Not everyone out there appreciates the subtleties of Japanese animation “anime” like we do. And that is fine. After all, we anime-lovers do realize the beauty the writers and illustrators imbibe in their series. Some reveal to us the meaning of life while others depict bloody mess chaotic superpowers make. Most importantly, they help us escape into the brilliant detail-rich world they create through their excellent animations. And Netflix now offers countless gems in the genre that you can start streaming today. Below is the list best anime on Netflix to watch right now.
Top 20 Best Anime On Netflix to Watch Right-Now in 2018:
1. Death Note
One of the most sophisticated psychological thrillers “Death Note” is written by Tsugumi Ohba. The protagonist Light Yagami, a high school student, comes across a mysterious notebook ‘The Death Note’ which was dropped into the human world out of boredom by Shinigami (death god) Ryuk who granted its users the power to kill anyone whose name and face is known. Ryuk is amused by Light’s vision to create a utopian world of no evil and serves as his companion. The mysterious story with a combination of excellent sound effects makes ‘Death note’ one of the most brilliant anime series ever.
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2. Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai
With the original title as “Rurôni Kenshin- Meiji kenkaku romantan”, this critically acclaimed anime series won people’s heart through 3 years of run time from 1996 to 1998. With three succesful seasons under its belt, “Rurouni Kenshin: Wandering Samurai” told the story of an exceptional sumurai of the name “Kenshin Himura”. He was a part of an army that slayed countless men of Tokugawa Shogunate. Now he regrets his past actions and carries a reverse blade sword (one which is sharpened on the wrong side) with a vow to not kill anyone while executing justice in the world. The series, just like the premise delivers great sequences of ample emotional value. It features great sword-fighting which is brilliantly visualised in each episodes.
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3. Robotech
Dubbed as one of the classic masterpieces of the anime science-fiction genre, “Robotech” first aired in 1985 and created a loyal fan base which grew ever since. This nostalgia awakening show was an 85-episode television series under the production of Harmony Gold USA. A plot revolves around an alien battle fortress which crash lands on an island in the South Pacific in 1998. Once mankind discovered it, they started using the advance technologies found aboard her chambers. In the span of ten years, men were able to harbor the resources and create giant planes that can instantly transform into robots capable of intensive fighting. Even though the animation might seem a bit outdated today, the story still holds its brilliancy. You’ll also be surprised as to how emotional they can make each scenes in the anime format.
4. Devilman Crybaby
It is a mini television series aired in 2018 which grabbed a lot of attention. Akira, a boy of young age is confronted with a dilemma. Demon who were trapped in the frosty ice for millions of years are now free and about to invade humanity. His loyal friend Ryo suggests Akira for make himself one with the demons so he could have a fighting chance for his and humanity’s sake. Among the plethora of animes available on Netflix, this one truly stands out as it fearlessly explores mature and gritty themes. it is down right bloody and raw in every way possible imaginable. the duality of man, the good and evil are thoroughly depicted in this show. The anime is targeted towards the 21 year olds and above. Its extremely philosophical, psychological, spiritual and humorous slice of life but most of all, demonic. Majority of viewers may even hesitate to watch the second episode after finishing the first one.
5. Little Witch Academia
Are you a fan of Harry Potter? well if you nodded yes, then this just might be the show for you. Akko Kagari is an ordinary girl with high hopes who joins the famous witch academy for witch girls, Luna Nova Academy. The idea to join such an academy started when she visited a fare in which she show a witch perform magic. This performances inspired her to become one herself and the journey begins there. The main highlight of the show is the characters it consists of. They are very likable with very distinct life-like personalities. They never become over-complicated to achieve this, thus maintaining the beautiful balance. Do stream it today, start with the first season, obviously but do know that the show peaked at the end of its second season.
6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
This show that strikes you with unimaginable feelings. Quite similar to the one we already talked about – “Little Witch Academia’ – Puella Magi Madoka Magica explores the concept of magic and witchcraft too. The plot revolves around two girls Madoka and Sayaka who are confronted by a creature called Kyubey. It offers the girls a wish in return of becoming something they call ‘Magical girls’. Sounds cheesy, I know. But the story is anything but cheesy. While depicting all of the various themes in the plot, it struggles with the definition of basic good and evil, right and wrong. It deals with tough issues but the reactions of the characters towards it is what gives strength to the anime series.
