Netflix didn’t used to have the best reputation when it came to anime. The service would buy up the rights to distribute shows, only to air them on a significant delay from when they came out in Japan. That’s to say nothing of its selection, which was hit or miss.
Well, this anime fan is pleased to say that’s no longer the case.
In the last few years, Netflix has gone all-in on distributing anime in a timely fashion, sometimes even funding shows itself. A good number of modern hits are now Netflix exclusives. Even outside of what’s exclusive to the platform, you can currently find a number of all-time classics on the service. I used to recommend subscribing to other platforms if anime was your thing, but now, whether you prefer shōnen (think Naruto), shōjo (think Sailor Moon), mysteries, comedies, dramas, or romances, Netflix can be your one-stop shop—look no further than these 18 series for an example of the breadth of material on offer.
Delicious in Dungeon
If I could only recommend one anime on this list, it would be Delicious in Dungeon. Distributed exclusively by Netflix in the U.S., this adaptation of Ryoko Kui’s hit manga lovingly brings the author’s clear adoration for old-school RPGs and tantalizing feasts to life. Following broke monster fanatic Laios and his party as they venture deeper and deeper into the eponymous dungeon, it starts out seeming like your typical D&D fare before quickly veering into Food Network or even National Geographic territory: Because they can’t afford supplies, Laios and his crew must instead turn to cooking up the dungeon’s monsters to keep their journey going, giving the audience a fascinating look at the ecosystems that prop up the Moria-like locale around them. The result is hilarious and heartfelt, while still giving viewers enough action and drama to keep coming back for more adventures. And the animation, provided by the deft hands at Studio Trigger (famous for shows like Little Witch Academia and Kill La Kill), is a great match: equally warm and ferocious, depending on the scene.
Devilman Crybaby
One of Netflix’s earlier successes with distributing anime, Devilman Crybaby is still just as impressive today. An adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic manga, this streamlined ten-episode epic is a great introduction to the characters and themes that inspired much of the modern shōnen and tokusatsu (think Power Rangers) landscape.
That said, don’t go in expecting something kid-friendly. Under the direction of industry legend Masaaki Yuasa, studio Science Saru lovingly dedicates itself to depicting gritty sex and violence in almost every other scene, and yet it all feels tasteful within the tight runtime—more HBO prestige than exploitation. A hellish treatise on human nature, love, and cycles of pain, this story ends in some truly biblical places, and the ride there is well worth it.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Netflix picked up the distribution rights for new JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure episodes ahead of the anime’s most recent part, Stone Ocean, and with the next part, Steel Ball Run, now officially announced, it’s a great time to get caught up. Originally starting in the late ‘80s as a supernatural spin on the tropes set by classic manga and anime Fist of the North Star, the series has since morphed 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 audacious high concepts (one episode sees our protagonist pick a fight with a sentient plate of spaghetti). To be honest, I’d recommend it to both battle anime and Drag Race fans alike. And yet as bizarre as it gets, it’s always got a sense of earnestness that truly helps you stay attached to the Joestar family amid its generations-long conflicts with vampires, serial killers, and mob bosses alike.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
When Netflix financed a new dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion in 2019, there was a good deal of uproar online. It makes sense: The metatextual mecha anime, originally released in 1995, was a formative text for many American fans. And yet regardless of how you watch it (personally, I really like the new cast), Neon Genesis Evangelion remains well worth your time.
Set after the apocalyptic “Second Impact,” the series follows teenager Shinji Ikari as he gets swept into the machinations of shadowy government organization NERV, led by his aloof and distant father Gendo Ikari. Because of his rare aptitude piloting one of NERV’s few Evangelion (think giant robot, but not quite) units, Shinji must do battle with kaiju-like “angels” as they attack NERV and the city its HQ is located in one-by-one, each trying to trigger the apocalyptic Third Impact.
If that setup sounds familiar, that’s intentional. Series creator Hideaki Anno grew up watching plenty of mecha shows about young boys bonding with or piloting robots for secret societies dedicated to protecting the Earth, and Evangelion feels both like a loving tribute to and harsh deconstruction of that premise. Sort of like Watchmen did for superheroes, the show asks “how would children really react in this situation?” Guided by Anno’s knowledgeable hand, the result is a complex and avant garde breakdown of pop culture obsession, real world mythology, and perhaps most importantly, teenage anxiety.
