Best Anime on Netflix (2025): 13 Must-Watch Picks

Netflix has become a treasure trove for anime enthusiasts, offering everything from classic masterpieces to groundbreaking original works that push the boundaries of the medium. Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or a newcomer curious about the allure of anime, this streaming giant's library has something for everyone.

We've selected 13 outstanding anime series that stand out not only for their entertainment value but also for their artistic achievements, narrative innovation, and cultural influence.

Part 1: The 13 best anime on Netflix right now

Here’s a curated list of 13 of good animes on Netflix right now—a mix of beloved classics and standout originals that span genres and styles.

1. Attack on Titan

Type: ActionDark, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic

Young Eren Yeager witnessed the tragic murder of his mother by the colossal humanoid creature known as the Titan. Driven by a desire for revenge, he joined the Survey Corps alongside his adopted sister Mikasa and his close friend Armin, vowing to fight against the Titans. What began as a seemingly straightforward revenge story evolved into one of the most complex narratives in anime history, exploring themes such as freedom, the cycle of violence, and the nature of humanity. The series is renowned for its brutal honesty about war, morally complex characters, and an ending that sparked endless discussions among fans worldwide.

2. BEASTARS

Type: Drama, Coming-of-Age, Psychological

The story revolves around the timid gray wolf Legosi, a student at Cherryton Academy. When a herbivore student is murdered, the school's social order descends into chaos, and Legosi finds himself drawn to a young rabbit named Haru. This is not merely a love story—it is a profound exploration of identity, prejudice, and the struggle between instinct and civilization. Orange Studio's stunning 3D animation brings the characters to life with vivid expressions and fluid movements, while the psychological depth of the storytelling makes it one of the most mature and thought-provoking Netflix animated series.

3. Castlevania

Type: Action, Gothic, Dark Fantasy

Castlevania tells the story of Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont family of demon hunters. When Dracula declares war on humanity after his wife is burned at the stake, Trevor must team up with the powerful witch Sif Bernardes and Dracula's own son, Alucard, to stop the vampire lord's terrifying reign over humanity. With its R-rated content, political intrigue, and exploration of themes such as revenge, redemption, and the nature of evil, Castlevania demonstrates that video game adaptations can remain faithful to the source material while also possessing artistic ambition.

4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Type: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Cyberpunk

From the creative team at Studio Trigger comes this neon-drenched masterpiece set in a dystopian city of night. The Netflix anime series seamlessly blends action, drama, and social commentary to explore themes of identity, addiction, and the price of power in a world where humans are increasingly being replaced by technology.

5. Death Note

Type: Psychological, Thriller, Mystery

Death Note explores complex moral issues such as justice, power, and the nature of good and evil, while presenting some of the most gripping narratives in the anime world. The character development is outstanding, especially Light's gradual descent into arrogance, and the intellectual battle between the two main characters will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

6. Devilman Crybaby

Types: Dark Fantasy, Avant-Garde, Horror

Masaaki Yuasa's bold reinterpretation of Go Nagai's classic manga is a visual and narrative masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of what anime can achieve. The series is renowned for its distinctive animation style, blending traditional 2D animation with experimental techniques to create a uniquely immersive visual experience. Its narrative is equally bold, tackling themes such as identity, sexual orientation, violence, and the essence of humanity with an uncompromising honesty.

7. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Type: Adventure, Fantasy, Action

Considered by many to be the perfect anime, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells the story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy. What makes this anime unique is its perfect balance of action, humor, drama, and philosophical elements. The animation quality is consistently top-notch, and the series is both entertaining and thought-provoking throughout its run.

8. Hunter × Hunter (2011)

Type: Adventure, Shonen, Action

Unlike other anime series aimed at young audiences, Hunter × Hunter stands out for its sophisticated narrative structure and complex character development. The series begins with a seemingly simple premise but gradually evolves into a deeper exploration of themes such as friendship, morality, and the nature of power. While each chapter is self-contained, they are interconnected, forming a cohesive narrative structure that keeps viewers engaged throughout the series' lengthy run.

9. Jujutsu Kaisen

Type: Action, Supernatural, Horror

The unique feature of Jujutsu Kaisen lies in its exceptional animation quality, particularly in battle scenes, where the action design is rendered with cinematic precision. The series combines traditional Japanese horror elements with a modern shonen action style, creating a unique atmosphere that is both terrifying and exhilarating.

