Discover the 10 Must-Watch Anime Series on Netflix Right Now!

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Netflix’s vast collection of anime shows has contributed significantly to the surge in popularity of this medium in recent times. It offers fans, both old and new, the opportunity to explore some of the most cherished and critically acclaimed series. Ranging from the visually stunning and intricately plotted fantasy epics to the subtly nuanced character development found in slice-of-life anime, it’s clear that this medium is vast and versatile.

Speaking of Netflix’s collection, whether you prefer adrenaline-fueled action or lighthearted rom-coms, their library is impressive! Known as a streaming titan, they continually work towards acquiring the rights for the most recent and top-tier anime productions. Every month, a new series worth binge-watching makes its debut on the platform, giving viewers a chance to delve into the finest offerings of anime. Here’s a list of the 10 best anime series currently streaming on Netflix. While it’s not exhaustive, it serves as an excellent starting point!

10
‘Komi Can’t Communicate’ (2021)

Amidst the lively hallways of Itan Private High School, a stunning girl named Shouko Komi captures everyone’s gaze. However, beneath her composed demeanor lies a hidden truth – Komi grapples with intense social anxiety and finds it challenging to bond with her schoolmates. But when thoughtful student Tadano Hitohito uncovers this secret, he resolves to assist her in overcoming her difficulties and fulfilling her ambition of forging connections with 100 fellow students.

How to Overcome Social Anxiety 101

Komi Can’t Communicate offers a heartwarming storyline that resonates with many, despite its seemingly ordinary high school setting. The series skillfully blends humor and emotion as it follows Komi’s journey to overcome her communication difficulties. The characters are lovable, and the visual style is crisp. The gentle narrative and inspiring message about empathy have garnered the anime widespread acclaim.

9
‘Vinland Saga’ (2019)

Vinland Saga, inspired by Makoto Yukimura’s historical manga, transports viewers to an era marked by Viking wars, following a period filled with the remnants of a devastating and brutal conflict. The narrative centers around Thorfinn, a young warrior tormented by the spirits of his past and driven by a desire for vengeance as he hunts for Askeladd, a ruthless mercenary leader, while also seeking the fabled land of Vinland.

An Epic Saga of Revenge and Redemption

This historical anime on Netflix stands out due to its broad narrative, placing it among the top shows currently streaming. It not only focuses on the protagonist’s growth but also uncovers the harsh truths of war and the legendary stories that motivate his people. Moreover, the series offers a thoughtful character analysis as Thorfinn’s quest for vengeance evolves into a deeper exploration of purpose.

8
‘Monster’ (2004)

In a compelling and hard-hitting narrative, the drama titled “Monster” unfolds around Dr. Kenzō Tenma, an exceptionally skilled neurosurgeon. One ordinary evening, he makes a selfless decision to save a young boy instead of the town’s mayor. Unfortunately, the boy he saved develops into a ruthless serial killer. When suspicion falls on him, Tenma is compelled to chase after the mysterious Johan Liebert – a man he had once rescued.

Intricate and Riveting Psychological Thriller

The reason Monster is so captivating lies in its seamless blend of suspenseful plotting, exploration of ethical quandaries, and deeply nuanced character progression. The narrative delves into a sprawling conspiracy that spans decades and various continents, placing Tenma in a position where he must decide between acting as a hero or a villain. Faithfully brought to life from the renowned manga by Naoki Urasawa, its evocative visual style, chilling soundtrack, and palpable tension set it apart.

7
‘Dragon Ball DAIMA’ (2024)

Enthusiasts of the series will find delight in this fresh chapter of the legendary Dragon Ball storyline, titled Dragon Ball DAIMA. This installment takes place post-defeat of Kid Buu and precedes Dragon Ball Super, starting with Goku and his companions mysteriously reducing to child size due to a plot orchestrated by the new Demon King. They’ll have to maneuver through the Demon Realm and uncover hidden truths about the cosmos.

Vibrant and Action-Packed Adventure

It’s evident that Chikashi Kubota, along with Toei Animation, holds a deep admiration for the Dragon Ball media franchise. The show offers a visual experience unlike any other, blending captivating fight scenes, rich mythology, and both new and familiar characters to keep viewers engaged episode after episode. Each installment heightens excitement by maintaining an original yet nostalgic feel due to Akira Toriyama’s influential work.

6
‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)

Without a doubt, MAPPA stands among the top-tier animation studios. In the series Dorohedoro, it constructs a grimy dystopia where the world is segmented into three domains, with disorder and sorcery dominating each. The narrative revolves around Caiman, a man afflicted with amnesia and possessing a reptilian head, who is on a mission to discover his past. Alongside Nikaido, his faithful ally, he embarks on a quest to track down the sorcerer who inflicted his grotesque appearance, hoping to have them reverse the enchantment.

