The 20 best anime to watch on Netflix (November 2021)

Netflix’s continued investment in anime has yielded fruit over the past couple of years, amassing a selection of some of not only the most popular and iconic anime series in recent memory but a host of impressive original anime titles that have secured the platform’s position as of the go-to streaming services for the medium. Over 100 titles are available in a variety of subgenres that include sci-fi comedy, fantasy, slice-of life, mecha and action. This makes it easier to locate the perfect anime to suit your mood.

Don’t sweat it; we’ve got you covered. Poring over Netflix’s rich catalog of anime titles, we’ve assembled a list of 20 of the best anime to stream on Netflix right now. You can stream classics like Cowboy Bebop Neon Genesis Evangelion, Netflix originals like Devilman Crybaby Kaoru, RilakkumaThese are the top anime series that the platform has available.

Aggretsuko

Image: Netflix/Sanrio

Based on mascot company Sanrio’s original character, Netflix’s original animated comedy AggretsukoRetsuko is a 25-year old red panda anthropomorphic working at a Japanese trading firm’s accounting department. Retsuko is frustrated with her job and her boss. She also has a miserable love life. Eventually, Retsuko’s misery and the knowledge of her after work activity catch up with her professional life, forcing the young red panda to experience a series of meaningful revelations and changes while struggling to figure out what just exactly she’s wants out of life and who she wants to build that life with. The eccentric, humorous, and profoundly relatable Retsuko is a delight to read. Aggretsuko is anime’s answer to Bojack Horseman. You can catch up on the latest episodes of the show, which will be aired in three 15-minute seasons. The fourth season premieres December. Aggretsuko if you haven’t already. —Toussaint Egan

Beastars

Orange

BeastarsThis story tells of a wolf that wants to have sex and fears he’ll eat the rabbit. I think it’s a metaphor for puberty. Maybe it’s holding a magnifying glass to sexual violence on campus. Or perhaps it’s a coming of age story about a generation of young people disconnected from their parents by rapidly changing norms. Frankly, I’ve stopped caring about what it’s about.

BeastarsIt works when you stop trying to establish a connection between the world and our city of teenage herbivores, carnivores, and herbivores. When I am able to see the show’s internal logic in its entirety, I find it enjoyable. That way you can enjoy it. BeastarsLike Romeo and Juliet. This is a story of two lovers who are star-crossed and kept apart from society. Like Shakespeare’s plays, BeastarsYou can make it into anything you wish. —Chris Plante

Carole & Tuesday

Image: Bones/Netflix

Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy BebopThe anime studio Bones produced the film.My Hero Academia), Carole & Tuesday is a spirited drama that hones in on one of the most persistent passion topics of Watanabe’s career: music. The anime is set on Mars, in the distant future. It tells the stories of Tuesday Simmons (a teenage girl from a very different background) and Carole Stanley (a teenager who shares the dream to become musicians).

As a duo of singer/songwriters, they navigate both the challenging challenges and the highs of a new career. Together, they help each other grow and bring out their best. The return of Cowboy BebopScreenwriter Keiko Nabumoto, original music by Thundercat, Flying Lotus and Denzel Curry, as well as vocal performances and songs. Carole & TuesdayA beautiful and bubbly anime with a lot of heart. —TE

Cowboy Bebop

Sunrise

Speaking of Shinichirō Watanabe, Cowboy BebopSunrise’s 1998 sci-fi noir anime, titled, was produced by Sunrise in 1998. Many regard it as one of the most outstanding anime series. Set in the year 2071, the series follows the stories of four people: Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and “Radical” Edward as they traipse across the solar system hunting criminals and chasing bounties.

