Thanks in part to Netflix, it's safe to say anime is bigger than ever. With shows like Attack on Titan and One-Punch Man making their way into the American mainstream, the streaming service is chock-full of anime series old and new, including a few highly successful originals.

With several streaming options to choose from, it’s nice for anime fans to have a go-to platform they can rely on. While streaming services like Crunchyroll can overwhelm viewers with their anime roster, audiences can confidently tune into Netflix for a filtered selection that houses many hits. Netflix offers a wide variety of anime for audiences to choose from. Some are even the best shows the medium has to offer, and the best Netflix anime series have remarkably broad appeal, too, to win over new anime fans.

Update on January 8th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: Netflix's anime lineup is stronger than ever in February, and all the good anime on Netflix from January are still available to stream. Now, this list has been updated to adhere to CBR's current publication standards.

32 Baki Is A Must-Watch Martial Arts Anime

Baki Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.31
• IMDb: 6.8
• Anime Planet: 3.7/5

The original Baki the Grappler manga series, which ran throughout the 1990s, received an anime adaptation in the late 2010s, including the series Baki and Baki Hanma. Both series are available to stream on Netflix and should appeal to any fan of martial arts stories and tournament sagas.

The story of the overall Baki the Grappler franchise follows protagonist Baki Hanma and his quest to become a great fighter, but tragedy struck when he lost to his warrior father Yujiro, who killed Baki's mother Emi. From there, Baki will continue his rigorous training by taking part in martial arts tournaments so he can surpass his father and realize his destiny.

31 My Happy Marriage Is A Wonderful Historical Romance

My Happy Marriage Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.86
• IMDb: 7.8
• Anime Planet: 4.10/5

My Happy Marriage is one of the best Netflix anime series for fans of historical anime series, romance anime, and anime series about the supernatural. My Happy Marriage blends all three genres into one slick package, giving it broad appeal to all anime fans with a Netflix subscription.

My Happy Marriage is an anime Cinderella story, starring a heroine named Miyo Saimori, who lives a miserable life with her cruel stepmother. Now she's engaged to a commander named Kiyoka, who's notorious for his cruelty, but those stories might not be true. Kiyoka just might be the kind, supportive person Miyo always needed, all while spirits roam the land and magic is real

30 Monster Is Naoki Urasawa's Best Story Yet

Monster Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.87
• IMDb: 8.7
• Anime Planet: 4.10/5

Monster is easily one of the best anime to watch on Netflix since it's based on a highly regarded manga of the same name by author Naoki Urasawa, the creator of 20th Century Boys. This anime, Monster, is a psychological crime thriller with compelling characters and a brutal, intimate plot that sets it apart from lighter Netflix fare like Edens Zero and Toradora!

Monster takes place in West Germany during the Cold War, when a Japanese surgeon allows one patient to die, so he can save a boy named Johan Liebert. To Dr. Tenma's horror, the boy Johan will grow up to be a twisted monster of a man, and Dr. Tenma must confront Johan once again and finally make things right.

29 Kimi Ni Todoke Stars A Lovable Dandere Girl & Her Beau

Kimi ni Todoke Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.0
• IMDb: 7.8
• Anime Planet: 4.0/5

Many anime fans regard Kimi Ni Todoke as one of the best shojo romance anime series of all time, and it definitely ranks among the top Netflix anime currently on the platform. This anime will appeal mainly to fans of romance and drama, but there's also plenty of humor, just like in rom-coms like Toradora! and Komi Can't Communicate.

The story of Kimi Ni Todoke focuses on the dandere heroine Sawako Kuronuma, who may look like a creepy horror villain but is actually a kind and emotionally sensitive girl who just wants friends. When this anime launches, Sawako will begin her quest to make some real friends and, if she can manage it, get a proper boyfriend, too.

28 Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai Explores The Pain Of Adolescence

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai Rating Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.87
• IMDb: 8.7
• Anime Planet: 4.10/5

Despite its odd name, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is not a wacky comedy, nor is it an excuse for fan service of girls in bunny outfits. Instead, this is one of the best anime to watch on Netflix since it has solid character drama and a simple yet intriguing premise.

In this anime, some youths suffer from Adolescence Syndrome, which may negatively impact their lives until their personal woes are resolved. When protagonist Sakuta Azusagawa meets Mai Sakurajima the bunny girl in the local library, he will learn what Adolescence Syndrome is all about — and help Mai however he can.

27 Kotaro Lives Alone Is About A Friendly Little Boy

Kotaro Lives Alone Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.2
• IMDb: 8.4
• Anime Planet: 4.0/5

Kotaro Lives Alone follows a 4-year-old protagonist who lives on his own. This self-sufficient tike refuses to rely on anyone else, but he's incredibly polite and friendly to all of his neighbors. Shin Karino, his neighbor, understands what it's like to be lonely and quickly befriended Kotaro.