Bizarre and Beautiful Masterpiece

In the animated series Dorohedoro, Caiman experiences a series of peculiar meetings and intense clashes. The suspense remains high throughout the season, with unexpected twists abounding. The anime gained praise for its original and endearing characters, striking visual style, and intricate fantastical components. Apart from its technical excellence, it delves into topics such as self-identity and retribution.

5
‘Pluto’ (2023)

As I pen this review, I find myself captivated by the gripping narrative that is Pluto – a riveting reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s iconic Astro Boy, now brought to life through the masterful hands of Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki. In this intriguing adaptation, I take on the role of a movie-goer, immersed in the world of Gesicht – an exceptional robot detective charged with solving a string of enigmatic murders that have targeted the most sophisticated robots and their creators.

As Gesicht delves deeper into this intricate web of crime, he uncovers a tangled web of conspiracies that point towards a catastrophic event on the horizon. The suspense is palpable as I follow along, eager to unravel the mysteries hidden within this captivating tale.

A Cerebral Whodunit

Pluto stands out as a contemporary masterpiece in animated television. It shines equally in its captivating storytelling and exploration of profound themes. The series depicts a world where robots and humans share existence, and the notion of consciousness is intricately woven. Some characters grapple with what it means to be alive. With a narrative as intricate as a gripping detective novel, each episode maintains tension through suspense and mystery, leaving viewers eager for more.

4
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020)

In the realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, malicious spirits emerge from the dark feelings humans harbor. The main character is Yuji Itadori, a high school student who unintentionally ingests a potent artifact – an antique finger belonging to Ryomen Sukuna – and serves as its host. He becomes part of a clandestine group of Jujutsu Sorcerers and employs his newly acquired powers to combat diverse evil spirits.

Stylish and Endlessly Rewatchable

Since its debut in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen has eclipsed the popularity of established anime series such as Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach. This exceptional show is a testament to the peak of the genre, seamlessly blending adrenaline-fueled action with compelling character development, while tackling mature themes and depicting raw violence. The narrative of power and sacrifice in this series is accentuated by its stunning visuals and engaging soundtrack. With two seasons and a prequel film already released, fans are anxiously anticipating another season.

3
‘Haikyuu!!’ (2014)

One engaging anime series to catch on Netflix right now is Haikyuu!!, which takes place in the thrilling realm of high school volleyball. The story revolves around Shoyo Hinata, a young man who is so captivated by a renowned player called “The Little Giant,” that he decides to join his school’s volleyball team, despite being relatively short. As time passes, with a motley crew of fellow players, Hinata hones his skills, rises through the ranks, and ultimately leads his team to a national triumph.

It’s All About Team Spirit

Sports stories about underdogs are consistently popular, and the anime “Haikyuu!!” is a prime example. Originating from the renowned manga by Haruichi Furudate, it vividly portrays the intense games, team camaraderie, fierce rivalries, and character development spanning its four seasons. The animation is vibrant, enhancing the story’s richness. In 2024, a sequel film to the series, titled “Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle,” was unveiled.

2
‘Ranma ½’ (2024)

The renowned, laugh-out-loud action-romantic comedy is receiving a fresh take by MAPPA, streaming now on Netflix. Similar to its predecessor, it focuses on Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist, who’s cursed in an unusual way: he transforms into a girl whenever doused with cold water, while hot water appears to undo the transformation. Intrigued by this secret, his strong-willed fiancée Akane Tendo, understandably becomes flustered.

Brings Back the Nostalgia

Ranma ½ is an undeniable classic that still manages to tickle funny bones and tug at heartstrings, even today. The remake maintains the original’s hilariousness and unexpected depth, featuring a cast of eccentric characters embarking on various escapades and martial arts competitions. They all strive to find a solution for Ranma’s curse, making this reimagining by MAPPA an exciting revival of a cherished classic. With MAPPA’s reputation for stunning visuals, there’s little room for disappointment in this entertaining journey.

1
‘Dandadan’ (2024)

The story, titled Dandadan, focuses on two unique characters: Ken Takakura, also known as Okuran, who is a timid high school student with a passion for the unknown realms, specifically extraterrestrial life. In contrast, Momo Ayase appears to be an average girl who firmly believes in ghosts but holds no fascination for aliens. Following a misguided wager, they find themselves swept up in a tumultuous series of supernatural occurrences. To navigate this chaos, they must draw upon their extraordinary abilities to confront and vanquish beings ranging from spirits to extraterrestrial entities.

An Exceptionally Entertaining Shonen Anime

As a diehard cinephile, I couldn’t help but feel the palpable buzz surrounding “Dandadan” when it debuted on Netflix. The show quickly skyrocketed to fame with its jaw-dropping action sequences, impeccably stylish, and its heartwarming portrayal of friendship and personal development. Under the masterful direction of Science Saru, the animation is nothing short of groundbreaking, meticulously capturing the raw energy and adrenaline-pumping intensity of each action scene. To top it off, the original source material holds such esteem that its adaptation was destined for success.

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2025-01-18 04:32