Thrilling escapades, quirky humor, and heartwarming tales — the world of anime offers a unique flair and essence that stands apart. Whether in movies or TV series, their style and soul are truly unmatched.
Remember those beloved 90s cartoon characters?
Well, alongside them, Netflix is blending the charm of long-standing legends like Pokémon with the brilliance of single-season wonders like Cowboy Bebop.
It’s a thrilling mix of action, romance, mesmerizing fantasy, and edgy cyberpunk sci-fi. Keeping up with so many titles flashing across the screen is challenging.
But one thing’s for sure: anime’s star on Netflix isn’t dimming anytime soon, even if individual titles come and go.
Dive in and rediscover the magic!
This Article Include
- 20. Ouran High School Host Club
- 19. Lookism
- 18. 7SEEDS
- 17. Little Witch Academia
- 16. Violet Evergarden
- 15. Sword Art Online
- 14. Devilman Crybaby
- 13. Record of Ragnarok
- 12. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- 11. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
- 10. Cardcaptor Sakura
- 9. Death Note
- 8. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
- 7. Beastars
- 6. The Way of the Househusband
- 5. One Punch Man
- 4. Attack on Titan
- 3. Naruto
- 2. Hunter x Hunter
- 1. Cowboy Bebop
20. Ouran High School Host Club
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70205014
Streaming on Netflix, this romantic comedy offers a satirical twist on classic shōjo manga conventions. Dive into the whimsical world of the Ouran High School Host Club, where young boys devote their leisure hours to charm and entertain the young ladies of their elite school.
Filled with laughter, playful flirtations, heart-racing romance, and zany adventures, the characters of the show stand out with their over-the-top personalities and viewpoints.
19. Lookism
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/81177634
Lookism, a best Netflix webtoon, has garnered significant scholarly attention from both cultural studies and economic viewpoints.
In cultural studies, Lookism delves into the biases around beauty, cultural stereotypes based on appearance, and ingrained gender roles and expectations. As of 2022, Lookism continues to be a compelling series with 400+ episodes.
While the English translation is lagging by four chapters from the original, the webtoon has steadily received acclaim from Korean readers and international audiences alike for its bold approach to addressing South Korea’s pressing social issues.
18. 7SEEDS
watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80183051
Yumi Tamura wrote and illustrated the Japanese manga series 7 Seeds, which stands out as one of the best anime on Netflix.
The story plunges readers into a post-apocalyptic future where a meteorite has struck Earth, leading to the evolution of new species. The narrative actively follows five groups of young adults grappling with survival after awakening from cryonic preservation.
17. Little Witch Academia
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80156387
This top Netflix anime offers a thrilling experience for viewers. Trigger, as always, delivers smooth and standout animation.
The art style captivates with its quirks, and each character design catches your eye – especially Akko, whose more generic look effectively emphasizes her ordinariness amidst her extraordinary peers.
However, I do feel they could improve on the world-building. The magic system remains ambiguous, they barely scratch the surface of the lore surrounding spirits and magical creatures, and the setting feels as unclear as a rushed game review.
16. Violet Evergarden
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80182123
War might be hell, but for Violet, what follows proves even more challenging. After enduring a brutal stint as a child soldier, which cost her both her arms and her emotional growth, Violet grapples with adapting to a peaceful world.
The depth of Violet’s trauma led her to disconnect from her own feelings. As she strives to reconnect with them, the narrative showcases the transformative nature of writing, therapy, robust support systems, and patience.
You can watch both the show and the film on Netflix.
15. Sword Art Online
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70302573
From the get-go in Sword Art Online, one of the best action anime shows on Netflix, the characters find themselves trapped in a virtual prison.
They confront their peers’ escalating mental health issues and must join forces to endure. While many shows about video gaming can lose steam quickly, Sword Art Online instantly elevates its stakes.
Kirito and Asuna, the lead characters, battle adversaries and engage deeply with their allies inside the titular game, striving to understand its regulations and uncover the secrets of players who manipulate them.
14. Devilman Crybaby
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80174974
Devilman Crybaby perfectly captures the essence of anime from my younger days and stands as a top-tier anime to stream. It showcases stellar animation, unflinching gore, and an unapologetic approach to controversial topics.
For those acquainted with Devilman, the series offers a nostalgic blend of nods, fourth-wall breaks, and revamped scenes from yesteryears.
Yet, for newcomers, it’s intriguing to note that the themes in Devilman Crybaby brilliantly merge elements from the original anime and manga.
13. Record of Ragnarok
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/81281579
As one of the best action anime series on Netflix, Record of Ragnarok, directed by Masao Ōkubo, draws inspiration from the manga crafted by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui.
This dark fantasy series delves deep into exhilarating adventures and sophisticated martial arts. The story centers on a monumental fighting tournament where the stakes are the very survival of humanity.
With its diverse characters, Record of Ragnarok showcases battles between notable historical figures and gods from various mythologies, all striving to prevent the annihilation of life.
12. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/81091393
Demon Slayer has now claimed the top spot, surpassing my previous favorite anime, Howl’s Moving Castle, from the early 2000s. And to think I took so long to discover it! Transitioning from the book to the series, it’s a mix of dark beauty, profoundness, and humor.
Among the best animes on Netflix, it evokes a whirlwind of emotions, from laughter and tears to hope for our complex, bittersweet world.
The author intentionally crafted something unique and exceptional, achieving a genuine masterpiece.
Whether Viz Media, Ufotable, Shonen Jump, or another studio takes the helm, I anticipate brilliance.
11. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80117781
Saiki possesses incredibly potent psychic powers, arguably making him the most powerful anime character ever, surpassing even One Punch Man and Goku.