Kotaro Lives Alone is a sweet slice-of-life anime with themes of found family dynamics, belonging, and empathizing with other people. Kotaro is a lovable protagonist who fans can't help but root for. It's perfect for Spy X Family fans.

26 Little Witch Academia Is A Witch Adventure For MHA Fans

Little Witch Academia Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.81
• IMDb: 7.8
• Anime Planet: 4.0/5

Little Witch Academia's warm atmosphere and cozy aesthetic will surely evoke nostalgia from viewers. With an emotionally driven narrative and more lovable characters than the audience will know what to do with, Little Witch Academia is a charming series perfect for fans of magical girl anime.

Little Witch Academia follows Akko after she enrolls at Luna Nova Academy. She always dreamed of becoming a witch like Shiny Chariot. Shiny Chariot hosted a magic show at a festival Akko attended as a kid, and she's been hooked ever since. It's an inspiring and heartwarming tale of magic that makes this one of the top Netflix anime currently available to stream.

25 Heaven Official's Blessing Is About A Martial Arts God

Heaven Official's Blessing Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.34
• IMDb: 8.2
• Anime Planet: 4.4/5

Heaven Official's Blessing is an animated adaptation of the popular novel series written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Xie Lan was once a revered martial god who ascended to the heavenly realm after being banished a few times.

He went out on his first mission by himself and met Hua Cheng, a notorious Ghost King. Xie Lan saw no reason for someone of his status to help a fallen Heavenly Official, but San Lang wants to help him discover the truth about his murky past.

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24 Vinland Saga Is About Revenge & The Meaning Of Life

Vinland Saga Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.75
• IMDb: 8.8
• Anime Planet: 4.3/5

Vinland Saga is a historical seinen anime series that has already solidified itself as a modern classic. Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, who became a mercenary after witnessing his father's death at Askeladd's hands. Thorfinn abandons his father's wishes for peace as he hunts Askeladd down to kill him and avenge his father.

Vinland Saga's revenge story is the focal point of the series, but it's also rich with real-world references to Viking culture that many may find interesting. It's the perfect bridge to darker seinen series for fans who are used to shonen anime, and it also has deep, fascinating themes about finding the meaning of life and facing one's own inner demons.

23 Hunter X Hunter Stars The Nen Hero Gon Freecss

Hunter x Hunter Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 9.04
• IMDb: 9.0
• Anime Planet: 4.0/5

Hunter X Hunter is a longtime fan-favorite battle shonen anime. It's many fans' first exposure to the demographic and holds a place in many otaku's hearts. Hunter X Hunter follows Gon Freecs after his departure from Whale Island. He wanted to follow in his estranged father's footsteps and become a Hunter. The first step, of course, is passing the arduous Hunter Exam.

After Gon departs from his hometown, he meets Kurapika and Leorio. During the exam, he meets his best friend Killua. The quartet became inseparable after the exam and always kept in touch after going their own ways.

22 Romantic Killer Challenges Its Heroine To Find Love IRL

Romantic Killer Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.04
• IMDb: 7.6
• Anime Planet: 4./5

Romantic Killer follows Anzu Hoshino who decides that she's not meant for romance and devotes her life to taking care of her cat and playing video games. One day, a mysterious fairy traps Anzu in a world where her only option is to find someone to fall in love with. It's a pretty cliché trope, but Romantic Killer makes it feel innovative.

Though marketed for the shonen demographic, Romantic Killer adheres to so many classic shojo tropes that calling it a shojo wouldn't be a stretch. Romantic Killer may serve as a gateway into shojo for those who enjoy shonen, and vice versa. Romantic Killer also ranks among the funniest anime on Netflix with a charming, genre-deconstructing heroine and her goofy magical friend Riri.

21 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Is A Vicious & Surprisingly Heartfelt Sci-Fi Thriller

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.6
• IMDb: 8.3
• Anime Planet: 4.2/5

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an anime adaptation of the Cyberpunk 2077 video game. Viewers are immersed in a vividly colored dystopian cityscape from episode one. Night City is overrun with corruption, and edgerunners actively fight against it.

David Martinez obtained a cybernetic implant and joined the edgerunners to fight against Night City's blatant corruption. Unfortunately, cybernetics is a double-edged sword. Installing one is never enough; with enough implants, someone may become a cyberpsycho and go berserk.

20 Komi Can't Communicate Stars A Shy Girl Making 100 Friends

Komi Can't Communicate Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.9
• IMDb: 7.8
• Anime Planet: 4.1/5

Komi Can't Communicate stars Komi Shoko, a high school girl with severe social anxiety who wants to make 100 friends by the end of high school. Komi Can't Communicate has a unique narrative, since the protagonist is silent for nearly the whole series.

The story is instead driven by chaotic, proactive side characters who always get Komi involved with their antics. Komi's first friend, Tadano, says he's good at reading a room, but he lacks such social skills. However, he was the first to realize Komi struggled talking to others and suggested writing as a viable communication method.

