The 15 Best Anime TV Series on Netflix

Anime is a divisive medium. Some fans are head-over-heels obsessed about their faves, while others mutter a stark "uh, not interested" when asked about anime. But to me, it's a storytelling medium just like live-action movies, video games, books, and graphic novels. The genres found in anime aren't just MUSCULAR HUNK CHARGES UP FOR 4 EPISODES TO EXPLODE REVENGE ON ALIENS, but rather go across the board: fantasy, sci-fi, drama, romance, exploding dudes, it's all in anime.

Netflix is king when it comes to streaming, and its quest for global domination has given it an interest in the increasing popularity of anime. Smartly, Netflix has been following the trend of grabbing licenses for already-popular titles, while also investing in some American-made anime-style series. The result is an influx of fantastically diverse titles, both new and old, that are available at your fingertips. Long gone are the days when I had to scour a local comic convention for bootleg $30 VHS tapes made in a dude's basement for three episodes of Sailor Moon S! The Age of Anime is here to stay, so let's soak it up!

If you're just getting into anime, love anime and are looking for something new, or just want to see how your anime taste stacks up with ours, take a look at our list of the best anime on Netflix.

Note: Definitions of "anime" differ. Some consider anime to be only animated shows made in Japan, but for the purposes of this list we are following the more general definition of anime as determined by a certain style of animation produced anywhere in the world. For example, Arcane, a series we love, is not considered anime as it's Western-style 3D animation.

The Apothecary Diaries (2023)

Lovers of medical detective shows will enjoy the riveting intrigue in this story set in Imperial China. A girl with dry humor named Maomao (Aoi Yuuki in Japanese and Emi Lo in English) uses her knowledge of herbal medicine to solve mysteries and unexplained deaths around the Imperial Palace, where she's championed by the beautiful crown prince named Jinshi (Takeo Otsuka in Japanese and Kaiji Tang in English). The historical settings and costumes, blended with the drama and perplexities of palace life among the Emperor's concubines, makes this show a must-see for mystery lovers and history buffs alike.

Castlevania (2017)

Vampires, medieval intrigue, and hyper violence combine with one of the most beloved video game properties of all time to create an incredibly fun action adventure series created by Netflix and written by Marvel comic vet Warren Ellis. This show follows the exploits of Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) and his mission to defeat evil vampires in all their forms throughout generations. Joined by the pretty-boy half-vampire Alucard (James Callis), the show blends whip-cracking action with sharp-witted dialogue for a fun romp through vampire hunting country. This show is not for the squeamish, as heads will literally roll in every episode. Castlevania ended after four seasons in 2021, but a sequel, Castlevania: Nocturne, began in 2023. 

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2012)

If you've ever heard an anime fan say, "IT'S A JOJOS" or "IT WAS ME, DIO," then it's time for you to hop on the 'ol JoJo train! JoJo's Bizarre Adventure dates back to 1987 in manga form, but the series is still running strong on both paper and the screen today. This anime follows generations of the Joestar family, with each season focusing on a different descendant — but don't worry, they're all nicknamed JoJo so you'll know who to follow. Each JoJo has the power to create a "Stand," a psychic force that manifests unique powers, and they battle others. Did I mention that each "Stand" is named after popular songs and musicians? Most recently championed by rapper Megan Thee Stallion in song and cosplay, this one's a hit for anyone who loves an over-the-top action sequence and dramatic flair in their anime. You can find all five seasons on Netflix.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019)

This beautifully animated series is an action-adventure story set in the early 1900s in Japan. A young boy named Tanjiro (Natsuki Hane in Japanese and Zach Aguilar in English) must learn secret sword techniques to defeat demons and find a way to help his sister Nezuko (Akari Kito in Japanese and Abby Trot in English) return to human form after being infected by a demon virus. This series follows the classic shounen (action stories aimed at boys) tropes of levelling up to defeat one's enemies, but incorporates the beautiful scenery of Taisho-era Japan and compelling storytelling that makes you care for each character and their struggles. Expect dramatic swordsmanship, high stakes, bloody battles, and comedic banter in this hit series that's currently four seasons strong, ending with a to-be-released trilogy movie sometime soon.