Yet, the tension arises when he attempts to live an ordinary life among everyday people, which is the central theme of “The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.”
Instead of a linear narrative, the show presents several mini-episodes within each 24-minute slot. Without a overarching plot, you don’t need to invest heavily in sequential episodes to grasp an expansive story. This anime offers light-hearted entertainment and comes highly recommended!
10. Cardcaptor Sakura
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70309056
This enjoyable anime boasts impressive animation, charming characters, and a compelling plot, making it a must-watch anime. However, if you opt for the English Dub, it might tarnish the show’s brilliance. While I’ve encountered some dreadful dubs, this one might top the list.
It’s not that I always favor subs over dubs – I genuinely adore several dubs, like Rurouni Kenshin. In this case, though, the voice actors in the sub perfectly match every character.
9. Death Note
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70204970
Light Yagami from Death Note, an anime streaming on Netflix, ranks among the most diabolical Macbethian antagonists of recent times.
In a gripping span of 37 episodes, he takes countless lives using the series’ magical titular book, consistently deceives nearly everyone around him, and aspires to create his own version of paradise, deeming himself a god of death.
His ambitions are challenged when the brilliant investigator, L, initiates his strategic maneuvers, turning the series into an enthralling, suspense-filled cat-and-mouse chase that stands out through the ages.
8. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80179831
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, one of the best anime series on Netflix, lives up to its name with its spellbinding tales. This series showcases the powerful Joestar family and their superhuman escapades.
Featuring a distinct blend of art styles, the show masterfully intertwines sci-fi elements like psychic powers with supernatural themes. Furthermore, it frequently nods to modern western pop culture, music, and fashion, enhancing its appeal and relatability.
7. Beastars
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/81054847
When I first came across this show’s trailer, I was skeptical. Yet, diving into the episodes proved one of my best decisions. The voice acting truly shined, particularly Haru’s voice actor, who brought depth and nuance to the character.
It’s reminiscent of Zootopia, but this show takes it to another level by integrating the unique elements of anime. Paired with superior writing, it delves into mature themes, seamlessly blending violence, intimacy, and intense drama.
Binge-watching the entire season in one night was a thrilling experience, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. This is a must-watch if you’re looking for a captivating show with depth!
6. The Way of the Househusband
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/81261669
Now streaming on Netflix, this delightful TV show draws inspiration from an award-winning comedy manga. You’re bound to burst into laughter more than a few times!
With a breezy format akin to “Friends” rather than the intensity of “Breaking Bad,” the show offers a refreshing take without compromising on quality. It’s a must-watch for those who adore light comedy or are interested in yakuza narratives.
For fans of the Yakuza video game series, this comes as a special treat, echoing the zany vibe and familiar characters, reminiscent of beloved game personas like Majima and Kiryu combined.
5. One Punch Man
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80117291
One Punch Man stands out not only as one of the best superhero satires ever crafted but also as one of the best anime on Netflix.
Essentially, it narrates the tale of a man who, through sheer will, becomes the most formidable hero. Having watched the first season, I eagerly await more.
The protagonist, One Punch, often finds himself in ennui, given that nearly no adversary can withstand a single punch from him. Tornado, the fiery green-haired telekinetic heroine, is my second favorite character. This anime is a must-watch, primarily for its unparalleled humor.
4. Attack on Titan
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70299043
Emerging as one of the best anime on Netflix 2023, this series captivated me from the first episode and held my attention until the end.
Even after multiple viewings of all its episodes, it never fails to evoke the same emotions as the first time I watched it. It’s a masterpiece with a riveting storyline, phenomenal music, and impeccable animation.
For those who mistakenly believe animated series are only for children, introduce them to this anime. Its intense depictions of blood, gore, severed limbs, and mortality will make them rethink their stance. Here is an article on All Attack on Titan Maps.
3. Naruto
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70205012
Naruto ranks among the good animes on Netflix and is arguably one of the most phenomenal anime series globally. It masterfully blends comedy, drama, and riveting action sequences.
The pinnacle of its action is undoubtedly the meticulously crafted fight between Naruto and Sasuke at the Valley of the End, which seems like it took weeks of dedication to produce.
While I was an ardent fan of Dragon Ball Z, Naruto surpasses it in many respects. The only minor setbacks are the numerous filler episodes starting around episode 145 and the frequent flashbacks detailing the characters’ pasts. Nevertheless, it’s a must-watch series.
2. Hunter x Hunter
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/70300472
Hunter x Hunter stands out as the pinnacle of Shonen anime streaming on Netflix. While there might be another contender in my view, it doesn’t strictly fall into the Shonen category.
This anime boasts some of the most brilliantly crafted characters in the anime world, from Meruem, Killua, and Kurapika to Hisoka, Chrollo, Neferpitou, Gon, and Netero.
The underlying philosophy of the series, which I won’t give away, ranks among the finest in the anime universe. Coupled with thrilling battles that aren’t overdone, the series ensures that every climax feels genuinely deserved and gratifying.
1. Cowboy Bebop
Watch – https://www.netflix.com/title/80001305
Cowboy Bebop reigns supreme as the best anime series I’ve ever encountered, and it’s also one of the best anime on Netflix. Far removed from typical children’s themes and exaggerated characters, this is a genuine anime tailored for mature audiences.
While it certainly includes its fair share of humorous moments, Cowboy Bebop masterfully weaves them into a rich tapestry of drama, action, suspense, and thrill.
It stands as the pinnacle of sophisticated and cool anime, a testament to an art form I once believed was fading. For more information follow our website Top Movie Rankings.
