Netflix is the streaming mastodon that has taken the media world by storm, revolutionizing the way people consume their favorite TV shows and movies and bringing high production content closer and closer to audiences. Given its growing library and wide accessibility, it would make sense that the digital giant would also do wonders for bringing more anime to its fans.
Over the years, Netflix has developed one of the most competitive anime libraries available to any cord cutter, producing a few originals and grabbing plenty of fan favorites. For those wondering what's the best that the ol' Anime tab has to offer or for any newcomers wanting to know what's good, here are some of the best rated anime on Netflix (according to MyAnimeList).
10 Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End Of Evangelion (8.51)
As one of the most beloved and influential anime of all time, it was a momentous moment for Neon Genesis Evangelion to be added to Netflix, especially considering its tumultuous history with licensing rights. And despite various issues with Netflix's particular changes to the series, it was still a major opportunity to introduce new fans to a pivotal part of the industry.
Ranking high in the franchise, however, is the existential horror and knockout hit that was its movie, The End of Evangelion. Now giving existential crises to a new generation of fans, The End of Evangelion is continuing its legacy on the digital stage.
9 Violet Evergarden (8.62)
Kyoto Animation took a step away from its large lineup of cute high school girls to bring fans back to a distant and transitioning, post-war world...that still focused on a cute girl who probably would've been in high school. Violet Evergarden was once a child soldier, tossed around by the cold machinations of constant conflict and gore.
Her only lifeline was her faithful major who has mysteriously disappeared. On her own and recovering from the traumas of war, Violet now seeks new purpose in life and begins to change as she works as an Auto Memory Doll, documenting the stories and words of the people of her world.
8 Haikyuu!! (8.62)
Sports anime have proved time and time again that they have a significant place among the anime ranks. Knowing that they needed a real ace for their lineup, Netflix picked up Hinata and his band of crows to bring up their special brand of competitive, Shounen spirit.
Haikyuu!!'s story focuses on a young Hinata, as he tries to work his way into becoming a great volleyball player. Competing against and working with his ultimate rival, Tobio Kageyama, the two take on some of the toughest volleyball teams ever to put up a net.
7 Death Note (8.65)
Death Note was a revolutionary series for both Shounen and anime kind. Combining the intense, back-and-forth action of Shonen Jump's best with its cerebral, high concept mystery, Death Note swept the anime waves as one of the most original, well-paced, and enrapturing anime ever to be made.
Its story focuses on the genius yet contemptuous Light Yagami, a high schooler who had simply just went with the typical waves of high school life. That life changes, however, when a mysterious notebook drops at his feet. The Death Note allows its user to kill anyone on the planet with the simple writing of that person's name, even controlling the means by which that person dies. With the Death Note and the mysterious death god that comes with it, Light takes on the mantle of a benevolent serial killer, enacting judgement on some of the world's worst and any who dare to oppose him.
6 One Punch Man (8.67)
The superhero genre has done wonders for the media industry, having flooded theaters with plenty of attendees and creating some of the most addictive programming on television. Netflix itself has become one of the major contributors to the industry, having garnered acclaim for its Marvel series and picked up various films and show between different companies.
It would make sense that they would also pick up the hilarious yet action packed, superhero darling that is One Punch Man. A much needed parody within the congested market, One Punch Man subverts expectations for what a typical superhero story should be about and often surpasses its inspirations with its colorful characters and spectacular action.
5 Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (8.70)
From the same studio that brought fans FLCL and Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gurren Lagann was an entirely new flavor of giant robot chaos. Its story focuses on two gentlemen who start incredibly lower than the bottom who slowly work their way up as adventurers and revolutionaries for an oppressed world.
With their giant, capable of fusing with other giant robots and its mysterious drilling abilities, they set out on a war that takes on the galaxy itself. With the same high octane action and stylized animation that would later make Studio Trigger famous, Gurren Lagann has quickly rose as one of the most memorable anime adventures.
4 Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion (8.74)
Code Geass is perhaps the ultimate series to meet Western fan's expectations. Its story focuses on the cerebral underdog, Lelouch vi Brittania, a noble whose been cast out from the royal line and must now live a simple life within his boarding academy.
However, fate would bring him in contact with the curious girl, C.C., who grants him the power to give an absolute command to anyone that he wishes. With it, he begins a revolution that pits him against an oppressive regime, his best friends, and the morality of his entire being.
3 Your Lie In April (8.83)
For those tired of action packed adventures and large, colorful worlds, Netflix also offers plenty of Slice-of-Life/Drama series that can help one take a step back and smell the roses. Your Lie in April in particular has garnered wide acclaim for its music, emotion, and overall ability to make even the coldest viewer cry.
Its story focuses on the disheartened pianist, Kousei Arima, after a family incident pushes him away from the piano forever. When he comes across the beautiful and whimsical violin talents of Kaori Miyazono, he begins to peer out of his shell and his heart begins to return to the world of music.
2 Hunter x Hunter 2011 (9.12)
One of the most critically acclaimed Shounen series around, Hunter x Hunter has subverted and improved on any previous expectation for a Shounen series with its incredibly detailed and intelligent take on anime action. In it, Gon Freecss sets out to find his estranged father who had left his family to become one of the greatest Hunters, a special brand of Shounen hero that specializes on finding and capturing various people, creatures, and items across the world.
Gon's adventure would introduce him to plenty of wondrous worlds, talented powers, and various friendships. However, what has really sold the series is its multitude of overwhelming and intimately horrifying challenges, outlining the world with dangerous organizations and god-like creatures that all aim to make mince meat of Gon and his compatriots.
1 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (9.24)
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been heralded as one of them most popular and critically acclaimed Shounen series of all time, and its presence is no different upon its entry to Netflix. Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse play with fate as young kids, as their attempt to resurrect their dead mother with alchemy bites back at them.
The accident leads to Ed losing a couple of his limbs, whereas Alphonse loses his entire body. Embarking on a journey to regain their bodies, the two travel a war torn culture constantly challenged by varying political interests, murderous conspiracies, and the constant, existential conflict between the temptations of science and the true value of human lives.