In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best anime series on Netflix, ranked by Sportslumo's writers,
Netflix has greatly expanded its anime library in recent years, featuring a mix of well-known classics and original titles that have quickly gained popularity. The streaming giant has been thoughtful in selecting anime series across various genres, including action, comedy, and romance. Whether you are a seasoned anime fan or just starting, there is something for everyone. The 10 Best Anime Series on Netflix. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best anime series on Netflix, ranked by Sportslumo’s writers, with our favorites taking the lead. These anime titles are guaranteed to captivate the attention of both anime veterans and newcomers alike. And if things get too strange, remember the safe word: yamero. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the exciting world of anime on Netflix.
Hunter x Hunter stands out among other shonen anime because of its attention to detail and emotional investment. Unlike many others in the genre, the series doesn’t rely solely on supernatural abilities and deductive reasoning to solve problems. Instead, it incorporates whimsical subplots that let viewers get to know the characters and the world they inhabit.
The series follows Gon Freecss, a young boy on a journey to become a Hunter. While he fits the typical protagonist archetype found in shonen anime, he avoids the annoying and repetitive mantras often associated with the character type. Gon’s determination to see the best in people is a marvel of the series, and his dedication to helping others is what drives the plot forward.
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Cowboy Bebop, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, is widely considered as the pinnacle of anime, thanks to its unique blend of science-fiction, Western atmosphere, martial arts action, and noir cool. It presents a future that is ethnically diverse and unsettlingly prescient, with universal and relatable themes that resonate with viewers. The ragtag group of bounty hunters are complex and flawed, yet exude a sense of cool that is hard to resist. The 26-episode run is nearly perfect, with each episode serving the show’s overarching plot while remaining tight and taut. The English dub, featuring some of America’s best voiceover talents, is on par with the subtitled Japanese version. The series is accessible to newcomers and still rewarding for long-time fans. Yoko Kanno’s magnificent jazz-heavy soundtrack is a standout, and the opening credits are immaculate. It’s an original property, not an adaptation, and it feels like a magnum opus produced at the height of Watanabe’s career, despite being his first series as a director. Cowboy Bebop is a masterwork that should rank among the greatest works of television of all time, not just anime. It’s hard to imagine another anime series that can rival its greatness.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has gained immense popularity among anime fans in America and is an absolute sensation in Japan. The manga continues to be a bestseller years after its conclusion, and the movie even surpassed Spirited Away’s record to become the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, even during the pandemic.
What makes Demon Slayer stand out? While the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young demon slayer on a mission to save his demon-transformed sister Nezuko, may not be the most original in the Weekly Shonen Jump canon, it effectively utilizes the most beloved tropes of the action genre with a stunning level of artistry. The Taisho era setting is meticulously crafted, the characters are relatable and charming, and the animation produced by studio Ufotable is simply breathtaking. The first season of the show is available on Netflix, and for those who want more, the movie can be rented from most digital outlets, and the second season can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Baki is a thrilling shonen anime that showcases hyper-masculine legends engaging in an archetypal storyline of a young fighter training to surpass his father. The series is full of tense showdowns between incredibly buff characters. In fact, if Netflix released a short video of all the shots of guys flexing and tensing their muscles, it could be its own episode. The characters embody the meathead tool spirit that drives the series, with their muscles, hyper-tough voices, and knowing smirks and sneers. While Baki affirms typical ideas of strength, it also challenges its relevance to mercy and freedom. The show is available to stream on Netflix.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is my go-to anime when I need to relax and unwind. Despite its seemingly chaotic and loud presentation, with muscular men engaging in psychic battles that seem to take forever, this anime is so much more than that. It’s a century-spanning journey that defies conventional adventure storytelling, drawing inspiration from Indiana Jones, Versace, classic rock, and other fleeting interests of its creator Hirohiko Araki. The result is an explosive mix of fast-paced absurdity that you’ll quickly come to understand and enjoy, finding it even cozier than other popular anime like Sailor Moon. There’s a reason why Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure continues to be one of the most influential anime in the world.