10. One Piece

Type: Adventure, Comedy, Action

One Piece is not merely a pirate adventure story; it is a journey about friendship, freedom, and the pursuit of dreams. The series' world-building is vast and intricate, with hundreds of unique islands, cultures, and characters bringing this world to life and continuing to expand it. The anime skillfully balances humor, action, and emotional storytelling, with plot developments that are sometimes hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking, deeply resonating with anime enthusiasts of all ages on Netflix. Despite its massive scope, the series maintains a consistently high standard, with each chapter building on the previous one to create a cohesive narrative structure.

11. PLUTO

Type: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Psychological

Naoki Urasawa's brilliant reimagining of the Astro Boy storyline has evolved into an exquisite suspense drama that explores the essence of humanity, set in a world where robots and humans coexist. This Netflix anime series is a masterpiece of narrative art, featuring a clever plot, complex characters, and multi-layered themes. Each episode is feature-length, providing ample space for character development and the natural unfolding of complex storylines.

12. Vinland Saga

Type: Historical, Action, Drama

Set in the Viking Age, “Vikings” tells the story of young warrior Thorfin's quest to avenge his father's death by hunting down Askeladd. The first season focuses on Thorfin's quest for revenge, showcasing the brutal reality of Viking warfare and the psychological trauma it inflicts on those involved. The second season takes a dramatic turn, exploring themes of redemption, pacifism, and the possibility of building a better world. The series does not glorify violence but instead highlights its true cost, making it one of the most mature and thought-provoking Netflix animated series to date.

13. Violet Evergarden

Type: Drama, Slice of Life, Historical

After a devastating war, Violet Evergarden, a former child soldier, struggles to understand human emotions and find her place in a peaceful world. What makes this work extraordinary is Kyoto Animation's stunning animation, with every detail rendered with breathtaking precision. The narrative is equally moving, with each episode telling a standalone story that collectively forms Violet's emotional journey of growth. The series explores post-war trauma, the power of language, and the healing process with extraordinary sensitivity and depth.

Extra tip: how to translate Netflix anime with BlipCut

Nowadays, more and more popular Netflix anime come from Japan and other non-English-speaking countries. With BlipCut Video Translator, you don’t need to wait for official subtitles. As soon as an anime series is released, BlipCut can instantly translate the video into over 130 languages, allowing you to watch the latest Netflix anime without any language barriers.

More than an AI video translator, BlipCut can also be an AI subtitle generator and translator to help you automatically generate subtitles for Netflix anime.

FAQs about Netflix anime

• Q1. What is the best anime on Netflix right now?

  A1: It depends on your taste. For high‑octane action try Jujutsu Kaisen or Attack on Titan; for emotional drama pick Violet Evergarden; for a complete short series go with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners or PLUTO.

• Q2. Is Attack on Titan on Netflix?

  A2: Yes in many regions, though licensing varies. If you don’t see it, check again later or search the mobile app with a VPN disabled to confirm local availability.

• Q3. Is Demon Slayer on Netflix?

  A3: Often yes, but it’s region‑dependent. When available, it’s a great starter thanks to crisp animation and straightforward arcs.

• Q4. Which Netflix Original anime should I start with?

  A4: Top Netflix‑branded picks include Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Devilman Crybaby, BEASTARS, Violet Evergarden, and PLUTO — all acclaimed and easy to recommend.

• Q5. Can I watch anime on Netflix with English dubs or other languages?

  A5: Yes. Use the “Audio & Subtitles” menu to select dubs or subs in many languages. Availability differs by title and region.

• Q6. How can I translate Netflix anime into my language?

  A6: If the language you want isn’t offered, you can use BlipCut to translate or dub episodes for personal study and accessibility. See the tip below.

Conclusion

Anime on Netflix has never been more exciting, with new stories constantly arriving and connecting fans across the world. What makes the experience even better is the ability to enjoy these shows without language barriers. With BlipCut, Netflix animation can be instantly translated into over 130 languages, allowing you to dive into every new release as soon as it drops. No matter where you are, the world of anime is now truly global, and always within reach.