Retro-futuristic Pastiche, which draws from many influences to create its own universe. Cowboy BebopIt is a timeless classic in the anime medium because of its powerful storytelling and heady themes. The series also features Yoko Kanno’s spectacular, eclectic music. It is so popular that Netflix produced a live action adaptation featuring Mustafa Shakir and Danielle Pineda. If you’ve somehow never seen Cowboy Bebop before, (1) now’s the perfect time to (2) I am both jealous and excited for you. —TE

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Image: Ufotable/Crunchyroll

Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s acclaimed manga series, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has quickly become an shōnen anime powerhouse on par with that of My Hero Academia and NarutoThe series premiered in 2019 Set in Taishō-era Japan, the anime follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted young boy who trains to become a demon slayer in order to find a cure for his sister Nezuko, who was transformed into half-demon hybrid in the wake of the attack that claimed the lives of the rest of his family. Brilliant hybrid animation that blends traditional and 3D-modelled backgrounds is a highlight of the anime. It also features jaw-dropping action scenes and an inspiring story about the strength of family members and how to find strength even in difficult circumstances. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no YaibaIt is one of today’s most loved anime series, and for good reasons. The highly anticipated season 2 will premiere December and you should absolutely make the effort to catch it. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba now if you haven’t already. —TE

Devilman Crybaby

Image courtesy of Netflix

Based on Go Nagai’s massively influential manga and directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!), Devilman Crybaby was Netflix’s first original anime series and one of the breakout anime premieres of 2018. Akira, a high school student, learns about demons after reconnecting with Ryo his childhood friend. Convinced that the only way to drive the demons back and save humanity is to create a human-demon hybrid — a so-called “devilman,” Ryo asks for Akira’s help by volunteering to fuse with one himself. The film is known for its graphic and emotional action as well as the ecstatic visual style. Devilman CrybabyThis is an amazing adaptation which breathes new life into a classic anime series. —TE

Dorohedoro

Image courtesy of Netflix

Based on Q Hayshida’s dark fantasy sci-fi manga, DorohedoroFollow the tale of Caiman the reptilian-headed amnesiac, who lives in The Hole, where he is preyed upon daily by sorcerers from another dimension. Caiman, with the assistance of Nikaido hunts these sorcerers to find the man who changed him. He then eats their heads and places them in his mouth. A mysterious face behind his throat gives judgment on his fate. Yeah, and that’s not even the series at its weirdest. It is comical and hyperviolent but also oddly cute. DorohedoroThis is the one and only anime that Netflix has ever aired since its debut in 2020. —TE

Hisone and Masotan are the Dragon Pilots

Image: Bones / Netflix

The co-directed by Gunbuster Shinji Higuchi animator, and animated at studio BonesMy Hero Academia, Fullmetal Alchemist), Hisone and Masotan are the Dragon PilotsThis is the story of Hisone who is a rookie cadet and enlists with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to find a sense belonging and purpose. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she learns of the existence of “Organic Transformed Flyers (aka Dragons) and is chosen to become the designated pilot of one. Hisone and Masotan must work together to overcome their training challenges, to bond with fellow cadets, to prevent an apocalyptic disaster from destroying Japan. Yoshiyuki Ito (with charming character designs)Soul Eater, Concrete Revolutio(), stunning aerial combat animation, as well as a captivating story of personal growth and fast-made friendship. Hisone and Masotan are the Dragon Pilots is one of Netflix’s most entertaining yet oddly under-celebrated original anime series. —TELECOMM ENGINEERING

Erased

A-1 Pictures

Satoru Fujinuma still haunts the ghost of Kayo Hinazuki, his fifth-grade classmate. When his mother is murdered by an unknown assailant, Satoru discovers her death is somehow connected to Kayo’s abduction. Using his mysterious ability to travel back into the past, he becomes determined to save his mother and Kayo from their tragic fates and uncover the truth of who’s behind their deaths. Erased is an atmospheric, twisty, and gripping tale, so don’t surprised if it doesn’t even take a full weekend to get through it. —Sadie Gennis

Fullmetal alchemist: Brotherhood

Photo by BONES

If you’re looking for a show with strong and complex female characters, gorgeous animation, monstrous adversaries, and smokin’ hot mentor figures (that is a pun), then Fullmetal alchemist: BrotherhoodYou might be the one to cure all your problems. Fullmetal alchemist: Brotherhood follows alchemist prodigy Edward Elric and his brother Al, whose soul has been trapped in a suit of armor, as they look for a way to recover Als’ body. Their search uncovers darker truths about Alchemy and their country, which leads them to a dark plot that could threaten the entire world. Unlike a lot of shōnen anime, which take viewers on a “let’s learn about curses/demons/Nen along with the protagonist!” arc, Fullmetal Alchemist, BrotherhoodIt starts immediately without explanation. This allows viewers to be able follow the show’s progress. The show can jump right in to the action, and then dive into the complexities of the worldbuilding. Although the plot is well executed, it never sacrifices character development.