A bunch of Gundam
A personal favorite of mine, and often held up as the prototypical mecha anime, Mobile Suit Gundam is at its heart just as transgressive as Neon Genesis Evangelion. The series has been around in some form since 1976, and while Netflix doesn’t have every Gundam under the sun, it does have enough to get you started.
You can start with the movie trilogy, which expertly condenses and recaps the first Gundam show into a few afternoons’ worth of content, telling the story of a military ship staffed by war orphans as it navigates a devastating conflict between Earth and its economically distressed space colonies. If you like Evangelion, you’ll see a lot of the same themes on display here, as supernaturally talented teenage pilot Amuro Ray is forced into battle after battle for a distant government that only sees him as a tool for war. If that sounds depressing, don’t worry. The angst is balanced out by a disco-tastic score and the devilishly charming machinations of Amuro’s rival, a magnificent bastard by the name of Char Aznable.
When you’re done with that, you can see how that relationship pays off in the movie Char’s Counterattack, which itself has its own follow-up on Netflix called Hathaway’s Flash. Ah, generational trauma. (Unfortunately, you’ll have to turn to other services to see what comes in between these entries).
If all of that sounds more intense than you expected, I don’t blame you. While often compared to Transformers overseas, Gundam is credited in Japan for kicking off the “real robot” genre, which reimagined the already thriving but frequently more toyetic mecha genre into a more grounded, Game of Thrones style political drama. It’s been around long enough that it’s now got a little something for everyone, and the selections on Netflix are a perfect entry point into the long-running series.
Dorohedoro
Another series exclusively distributed by Netflix, this is the entry on this list most likely to get you to say “hell yeah.” Like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Dorohedoro is an unapologetically weird show, following the exploits of a man with the head of a lizard as he and his favorite restauranteur 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 into it from their much more affluent but distinctly mafia-flavored world to conduct their experiments.
The resulting adventure gets a lot more dramatic than you might expect, as you quickly get attached to both sides of the situation, meeting lovable Hole residents like Nikaido and equally likeable sorcerers like Noi and Shin. It’s heartbreaking to see these two sides clash, but even so, Dorohedoro never forgets its outlandish premise and still packs in plenty of comedy. Class conflict is all over this show, regardless of which side you’re watching, but a good plate of gyoza is never too far out of reach.
A remake of the Fullmetal Alchemist anime from 2004, which was produced before the manga by Hiromu Arakawa had finished its run, 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 finale, there’s certainly a lot that gives this more faithful adaptation the edge.
Following two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, in an industrial era world where alchemists are able to use special sigils called transmutation circles to instantly reform compatible ingredients into whatever shape or form they wish, the show is a darkly comic treatise on war, the value of a human life, and what we’re willing to trade for our desires. It also has a guy who can summon explosions with a snap and a ghost-kid who’s stuck possessing a suit of armor. It holds up for all ages, but it also stands out as one of the more thoughtful shounen out there, and is a great choice for teenagers who feel like they want a bit more to chew on alongside their over-the-top anime battles.
Hunter X Hunter
Another shōnen classic, Hunter x Hunter adapts the still running manga from Yoshihiro Togashi, author of my personal favorite series in the genre, Yu Yu Hakusho (the live action adaptation of that is on Netflix, but the anime recently left the service). Generally, though, I’m a bit of an outlier there: YYH is beloved in its own right, but HxH is generally seen as Togashi’s magnum opus.
The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Gon Freecs as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of his absentee father Ging to become what his world calls a “hunter.” Rather than focusing on big game, though, a hunter in this world is better described as anyone who is at the top of their field. You could be a treasure hunter, sure, but if you’re an expert chef, you could also be a “gourmet hunter.” And given the world Gon lives in, being at the top of your field is an especially impressive feat.
