Looking for something to watch? Here’s a list of community-ranked anime you can watch on Netflix right now.
There’s so much anime on Netflix that it’s a little intimidating. Even for seasoned veterans of the anime community, it can be hard to choose what to watch. I don’t know about you, but I spend more time scrolling through my options than actually watching anything, and after all that scrolling, I always just end up watching the same show again.
Well, I’m here to help make that decision a little easier. I opened up two windows on my Macbook and began my search. I went through Netflix’s most popular animes and animes widely popular among the community and cross-referenced their scores on MyAnimeList.net. How an anime is scored on that website is based on how the community rates each one, so it’s about as accurate as you can get.
Each anime on this list has a score of 8 or higher, except for one, but I think I would be hunted down for not putting it on this list because of a mere 10-point difference. Anyway, let’s get into it.
Here’s a spoiler-free list of the best animes available on Netflix right now, starting from the lowest score.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure scored a solid 7.90, which is basically an 8, so, of course, it has to be on this list. JJBA follows the Joestars, a family of aggressively handsome men and women, as they battle with supernatural oddities throughout their generations. JJBA has all six parts available on Netflix, each following a different Joestar.
The best thing about the show is the insane power system, so if you’re already a fan of shows like Jujustu Kaisen or Hunter X Hunter, you should definitely spend the weekend diving into JJBA. Just a little heads up: the first two parts, Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency, don’t have the same power system that arguably made JJBA such a classic. But don’t fret; the first two parts are still super fun to watch. The JJBA manga is still ongoing, so if you end up falling down the JJBA hole with the rest of us, there’s more to read and hopefully watch if it gets animated.
Great Pretender
The Great Pretender scored an 8.23 on MyAnimeList and is one of the animes on this list that is not based on a manga. Great Pretender is about a small-time Japanese con man getting swept up in way more than he could ever handle after swiping the wallet of a supposedly hapless tourist. That tourist ends up being a much higher-level con man who challenges him to con a mafia boss.
Great Pretender has two seasons, following this pair as they navigate this world of high-stakes fraud. This show is visually stunning, showing off a vividly coloured world of equally vivid characters, both visually and personality-wise. If you like exciting cons and mysteries, Great Pretender is a fun way to spend a weekend.
Erased
Erased scored an 8.31 and took the anime community by the throat in 2016. Erased is a time-bending mystery-filled thriller following the main character, Satoru Fujinuma, as he’s sent back 18 years into the past with knowledge of one of his classmates’ death. Fujinuma is suddenly back in his 11-year-old body and decides to try to prevent his classmate’s murder.
Don’t be fooled by the kid main characters; this show is rated R and covers some stomach-churning topics. Erased is a quick watch with only 12 episodes and is a great way to spend an evening or two, especially if you’re looking for an anxiety-inducing but overall heartwarming show.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion has an 8.35 and first aired in 1995. It’s a mecha anime that is a really neat subversion of the genre, but I won’t spoil why. It’s set in a world where large and increasingly abstract creatures called angels appear and attack. The main character is Shinji Ikari, and his father is the head of the organization founded to combat the angels. Shinji’s father invites him back to Tokyo 3, the base of operations, and basically forces him to become a mech pilot.
The 26 episodes plus the movies—you have to watch the movies—follow Shinji and the other child pilots as they battle the angels and their own inner demons. Neon Genesis Evangelion has some really great action, cool giant robots, and a compelling plot that’ll keep you stuck to the screen all the way to the end.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K is rated 8.42 and, well, follows the supposedly disastrous life of Saiki K, the high school student and powerful psychic. Saiki really does not enjoy having psychic powers, thinking of them more as a curse than something useful. Saiki tries to live as a wallflower, but his powers tend to attract a lot of his oddball classmates, forcing him to deal with them on a daily basis while he tries to live as ordinarily as possible.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K is a comedy, and a rather fast one at that, so while you may be tempted to watch it dubbed, watch it subbed. Like a lot of comedy anime, it’s way better to watch it subbed because English translations can mess up the jokes and timing. So, just be ready to read with this one, but with three seasons, you’ll have plenty of time to practice.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer has an 8.51 rating and is super hot right now, with the Swordsmith Village arc currently airing. Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado as he tries to turn his sister Nezuko back into a human after she is turned into a demon in the first episode. Tanjiro joins the Demon Corps and steadily works his way up the ladder, making great friends and valuable allies along the way.
