Netflix's investment in anime has proven fruitful in recent years, resulting in a vast collection of both popular and iconic series, along with impressive original titles. This has solidified Netflix's position as the go-to streaming service for anime enthusiasts. With a diverse range of over 100 titles spanning various subgenres such as sci-fi, fantasy, slice-of-life comedy, mecha, and action, finding the perfect anime to match your mood has become both easier and more challenging.
But fret not! We've got you covered. After meticulously exploring Netflix's extensive anime catalog, we have curated a selection of the finest anime series currently available for streaming. These are the some of the best anime offerings on the platform.
BEASTARS
Beastars is an anime series that delves into the intricate dynamics of a wolf's desire for a rabbit, fraught with concerns about the potential consequences of their relationship. While some perceive it as a metaphorical reflection of the challenges and complexities of puberty, others view it as a poignant exploration of sexual violence within educational settings. Alternatively, it can be seen as a compelling coming-of-age narrative that portrays a generation of young individuals growing up amidst rapidly changing societal norms, leading to a disconnect with their parents. However, at this point, the specific interpretation of the series has become less significant to me.
The true essence of Beastars lies in embracing its unique internal logic and immersing oneself in its self-contained world. Instead of attempting to establish direct parallels with our reality, I find the greatest enjoyment in the series by accepting and appreciating its internal consistency and distinctive perspective. In this regard, Beastars shares similarities with the timeless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, presenting a tale of star-crossed lovers hindered by societal constraints, filled with sensuality, violence, and moments of frustration. Much like Shakespeare's works, Beastars possesses the ability to be interpreted and molded into various other meanings and themes, according to individual preferences.
AGGRETSUKO
Aggretsuko, a comedic animated series created by Netflix and based on Sanrio's original character, revolves around Retsuko, a 25-year-old red panda working in the accounting department of a Japanese trading company. Fed up with her unappreciated job, overbearing boss, and lackluster romantic life, Retsuko finds solace in expressing her millennial frustration through the unlikely medium of death metal karaoke. However, as her discontentment and after-work activities begin to intertwine with her professional life, Retsuko is confronted with a series of significant realizations and transformations, struggling to determine her true aspirations in life and with whom she wants to share that journey. With its offbeat humor, relatable themes, and quirky charm, Aggretsuko can be considered anime's counterpart to the acclaimed series Bojack Horseman. With four seasons comprising 15-minute episodes, now is the opportune moment to immerse yourself in this buzz-worthy phenomenon.
Let's dive into Shinichirō Watanabe's renowned masterpiece, Cowboy Bebop, an anime series that effortlessly blends sci-fi, Western, and noir elements. Produced by Sunrise in 1998, it has garnered widespread acclaim and is often hailed as one of the greatest anime series ever created. Set in the year 2071, the story revolves around four individuals: Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and the enigmatic "Radical" Edward, as they traverse the solar system in pursuit of criminals and bounties.
Cowboy Bebop is a captivating blend of retro-futuristic aesthetics, drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources to craft its own distinctive universe. Its enduring status as a classic stems from its compelling narrative, thought-provoking themes, and an exceptional and diverse soundtrack composed by the talented Yoko Kanno. If, by some chance, you haven't experienced the wonder of Cowboy Bebop yet, (1) now is the perfect opportunity to do so, and (2) I am both envious of and thrilled for you to embark on this extraordinary journey.
Carole & Tuesday, a lively drama directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop) and produced by anime studio Bones (responsible for My Hero Academia), centers around one of Watanabe's enduring passions: music. Taking place on a terraformed Mars in the distant future, this anime follows the journey of Tuesday Simmons and Carole Stanley, two teenage girls with vastly different backgrounds who form a deep connection through their shared aspiration to become musicians.
Joined as a singer-songwriter duo, they navigate the complex hurdles and exhilarating triumphs that come with pursuing a musical career. Along the way, they inspire personal growth not only within themselves but also in those who surround them. With the involvement of Keiko Nobumoto, the screenwriter from Cowboy Bebop, and original music and vocal performances by talented artists such as Thundercat, Flying Lotus, Denzel Curry, and more, Carole & Tuesday exudes a delightful and visually stunning musical anime that resonates deeply with its heartfelt essence.
Studio Trigger's Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a 2022 anime spinoff set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, earned the Anime of the Year award at the 2023 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. It follows David Martinez, a streetwise teenager in Night City who becomes an "Edgerunner" after a tragic accident and encounters a mysterious netrunner named Lucy. Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and featuring Yoh Yoshinari as the chief animation director, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners impressively diverges from its source material and delivers memorable characters navigating a predatory world. The series captures the kinetic energy of '90s anime OVAs and stands as one of Studio Trigger's notable achievements.
Since its debut in 2019, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, based on Koyoharu Gotouge's widely acclaimed manga, has swiftly risen to become a formidable shōnen anime sensation, comparable to the likes of My Hero Academia and Naruto. Set in Japan's Taishō era, this anime chronicles the journey of Tanjiro Kamado, a compassionate young boy who undergoes rigorous training to become a demon slayer. His ultimate goal is to discover a cure for his sister, Nezuko, who has been transformed into a half-demon hybrid following a tragic attack that claimed the lives of their family.
With its awe-inspiring action sequences, masterful integration of traditional and 3D-modeled backgrounds, and a genuinely touching narrative emphasizing the significance of family bonds and finding strength amidst adversity, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has rightfully earned its status as one of the most beloved anime series today. As anticipation mounts for the highly awaited third season, it is an absolute must-watch for anyone who hasn't already experienced the captivating world of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.