Hunters require a license to be officially recognized, and getting one is a perilous task that unlocks a bunch of new possibilities for the license holder. It’s a fascinating bit of worldbuilding, and as you’ll quickly learn, getting a hunter’s license is just the first step in a true hunter’s journey. The resulting adventure is one of the most emotionally gripping you’ll find in the genre, as Gon quickly realizes there’s a lot more he cares about in life than copying his dad. A standout is his relationship with fellow hunter Killua, who has his own family issues to work through. It’s one of the best bromances of all time, folks.
Technically, the story is unfinished, as the manga it’s based on still hasn’t wrapped up, but the anime picks a strong spot to end, and the manga releases infrequently enough that it’s unclear how much more of it we’ll actually get. That shouldn’t deter you from checking out what we have—as Gon learns, sometimes it’s more about the journey than the destination.
The Apothecary Diaries
Anime isn’t all about fighting. Sometimes, you’re looking for a good mystery. Set in a fictional country heavily inspired by Imperial China, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young girl who grew up in the royal capital’s red-light district after she gets kidnapped and sold into the Imperial court. Starting off as an ordinary servant girl, her skills with medicine—honed under her adoptive father, a former court physician—quickly get her noticed by the court’s higher-ups, and she eventually becomes a go-to problem solver for a mysterious court official named Jinshi.
With a sometimes distant but always just attitude and an unwavering dedication to her special interest, Maomao becomes indispensable in solving poisonings, urban legends, and other courtly political drama, all while growing reluctantly closer to the more jovial Jinshi. The romance is spicy and the episodic mysteries have shades of Columbo to them, but as it turns out, there’s also bigger secrets at play—both Maomao and Jinshi have more to their pasts than you might think at first blush, and the slow burn reveals about who they really are are a fascinating reason to come back week after week.
Ranma ½
Half martial arts punch-em-up, half romcom, Ranma ½ has a little something for everybody. Inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s classic manga, the version on Netflix is actually a remake, and not the well-remembered original anime from the late ‘80s. Don’t let that stop you, though. While the original was deeply influential in its day, the remake features gorgeously redone animation courtesy of Attack on Titan’s Studio MAPPA, plus tightened up pacing that’s more faithful to the original manga. The show follows a boy who turns into a girl whenever he gets splashed with cold water—a premise that’s still as great a set up for gags as it ever was—but there’s also a good bit of drama to be pulled from Ranma’s double-life. The remake also has the potential to do something the original never did—actually finish the story.
Dan Da Dan
A critical darling from last year, right up there with Delicious in Dungeon, Dan Da Dan is another Science Saru joint, and like Devilman Crybaby, is similarly unafraid of breaking taboos. Following a young, nerdy UFO conspiracy theorist as he gets involved with a delinquent girl who has a history in the occult, the show asks the question: what if they’re both right? What follows is an off-the-wall odyssey that is, on the surface, about fighting aliens, cryptids, and ghosts, but is mostly really about puberty. Sex and violence are on full display here, but like in Devilman, it all feels more tasteful than shock jock-y. The characters are deeply lovable, and underneath all the high concept flash, the story is one of the most relatable and vulnerable depictions of teenage awkwardness I’ve seen in a while.
Frieren
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 credits, Frieren begins its journey, following a nigh-immortal elf years after her adventuring party has defeated the Demon King. While she’s still relatively young, her human companions have all either hit old age or even passed away, and the show follows her as she learns the true value of what she took for granted all those years ago. It’s a melancholic look at legacy, regret, living in the moment, and being there for younger generations, and while those of us in the real world may not live for thousands of years, it’s sure to be relatable to anyone who sometimes looks back at their past and thinks “if only.”
Vinland Saga
Set in the 11th century and following a fictionalized version of real-life historical figure Thorfinn Karlsefni, Vinland Saga is a brutal historical epic that follows our protagonist as he grows from a violent, vengeful teenager into an explorer in search of peace in the faraway land of Vinland (an island off the coast of Canada). His story is contrasted against that of Danish prince Canute, whose ambitions encroach on Thorfinn’s homeland.
Based on historical accounts including the Flateyjarbók and the Saga of Erik the Red, the story is nonetheless also influenced by modern conflicts, and provides a nuanced depiction of the trauma of war and the limits of revenge.