Demon Slayer has a great cast of characters and stunning visual animation that only gets better with each season. I’m serious; I think Ufotable is just trying to flex at this point with some of these scenes. The most recent season, the Swordsmith Village arc, isn’t yet on Netflix, but perhaps by the time you’ve finished all the available episodes, it’ll be available.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man scored an 8.50 and is a great comedy-action anime. It follows Saitama, a guy who, after three years of super intense training—lots of pushups and morning runs—can one hit K.O. anything. Saitama has always wanted to be a hero, so he spends his free time taking out baddies, but taking them out with one punch can get boring really fast.
Saitama eventually meets a cyborg named Genos, who wants to become his disciple. Genos convinces Saitama to join the hero association, and the two officially start fighting crime and monsters. The show follows the pair as Saitama tries to find once again that excitement for battle he once felt. While there are two seasons of One Punch Man, the second has such a drop in quality that it’s not worth your time; just stick with the first one.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has an 8.54, and it’s well deserved. It started airing in 2013 and has been one of the biggest anime in the community ever since. It follows Eren, Armin, and Mikasa as they try to survive a world of man-eating titans. After surviving a breach of the enclosed walls of their home, they enlist in the titan fighting corps, the Survey Corps.
Throughout the show, they rise through the ranks and unveil the mysteries surrounding the Titans and the mysteries of the world around them. As the episodes and seasons pass, the show continues to successfully one-up its previous mystery or crazy event, making for a very intense watch. While the show is entering its final part, Netflix only has 25 episodes available, but that’s more than enough to get you hooked. Make sure that if you plan on watching it, you do so before June 1st, when it’ll be leaving Netflix.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has an 8.61, and at its time of release, it took over the anime community. It’s a hyper-gory action sci-fi following teenager David Martinez after his world is turned upside down and he’s introduced to a world of criminals and cyberware.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is based on the video game Cyberpunk 2077, giving fans what they expected from the game but didn’t get. The show is a compact and electric set of 10 episodes with an exciting cast of criminal characters and gorgeous animation. If you’re a sci-fi fan, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners may just be your new favourite anime.
Death Note
Death Note has an 8.62 and is widely considered an entry-level anime for a lot of fans, but if you haven’t watched it yet, why not this weekend? Death Note follows 17-year-old Light Yagami, who gets his hands on the titular death note after a death god, Ryuk drops it into the human world, looking for some fun. Light quickly finds out what power he holds and starts to kill off felons with the death note under the name of Kira.
L is a mastermind detective set on discovering who’s behind all these deaths. Death Note follows these two as they dance around each other, trying to find out each other’s identities. Death Note has 37 episodes of tight-knit suspense wrapped up in an intriguing supernatural story.
One Piece
One Piece has an 8.69, and I know it’s daunting, but it’s highly rated for a reason. One Piece follows Luffy and his crew of pirates, aiming to become the king of the pirates. It’s an amazing action comedy with some surprisingly well-done political commentary you wouldn’t expect from a Shounen series. It also has solid trans-rep, which is always great to see.
One Piece has 325 episodes on Netflix, and that’s not even all of them; One Piece has 1,061 episodes and is in its twentieth season. While that number may be intimidating, One Piece boasts a wide array of interesting stories and characters in an over-the-top weird world that’s guaranteed to get you hooked.
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga has an 8.74 and quickly rose through the anime ranks, becoming common in a lot of people’s top five lists. It follows a young Viking named Thorfinn, who, at the ripe age of six, witnesses his father murdered by a group of Vikings. Thorfinn stows away on the boat and vows to kill the man who murdered his father. The first season is full of violence, death, and war; it’s an exciting watch.