19 Kakegurui Is About The Primal Thrill Of Gambling

Kakegurui Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.2
• IMDb:7.1
• Anime Planet: 4.1/5

Kakegurui takes place at an elite private school where money takes higher precedence over traditional education. Gambling is how the school's student hierarchy is decided. Those at the bottom rung are "house pets" and subjected to lots of humiliation, while the ones who constantly win are basically worshipped.

Yumeko Jabami, the protagonist, places herself at the bottom rung just for the adrenaline rush of gambling her way out of it. Kakegurui definitely isn't for the fainthearted. It has a very twisted, avant-garde sense of humor that isn't for everybody, topped off with highly suggestive facial expressions and lots of bizarre, exaggerated reactions.

18 Sailor Moon Crystal Is Another Take On The Classic Shojo Story

Sailor Moon Crystal Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.11
• IMDb: 7.9
• Anime Planet: 3.9/5

While previous adaptations of the Sailor Moon manga are beloved, the 2014 reboot is still a worthy anime. Sailor Moon Crystal not only provides better depictions of the characters (with their actual Japanese names) but also a more streamlined narrative, similar to the original manga.

Sailor Moon Crystal is also updated for the 21st century, as 2014 Usagi actually knows how to use a computer. All three seasons of the anime are available, as well as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie.

17 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Has Stands, Vampires, Humor, & More

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.16
• IMDb: 8.5
• Anime Planet: 4.1/5

After being previously removed from Netflix’s lineup, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is back with 113 episodes — including Phantom Blood/Battle Tendency, Stardust Crusaders, and the latest season, Stone Ocean. Jojo is one of the longer-running serialized manga in Weekly Shonen Jump, running from 1987 until 2004.

The JoJo series chronicles individual members of the Joestar family, and each new JoJo uses their powers to confront supernatural villains throughout time. JJBA itself is broken into separate parts for each family member across generations.

16 Black Clover Is An Action-Packed Fantasy Anime With A Headstrong Hero

Black Clover Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.15
• IMDb: 8.3
• Anime Planet: 4.13/5

Black Clover is a great anime on Netflix that should appeal to fans of other action series like Demon Slayer and Bleach. The story of Black Clover takes place in a fantasy kingdom where most people have magical powers, but the hardheaded protagonist, Asta, didn't receive any magic. Instead, he got a black sword that could negate the magic of others.

Asta and his friendly shonen rival Yuno, also his childhood friend, have vowed to become demon king and will compete to see who can get there first. That competition will drive Asta to incredible new heights in his exciting heroes' journey, all while making new friends among the Black Bulls. Asta will also face off against his most powerful enemies yet, the Eye of the Midnight Sun.

15 Castlevania Is Perfect For Fans Of The Games

Castlevania Anime Scores:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
• IMDb: 8.3
• Anime Planet: 4.1/5

Based on the long-running Japanese video game franchise, Castlevania is still one of Netflix's top animated titles for adults. After Dracula's wife is falsely accused of being a witch and burned at the stake, the Dark Prince summons an army of demons to destroy those who played a part in her execution.

It takes monster hunter Trevor Belmont and his team, including Drac's own son Alucard, to stop the Count. Castlevania features some brutally over-the-top action and horror perfect for fans of the games or new fans alike. A few months ago, Netflix also added Castlevania Nocturne, another top Netflix anime for fantasy horror fans to check out.

14 Demon Slayer Has Become A Modern Fantasy Shonen Classic

Demon Slayer Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 8.49
• IMDb: 8.6
• Anime Planet: 4.4/5

Now that the latest episodes of Demon Slayer are all available on Netflix, it's the perfect opportunity to get immersed in one of the biggest modern anime franchises. Demon Slayer follows a teen boy named Tanjiro Kamado as he embarks on his Demon Slaying journey.

Tanjiro's on a quest to find a cure for his sister Nezuko, who's been transformed into a demon herself. The series is emotional, action-packed, and filled with fascinating characters like Kyojuro Rengoku and Tengen Uzui, among others. New fans will soon see why Demon Slayer is often counted among the best anime to watch on Netflix.

13 Sword Art Online Helped Pave The Way For Isekai

Sword Art Online Anime Scores:

• MyAnimeList: 7.2
• IMDb: 7.5
• Anime Planet: 4.1/5

Sword Art Online follows a group of virtual reality MMORPG players who get trapped in the game. If they die within it, they die in real life, which creates terrifying stakes for every single gamer in the world of Aincrad, including the protagonist, who goes by Kirito. That made Sword Art Online an early example of the "trapped in a virtual world" storytelling.

After receiving initial praise, SAO's reception has become divided. Many have criticized Kirito's poor characterization, the portrayal of female characters, and the overall sloppy writing. All that said, Sword Art Online is still worth checking out, even if it's not exactly the best anime series of all time.