Best animes on Netflix
If you’re one of us who’s lurking on Netflix and have no idea what to watch next, hang in there, and we’ll give you an idea of a good show to watch – Japanese Anime. Whether it’s your first time trying anime, or you’re just on a hunt for the next best anime to watch, you can find the best animes on Netflix.
It can be a bit overwhelming to check out Netflix’s anime genre category. Seriously, there are tons of them, and Netflix seems to add new ones every week. Netflix never stops to keep their watchers glued as aside from their Netflix originals, they continue to get new licenses from other sources.
An overview of the best anime on Netflix, they’re currently streaming Devilman Crybaby and Aggretsuko. We’ll reveal the rest later.
What is anime?
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To jumpstart on bingeing this genre, let’s delve a bit into this world created by the Japanese. Pronounced as “ah-knee-may,” it’s an abbreviation for the word animation. It has been Japan’s trademark for decades now as they are the ones who originally produced them.
What was considered as Japanese’s local product is now invading international TV with its distinct storytelling, concepts, and artwork. Comparable to books and movies, Anime series and movies have different categories ranging from romance, drama, sci-fi, action-adventure, and horror.
While most of the best animes on Netflix produced come from the Manga series – the Japanese version of comics, some are produced as a stand-alone show. Unlike American cartoons like the Marvel-produced Avengers and Spider-man that also have their comics, Anime differs in the cultural nuances included in the plot. Not to mention the artistic way of storytelling and the epic story plot.
What are the top 10 animes on Netflix?
We’ll tell you. You’re never going to run out of anime series on Netflix. We’ll recommend the classic anime to start with as they will never disappoint. If you’re a newcomer, be prepared to get engrossed with the animations, the character’s cultural beliefs, and art derived from almost around the world.
Give it a shot if you haven’t already. If you’re confused seeing Pokemon and Tiger and Bunny sitting next to each other, this list below is for you. We’ve rounded it up for you.
1. Attack on Titan
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You might question humanity’s motives and up to what extent they can do in achieving their goals. The plot story goes way back to the old era of the 1800s. The story begins as you meet the main protagonists, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, who live inside a walled village.
The walls even depict social injustice back in the days as the elites live in the inner and middle part of the walls. These walls protect the people from a mysterious threat known as the Titans. They’re giants with distinctive characters. Some can’t even think on their own, while some are just powerful with built-in body shields.
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2. Neon Genesis Evangelion
A legendary anime series that not only earned interest from Anime fans but controversy as well. It’s one of the well-known and best-loved anime series that tackles the story of the battle between humanity and angels.
Like the fan-favorites Transformers and Mobile Suit Gundam, humanity used robots to fight their battles. The main characters pilot their giant robots to fight their enemies. This anime has an in-depth philosophical issue that makes it all the more interesting.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
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Whether you have a younger sibling or you’re just solo, you’ll enjoy the brotherly love between the main characters Edward and Alphonse, as they embark on their journey to restore what was lost to them.
Alphonse, the younger brother, lost his physical body as Edward tries to bring their dead mother back to life. With their deep desire to regain the younger brother’s body, you’ll get to love the balance of action, adventure, and comedy of these two lovable characters.
4. One-punch Man
If you’re on the hunt for superhero styles, this is the perfect anime for you. Unlike the normal superhero stories where the main character saves all at the end of the day, this does the same but with a hilarious twist. The nonchalant attitude of the hero Saitama is opposite to what he is.
An emotional back story to his zero defeat would make you think why failure is an essential part of life. You’ll also love the unnerving fight scenes from Yutaka Nakamura (animator of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and My Hero Academia).
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5. Death Note
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Light Yagami, the main character, maybe the most mischievous villain you’ll ever encounter. A ghastly demon gives him the power to kill someone by just writing their name in a book. Sounds terrifying? Watch until you see how many people Light murders as he achieves his goal of being the god of death.
But wait, when there’s dark, there’s also light, so the game-changer will come when Light meets his match with the character of a genius investigator named L that will play his mind games. Dive into the suspense of the cat-and-mouse chase that will unfold in this anime series.
6. Hunter X Hunter
An anime series will capture both the adults’ and teens’ interest in how the characters are portrayed. These hunters are chosen if they pass the tests and depend on their fighting abilities. They track treasures, rare animals, and human heads for bounty.
With the young boy Gon as the main character who wants to follow in his dad’s footsteps, you’ll be glued in to watch as to how his journey will unfold. The other characters he’ll meet on the way will make the plot more enticing to watch.
7. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
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Are you a Game of Thrones fan? This one’s for you as the plot compares the political issues presented in the battle between a skilled manipulator prince against his family, who practically rules the world.
This sci-fi anime will let you dig through the old caste systems, teen comedy, and constitutional betrayals. Like every hero, Lelouch wasn’t too keen on overthrowing his family’s power, but his character speaks for why you’ll enjoy this anime series.