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

"GET IN THE MECHA, SHINJI!" A classic line from an important and pivotal series released in Japan in 1995 by the now infamous animation Studio Gainax, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a must-watch for any anime fan. A group of teenagers, Shinji (Megumi Ogata in Japanese and Casey Mongillo in English), Asuka (Yūko Miyamura in Japanese and Stephanie McKeon in English), and Rei (Megumi Hayashibara in Japanese and Ryan Bartley in English), must operate monster-sized mecha suits to battle the monstrous Angels that are destroying the Earth. Little do they know, the tech will test their grasp of reality and self as they attempt to save the world despite not wanting to be there in the first place. This anime is not for the faint of heart, but it's a wonderfully animated and important show to behold, pushing the boundaries of animation and mechas that would influence anime forever after its release. Take your existential fear and GET IN THE MECHA, Y'ALL! The 26-episode season, as well as the two controversial movie addendums, are all out on Netflix.

One Piece (2001)

Friendship! Pirates! A do-good spirit! One Piece is one of the most beloved and longest-running anime and manga series of all time, and it's all a testament to the free-spirited sense of adventure of its stories and the universal themes of chasing your dreams against all odds. Monkey D. Luffy (Mayumi Tanaka in Japanese and Colleen Clinkenbeard in English) and his friends set sail to find the legendary "One Piece," overcoming a grand cast of quirky evil doers in their journey. More than just a pirate outing, it's a grand, emotional adventure that keeps millions hooked week after week, making it a timeless masterpiece in anime and manga history. Netflix has all 26 seasons (more than 1,000 episodes!), and also its own live-action adaptation of the series which is definitely worth a watch for any action-adventure fans!

Naruto (2002)

This classic shounen series gives Japanese culture fans what they want with a spunky young ninja named Naruto (Junko Takeuchi in Japanese and Maile Flanagan in English) who dreams of becoming the leader of his village one day. Training alongside his team of cool-guy Sasuke (Noriake Sugiyama in Japanese and Yuri Lowenthal in English) and spirited gal pal Sakura (Chie Nakamura in Japanese and Kate Higgins in English), the team finds themselves battling against more than just their ninja school exams when evil makes its way to their peaceful village. This action-packed series is as full of comedy as it is adventure, in a coming-of-age tale that was one of the top anime in the world for generations. Nine seasons of Naruto and a healthy amount of movie specials are all on Netflix now.

My Hero Academia (2016)

My Hero Academia takes on western superhero tropes and brings them to anime in this series set in a world where nearly everyone has unique superpowers called "Quirks." The story follows Izuku Midoriya (Daiki Yamashita in Japanese and Justin Briner in English), a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might (Kenta Miyake in Japanese and Christopher Sabat in English). After a fateful encounter, Izuku inherits All Might's powerful Quirk, "One For All," and enrolls at U.A. High, an academy for aspiring young heroes, where he trains to master his abilities while facing off against dangerous villains. This show is packed with explosive battles, heartfelt moments, and explorations of what it truly means to be a hero. Netflix streams the first few seasons of My Hero Academia, as well as a trio of movies.

Blue Eye Samurai (2023)

Blue Eye Samurai is another Netflix original anime created in the West that boasts stunning animation and a compelling historical story. The series is set in Edo-period Japan, and follows the self-made wandering samurai Mizu, a mixed-race swordsman (voiced by Maya Erskine) with the titular blue eyes. Disguised as a man and driven by a thirst for vengeance against those who wronged them, Mizu embarks on a brutal, blood-soaked journey through a world of corrupt lords, deadly assassins, and personal demons. The series won the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program in 2024, and blends historical drama with hyper-stylized action, featuring gorgeously animated fight scenes and a morally gray protagonist. Season 1 is on Netflix, with a second season in the works.

Beastars (2019)

Beastars is what Zootopia would have been if the creators wanted the audience to question its sanity and morality. (Are wolves… sexy?? UH OH!) Beastars showcases the rising societal tensions between anthropomorphic animals, divided between carnivores and omnivores, trying to live in a modern society where half the population really just wants to devour the other. Legoshi (Chikahiro Kobayashi in Japanese and Jonah Scott in English), a timid, yet towering grey wolf, is a high school student intent on keeping to himself, when a murder at his school turns his world upside down. Fighting his carnivore tendencies and falling for a fluffy rabbit herbivore named Haru (Sayaka Senbongi in Japanese and Lara Jill Miller in English), this show takes surprising turns to tell a tale of prejudice, societal standards, identity, and morality. The beautiful animation is fitting for this all-animal cast, and all current seasons can be found on Netflix, with Part 2 of the final season airing sometime later this year.