7. Attack on titan
2000 years from now, humans are almost killed off by the titans. Titans are these giants of humongous stature with no apparent sing of intelligence. They hunt and prey on humans which they later devour and eat, but not for food but for the sheer pleasure of it. A small fraction of humans survived by protecting themselves from the tall titans by building even taller walls and staying inside the enclosure. The city remains a safe place through out the years until one day a collosal Titan, which came out of nowhere, completely destroyed the wall letting the smaller titans in. A teenager named Eren and his sister Mikasa tremble in fear as these giants invade the city. Furthermore, they watch their mother eaten alive by on of the titans. Rest of the story shows the journey of Eren as he vows vengeance to completely destroy the titan race.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Able to evoke all of your emotions in a single episode, Brotherhood proves itself to be a show like no other. Slightly resembling the first book of Harry Potter, this story involves the Philosopher stone – an object able to resurrect the dead. Two brothers use this very object to bring their mother back from the dead but it all goes wrong when they realize they’ve failed. The elder brother loses his left leg entirely while the younger one’s whole body is gone. Soon the elder brother sacrifices his right arm to give his younger sibling a form. Together they journey to correct their wrongs and master the art of alchemy. Surely a must watch show.
9. Kiru ra kiru
This series of the “scissor blade girl”, Ryuko Matoi, is directed by one of the Japanese key animators Hiroyuki Imaishi with his crew of TTGL (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann). The series with a list of 24 episodes was Trigger’s first original anime television project. The plot, released on 3rd September of 2014, tells the story of a vagrant transfer student Ryuko Matoi, searching for the slayer of her father, who arrives at a fictional high school named Hannouji academy situated in Tokyo Bay, Japan. The student council president of the academy is the fearsome Satsuki Kiryuin and the students were provided with Goku uniforms which gave their wearers superhuman abilities as they are made using a special material called Life Fibers. Ryuko Matoi’s final fight is interrupted by Nui Harime who is the murderer of Ryuko’s father. With it’s excellent character development and well-matched soundtrack, Eliot Gay of Japanator called the series as “a reminder of how fun and creative anime can be at its best”.
10. Inuyasha
Inuyasha is a old fashoned Fairy Tale in a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi. If you’re into time travel elements in shows then this one might appeal to you. Kagome Higurashi is a brave 15 year old who resides at a Japanese shrine. She happens to be the reincarnation of an ancient priestess named Kikyo who sealed away the haf-demon from the title of the show, named “Inuyasha”. Now Kagome travels back in time, befriends Kikyo’s sister and helps the half demon recover the shards of jewel the priestess once possessed. The characters are what make “Inuyasha” so amazing to witness. And the manga art style depicted is surely a thing to behold as well.
11. Gintama
In the 17th century, Japan implements strict isolation policies and removes almost all ties with foreign nations. The US fleets come in and colonize the Japanese land and that’s what history tells, but not in Gintama. Instead of the US fleet, the country is invaded by spaceships coming from all corners of the universe and soon Gintama is completely occupied by this alien race. All samurais got disarmed and were given temp works to do which required no skills. This is where the series operates, and it does so beautifully even though it seems it seems a little over complicated.
12. Soul Eater
Possibly the only shounen anime in the list, “Soul Eater” is by far on of the most original shows aired on television. Delightful to watch and enticing to dwell into, it explores the Shinigami technical school for weapon meisters where the master wield weapons that are actually not just weapons, but people. The people temporarily transform into weapons for their masters to use them in fights and battles. These duo try to reach a ranking of “Death Scythe”for which they must collect the souls of 99 evil people and 1 witch. The art style, soundtrack and premise of this shounen anime grips the viewers from the very first episode, and it is a roller coaster from there onwards, you’ve been warned.
13. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
It starts with the introduction of a wealthy family of the Joestars deciding to adopt a poor little boy named Dio. Although the couple already had a son named Jonathan, they wanted a second one. But things soon began to take the turn for the worst as the two boys feud started. The rivalry between them grew along with them, Dio being significantly better than his brother. But along the years, Jonathan caught up. The real action of this series start when they encounter a stone mask, which they learn has an ability to transform the wearer into an evil vampire. The show depicts over 3 generation of the Joestars with each son nicknamed Jojo. The humor is what sets this anime apart from the others, as it lightens a very dark and gritty premise of the show.