8. You lie in April
Get your tissues ready for this anime drama. Your lie in April was artfully animated that every scene is like drifting in a dream. The warmth of the musical score with classical piano music and its beautiful animation will let you in for an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Kousei Arima lived a miserable life when his mother passed away as he can no longer hear any music from the piano keys. He was about to give up playing the piano when he met Kaori Miyazono, a violinist. Kaori will play a great role in his life. We swear this heartbreaking anime is worth every tear.
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9. Devilman Crybaby
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Intended for mature audiences, this anime will let you witness the horrors and wickedness of humans and demons alike. Devilman Crybaby is quite serious with its adult themes featuring sexual, violence, and drug use, but you’ll appreciate the compelling plot and story in all its glory.
There’s no more exquisite terror than a male adolescent transforming into a bestial demon. This is what Akira, the main character went through. Despite his worldly desires, he chose to use his newfound powers to keep his family, friends, and humanity safe. Sometimes he’ll fail, and there’s nothing he can do but cry.
10. Violet Evergarden
Violet’s childhood is too dreadful that nobody would ever dream of. As a child, she faced her bloody career as a child soldier where her arms got amputated alongside her emotional loss. When Violet had adjusted, she found a ghostwriting letter job which made it difficult with her prosthetic hands.
Violet Evergarden’s plot is full of emotions you can’t anticipate. Her turmoil and trauma in life brought her to decide on cutting off her feelings and struggle to find them again when the time comes.
What anime does Netflix have?
Although it might be challenging to choose from the list mentioned above, it’s a great headstart as the compilation was the best anime outside and on Netflix. Meaning to say they weren’t Netflix originals, but you can stream them on the platform. If you’re curious to know what anime Netflix has to offer, here we’ve gathered the best anime on Netflix that might keep you glued to your seat all day.
Japan Sinks 2020
Netflix went all out when they adapted this 1973 award-winning sci-fi novel and re-named it to Japan Sinks: 2020. They didn’t fail, as this has been ringing bells in the anime world when it first came out. The story is about a family that will fight for their lives as Japan is hit with terrifying natural disasters. See for yourself how they’re going to survive and escape to the outskirts of Tokyo while facing an enormous earthquake.
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Gurren Lagann
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Whether you’re in for some brotherly love or you’d like to be immersed in a post-apocalyptic genre with colorful animation and a dynamic story, Gurren Lagann is your best bet. After monsters have ruled the Earth and humans moved underground, an unusual pair of earth savers joined with a badass on a bikini, and a cute mole creature will wield their way to the top and redeem earth again. You don’t want to miss the intense animation and duels involving robots called “Gunmen.”
Ghost in the shell
An iconic anime with a smart philosophical context that will remind you of The Matrix and will let you witness how humanity will live to merge with machines. Adapted from a 1980s manga, it was released as an anime movie in 1995, building its international reputation. The plot consists of sci-fi world buildings, adult content, and brilliantly executed action duels.
Major Kusanagi, the protagonist, is a human-machine hybrid who works for a government security agency. Puppet Master, a genius cyber-hacker, will then enter the scene hacking robots programs and even human minds. Kusanagi and her subordinates will get to the bottom of the cyber hacker’s trail and will set her mind to ponder on her life’s meaning. You’re in for a wild ride in this sci-fi adventure.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica
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This bewitching magical girls genre seems like a typical girl power anime but doesn’t get us wrong. This takes on a dark spin. You won’t expect it to be a disturbing story of regret and friendship. The surreal animation will fool you into believing you just started a light watch.
A quintessential magical being offers Madoka and Sayaka a chance to grant their wishes, but they have to decide if they want to be magical girls to fight for their dreams. Don’t set your expectations yet, as the plot will thicken to an unexpected enticing story.
Kill la Kill
Sit back and engross yourself in this hilarious sci-fi where the clothes are AIs with powers. It gets all the more enticing as the heroes sometimes get naked to save the day.
Satsuki is the fierce leader of the Honnouji Academy Student Council and heiress of a fashion empire whose belief system was changed once Ryuko appeared in a search for her father’s murderer. These two badass characters are joined with other fun characters. Take fashion to the next level superpowered entity with lots of laughs.
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What is the #1 anime?
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No amount of anime can surpass the number one in all the best anime on Netflix lists. It’s not based on how old the anime is but on how the audience still supports it despite its ultimately hefty number of episodes. Here it goes, drum roll, please!
One Piece
A classic anime that was passed on from one generation to the next. And yes, we weren’t kidding if we’ll say that it’s still ongoing up to now. With a total of 979 episodes and still counting, Netflix has announced that they are adapting this long-running series.
One Piece is the best-selling Manga in Japanese history. The story revolves around Monkey D. Luffy’s epic journey with the Straw Hat Pirates crew. You’ll enjoy watching as the characters embed in every battle, change of locations, and the character’s development.
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Key Takeaway
With the wide array of anime varieties to choose from, each has its distinction that every audience will get to love. The best animes on Netflix will never fail you, whether you’re an anime starter or just looking for what to watch next. Though the checklist of the best anime never stops and gets added every time, you can opt to watch the most reviewed anime and what’s on our best list.