Mob Psycho 100
Written by the same author behind One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 explores a lot of similar themes, following a young psychic who has, but is not particularly interested in having, immense power. Instead of training to be the strongest around, like many of his shōnen contemporaries, Mob instead is more interested in living a normal life, spending his time working for conman Arataka Reigen and working out with his school’s Body Improvement Club. Nonetheless, trouble comes looking for him, and forces Mob to reluctantly use his power to stop it.
With fluid and often psychedelic animation by Studio Bones, Mob Psycho 100 will scratch your battle anime itch, while also making you laugh, cry, and never forget about the little guy.
One Piece
You could watch every other anime on this list and still have seen fewer overall episodes than are in One Piece. At over 1,100 episodes and counting, this long-running pirate epic has been airing since 1999. Ostensibly about a young boy named Luffy as he navigates an unusually dangerous ocean called the Grand Line in search of a treasure called the One Piece, it’s also been around long enough that it’s covered everything from class conflict to shadowy world governments. I’m told the beauty of the show is seeing elements get set up early on only to get unexpectedly paid off years later, really making use of the long-form story telling and rewarding viewers for their dedication. In truth, I’m still only in the Arabasta Saga, so I’ve barely scratched the surface. Please forgive me; I only have so much free time.
Still, even early on, there’s plenty of standout moments, from Buggy the Clown’s ridiculous powerset to Nami’s heartfelt cry for help during the Arlong Park arc. This is the top-selling manga in Japan for a reason, and if you’ve got the dedication, now is as good a time to jump onboard as ever (or you could wait for the eventual remake by Studio Wit, The One Piece, which promises to tighten up the pacing).
Aggretsuko
An office comedy that my husband stopped watching because it was “too real,” Aggretsuko is a shockingly relatable 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’s mild-mannered and put-upon during the day, she heads to the karaoke booth at night to let out her frustrations by belting out death metal.
Slowly, over the course of the show, these two parts of her life start to collide, as her coworkers get to know, and much to her surprise, like the real her. While Retsuko definitely faces a lot of stressors in her life, this show is also just as much a fantasy about the power of sticking up for yourself. If you’ve ever felt the urge to yell at your boss, this is the anime for you.
Oh, there are also 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 power whose only goal is to live a normal life keeps getting pulled into supernatural shenanigans against his will. Yes, on the surface, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. seems a lot like Mob Psycho 100, but while Mob isn’t unfunny, it really isn’t fair to Saiki to compare the two. The former is a serialized mix of action, comedy, and coming-of-age, while the latter is a pure gag show.
And it’s hilarious. Have you ever seen that viral meme pitching an anime about a character who notices they have colored hair and are destined to be the protagonist, but all they want to do is stay home and play video games? Saiki is that. The character is essentially omnipotent, and will do everything in his power to keep typical anime plots from popping up around him, from battle to romance. His utter dedication to being boring is surprisingly fascinating to watch, as are his begrudging friendships with his colorful cast of sidekicks, who can’t help but get drawn in by his pure main character energy. There’s also a short sequel series, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.: Reawakened, that picks up where the original leaves off.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
From Castlavana to Arcane, Netflix is kind of known for video game adaptations that are way better than they have any right to be, and Cyberpunk is an especially interesting example of that. Coming out two years after the game’s initial, disastrous launch, Edgerunners was one of the earlier wins in CD Projekt Red’s efforts to rehabilitate its game’s reputation, well before the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty DLC would change most minds in 2023. It’s also one of the few “Netflix Original” anime actually funded by the platform, as opposed to simply distributed on it.
The story, animated by the same studio behind Delicious in Dungeon, follows broke but talented kid David Martinez as sudden tragedy brings him into contact with a group of edgerunners, which you can think of as sci-fi mercenaries, fixers, dealers, etc. His new ties quickly bring him far more agency and power than he’s ever had before, but also put him on the wrong side of the law and frequently push him to the edge of death. He’s forced to augment himself more and more just to survive, and the series does a great job examining how the edgerunner lifestyle affects him, both positively and negatively, over the course of his life. Themes of addiction, longing, and class inequality are strong here, definitely putting the “punk” in Cyberpunk.
