The 24 Best Anime Shows on Netflix Right Now

Anime is a vast medium with its own genres and tropes, and it can be difficult to decide just where to start. That’s why we have looked through the many available titles on Netflix to bring you the best of the best. There is something on this list for everyone: kid-friendly animation unlike anything Disney or Pixar has to offer, non-stop action with epic stories told across hundreds of episodes, or even the kind of mature and even gory series that you can’t find in Western animation. Here are the best anime series on Netflix.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Netflix, Korean dramas on Netflix, and best animated shows on Netflix.

Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.

‘Sakamoto Days’ (2025 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 66% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Based on the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuto Suzuki, Sakamoto Days is an anime series produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Masaki Watanabe. The show follows Taro Sakamoto, a retired hitman who has settled down to a peaceful family life. However, his peace is disrupted when people from his past come seeking revenge, forcing Sakamoto to use his exceptional combat skills to protect his loved ones while maintaining his mundane facade. The series’ Japanese voice cast stars Tomokazu Sugita, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Ayane Sakura, and more, with Matthew Mercer, Dallas Liu, Rosalie Chiang, and more voicing the English dub.

Sakamoto Days premiered the first part of its first season in January 2025 on TV Tokyo, with the second course set to be released in July 2025. The original manga is a beloved series with many fans, some of whom were disappointed by the show’s animation work. However, on its own terms, the series is an entertaining action comedy. Sure, it may not be as great as the manga, but Sakamoto Days is still one of the better anime shows on Netflix and a genuinely enjoyable watch for action fans.

Watch on Netflix

‘ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ (2023 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Based on the Haro Asô manga of the same name, ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a horror dramedy about life after a zombie apocalypse. We follow a young man named Akira whose life job took so much from him that he now chooses to live life to the fullest. The show uses these relatable themes and the zombie backdrop to launch a funny, heartfelt story about learning to live again. ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a series that will have you smiling from ear to ear. – Michael Thomas

Watch on Netflix

‘My Happy Marriage’ (2023 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Based on the light novel-turned-manga series by Akumi Agitogi, My Happy Marriage is a romance series based on an alternate Japanese history where magic and spirits exist in the 19th century. The story follows Miyo Saimori, a young woman without any special abilities in a world of mysticism, which causes her to be forced into servitude and eventually sent off to marry a notoriously cruel and domineering army commander named Kiyoka Kudou. Anyone familiar with the aspirational nature of Shōjo romances knows that, although the relationship starts off tense and sometimes abhorrent, the two protagonists will eventually see something in each other that makes them feel complete. For newcomers to anime, this series is basically Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast…but the beast is HOT! Watch on Netflix

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.8/10

Vinland Saga is a Japanese anime inspired by the manga of the same name. Created by Makoto Yukimura, Vinland Saga follows a young boy named Thorfinn (Yûto Uemura), who, after his father’s death, sets out on a revenge mission, determined to find his father’s killer. Through his adventures alongside Vikings, Thorfinn attempts to stay honorable. But over the course of the series, he is sold into servitude and struggles with the realities of his life. A darker series, Vinland Saga focuses on Thorfinn’s mental state, earning critical praise for its approach to violence and the effects thereof. – Yael Tygiel Watch on Netflix

‘Record of Ragnarok’ (2021 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 75% | IMDb: 6.5/10

Record of Ragnarok is an action-packed anime series directed by Masao Ōkubo, inspired by the manga written by Shinya Umemura and Takumi Fukui. A dark fantasy series, Record of Ragnarok focuses on exciting adventures and intricate martial arts. Record of Ragnarok is about a grand fighting tournament battling for the survival of humanity. With an eclectic roster of characters, Record of Ragnarok highlights how prominent historical figures and diverse gods from a variety of mythologies fight to preserve life from eradication. With a voice cast including Miyuki Sawashiro, Tomoyo Kurosawa, and Tomokazu Seki, Record of Ragnarok is available with subtitles and dubbed. – Yael Tygiel Watch on Netflix

