Among all of the binge-worthy shows that Netflix has to offer, don't forget their immense library of anime for you to get your fill on stylized action, intense drama, and gripping stories.
But we're not just talking about rewatches of Fullmetal Alchemist or Naruto. Netflix also features plenty of amazing anime that you can only stream on their platform. From down to earth stories about the music industry that take place on Mars to a teen wolf's harrowing coming-of-age story, there's a unique anime for everyone to add to their watch lists, no matter their taste.
Here are our picks for some great anime that you can stream exclusively on Netflix:
Carole and Tuesday (2019, 24 episodes)
Studio Bones
The duo make their first Instagram post to commemorate their indie music debut.
Director Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy) brings his artistic appreciation for western music to life in this musical sci-fi drama. When a struggling young orphan in between part-time jobs crosses paths with a rich girl fleeing from her pampered yet stifling lifestyle, the two bond over their desire to make music. Fueled by a shared passion for song, this ragtag duo tries to make it big in the Martian music industry.
While the show maintains the style and charm that Watanabe is known for, the real star of Carole and Tuesday is its diverse soundtrack. Nearly every episode introduces new songs from a wide variety of real life artists (see Nai Br.XX and Celeina Ann, the musical talent behind the titular characters), each offering a refreshing and nuanced understanding of the genre they represent. Catchy pop songs, gentle acoustic numbers, and smooth R&B tracks share the spotlight throughout the entirety of this heartwarming and inspiring anime.▲Devilman Crybaby (2018, 10 episodes)
Science Saru
Akira Fudo must fight off demons while trying to maintain his own humanity.
After a fateful reunion with his childhood friend Ryo Asuka, timid high schooler Akira Fudo is thrust into the world of demons infiltrating human society. Akira soon inherits his own devilish powers and becomes Devilman, a monstrous hero dedicated to protecting humans from his evil brethren. But the more he fights, the blurrier the line becomes between a hungry demon and a malicious human.
This latest adaptation of renowned manga-ka Go Nagai's supernatural horror hero is not for the faint of heart. It's short and compelling, but you might want to prepare yourself for disturbing and violent imagery that isn't afraid to get creative. If you can stomach it, Devilman Crybaby will be well-worth the effort.
▲Beastars (2019, 12 episodes)
Orange
An adolescent wolf searches for the true nature behind his affection for a rabbit.
In this Zootopia-esque modern society of anthropomorphic animals, kind-hearted grey wolf Legoshi attends Cherryton Academy and spends his free time as a member of the drama club stage crew. But when an herbivore student is reportedly killed and eaten on school grounds, Legoshi is forced to question the tenuous relationship between herbivores and carnivores. To make matters worse, he slowly but surely develops a crush on a rabbit student. As he tries to overcome his carnivorous urges in order to maintain a relationship with her, Legoshi must come to grips with both the realities of the world and his own place on the food chain.
The newest addition to Netflix's anime library is a shockingly human story about a young adolescent wolf-boy. Beastars offers an insightful character drama that continually builds an intriguing world of social and biological hierarchies. Featuring memorable characters and superb animation, Beastars is most certainly worth sinking your teeth into. And be on the lookout for season 2 in the future.
▲The Seven Deadly Sins (2017, ongoing)
A-1 Pictures
The only thing that can defeat a tyrannical kingdom is an uber-powerful group of misfits.
When the Great Holy Knights overtake the kingdom of Liones, Princess Elizabeth is tasked with finding the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of bandits whose strength is the stuff of legends. After unexpectedly running into their leader, Melodias, a young-looking man whose small stature betrays his immense power, they embark together, on a quest to find Meliodas' scattered teammates so they can fight back against the Holy Knights.
As your typical shonen fare, this fantasy action show has a little of everything. It's action-packed with a loveable cast, but there are plenty of heartwrenching moments to balance it out. Seven Deadly Sins is ongoing, and the next season should be on its way. If you're playing catch-up, then rest assured, the first two seasons are simply sublime.▲Baki (2018, ongoing)
TMS/Double Eagle
Baki strives to be the strongest fighter around.
Young, up-and-coming martial arts champion Baki Hanma is training to become the strongest fighter in the world—a title currently held by his own father. But before he can do that, first he needs to take on five death row inmates who have escaped prison and are heading to Tokyo. So begins a series of extreme underground fights between some of the toughest fighters in Japan.
As a spiritual continuation to a previous 2001 adaptation, Baki is a pure adrenaline rush of pulse-pounding action. While there's drama to be had, it's usually offset by musclebound brawlers beating the living hell out of each other. If you need a fix of intense, brutal fight scenes, look no further than Baki Hanma's adventures.
▲Ultraman (2019, ongoing)
Production I.G
Shinjiro Hayata inherits his father's legacy as the newest Ultraman.
Taking place after the events of the landmark 1966 tokusatsu drama of the same name, Ultraman tells the story of Shinjiro Hayata, the son of a man who once was a human host for a "giant of light" who protected Earth from giant monsters. Using a high-tech suit of armor and his strange inherent abilities, Shinjiro continues his father's legacy battling against evil aliens who threaten his home planet.
If you're unfamiliar with Ultraman as a whole, this new show provides a crash course on the iconic Japanese hero franchise. Slick action and stellar animation blend seamlessly in this sci-fi tale that adds a deconstructionist take to Ultraman's standard "giant monster fight" formula. The first season consists of 13 episodes, and season 2 is on its way.▲Hi-Score Girl (2019, ongoing)
J.C. Staff
Two children find friendship and confidence in their shared love for arcade gaming.
Haruo Yaguchi is a young boy who spends most of his time in local arcades playing coin-op games like Street Fighter II. To his surprise, he finds a fellow student, the rich and aloof Akira Ono, who sneaks off from her rigid academic regimen to play video games on her own. This unlikely duo eventually bond over their love for gaming while learning from one another in the process.
For those in the mood for nostalgia, Hi-Score Girl is a '90s love letter through and through. Arcade homages and old-fashioned gamer culture are at the forefront of this romantic comedy that brandishes a thorough knowledge of Street Fighter techniques and gaming hardware. If action and drama aren't your thing, this show has got you covered. Season 2 is expected to start streaming on April 9.
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