14. Twin Star Exorcists
Twin Star Exorcists is a Japanese shōnen manga series illustrated and written by Tezuka Award winner for Best Newcomer Shonen Manga Artist, Yoshiaki Sukeno. It is a tale of Benio Adashino and Rokuro who receive the title of “Twin Star Exorcist” which an oracle gives them. Rokuro first hesitates on being a exorcist evenvthough there was a clear talent in the art within him. As they journey together, they find themselves wrapped up in multiple incidents which badly require their expertise and skills. The series takes you through a journey mystery, action packed in a sweet bundle of humor.
15. Aggretsuko
Here comes a relateively fresh Netflix exclusive anime featuring an account and his daily struggles to survive by working in an office filled with irritating co-workers. Retsuko deals with the problems he faces with beer. A lot of beer, to be specific. Singing death metal also helps as it relieves him from the tension that accumulates over the tiring hours spent at the office. It’s both humorous and depressing to witness the daily challenges in Retsuko’s life. She is overworked and isolated with the series showing her transform into a more confident and happy person. The cast of the show both adds to the lunacy of Retsuko’s life as well as refuge for the poor protagonist. If a hilarious, lovable, sincere and feminist orientated show is something you’re looking for, then Aggretsuko is something you shouldn’t miss.
16. The Devil Is a Part-Timer!
Right off the bat, this mini series comes across as a light hearted fun anime that offers pleasant viewing. The title itself gives away the fun filled premise of the series: Satan or “Sadoa” got vanquished from his mystical home world and decides to flee to modern day Tokyo. He chooses to work part-time at MgRonald’s while he attempts at recovering his lost power of magic. The show is downright epic and hilarious with it’s amazing characters contributing to the over all wit and tone of the series. Something you and anyone interested in general animes would love to watch. But bare in mind, there are only 13 episodes of this delight as of now.
17. Tengen toppa gurren lagann
In an underground village completely n-off from the outside world, two young men named Kamina and Simon chafe discover something epic. Even though they were at limits dutifully imposed by the village elders, they try to use as the village’s peace is broken by the violent intrusion of ferocious enemies. The premise, even though sounding grimy and dark, is never handle that way. Contrarily, the series never takes itself seriously, which is pretty apparent by the look of the art style used in the illustration. But the ultimate message it tries to deliver is what makes this such a success, both from a critical viewpoint and from an emotional viewpoint. The first season premiered featured 27 episodes.
18. One Punch Man
A superhero who got bald due to intense training, “One Punch Man” introduces us to Saitama, an ordinary superhero living in a world filled with people like him, people with superhero abilities. He looks at life in a negative, pessimistic way which lays a foundation to the humor you witness in the series. He thinks life is pointless and has no meaning. Depressed and lonely, with no respect from anyone, the adventures of Saitama will surely entertain you for the most part. Rest of the parts will be laughter as each episode makes sure you thoroughly chuckle at the numerous moments of hilarity
19. Durarara!!
With two exclamation points included in the title, the show explores the boring life of Mikado Ryugamine, a guy who is pretty much fed up of everything. Everything changes when his friend invites him to move to the district of Ikebukuro situated in Tokyo. The district presents itself in all sorts of weird ways when he realizes what all it contains, from mysterious beings to rumored creatures of great stature. The astonishing part of the creation of this show is the accuracy with which they managed to make the district of Ikebukuro. The scenes depicted in Ikebukuro along with the amazing characters, makes you feel kind of odd as you get partially trapped between reality and the fiction it depicts.
20. Your Lie in April
It tells the tale of a young man named Arima Kous a piano prodigy. His early career was halted when his mother died, since then he lost his zeal in the art of the instrument. But soon it take a turn for the better as he meets a sweet young girl at the park who happened to be a brilliant violinist. With her incredible talent and sweet demeanor, she soon inspires him to return to the world of music. The story is very simple and straightforward in its narration but the amazing art style, story-telling and incredible music are what makes it such a memorable anime. Do not forget to pay close attention to the last episode as it is what phenomenally concludes the story to an epic ending.