‘Romantic Killer’ (2022 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.6/10

Romantic Killer is an adorably clever anime series inspired by the manga from Wataru Momose. Romantic Killer follows Anzu Hoshino (Rie Takahashi), a single, ordinary teenage girl who focuses more on video games and her cat than boys. When the magical wizard-like creature Riri (Mikako Komatsu) transports Anzu to an altered reality, she finds herself forced to befriend the attractive and popular Tsukasa Kazuki (Yuichiro Umehara) if she has any hope to see her cat and home again. Through heart and humor, Romance Killer confronts a relatable part of growing up through a whimsically cute premise. – Yael Tygiel Watch on Netflix

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 8.6/10

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s popular sword-fighting action-adventure manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows a teenager named Tanjiro (Zach Aguilar), who joins the Demon Slayer Corp to exact revenge on the demons who slaughtered his family while also helping his sister, Nezuko (Abby Trott), as she becomes one. An underdog story, Demon Slayer allows Tanjiro to explore his unique approach to slaying, which provides him a different view from his cohort and an ability to find the good in demons – or at least try to understand their view. With a beautiful animation that has a gorgeous fluidity to it, Demon Slayer reveals unique fighting styles by changing the art style to express their individuality. – Yael Tygiel Watch on Netflix

‘High-Rise Invasion’ (2021 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 70% | IMDb: 6.5/10

High-Rise Invasion is an action-packed anime series about a teenager, Yuri (Haruka Shiraishi), who finds herself atop high-rise buildings in a strange new skyscraper world. Yuri discovers she’s not alone in her adventure, as her brother is among the other high schoolers who have been transported. As she fights for survival against the white-masked killers hunting them, Yuri uncovers a deeper mystery about who is pulling the strings in this universe. High-Rise Invasion is a unique concept based on a hit Manga series written by Tsuina Miura, filled with big fights and even bigger mysteries. – Yael Tygiel Watch on Netflix

‘Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 8.5/10

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is truly that! Centered on a powerful family with superhuman abilities, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure follows the fantastical Joestars through their delightfully enchanting exploits. Crafted with deliberate use of unique art styles, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure manages to carefully bind together intriguing science-fiction elements, such as psychic abilities, with supernatural conditions, often punctuating the story with references to modern western pop culture, music, and fashion. The English dubbed version is beautifully handled by treasured voice actors, including Matthew Mercer (The Legend of Vox Machina), David Vincent, and Richard Epcar. – Yael Tygiel Watch on Netflix

‘The Way of the Househusband’ (2021 – Present)

Rotten Tomatoes: 81% | IMDb: 7.3/10

The Way of the House Husband is a short series about a gangster-turned-house-husband. This delightful series follows former Yakuza member Tatsu, who was once known as “The Immortal Dragon”. Since leaving the life of crime and marrying the career-driven Miku, he’s taken up another full-time job. Looking after the house! Between cleaning their home and fighting for the best deals on cabbage, Tatsu applies his own gangster intensity to these chores while simultaneously defying the stereotypes people might have for him upon first glance. A comedic slice-of-life, this is a quick binge that will leave you laughing and perhaps even a little proud of Tatsu’s daily accomplishments. — Therese Lacson Watch on Netflix

‘Ouran High School Host Club’ (2006)

IMDb: 8.1/10

A satirical take on the classic shōjo manga tropes, this romantic comedy follows the everyday lives of the Ouran High School Host Club, a school club of young boys who spend their free time entertaining and flirting with the young women of their private upper-class school. The show is funny, flirty, and filled with silly escapades and nail-biting romance, and the show’s characters are equally fantastical in their personalities and perspectives. Maaya Sakamoto’s Haruhi Fujioka, a young girl who is forced to disguise herself as part of the club to pay off the breaking of an expensive vase, is a quirky and wholesome portrayal of the differences between her modest upbringing and the wild and sometimes chaotic personalities of the wealthy boys of the Host Club. The show is an interesting take on the portrayal of class separation and gender expectations, with a healthy dose of high school drama. — Olivia Fitzpatrick Watch on Netflix