The second season is currently airing on Netflix, and the lack of violence caught a lot of non-manga readers off guard. The first season acted as a prologue to what is essentially Thorfinn trying to learn how to live without violence in a world dominated by it. Vinland Saga has captured a lot of people’s hearts, and its popularity is well deserved. If you’re still unsure what to watch after reading this list, just watch Vinland Saga.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop has an 8.75 and is well-known both inside and outside the anime community. It’s an award-winning action sci-fi following Spike and the crew of the spaceship, the Bebop. The cast, both heroes and villains, is colourful and well-written, plus there’s a corgi named Ein in the crew.
The crew hunts down villains all across space while building friendships with each other, eventually having to deal with Spike’s violent past once it catches up with him. The anime is stunningly animated and directed, with an amazing jazz-filled score. All 26 episodes are available on Netflix; just make sure not to watch the live-action by accident.
Monster
Monster has a well-deserved 8.87 and is based on an award-winning manga of the same name. If action, sci-fi, and fantasy aren’t your cup of tea, Monster’s grounded world and story are perfect for you. Monster follows Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a brain surgeon who, after facing a moral dilemma, saves the life of a young boy.
Years later, Tenma is framed for murder and must go on the run, and it looks like that boy from his past is involved in it. Monster is an intense mystery and psychological thriller that’ll have you on the edge of your seat through all 74 episodes.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter has a 9.04 score, making it the highest ranked on this list, and it’s well deserved. Hunter x Hunter follows Gon, a young boy whose dream is to become a hunter. Hunters hunt things, everything from treasures to criminals to new scents. If it’s something that can be found, there’s a hunter for it.
Gon is hunting for someone specific: his father, Ging, a world-renowned hunter. He joins the hunters association, makes friends, and is continuously faced with tougher and tougher challenges and foes while hunting down his father. All six of Hunter x Hunter’s animated seasons are available on Netflix; hopefully, one day, the rest will join them.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a poignant anime that explores emotions and humanity through the journey of its titular protagonist. Initially a child soldier in the army, Violet struggles to adjust to civilian life after the war and takes on a job as an Auto Memory Doll, ghostwriting letters for clients. Having known only orders and combat, Violet pursues the notion of “I love you,” a phrase uttered by her former commanding officer Gilbert.
Each client’s story gives Violet insight into love, loss, grief and the complexity of human relationships. Through learning to convey feelings in writing, Violet comes to understand her own emotions and forge meaningful connections. With its breathtaking visuals and evocative musical score, Violet Evergarden delivers powerful storytelling. This emotional anime highlights Violet’s development from a soldier following orders to an empathetic young woman who finds her place in a post-war world. Her poignant personal growth underscores the series’ themes of empathy, understanding, and the enduring impact of heartfelt words.
Great Pretender
Great Pretender is a stylish Netflix original anime series that masterfully combines comedy, drama and thrilling heist action. Directed by Hiro Kaburagi, the show follows Makoto Edamura, a small-time con artist in Japan who gets swept up in the world of an international heist crew led by the talented swindler Laurent Thierry. Together, they take down greedy criminals around the world in various exotic locales.
With character designs by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto and artwork inspired by Brian Cook, Great Pretender boasts a gorgeous and unique visual style. The jazzy soundtrack composed by Yutaka Yamada adds to the infectious, high-energy vibe. As Makoto evolves from petty crook to clever conman, this exciting series subverts expectations at every turn. Full of captivating cons, engaging characters and stunning scenery, Great Pretender is an anime that delivers thrilling entertainment with a touch of Hollywood flair.
Super Crooks
Super Crooks is an action-packed anime series based on the comic book by Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu. It serves as a spin-off to Jupiter’s Legacy and focuses on a crew of small-time supervillains who join forces to pull off an epic heist. The story follows Johnny Bolt, a thief with telekinetic powers who recruits a team of eccentric, superpowered criminals for a bold robbery. Together, they plan to steal from the most dangerous mob boss in the world.