Warning: This anime will make any other anime look like a pale shadow of it. Let me just say that. —Petrana Radulovic

Great Pretender

Wit Studio

Hiro Kaburagi directs (Speed GrapherWIT Studio produced the following:Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan() The original Netflix anime Great PretenderIt is an entertaining comedy-drama that combines style, brains and adrenaline. The series centers on Makoto Edamura (a Japanese small-time con man) who falls under Laurent Theirry’s wing. It follows them as they scammer from beautiful locations to steal the richest criminals. Apart from the elaborate antics by the core cast of characters, Great PretenderThe visual beauty of this beautiful city and country is breathtaking. It features exotic backgrounds and layouts that were inspired by Brian Cook, a British artist. Yoshiyuki Madamoto also provided character designs.Neon Genesis Evangelion) and an infectiously jazzy score by composer Yutaka Yamada, Great PretenderIt is an absolute feast for your senses, and a joy to see unfold. —TE

Gurren Lagann

Image: Gainax / Bandai Entertainment

Every anime studio Trigger has produced, to some degree or another, has been influenced by the precedent of 2007’s Gurren Lagann. Hiroyuki Imaishi (the future co-founder of Trigger) directs the mecha comedy-drama that tells the story about Simon, a 14-year-old living in an underground postapocalyptic community. Together with his childhood friend Kamina, the pair discover a mysterious robot head known as Gurren buried in the collapsed tunnels of their village just before it comes under attack by a horde of creatures known as “Beastmen.” From there the show exponentially escalates into an explosive, action-packed, expectation-defying adventure filled with drama, humor, heartbreak, euphoric highs and absurd levels of spectacle. It is full of personality and heart-pumping excitement. Gurren LagannThis anime is for all ages, and it’s a must-watch. Promare, Space Patrol LulucoYou can also call it: SSSS.Gridman. —TE

Hunter x Hunter

Madhouse

Hunter X HunterThis is a gift for 165 episodes. Yes, there’s a cannibal furry arc. Yes, there is a clown man (OK magician), who is completely naked throughout the series. But look beyond the fact that I can’t describe this series in a way that will convince my friends to watch it. Hunter x Hunter is the pinnacle of shōnen anime. There’s not a shred of filler in it. The perfect example is the one that features Gon and friends fighting at the Heavens Arena on the 251th floor. Hunter x Hunter’s economy of storytelling: they only spend ten episodes there, and the narrative payoff is so good.

These characters were my favorite thing about the 65-episode Chimera Ant arc. Hunter x HunterIt can be so emotional that it almost made me cry. —Simone de Rochefort

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Image: David Production

You know that thing you did as a kid when your friend would shoot their finger guns at you, but you’d say you were made out of metal, and then they say that their bullets are made out of metal-melting acid, but then you say that last night you snuck into their base and ate all their bullets? JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is exactly like that, except instead of imaginative kids, everyone is an extremely beautiful fully grown adult man with a name like “Robert E.O. Speedwagon” or “Kars.”

JoJo’s Bizarre AdventureIt is sheer spectacle. It’s a series built around absurd confrontations where the stakes aren’t always clear and the rules might as well not exist, but it’s a joy to look at. The characters are seen in avant-garde and impractical clothes, striking dramatic poses. They’re all named (seemingly arbitrarily) after classic rock musicians. It’s the kind of series that encourages you to keep watching, not with a compelling plot or great mystery, but just with the promise of seeing beautiful and weird men do things. I think that’s okay. —Patrick Gill

