorful cast of pals who can’t help but be drawn in by the sheer energy of his protagonist. There’s also a short sequel series, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Awakening , which picks up where the original leaves off.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
From Castlavana to Arcane , Netflix has a reputation for making video game adaptations that are way better than they have any right to be, and Cyberpunk is a particularly interesting example of that. Coming two years after the game’s disastrous launch , Edgerunners was an early win in CD Projekt Red’s efforts to restore its game’s reputation, long before the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty DLC changed most opinions in 2023. It’s also one of the few “Netflix original anime” that’s actually funded by the platform, rather than just distributed on it.
The story, created by the same studio that made Delicious in Dungeon , follows poor but talented young man David Martinez as a sudden tragedy brings him into contact with a group of runners, who are what you might call sci-fi mercenaries, fixers, dealers, etc. His new connections quickly bring him far more agency and power than ever before, but also put him on the wrong side of the law and often push him to the brink of death. He is forced to improve himself more and more in order to survive, and the series does a great job of showing how the runner lifestyle affects him, both positively and negatively, throughout his life. The themes of addiction, angst, and class inequality are strong here, definitely adding a punk edge to Cyberpunk .