‘Castlevania’ (2017 – 2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.3/10

Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, Castlevania explores the hellish lands of Wallachia, a once prospering nation brought low by the dark hand of Dracula, voiced by Graham McTavish, and his demons. The series is gory, gruesome, and wrought with nightmare-inducing creatures of all shapes and sizes, brought forth by Dracula to destroy the humans he despises so much after the death of his beloved wife. Hiding away in his castle as his minions do his bidding, Dracula is hunted by his own son, Alucard (James Callis), and his companions, Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) and Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso). The three of them, a dhampir, a monster hunter, and a Speaker magician respectively, fight their way through Wallachia, hell-bent on ending the war that has wracked the nation. Beautiful animation, a thrilling soundtrack, and top-tier voice acting only add to this hauntingly beautiful series. — Olivia Fitzpatrick Watch on Netflix

‘Beastars’ (2019 – Present)

IMDb: 7.7/10

Beastars excels on a philosophical level: It’s a story about nature vs nurture, instinct vs rational thought and control. A carnivore may desire to attack and devour an herbivore, but a rational member of a civilized society will find a way to resist and deflect that urge. An alpha male may yearn to attack rivals and conquer sexual objects of desire in a detached sort of way, but those striving to maintain humanity manage to control themselves and fight their natural instincts. That’s the push-and-pull conflict that’s at the center of Beastars, whether it’s grounded in animal instincts or the power structure of a high school class system. And it’s all handled with such maturity that sometimes you forget to laugh at the cheeky jokes about the well-known promiscuity of rabbits in the real world or the fact that there’s an herbivorous panda brandishing a bamboo crossbow to take down carnivores who lose control.

Beastars is a refreshing change-up to more predictable and familiar anime series; it’s also one of the year’s best that will be hard to top from here on out. Season 2 is already a go in Japan–though it remains to be seen if / when it’ll arrive on Netflix–but Season 1 left us with a few questions: What happened to Louis? Will Legoshi and others ever investigate the death of Tem? Just who was Legoshi talking to in the final episode, and what did that empty tray of medication have to do with the mysterious figure? Hopefully we’ll find out later this year! – Dave Trumbore Watch on Netflix

‘Little Witch Academia’ (2017)

IMDb: 7.8/10

After a successful crowdfunding campaign to release a short film, Yoh Yoshinari’s Little Witch Academia finally got a full series order – and it’s on Netflix! The easiest way to describe the show is “The Harry Potter of anime”, we follow a group of girls who attend a prestigious academy for young witches. This is as wholesome a fantasy anime as you will find, with a Disney-esque sense of innocence, lovable and quirky characters and a simple story that always remains uplifting. Watch on Netflix

‘Yu-Gi-Oh!’ (2000 – 2006)

IMDb: 7.3/10

After Digimon and Pokémon battled it out for best gateway anime for kids in the ‘90s, Yu-Gi-Oh! came in the early 2000s to try and take the crown of “Best Gateway Anime with the Best Tie-in Card Game”; there is a good chance this was not only your first anime, but your first trading card game. Battle lines were drawn in many elementary and middle schools between those who played Yu-Gi-Oh! and those who were loyal to Pokémon or “Magic the Gathering.”

