Animes, which are generally associated with Japanese storytelling in what we know as cartoons, have always been high on the popularity charts of the youth and young children alike. When it comes to watching the best Anime of Netflix, then there’s no shortage of choices.

If you have lived through or read about the early 60s era, then you would know that VHS tapes and home videos have always featured the best of them. Thankfully today, these are readily streamed or watched on different platforms that are easy to access.

A Quick Anime Backstory

Originated in Japan in the early 1990s, Anime was only introduced to America in the 1960s and had a huge fandom ever since.

Carving a niche for itself in the mainstream domain, Anime is a staple for the American teens and people in their twenties.

It can now be viewed by anyone whenever they wish, because of the internet. Netflix’s Anime library is massive. It brings you the old classics and also the recently released Anime.

So Naruto and Castlevania are quite popular household names among the youth and we are sure that the list of the best Anime on Netflix here can make you binge-watch.

Note: The anime list sequence is not in a particular order.

35 Of The Best Anime On Netflix

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Year- 2010. No. of Parts- 5. Creator- Hiromu Arakawa

Plot- One of the best anime on Netflix, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a supernatural anime about two brothers. These two, Edward and Alphonse, are the ones who fail to bring back their deceased mother to life.

In the process to do so, their bodies suffer physical damage, and they search for a ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ to return their bodies to the original state.

Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood here

2. Death Note – One of the Best Anime on Netflix

Death Note

Year- 2006. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Tsugumi Ohba

Plot- Light Turner, a Japanese high school student, comes across a mystical notebook. This evil thing is powerful enough to get anyone killed whose name is written on its pages.

In a good versus the evil kind of a tail, he sets himself on a secret mission. Interestingly, this mission entails to free the world of criminals and is chased by a famous detective.

Watch Death Note here

3. Bleach

Bleach

Year- 2018. Run time- 1h 48m. Creator- Tite Kubo.

Based on the anime by the same name, this is a live-action version of the popular anime, Bleach.

Plot- Here is a tale about soul-reapers. A Japanese high school student Ichigo can see ghosts. He meets a cute girl Rukia who is a Soul Reaper and ends up discovering that he’s a soul reaper too.

In addition to his reaper abilities, Ichigo can safeguard his town from hollows and unearths a connection between his mother’s death and the phantoms.

Watch Bleach here

4. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin

Year- 1998. No. of Seasons- 3. Creator- Nobuhiro Watsuki

Plot- The protagonist, Himura Kenshin, is a nomadic swordsman and a scarred former assassin. In his pledge to do good, he joins a martial arts school. This is in Japan’s Meiji era and pledges to protect the innocents.

Little does he know that he will end up in the middle of a conflict involving drug trade.  Watch this conflict saga unfold.

Watch Rurouni Kenshin here

5. InuYasha

InuYasha

Year- 2001. No. of Seasons- 2. Creator- Rumiko Takahashi

Plot- Teenage school girl Kagome travels back in time to Feudal Japan. Here, she teams up with half-demon InuYasha to recover the broken pieces of a sacred jewel.

One of the best anime on Netflix, InuYasha is exemplary in storytelling and is an excellent mix of elements like action, romance, comedy, humor, and suspense.

Watch InuYasha here

6. Castlevania

Castlevania

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 3. Written by- Warren Ellis

Plot- This is based on Japanese video games, Castlevania is a story about a vampire hunter. He is supposed to fight and save a city from a batch of supernatural creatures. This city is under the control of Dracula.

Iconic characters, excellent soundtrack, and beautiful art design make Castlevania one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Castlevania here

7. Devilman Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Ichiro Okouchi

Plot- Demons invade humanity and Akira, a sensitive boy along with his mysterious friend Ryo decide to fight the evil for saving humankind.

One of the best anime on Netflix, Devilman Crybaby is edgy, fast-paced, and packed with symbolism.