With its sly humour, captivating characters, and high-stakes caper plot, Super Crooks puts an entertaining twist on the classic heist narrative. As Johnny and his crew of misfits use their unique abilities to attempt the score of a lifetime, this thrilling anime subverts superhero tropes with a cast of roguish antiheroes. Full of stylish action sequences and plenty of fun, Super Crooks brings the superpowered world of Jupiter’s Legacy to the small screen in an original way.
Little Witch Academia
Little Witch Academia is an enchanting anime series following the magical school adventures of Akko, an optimistic young girl striving to become a witch. After being inspired by the witch Shiny Chariot as a child, Akko enrolls at the prestigious Luna Nova Academy. Though she struggles with magic due to her non-magical background, she remains determined to unlock the wonders of sorcery.
With its gorgeous animation, warm atmosphere, and lighthearted stories about friendship and determination, Little Witch Academia evokes all the charm and wonder of the beloved “magic school” genre. As Akko studies alongside her friends Lotte and Sucy while navigating her classes and magical mishaps, she learns important lessons about believing in herself and proving that magic still has value in the modern world. With its heartfelt narrative and lovable characters, Little Witch Academia delivers an enchanting viewing experience sure to appeal to all ages.
Vampire in the Garden
Vampire in the Garden is a captivating anime series that revolves around the forbidden love between two sworn enemies – Momo, a human soldier, and Fine, the queen of vampires. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war between humans and vampires, the series follows Momo and Fine’s quest to find “paradise,” a mythical place where vampires and humans peacefully coexist.
Their perilous journey forces them to confront the hatred between their races while fighting against all odds to protect their blossoming romance. With its poignant love story underscored by themes of hope and reconciliation, Vampire in the Garden delivers an emotionally resonant viewing experience. Blending animation, drama, sci-fi, fantasy, and action, this anime original series by Wit Studio promises to entrance viewers with its star-crossed tale of two soulmates bridging the divide between disparate worlds.
CyberPunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an action-packed Netflix anime series that serves as an exciting prequel to the acclaimed video game Cyberpunk 2077. Set in the gritty, high-tech world of Night City, the story follows David, a street kid struggling to survive the corrupt system by becoming a gifted cyberpunk mercenary known as an “edgerunner.” Produced by acclaimed animation studio Trigger, Edgerunners delivers stunning visuals and fluid action sequences that bring the cyberpunk dystopia to life.
Over 10 thrilling episodes, David evolves from a reckless outlaw into a hardened, battle-scarred antihero, forging bonds with an endearing cast of characters. With its mature themes, stylish animation, and immersive worldbuilding, Edgerunners expands on the rich lore of the Cyberpunk universe while telling a self-contained story accessible to both new and existing fans. This exhilarating anime perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of the cyberpunk genre, serving as both an exciting companion to the game and a standout action series in its own right.
Children of the Whales
Children of the Whales is a post-apocalyptic anime set in a world covered by an endless sea of sand. On a massive ship called the Mud Whale, a small community of survivors has established an isolated society cut off from the outside world. The story focuses on Chakuro, a curious boy who yearns to explore beyond the confines of his desert-drifting vessel.
His insular world is upended when the Mud Whale encounters another island with very different customs, sparking conflict between the two communities. As tensions rise, Chakuro tries to bridge the divide and make peace. With its imaginative setting, engaging characters, and thought-provoking exploration of tribalism, Children of the Whales offers a poignant viewing experience. This coming-of-age tale reminds us that overcoming differences and finding common ground is the key to a hopeful future.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is an entertaining Netflix anime series that puts a satirical spin on the zombie apocalypse genre. Based on the manga by Haro Aso, the show follows Akira, a bored office worker who finds a new lease on life after a zombie outbreak hits Japan. Despite the chaos unfolding around him, the apathetic Akira comes to the realization that he’d rather be eaten by zombies than keep living such a monotonous existence.