As an anime, Yu-Gi-Oh! is a fun show about a kid named Yugi Mutou, a card duelist who believes in “the heart of the cards” whatever that is, and solves the magical Millennium Puzzle which allows him to play host to the ancient spirit of a gambling pharaoh. The series’ mythology is vast, the story is full of twist, turns, and one endless tournament arc, and most importantly it is a lot of fun to play along if you get the actual playing cards. Watch on Netflix

‘Dragon Pilot’ (2018)

IMDb: 6.8/10

Studio Bones has given us a big variety of some of the best anime series in recent years, from Fullmetal Alchemist, My Hero Academia, and Mob Psycho 100, to the upcoming Carole & Tuesday. You should be paying attention to any series that simply carries their name, and Dragon Pilot is no exception.

A mix of Transformers, the art style of Studio Ghibli, and How To Train Your Dragon, Dragon Pilot is simultaneously a fantasy military show, a painfully realistic look at what it’s like to be a woman entering the workforce, and an all-round fantastic series.

We have an unconventional anime protagonist – an adult woman who, not knowing what to do with her life after highschool, makes an impulse decision to join the Air Self Defense Force. She quickly becomes part of a secret group of pilots that don’t fly planes but rather dragons with armor that disguise themselves as planes. Dragon Pilot is entertaining, consistently goofy, and also a poignant look at the double-binds that society places on women in the workplace. Watch on Netflix

‘Naruto’ (2002 – 2007)

IMDb: 8.4/10

Part of the “Big Three” shonen series together with One Piece and Bleach, Naruto is an anime series so massively popular it is nearly impossible to ignore. Even if you’ve never watched a single episode of anime, chances are you’ve at least heard about Naruto (even if it’s from the Area 51 memes).

It’s easy to see how Naruto became such a popular series: the antagonists are for the most part likeable, the action is stunning and well-directed, involving tactics and strategies. But more than that, it all boils down to Naruto himself being one of the most entertaining and well-developed characters in anime history. Throughout five seasons we see the aspiring ninja evolve from a trouble-maker brat into a leader and even a father, a.k.a. “Boruto’s Dad.” Watch on Netflix

‘Hunter X Hunter’ (2011 – 2014)

IMDb: 9.0/10

A young boy who embarks on a journey to find his father, who abandoned him to become a Hunter. The young boy then decides to follow in his footsteps and also become a Hunter, and along the way he meets friends and defeats powerful opponents. While the premise of Hunter x Hunter isn’t anything new, the execution sets it apart from other long-form shonen anime.

Though Netflix only has the first three seasons, they are enough to whet your appetite and have you seek out the rest. The series takes its high concept and runs with it, introducing a complex world with plenty of rules that extend to the action scenes, which resemble Naruto in their use of strategy and tactics instead of simple punches. Hunter x Hunter is also highly bingeable. You might find yourself finishing the entire thing way too quickly, so you’ll have to seek out the next three seasons elsewhere. Watch on Netflix

‘Scott Pilgrim: Takes Off’ (2023)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is a brand-new take on the story by Bryan Lee O’Malley. In this series, we shift focus from the titular Pilgrim and shine the spotlight on its supporting cast. Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is essentially the show’s main character, making for an exciting reimagination. The series contains the same DNA seen in the original comic book and the Edgar Wright movie. However, it takes the story in a new direction, and making it an anime allows it to go places you’d never expect. – Michael Thomas

Watch on Netflix

‘Violet Evergarden’ (2018)

Rotten Tomatoes: 80% | IMDb: 8.4/10

It isn’t really surprising to find out how beautiful Violet Evergarden is. After all, the series is produced by Kyoto Animation, with the news of suspected arson attack on their studio offices making this series about the power of expressing your emotions all the more tragic.

We follow an Auto Memory Doll named Violet Evergarden. She is an ex-child soldier who is now basically working as a ghostwriter for rich people while trying to find meaning behind the last words her former major said to her. The series is then divided two-fold: We follow Violet’s troubles writing emotionally imperative letters while being emotionally stunted, and also her journey reconciling with her violent past. The series’ slow pacing really brings out the meticulous art style and animation by Kyoto Animation, which turns even the act of using a typewriter and pressing its keys into an art form. Watch on Netflix