Watch Devilman Crybaby here

8. Gurren Lagann

Gurren Lagann

Year- 2007. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Kazuki Nagashima

Plot- Simon, and Kamina set out on an expedition to visit the world beyond the borders of imagination. They discover a land where humans battle robots. These robots are controlled by a  power-hungry aristocrat.

One of the best anime on Netflix, Gurren Lagann’s scale surpasses anything you’ve ever watched before.

Watch Gurren Lagann here

9. Violet Evergarden

Violet Evergarden

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Kana Akatsuki

Plot- Violet Evergarden survives the war and is now in need of a job. Wounded and detached, she takes up the position of a letter writer to comprehend her life and her past.

Stunning artistry, realistic approach, and excellent character development make Violet Garden one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Violet Evergarden here

10. Kill La Kill

Kill La Kill

Year- 2014. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Kazuki Nakashima

Plot- This story is about Ryuko Matoi. She is a student who lives on her campus and has a scissor blade. Her only aim is to look for the woman who killed her father.

Lovable characters, absorbing story and sharp animation make Kill La Kill an entertaining watch and one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Kill La Kill here

11. One-Punch Man

One-Punch Man

Year- 2015. No. of Seasons- 1. Illustrator- Yusuke Murata

Plot- Saitama, the world’s most powerful superhero, is gifted with the power to kill anyone with one blow. Unfortunately, due to a lack of respect from the people around him, he feels his powers are pointless.

Finally, he suffers from depression, and this is his story of back to power.

One of the best anime on Netflix, One-Punch Man is action-packed without any anime cliches and has an unpredictable storyline.

Watch One-Punch Man here

12. Ouran High School Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club

Year- 2006. No. of Seasons- 1. Created by- Bisco Hatori

Plot- Haruhi Fujioka, a student of the prestigious Ouran High School accidentally stumbles upon the Host Club of the school. It comprises of a group of infamous boys minting money by providing entertainment to the girls of the school.

Fun to watch, no dull moments, beautiful soundtrack, and a ten on ten for animation makes this show one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Ouran High School Host Club here

13. Aggretsuko

Aggretsuko

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Rarecho

Plot- Here is a story of a different sort. Frustrated and socially awkward Retsuko is a single red panda. She is apparently stuck in her thankless job as an accountant.

She deals with her daily struggles by gulping beer and singing death metal.

Watch Aggretsuko here

14. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Year- 2011. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Akiyuki Shinbo

Plot- Madoka Kaname has a magical encounter as Kyubey asks her if she would like to become a ‘magical girl’ and fight ‘witches’ who unfurl misery to humans.

Well-executed piece of drama, this anime is dark in its theme. Even then it turns out to be a masterpiece and one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Puella Magi Madoka Magica here

15. Your Lie in April

Your Lie in April

Year- 2014. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Naoshi Arakawa

Plot- A story of love and its power to turn back to positivity. Arima Kousei is a talented pianist whose will to play the instrument vanishes after his mother’s death.

Upon meeting an eccentric girl who is a brilliant violinist, Arima’s life changes as he is introduced back to the world of music.

Watch Your Lie in April here

16. Fate/Zero

action-netflix-anime

Year- 2012. No. of Seasons- 2. Creator- Gen Urobuchi

Plot- A tale of mystery and adventure. Here is an artifact, the omnipotent Holy Grail. This is supposed to fulfill any wishes of anyone who holds it.

This has already been the cause of three wars, and none of them has had a firm conclusion. With the hope of emerging victorious, yet another war begins.

With incredible scenes and a good storyline, Fate/Zero is brutal, unapologetic adventure and one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Fate/Zero here

17. Dragon Pilot

best-anime-on-netflix

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Toshinao Aoki

Plot- Hisone Amakasu joins the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force to distance herself from people. This decision of hers ends up changing her life when she is picked by a dragon to fly his aircraft.

One of the best anime on Netflix, Dragon Pilot is wonderfully presented and has a killer soundtrack.

