Since 2016, Netflix has made it a point to jump in the anime streaming market, with a mission to grow its consumer base by offering fans Japanese anime titles. The platform carries a slate of more than 150 Japanese animation shows and films, and has made lucrative partnerships with anime production houses and companies, like Nippon TV and Production IG. Which means it can be tough to find the best anime to watch on Netflix.
“We value local partnerships that expand our lineup, giving Netflix access to great production houses and talent,” Taiki Sakurai, Chief Producer, Anime at Netflix told TheWrap. “Our vision is to ultimately please a broad fanbase through the variety of our line-up, delivered in your language in a timely manner after broadcast or theatrical release.”
With old, new and Netflix-premiering titles like ““Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures” and “Record of Ragnorak,” the streaming giant has become one of the major forces — and most easily-accessible locations — for anime streaming. And we’re here to help you cut straight to the great stuff with some curated selections.
Here are the 13 best anime series on Netflix right now.
“Vinland Saga”
“Vinland Saga,” which is based on the manga series of the same name, was written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The series tells the story of a young man named Thorfinn — son to one of the strongest Viking warriors — who seeks to avenge his father’s death against his killer, mercenary leader Askeladd. After joining Askeladd’s army in an attempt to slay him in battle, he ends up caught in a war. “Vinland Saga” premiered on July 19, 2019.
“InuYasha”
In the feudal era of Japan, half demon and half human InuYasha awakens from a 50-year-long slumber after a shrine priestess named Kikyo — who also happens to be the love of his life — shot him with an arrow that placed him under a spell after being unknowingly being tricked into believing InuYasha attacked her. Five decades later, modern-day school girl Kagome frees InuYasha from his prison and the two embark on a journey with friends to find the culprit behind the scheme. The series was adapted from the manga series that shares the same name. It was written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, and the anime made its debut October 16, 2000.
“Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of Macabre”
Popular manga horror writer Junji Ito brings his most horrifying manga stories into a 12-episode anthology-based season, featuring some of his most popular works, including “The Hanging Balloons,” “Sōichi” and “Tomie.” “Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre” was released on Netflix on January 19, 2023.
“One-Punch Man”
Saitama is the most powerful superhero in the world, wielding the ability to murder anyone with just one strike of his fist. However, growing bored of his enormous strength, and with no worthy contenders to challenge him, he retires from his responsibilities as a heroine and falls into a depression that are entangled with feelings of dissatisfaction. The show is adapted from its manga series, which was written by ONE and Yusuke Murata. The series premiered on October 5, 2015.
“Neon Genesis Evangelion”
The 90s anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion” captures the story of a young man who joins a group of quad pilots who are fighting off an army of monsters that are attacking Earth, with a mission to destroy all of humanity. The mech anime — anime that heavily features robots, space stations and androids — was written by Hideaki Anno. Unlike many many anime series, the anime for “Neon Genesis” was conceived prior to its manga. However, the manga was released before the anime, due to production delays. The series debuted on August 20, 1997.
“Hunter x Hunter”
Gon Freecss is the son to a world-renowned master hunter who possesses the mystical ability to find treasures and hunt down criminals. Despite his father leaving him at a young age, Gon takes up his father’s craft and sets off on a journey to find his long lost father, while picking up some hunter companions along the way. The maga-adapted series was written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togash, and made its anime debut on April 17, 2016.
“Record of Ragnarok”
Will humanity live or die? That’s the question in the action-packed anime series “Record of Ragnorak.” Gods from various mythologies give humans the opportunity to participate in a massive battle to prove whether they are worthy of living. “Record of Ragnorak” is based on the Japanese manga series of the same name, and it was written by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui, and illustrated by Ajichika. The series made its premiere in June 2021.
“Naruto”
Naruto is recognized as one of the best-selling manga series in history, selling 250 million copies around the world. It makes total sense that it was adapted into a series, which debuted on October 3, 2002. “Naruto” is written and illustrated by its creator Masashi Kishimoto and follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who wants the admiration and praise from his peers and seeks to earn the title of Hokage, the leader of his village.
“One Piece”
Inspired by his childhood hero Red-Haired Shanks — one of the greatest pirates of all-time — Monkey D. Luffy sets sail on a journey to find the mythical treasure called the One Piece. Monkey, who is made completely of rubber, wants to have the One Piece to himself so he can be known as the King of Pirates. The series, which is written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, made its debut on October 20, 1999.
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”
Set in the early 20th century Taishō era of Japan, comes the tale of 13-year-old Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who enlists in the teachings of first-class demon slayers with a mission to avenge his family who were slaughtered while he was running errands. The only person he has left is his sister, who has been turned into a demon. The two embark on a journey to find the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji, alongside fellow demon slayers Zenitsu and Insosuke.
“Attack on Titan”
“Attack on Titan” is adapted from the award-winning manga, which carries the same name, and was written and illustrated by its creator Hajime Isayama. The series tells the heartbreaking story of Eren, a child who has lived his entire life behind massive walls due to his community’s fear of what lies on the outside. After a swarm of titans breaks down the walls, Eren witnesses his mother get devoured by man-eating giants that look like humans and are called titans. When he grows up, he promises to avenge his mother’s death, swearing to take down all titans. However, he soon finds out the history of his former entrapment, and truth behind the titans that he hates so much. “Attack on Titan” came out on September 28, 2013.
“Komi Can’t Communicate”
Stepping away from a bit of the sci-fi action-packed storylines is the soft and light “Komi Can’t Communicate.” The series follows high schooler Tadano, who is on a mission to help his extremely shy and non-social classmate Komi attain 100 friends. Through Komi’s journey, the show highlights the struggles of severe social anxiety, as well as communication disorders. Like several anime series, “Komi Can’t Communicate” was also adapted from its manga series, which was written by Tomohito Odo. The series made its premiere on October 21, 2021.
“Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure”
Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” was adapted into an anime series 34 years after its manga predecessor. The series is about the Joestar family that taps into an enormous set of powers that they must use to take down supernatural enemies.
