Anime Series, Throughout July, Netflix introduced new titles on a regular basis. The much anticipated end of One Piece’s Water Seven/Enies Lobby Saga, together with the low-key June 30 release of Bastard!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy (Part 1). Each one adds more diversity and gives the streamer’s collection of anime series fresh vitality.
It’s never easy to determine whether to add anime-inspired series like Castlevania, but with the August 23 release of Book 3 of DOTA: Dragon’s Blood, Netflix Original programs are once again making a strong argument to be listed among official works.
But this time, the August films that (re)enter the list show that animation can be more than just “watchable” (or being a promo vehicle for the manga). Both games provide appealing visual designs, a wide range of character designs, and world-building action scenes.
Note that no anime movies were taken into consideration for this feature as it is a list of anime series to watch. It applies to Netflix members in the United States. It’s possible that certain games aren’t right now accessible on overseas platforms (yet). This list will also be updated on a regular basis to include new anime programs and to remove series that are no longer accessible to view on Netflix.
Table of Contents
10. Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann centers on a group of teenage peasants who learn that a powerful noble is forcing people to live in underground settlements. Gainax’s fast-paced science fiction action anime series is back on the list because it strikes the ideal blend between hilarious humor and intense action. The world-building is intricate, the animation is colorful, and the characters are rich in personality. Additionally, the mech design enhances the graphics and propels the action.
9. Little Witch Academia
The streamer’s repertoire includes Little Witch Academia, a treasure that is underappreciated. This Yoh Yoshinari-directed animation series is a pleasure in muted tones. Atsuko Kagari aspires to be a renowned witch like her role model. She comes from a distinctly non-magical background, which is the only issue. But the eager young person manages to get a training spot at her favorite’s alma mater, Luna Nova Magical Academy. The events that follow are a mix of humorous antics as she tries to get through school. The characters are really funny, and the animation is well done. It’s a feel-good movie with just enough mystery to keep you interested.
8. Spriggan
Spriggan, which is based on the Hiroshi Takashige and Ryji Minagawa manga, makes the list after a brief six-episode run that was filled with action, stylish character design, and an intriguing idea to make up for a shaky beginning. Yu Ominae, a 16-year-old super soldier entrusted with locating and safeguarding potent relics, is the subject of Spriggan. In order to uphold his employer’s responsibility to protect the artifacts, Yu must defend against all opponents given that different military and corporate factions are competing for possession of what they see as potential weapons.
In keeping with the original, this anime series makes use of witty dialogue, endearing characters, necessary brutality, and grandiose action scenes. This multifaceted adventure is all about creating a new universe and laying the groundwork for future adventures, but it nevertheless makes the most of its character arcs to get both newbies and aficionados of the manga and the previous film off to a great start.
7. Eden
The world feels like it’s a bit of a constant dumpster fire. So, it can’t hurt to have a bit of wholesomeness in your end-of-the-world adventure. It’s been a thousand years since humans have been on Earth. AI robots inhabit a city called Eden 3. Their overlords are long gone, but the robots continue to farm the land. Two maintenance robots accidentally wake up a human baby girl from stasis. Her appearance calls into question all their beliefs. The two robots decide to raise the little girl in a safe haven outside the city. Eden has engaging character design brought to life with great voice acting. The story’s simple and sweet. There isn’t much trope subversion but sometimes, sweet is exactly what the post-apocalyptic story needs.
6. Deathnote
In Death Note, a young man named Light Yagami discovers a magical notebook that he can use to murder anybody he chooses just by writing their name within. What follows is a fascinating game of cat and mouse between him and the detective trying to figure out who is responsible for the killings. This timeless film by Tetsuro Araki explores morality, justice, loyalty, honor, and friendship in a captivating manner. Death Note is a timeless work of art with timeless character designs and visuals. The whole globe appears destined to burn in a never-ending trash. Therefore, you can never go wrong with a great anime series that explores the dark side while also serving as a reminder that you always have a choice in how your life will turn out.
5. Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate, directed by Ayumu Wantanbe and based on the well-known manga series created by Tomohito Oda, follows socially indifferent Hitohito Tadano and wildly famous Shouko Komi. Despite having extreme social anxiety that makes it difficult for her to engage with others, Komi presents to others at school as poised. Hitohito makes a promise to assist a lovely student reach her goal of acquiring 100 friends at their exclusive prep school after learning about her secret.
A fantastic illustration of a slice-of-life anime is Komi Can’t Communicate. It does it with a fun, light-hearted edge while exploring difficult subjects. The characters have interesting personalities, and the different events they encounter are alternately absurd, amusing, and quite serious yet always realistic. This series is a well-balanced joy, brought to life with almost faultless animation, a vibrant color palette, and amazing character design. If you like slice-of-life anime shows, waiting may not be your thing. Komi Can’t Communicate’s whole first season is now available in the anime library.
4. High Score Girl
Haruo Yaguchi, a sixth-grader gamer, is followed in High Score Girl as he faces a genuine rival in the neighborhood arcades. Akira Oono, a classmate, dominates Street Fighter 2, his favorite video game, on almost every level. From there, this unusual pair develops a relationship through old video games that give them a chance to unwind and escape their daily worries. Slowly, Yaguchi realizes that Oono’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems and that he still has much to discover about himself and life. High Score Girl is jam-packed with hilarious mishaps, subtle life lessons, and egotistical behavior. Sometimes you need a coming-of-age tale with a dash of sarcasm and nostalgia. High Score Girl could be precisely what you need if you like playing video games and have a crazy inner monologue that gets you pumped up.
3. Kill la Kill
Kill la Kill follows Ryuko Matoi, a high school student, as she investigates her father’s killings. Ryuko attends Honnouji Academy with half of her father’s scissors blade. Due to this sequence of events, she unintentionally gains a uniform with unique abilities. Kill la Kill presents a magical girl action-comedy with a rambling tale consisting of tournament combat, a friends-to-lovers story arc, ever-escalating antagonists, and themes that are so timely they might almost be considered perennial.
2. One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates travel the world in search of the legendary One Piece in order to take over as the new king of the pirates in the long-running shonen anime One Piece. The anime adaption, which is based on Eiichiro Oda’s manga, is packed with excitement and humor. The ensemble, which is made up of a mixed bag of male and female characters, fosters a feeling of camaraderie and adventure that keeps the show interesting season after season.
1. The Orbital Children
The Orbital Children, commonly referred to as Extra-terrestrial Boys and Girls, follows two kids born on the moon and three from Earth in the year 2045. The action takes place on a Japanese commercial space station in orbit, a setting where artificial intelligence and the internet are pervasive. This large disaster leaves the children stuck with little chance of being rescued. To attempt to escape greater catastrophe—and maybe death—they must depend on their cunning, their meager communications, and what is at hand.
This two-part science fiction series, written and directed by Mitsuo Iso (Ghost in the Shell, Rurouni Kenshin, and Blade Runner: Black Lotus), not only transports anime to space but also addresses the question, Are Humans Necessary? Iso directly addresses the Earth’s diminishing capacity to support human existence. The question of whether or not people can take the required steps to preserve themselves is then raised.
The Orbital Children blends smooth animation, a striking color palette, relatable character design, and excellent voice acting to turn this into a coming-of-age story and full-blown existential (and literal) crisis that shouldn’t be missed, despite the fact that this philosophical schism should come as no surprise given that it is Mitsuo Iso.