Watch Dragon Pilot here

18. Soul Eater

netflix-anime-series

Year- 2009. No. of Parts- 4. Creator- Atsushi Okubo

Plot- Set in Death Weapon Meister Academy, Soul Eater is a story about Maka and her partner, Soul.

Their goal is to use their weapons to slaughter ninety-nine evil humans and one witch. The opposing forces, which are outside of the Academy, make sure they don’t achieve this quickly.

This makes the conflict very interesting to watch.

Watch Soul Eater here

19. Little Witch Academia

feel-good-anime-netflix

Year- 2017. No. of Seasons- 2. Written by- Masahiko Otsuka

Plot- Akko, a regular girl joins the Luna Nova Witchcraft Academy to train herself in order to become a witch.

She struggles as a student, but because of her right attitude, she tastes success, along with her friend.

Watch Little Witch Academia here

20. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King

weird-anime-netflix

Year- 2012. Run time: 1h 16m. Written by- Ichiro Okouchi

Plot- Guts, a mercenary is defeated by the skilled and charismatic Griffith and is recruited by him.

Furthermore, Griffith’s band of mercenaries which is called, ‘The Band of the Hawk’ undertakes treacherous missions which could lead to a horrible fate.

Watch Berserk: The Golden Age here

21. Case Closed

though-provoking-anime-netflix

Year- 2015. No. of Collections- 1. Creator- Gosho Aoyama

Plot- Jimmy Kudo, a high-school student, is abducted by criminals and forced to drink poison. This turns him into a child. While solving crimes, Jimmy aims to track down the agents who poisoned him.

One of the longest-running series with 900 episodes, Case Closed is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Case Closed here

22. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 2. Created by- Shuichi Aso

Plot- High School student Kusuo Saiki promises himself that he’ll always keep his psychic powers hidden. However, his talent makes his life grueling.

Impressive side characters and creatively gratifying, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. here

23. Sword art Online

cool-anime-netflix

Year- 2012. No. of Seasons- 1. Created by- Reki Kawahara

Plot- Here is a tale of the future. Set in the year 2022, a video game builds a new technology which enables players to be inside the game.

Controlling their online embodiments with their own bodies, the players are in a scoop as they stumble upon the twist of the virtual reality game.

Watch Sword Art Online here

24. Blue Exorcist

horror-anime-on-netflix

Year- 2011. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Kazue Kato

Plot- Satan tales! Raised by an exorcist, Rin is unaware of the fact that he’s the son of Satan.

He joins True Cross Academy with the purpose of getting rid of the curse. This is, of course, to defeat Satan and become an exorcist himself.

Watch Blue Exorcist here

25. Naruto

naruto-netflix

Year- 2008. No. of Seasons- 5. Created by- Masashi Kishimoto

Naruto is one of the most popular animes after Dragonball Z. Although DZZ is not on Netflix, you can always enjoy the adventures of Naruto.

Plot- Naruto Uzumaki is an orphaned, adolescent ninja who struggles for recognition. He learns to harness his powers and aims to become the leader of the village.

With the most exceptional storyline, likable characters, fun and adventurous, Naruto is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Naruto here

26. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

action-anime-on-netflix

Year- 2012. No. of Seasons- 1. Created by- Shinobu Ohtaka

Plot- Having led an isolated life, Aladdin wants to explore the world and befriends the courageous Alibaba.

Magical treasure hunts and bizarre encounters await them as they embark upon an adventurous journey together.

Watch Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic here

27. Hi-Score Girl

funny-anime-on-netflix

Year- 2018. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Tatsuhiko Urahata

Plot- Sixth-grader Harau Yaguchi is a lifelong gamer not inclined towards studies and sports. He meets a wealthy classmate, Akira who defeats him in his game.

Bringing back childhood memories, this rom-com is masterfully directed and is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Hi-Score Girl here

28. Kakegurui

school-anime-on-netflix

Year- 2017. No. of Seasons-1. Creator- Homura Kawamoto

Plot- Hyakkaou Private Academy has a peculiar curriculum. Students of this school are evaluated by their gambling expertise.

