Traditionally, anime refers to Japanimation, i.e.
animation of a unique and vibrant style of animation that spans hand-drawn and computer-generated artistry.
But Netflix’s rosteras in, titles that populateNetflix’s dedicated anime genrealso incorporates anime-inspired works.
Credit: Everett Collection; Pierrot Co., Ltd; Madhouse; Pokéstar Studios; Orange
Here is EW’s curated list of the best anime on Netflix right now.
*Titles added for fall 2021 are denoted with an asterisk.
Beastars
There’sZootopia, and then there’sBeastars.
Netflix
It’s not exactly that kind of anthropomorphic Disney fair, but there are definite parallels.
This is just much darker.
It’s not hard to see the metaphor for human divisions.
Viz Media
File under:Furry obsession (but not the kind you’re thinking about).
It’s a little like a B-listCastlevaniain that way.
It’s not quite as skillfully realized between the acting, lip-syncing, and animation.
‘Cannon Busters’ on Netflix.Netflix
It’s a strong, entertaining filler to hold viewers over for the nextCastlevaniaseason.
Blue Exorcist
This isn’t your chain-smoking John Constantine brand of exorcism here.
Teen Rin Okumura and his brother are the sons of Satan, who conceived them with a mortal woman.
Viz Media
So, he’s a half-demon of sorts.
It also writes itself with the themes of battling literal demons and inner demons.
Rin goes to True Cross Academy where he tries to hone his abilities to become an exorcist.
Aniplex
The show is just as entertaining as that premise.
File under:HeBluehimself.
“I’m really excited about coming back to the world of Gearbolt inCannon Busters.
Trigger
That’s all I can really say for now.”
Watch if you:Spent your childhood days pretending to be a Transformer.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Here’s a throwback to anyone who grew up on the Kids WB!
Marvel
(Syphia’s flight by fire-bending is no doubt an Azula homage.)
Thefourth and final seasondropped on Netflix in May 2021.
File under:The night is dark and full of terrors.
‘Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn.'.Sunrise
The original will never die.
File under:Toxic male rage.
The movie has bested even Hayao Miyazaki’sSpirited Awayto become Japan’s highest-grossing film of all time.
The Straw Hat Pirates from ‘One Piece’ (L-R): Zoro, Usopp, Luffy, Nami, and Sanji.Viz Media
File under: This anime slays.
Devilman Crybaby
Sometimes the best way to fight demons is to merge your soul with a demon.
But when you become the darkness, it’s hard to prevent the darkness from consuming you.
‘One Punch Man’.Viz Media
File under:Things with giant, gross tentacle monsters.
He’s kind of like Deadpool in some ways.
He’s got an ugly face and two blades.
Netflix
The other brother, also into alchemy, loses his entire body.
Fantastical adventures to secure the coveted philosopher’s stone and restore their own bodies then ensue.
An oppressive government has its own nefarious plans?
Funimation
You don’t say.
(No longer available on Netflix as of May 2022.)
File under:The anime is better than the live-action.
Everett Collection
High-Rise Invasion
RememberDwayne Johnson inSkyscraper?
Instead, they generally give a shot to get them to commit suicide.
File under:The Purgewith skyscrapers.
Not in a deadly exploding cauldron kind of way.
It’s all sunshine and sparkles as she keeps on keeping on.
File under:Good alternatives to magic school stories written by problematic authors.
Marvel Anime: X-Men
The world of the X-Men told through the visual style of anime?
You seriously love to see it.
The 12-episode anime series that aired in Japan starting in 2010 arrived on Netflix in December 2020.
File under:the original X-Factor.
Mobile Suit Gundam
Introducing Japan’s space opera.
There are giant robots, teens piloting those robots, and an intergalactic feud.
There are also some Force-like extrasensory abilities at play.
(There will be a new Gundam series in 2022 titledMobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury.)
One is a battle for space colony independence.
The other is about child security agents rebelling with mechs against their adult oppressors.
It’s one of those highly entertaining franchises with high concepts and poignant themes.
Watch if you like:A goodStar Wars-esque blockbuster but with giant megazords.
Naruto
Witness the birthplace of “theNaruto run"i.e.
running at full speed with your torso angled forward and arms thrown backward.
Watch if you: even likedPower Rangers’cause they also mimic the Naruto run.
(“The Sea Beneath 14th Street” is what it’s called.)
File under:Fan-made anime.
But it came withcontroversies.
It flipped the mech robot series trope, essentially.
File under:Legacy brand.
File under:Sinbad but with Gumby.
It’s “better” because you remain undefeated.
It’s “worse” because you don’t have a worthy opponent.
What does that do to a person’s psychosis?
Well, for superhero Saitama, who has this very problem, he seems kinda nonchalant about it.
No wonderSony is looking to make it into a live-action movie.
File under:Jockeying all the superhero stereotypes.
Pokemon
You know the theme song.
Chances are you’re free to hum it in your sleep.
Watch if you:Wanna pika-chew on a show for a long time.
Watch if you:Need a new fantasy saga to get sucked into.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergardenis less about fantastically dramatic supernatural or sci-fi battle and much more emotive.
The series is also stunning to look at, crafted with exquisite animation.
Watch if you:Want to feel something again.
Compelled to help her, Yasuke picks up the sword once more.
It’s a show that feels wholly unique while also paying homage to some classic anime.
Plus, it’s gotGleealumDarren Crissvoicing a giant robot.
Watch if you: Are obsessed with Michonne onThe Walking Dead.
But it’s very much its own thing.
Dark stuff for a high school kid to handle.
But still very kid-friendly.
File under:Unleashing your inner gambler.