Megalobox

TMS Entertainment Image

Yo Moriyama directs (Lupin III: Fujiko the Woman), Megalobox is a futuristic reimagining of Asao Takamori’s iconic sports manga Ashita no JoeSet in Megaloboxing (a type of boxing that uses metal exoskeletons known as Gears), the series is set in an alternate universe. The series follows the story of a young underdog (aptly nicknamed “Junk Dog”) who dreams of becoming a prize fighter in the upcoming Megaloboxing tournament Megalonia, despite living on the fringes of society without access to a competitive Gear. After losing a fight to Yuri, a powerful boxer favored to become the first champion of Megalonia, Junk Dog’s coach convinces a local mob boss that he has the skills to win the tournament. Adopting the alias of “Joe,” the young man elects to set himself apart from the rest of the fighters in order to advance up the ranks of the bracket — by fighting his opponents without any Gear at all. The action is packed with heart-pounding scenes of fight, thrilling drama and an upbeat soundtrack that will keep you riveted to the seat. MegaloboxThis is the kind of story that makes underdog sports stories so great. —TE

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Image by khara/Project Eva

Director Hideaki Anno’s apocalyptic mecha drama Neon Genesis EvangelionContemporary anime’s undisputed king is Shinji Ikari. He has been adored by a large fan base since his debut in 1995. His series also earned a reverent reputation, with a string of movies dedicated to the reimagining of its universe. Set fifteen yeas after a worldwide cataclysm, the original series centers on Shinji Ikari, a 14 year old boy who is enlisted by his estranged father to pilot an enormous bio-weapon known as an “Evangelion” in order to combat a mysterious legion of creatures code-named “Angels.” Together with his fellow pilots Asuka Langley Soryu and Rei Ayanami, as well as his legal guardian / commanding officer Misato Katsuragi, Shinji must struggle with the pangs of growing up while defeating the Angels to save humanity. Of course, there’s way more to this premise than meets the eye. It’s equally psychologically and eschatological. Neon Genesis EvangelionThe story subverts expectations and culminates in one the most entertaining anime stories ever made. —TE

Ouran Host Club

Image: Bones

Reverse harem is a funny and iconic anime. Joking about waiting for season two is practically a hobby of the shōjo community at this point. After breaking an expensive vase, Haruhi Fujioka becomes indebted towards the Host Club. At first, Haruhi is supposed to only run errands for the club’s six wealthy male members, who entertain female clients in the school’s unused music room. But due to her natural rapport with the clients, Haruhi is promoted to a host-in-training, a role which requires her to disguise herself as a boy — and which leads to ample opportunities to winkingly poke fun at typical shōjo tropes. —SE

Kaoru and Rilakkuma

Image courtesy of Netflix

Similar to other Netflix originals Aggretsuko, Kaoru and Rilakkuma This anime features cute mascot characters created by a stationary firm. The animation is stunning in stop-motion animation. However, both share the same focus on unhappy officers who are looking for change. A year in Kaoru’s life follows the adventures of a young woman, Kaoru. She lives with three other roommates: Rillakuma, Korilakkuma and Kiirotori. Rilakkuma, Kaoru is an anime that’s heartwarming and whimsical and also powerfully cathartic. It features adorable characters as well as a beautiful art style. The series will be followed up with a second-instalment titled Rilakkuma’s Theme Park Adventure It is expected to debut sometime next year. —TE

The Promised Neverland

CloverWorks image

Based on Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu’s popular dark fantasy thriller manga of the same name,The Promised NeverlandFollow a group orphaned kids who find out that their guardian is preparing them to become demons. While devising a way to escape their adopted guardian, they must keep one step ahead. Tense drama and frightening stakes are combined with an exciting narrative that is full of unexpected twists. The Promised NeverlandIt is an anime about horror and survival, that will grab your heartstrings till they break. —TE

Violet Evergarden

Image by Kyoto Animation/Netflix

Netflix has a Netflix exclusive: Kyoto Animation is a highly acclaimed animated series Violet Evergarden to life with the beautiful scenes you’d expect from the studio. She is a teenage girl used in wartime as a military killing machine. She loses her right arm and has them replaced with prosthetics made of metal. Now she must learn how to integrate into society again as an Auto-Memory doll, which is basically a ghostwriter who writes letters and books. It’s sweet and satisfying to watch Violet grow and learn about the complexity of human emotions, a journey complemented by gorgeous animation. You can watch the entire 13-part series in English and Japanese. There are subtitles in English as well as subtitles in other languages. —Julia Lee