A story full of crazy moments, mad characters, and new mysteries, Kakegurui is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Kakegurui here

29. Ajin: Demi-Human

ajin-anime-netflix

Year- 2016. No. of Seasons- 2. Written by- Gamon Sakurai

Plot- A Japanese high school teenager finds out that he is an Ajin, a demi-human. He tries to escape fearing the authorities might investigate him because of his powers.

Tapping the interests of the young audience, Ajin: Demi-Human is full of delightful action sequences and is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Ajin: Demi-Human here

30. Fairy Tail

Fairy-tail-best-anime-on-netflix

Year- 2010. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Hiro Mashima

Plot- A young girl called Lucy embarks upon the journey to become a wizard. She teams up with three other young wizards and joins the infamous group, called Fairy Tail.

Through mutual love and companionship, they overcome the hurdles they face as their bond gets stronger with every mission.

Watch Fairy Tail here

31. Godzilla (Planet of the Monsters)

Godzilla-Netflix-Anime

Year- 2017. No. of Parts- 1. Written by- Gen Urobuchi

Plot- Twenty thousand years into the future, the human race has been defeated by Godzilla. In order to get the planet back, a group of refugees attempts to conquer Godzilla, who is the King of Monsters.

Exciting characters, simple plot, brilliant execution, and visually neat sequences make Godzilla one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Godzilla (Planet of Monsters) here

32. Miss Hokusai

miss Hokusai anime netflix

Year- 2015. Run time- 1h 30m. Creator- Hinako Sugiura

Plot- Set in 1814, Miss Hokusai is about the life and works of a talented Japanese artist, O-Ei.

Daughter of the well-known artist -Tetsuzo, who is known by his pet name – Hokusai; most of her time is spent in assisting her father with the woodblock prints which would bring them fame.

Watch Miss Hokusai here

33. Pokemon: Indigo League

pokemon-indigo-league-anime-netflix

Year- 2000. No. of Seasons- 1. Written by- Takeshi Shudo

Plot- Ten-year-old Ash Ketchum wants to become a Pokemon master. With the help of his friend Pikachu, he explores the world of Pokemon, battling rivals and evil organizations.

Great action scenes, exceptional plot, remarkable character development – Pokemon: Indigo League is one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Pokemon: Indigo League here

34. Knights of Sidonia

Knights-of-sidonia-anime

Year- 2015. No. of Seasons- 2. Creator- Tsutomu Nihei

Plot- Thousand years after the solar system was demolished by space-shifting aliens, human race created spaceships.

Each spaceship is set on a mission to locate a planet which can be inhabited.

Watch Knights of Sidonia here

35. Robotech

Robotech-Anime-Netflix

Year- 1985. No. of Seasons- 1. Creator- Carl Macek

Plot- A spaceship crashes in the South Pacific Island. Humans discover robot-technology in that spaceship. Inhabitants of Earth try to master this new scientific technology to repair the fortress by creating giant robots.

Engaging storyline, brilliantly done animation, fun to watch; Robotech is compelling classic and one of the best anime on Netflix.

Watch Robotech here

Conclusion

Irrespective of what genre of anime you like to watch, Netflix has got you covered. We have curated a list of the best anime on Netflix and here are our favorite picks.

  • If you’re looking for award-winning anime, watch Miss Hokusai and Fullmetal Alchemist.
  • Want to tickle your funny bones? Get your hands on One Punch Man and Naruto.
  • In the mood for some superlative action sequences? Watch Bleach and Fairy Tail.
  • Romance? Sword Art Online and Ouran High School Host Club.
  • Mystery? Kakegurui and Death Note.

And of course, Pokemon remains the old favorite classic which can be viewed anytime.

See Also: 30 Best Sci-Fi Shows On Netflix That Are Worth Binge Watching Right Now