Dandadan (2024)

Aliens, demons, horror, action, romance, and comedy are all mixed up into one stunningly animated show in Dandadan. Two high school students argue over whether aliens or ghosts are real, and it turns out they're both right! Okarun (Natsuki Hanae in Japanese and A.J. Beckles in English) and Momo (Shion Wakayama in Japanese and Abby Trott in English) end up fighting strange aliens and ghouls alike, while also falling a little bit in love in this clever and fun anime. The action scenes are not to be missed, with stunning animation rounding out this surprising standout in the 2024 fall anime season. Season 1 is on Netflix, with Season 2 set to drop this summer.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori (Junya Enoki in Japanese and Adam McArthur in English), a high schooler with extraordinary physical abilities, who swallows a cursed, and disgustingly old, finger of the legendary demon Ryomen Sukuna (Junichi Suwabe in Japanese and Ray Chase in English) to save his friends. Becoming possessed by the demon turns out to be a Very Bad Thing, but he's able to control the powers and soon enrolls at Tokyo Jujutsu High to train as a sorcerer demon hunter (I know, a LOT of demons in this list... it's a thing) under the guidance of their enigmatic teacher, Satoru Gojo (Yuichi Nakamura in Japanese and Kaiji Tang in English). Together with his classmates, they battle grotesque curses while unraveling a sinister conspiracy in the jujutsu underworld.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023)

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an emotional and beautiful fantasy story, perfect for those who love introspective tales set in medieval fantasy adventure realms. The story follows Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki in Japanese and Mallorie Rodak in English), an elven mage who once helped defeat the Demon King in a decade-long heroic quest. However, with her near-immortal lifespan, she barely notices the passage of time, until her human comrades grow old and pass away. Haunted by regret for not understanding them better, Frieren embarks on a new journey to retrace her steps, this time with a younger generation of companions, seeking to comprehend human emotions, fleeting memories, and the meaning of a life well-lived. This melancholic series is the perfect slow burn for those looking for an emotional story. Season 1 is on Netflix now, with Season 2 planned for an early 2026 release.

Death Note (2006)

Think you can out-solve any mystery story? Well think again, because Death Note will leave you relishing in every hint and every reveal in this thrilling suspense story. Death Note follows Light Yagami (Mamoru Miyano in Japanese and Brad Swaile in English), a brilliant yet emotionally unsound protagonist, who obtains the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in a little black notebook titled "DEATH NOTE." He sets out to rid the world of criminals, and decides that he has become a god, in typical megalomaniac fashion. The real fun of this story begins when the detective L (Kappei Yamaguchi in Japanese and Alessandro Juliani in English) tries to track him down, and it becomes a battle of wits as the two try to outmaneuver each other to the end. All 27 episodes of the anime are on Netflix, however we highly DO NOT recommend watching the Netflix live action movie that will be recommended to you right after. It's ROUGH.

Sailor Moon Cosmos (2023)

I am a Sailor Moon OG fan, through and through. I cannot finish this list without recommending this movie to all anime fans new and old, as the original series was my first introduction to the world of anime. Sailor Moon Cosmos is the two-part film adaptation that concludes the rebooted Sailor Moon Crystal saga that began 10 years ago. This movie takes the Shadow Galactica arc, the last arc of the manga series, and gives the series the proper send off it deserves. The original anime TV series added a lot of filler and took away from the stark grimness that Sailor Moon had to face in her last battle. This movie brings in all of the original life-or-death high stakes, and challenges her with the biggest revelation in the Sailor Moon story-verse ever. Sailor Cosmos (Keiko Kitagawa in Japanese and Stephanie Sheh in English) comes from the future to warn Sailor Moon (Kotono Mitsuishi in Japanese and Stephanie Sheh in English) of an impending doom, and she must fight alongside her new mysterious comrades, The Sailor Starlights, to bring peace and hope back to Earth. Themes of friendship, redemption, and the ability to love against all odds make this a movie to remember.