Vinland Saga is an anime based on a long-running manga written by Makoto Yukimura, the creator of Planetes. It tells a Norse tale from a humanist perspective, following the journey of Thorfinn, an Icelandic boy seeking revenge after a personal tragedy. While it may seem like a traditional story of bloody quests for vengeance, the series takes a deeper and more tragic approach. Instead of framing warriors as valiant heroes, it portrays them as sadists and butchers, indoctrinated into a culture of pointless violence. Despite the heavy focus on human cruelty, the show never becomes overly cynical, suggesting that a better way of life is possible. While the middle stretch of the series may have some tonal weirdness, with some fight scenes feeling more like shonen duels between superheroes, the animation from Wit Studio is so impressive that it’s easy to overlook. Overall, Vinland Saga is a powerful examination of violence, revenge, and the desire for a better world, with a gripping portrayal of Middle Ages Europe and a compelling central character.
Attack on Titan became a cultural phenomenon in 2013 when it was adapted from Hajime Isayama’s ongoing manga series. The anime portrays a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is in an unending struggle against a race of cannibalistic humanoid giants called Titans. Eren Yeager, a youth raised in one of the last remaining cities on Earth, joins the military’s Survey Corps to defend his homeland and avenge his family. Attack on Titan is a David vs. Goliath conflict infused with the speed and violence of high-tech superhero drama, featuring Goya-esque monsters devouring hapless villagers, political intrigue and subterfuge, the smoldering tension of an unrequited romance, and a host of memorable characters that make the mounting mortal costs of humanity’s last stand deeply personal, making the battle worth fighting for.
This shonen anime boasts impressive fighting scenes with a vast magic system and intricately choreographed hand-to-hand combat. However, the excessive use of flashbacks and monologues can be a drawback. Despite this, the show has created its own unique cultural iconography.
Naruto is a coming-of-age story set in high school that portrays the dissolution of relationships and the transformation of good people into evil. Masashi Kishimoto introduces a community of ninjas who are willing to risk their lives to protect their village, only to have their family torn apart too soon. While the main storyline focuses on Naruto’s quest to bring Sasuke back home, the series also emphasizes the unity of the Hidden Leaf Village, which is crucial to the emotional framework of the show. Friendship, vengeance, and forgiveness are central themes that are explored in this anime. As the precursor to Naruto: Shippuden, the show lays the foundation for a network of spies, conspiracies, and interconnected subplots that come to fruition in the sequel. However, viewers should be aware of the presence of filler episodes.
One-Punch Man is a superhero anime that takes the genre to a whole new level of craziness. The story follows Saitama, a 25-year-old college graduate who, after rescuing a boy from a monster, decides to become a hero himself. Through a rigorous three-year training regimen, he becomes the world’s strongest hero, with the ability to defeat any enemy with a single punch. Despite his incredible power, Saitama remains indifferent to the world around him, making for a unique protagonist. The show’s exceptional animation and fight scenes, courtesy of Madhouse, make it a visual feast. One-Punch Man’s real appeal, however, lies in its commitment to being a comedy of preposterous serial escalation. The show’s overactive imagination and commitment to smashing every otherworldly adversary that rises up with a single punch make for a fun and ridiculous viewing experience.
Seven Deadly Sins is an original fighting series by Netflix, which is full of excitement. The story revolves around a group of magical fighters called the Seven Deadly Sins and their captain, Meliodas, who is the Sin of Wrath. They are summoned to fight against the Holy Knights. The show’s pacing allows us to learn about each character’s backstory, which builds anticipation around their abilities and development. The powers of the characters are impressive and creative, and the animations by Aniplex are stunning. However, the series is held back from more recognition in the canon due to the excessive fanservice, including jiggle-effects and groping. Despite this, the animations, powers, and combination attacks make the fight scenes in this anime exceptional.
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