Top anime series to watch right now on Netflix
Over the last few years, Netflix has made a serious effort to expand their anime catalogue. Instead of just having a few seasons of one or two series, they now offer a huge range of both classic and new anime. They’ve even begun to produce their own adaptations and remakes of some top anime series.
While there’s something for everyone, it’s fair to say that not all anime is of the same quality. The quality of shows ranges from simply filler and time-killers to real works of art. Just like any other genre, anime can range from gentle comedies for children to incredibly dark or emotional tales.
With so many options, it can be hard to tell what’s really worth watching. Add to that the number of streaming services that now have anime options and you can spend so long looking for the perfect series that you run out of time to actually watch something.
To help you make that tough choice, here are some of the top anime series to watch right now on Netflix.
Kakeguri
Everyone loves a gameshow, and it’s no surprise they’ve been one of the leading television genres for decades. Gameshows are so popular that online casinos even feature gameshow-style live games. Features like the Dream Catcher wheel style add even more drama than the usual simple dice roll or card
turn because players can see what they might potentially land on as it goes.
Kakeguri takes the gamble of the gameshow and raises the stakes even further. Set in an elite boarding school, the attendees play games of chance against each other to establish a hierarchy. A new student shows up, and she turns the system upside down.
There are only two seasons and one spin-off series, so this is an easy show to binge-watch without having to make a massive commitment.
One Piece
Netflix has had mixed luck with its live-action adaptations of beloved anime. Cowboy Bebop was a massive failure and Death Note didn’t do much better. Maybe they got it right this time? It was certainly a brave gamble to take on one of the most beloved and most sprawling anime series of all time.
Their adaptation of One Piece covers the East Blue Saga. One of the smartest choices Netflix made was to bring manga series creator Eiichiro Oda in to advise. It’s Oda’s touch and some brilliant casting choices that make the series feel like the original anime. Even if you’re a purist who doesn’t believe live action adaptions should exist, it’s worth a watch – it just might change your mind.
Cardcaptor Sakura
If you’re looking for an intense or darkly violent anime, Cardcaptor Sakura is not for you. If you’re looking for a nostalgia hit and want to enjoy a bit of anime history, then Cardcaptor Sakura is an ideal choice.
The series originally ran from 1998 to 2000. Following in the footsteps of Sailor Moon, this show further developed the magical girl genre that is now such a mainstay of anime. Cardcaptor Sakura follows the adventures of Sakura as she discovers her magical abilities and hunts down a pack of missing magical cards. It also introduces one of the cutest characters ever, Sakura’s sidekick and advisor Cerberus.
With only three seasons, this is a manageable series for those without a ton of time to devote to a new anime. Its animation style is charming without being overly simplistic, and it tells its story in a comforting manner.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Newcomers to anime could be forgiven for thinking that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure only came out in the last few years, considering how much social media hype the show has recently received. Instead of judging those who are about a decade late to the party, let’s celebrate the fact that a new generation of JoJo fans have been gained.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure traces the fates of the Joestar family through time. Each generation of the family must battle against a powerful evil alongside a host of allies. The first series is set in the 1880s, where the vampiric villain Dio is introduced. The series is split in two parts, with part two jumping ahead to 1939. The second series is set in 1983 and is based on the Stardust Crusaders arc of the original manga.
This anime is perfect for fans who love pop culture references and want a show that celebrates classic rock, fun and the aesthetics of that world. It’s a classic battle anime with a glam twist, but it’s not what you want to choose if you’re looking for something super deep and insightful.