With this mindset shift, he creates a bucket list of 100 things he wants to experience before becoming undead. What ensues is a hilarious and action-packed romp as Akira embraces his new zombie-filled reality with optimistic gusto. Combining the genres of animation, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, and action-adventure, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead delivers an absurdist take on survival horror tropes. With its eccentric protagonist and satirical sense of humour, this anime promises an entertaining viewing experience.
Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate is a lighthearted slice-of-life anime that follows Shoko Komi, a beautiful and popular high school student who has severe social anxiety that prevents her from making friends. After the average student Hitohito Tadano discovers her secret, he makes it his mission to help Komi achieve her goal of making 100 friends. With impressive animation and a humorous edge, Komi Can’t Communicate explores relatable themes like loneliness and communication issues with sincerity.
As Komi slowly opens up with Tadano’s help and meets eccentric classmates like the fiery Najimi, she faces her social anxiety while learning to forge meaningful relationships. With its quirky characters, down-to-earth narrative, and thoughtful portrayal of social anxiety, Komi Can’t Communicate delivers an uplifting story about the power of friendship and overcoming one’s fears. This heartwarming anime proves it’s possible to tackle sensitive topics in a light-hearted yet impactful way.
Code Geass
Code Geass is an anime set in an alternate history where the Holy Britannian Empire has conquered much of the world, including Japan. The exiled Britannian prince Lelouch vi Britannia, using the alias Lelouch Lamperouge, vows to destroy Britannia after his Japanese friend Suzaku Kururugi is killed. Lelouch gains a mysterious power called Geass that allows him to compel others to obey his commands. He becomes the masked leader of a Japanese resistance group seeking to overthrow Britannia’s tyrannical rule.
With its complex political narrative, mecha action, and a captivating protagonist willing to use any means necessary for his cause, Code Geass hooks viewers from the first episode. As Lelouch battles his former homeland while trying to create a better world for his sister Nunnally, the series explores thought-provoking themes about morality and sacrifice for the greater good.
Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby, the 2018 anime adaptation of Go Nagai’s classic Devilman manga series, is a visually striking and thematically rich work that deserves consideration among the best anime currently streaming on Netflix. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for his dynamic animation style, the series brings Nagai’s 1970s manga to life through its fluid motion and surreal, often grotesque imagery. It follows Akira Fudo, an emotionally sensitive high school student who merges with the demon Amon to become the powerful Devilman, protecting humanity from a demon invasion.
True to its source material, Devilman Crybaby is dark and violent, depicting brutal demon battles and human cruelty. Themes of prejudice and persecution are woven throughout, as humans target anyone suspected of being a demon. There is also copious nudity and sex, including hedonistic parties and disturbing body horror. The series embraces sexuality and queer relationships in a way rarely seen in anime.
Beyond its graphic content, Devilman Crybaby is visually striking, using Yuasa’s signature distorted art style to create nightmarish creatures and dreamlike sequences. The soundtrack by Kensuke Ushio complements the visuals with industrial electronic music. it is hard not to praise the anime for subverting expectations for anime and embracing mature themes.
Tekken: Bloodline
Tekken: Bloodline is a straightforward anime adaptation of the classic Tekken 3 video game storyline, focusing on the quest for vengeance by fifteen-year-old Jin Kazama. After his mother’s death, Jin trains under his grandfather Heihachi Mishima to follow the dark legacy of the Mishima bloodline and compete in the King of Iron Fist tournament. Over six episodes, the show follows Jin’s coming-of-age journey as he struggles to control his own destiny amidst the machinations of his family.
Tekken: Bloodline showcases the iconic character designs and narrative beats of the games with fluid, high-octane fight animation. While the story can feel rushed at times, the mystery and intrigue surrounding Jin’s family history shines through. For Tekken fans, this adaptation captures the look and feel of the franchise while expanding on its lore. With the right balance of hard-hitting martial arts action and slow-burning drama, Tekken: Bloodline brings the storied fighting game franchise to life.
