harelly garith namrata
Edilma Howard
Recently, more and more Netflix original series (anime) pop up in my feed and so far, all of them are of extremely high quality. This goes in audio, visuals and usually story as well. Most of them are fairly unique compared to the mainstream ones.
So what I am curious about is if these are different from normal series. Like, do they have limitations for publication? For example, most series in Japan are for Japan only and are only able to leave the country through shipping DVDs or illegal streaming services. Is a Netflix original basically the same without any limits for publication?
Normally I wouldn't be bothered by this, but I have noticed a significant difference in quality from the big hits in Japan and Netflix original series. For example, most shows tend to forget about background characters, surround audio etc. In Netflix originals, I have yet to encounter these minor quality flaws. So what is it that makes the major difference between them?
Netflix Original Series are either produced, co-produced or hosted exclusively on Netflix, and when in relation to anime it will almost always be referring to "hosted exclusively". Other anime would be hosted by one or many of any range of other platforms/mediums. Some may go straight to TV, some get bought by multiple platforms, ect... it depends on the series and Netflix Original Series just happen to be hosted by Netflix. - stack reference, wiki reference
Netflix Original Series can be planned and made for Netflix, or the rights can be bought by Netflix after production. Either way, Netflix would be creating/purchasing shows that they believe are marketable to their customer base and this would result in a slight variation in popular themes than other airing anime. Currently, the top countries for Netflix usage are Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, America and Canada (reference) so the shows picked up by Netflix are more likely to have jokes/references/themes/styles that are deemed as popular in these countries. An example of something that would be less likely to pop up a Netflix Original is an anime show featuring lots of Dajare (Japanese Puns) since wordplay in Japanese is structured around the language and difficult to translate for the same popular impact it would have locally. Keep in mind this is not a strict rule for what Netflix can pick up, just a general difference noticed when looking at the platforms shows as a whole.
Netflix has added some incredible titles to its anime library in recent years. In addition to quintessential series, there is also a substantial amount of originals that are holding their own against titles already well established in the canon. The streaming service took care to introduce a variety of genres: there are plenty of action, comedy, and romance series to choose from. If you are ready to explore even the weirdest corners of Netflix to find binge-worthy content (and you should be), we are here for you.
Below, the Paste writers have catalogued the best anime series on Netflix (starting with our favorites) that are sure to hold the attention of both experienced weeaboos and anime first-timers alike.
By now, most people have at least a cursory awareness of Neon Genesis Evangelion, whether it be from the overwhelming amount of branded merchandise or the consistent references in popular media. But for a show as ingrained in the animation canon as Evangelion, how we discuss it is in constant flux. Initially touted as a meaningful deconstruction of the mecha popularized by Gundam and Macross, the franchise later became bloated and rife with superfluous content much like the melodramas-as-merchandise they lampooned years before.
The animation and action are breathtaking, the characters are compelling and vibrant, the music is stellar and the dialogue is memorable. We couldn't recommend this anime more. The first season is streaming on Netflix now, along with seven episodes covering the events of the Mugen Train film that was released in theaters. There's a second season, with more on the way, but it isn't available to watch on Netflix.
"Believe it" (as Naruto Uzumaki would say), you can't have a best anime list without this show. This classic, well-loved anime follows Naruto, a young ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village who dreams of becoming the leader of the village. Beware: Naruto is a very long anime. So long, that once you get through all nine seasons on Netflix (220 episodes total), which covers Naruto's preteen years, you'll still have another 500 episodes to cover in Naruto: Shippuden, which picks up two and a half years after the show's original run. You'll have to look elsewhere for the follow-up series, though, as Shippuden isn't currently streaming on Netflix. But Netflix does carry plenty of the Naruto movies, if you're after more adventures from the Hidden Leaf ninjas. Just make sure to skip the filler episodes, unless you're really desperate for something to watch.
Attack on Titan is without a doubt one of the most popular anime right now. And for good reason. With spectacular animation, political intrigue, a compelling cast of characters and bigger-than-life battles, this is one show you'll want to check out. Yes, the titans -- the gigantic, humanoid, human-eating monsters that force humanity to live behind towering castle walls -- are unnerving and might freak you out. But that's half the fun, especially when we see our heroes take them down. Netflix only has Attack on Titan's first season in its catalog, but those 25 episodes are enough to get you started. It's a great time to jump into this series with the third part of the final season airing next month.
Hunter x Hunter remains an unfinished story, having been abruptly paused after season 6. The manga's author, Yoshihiro Togashi, stopped writing, leaving Hunter x Hunter on hiatus. New chapters, Togashi recently announced, are incoming. This anime starts with protagonist Gon Freecss, who leaves home in search of his father, but the show quickly branches out of that simple narrative. The series is beloved for its world-building and emotional investment across its diverse cast of characters.
A gripping game of cat and mouse for the ages, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a genius high schooler who finds a mysterious notebook (the titular "Death Note") that gives its owner the ability to kill anyone whose name is written within it. Hellbent on creating a new world free of crime, Light carries out a massacre, killing off criminals and those Light deems morally unworthy. But the world's greatest detective is on the case. Can Light get away with it?
A Netflix original inspired by the classic video games of the same name, Castlevania follows the last member of the disgraced Belmont family, Trevor Belmont. This dark medieval fantasy is full of gore, gothic horror and grotesque monsters. Trevor -- and friends made along the way -- venture out to defeat none other than Dracula himself, whose anger and grief over the unjust death of his love overruns Eastern Europe in the 1400s. You don't want to miss this one.
Ever wanted to see a brawl between a Norse god and an ancient Chinese warrior? Or watch a Greek god duke it out with one of the best swordsmen in Japan's history? Me neither, but now I'm sure glad I have.
Record of Ragnarok's premise is simple: Through 13 one-on-one battles to the death, humanity must prove itself worthy to avoid annihilation by the gods. The first to seven victories wins. This anime is imaginative, entertaining and chock-full of human history, so you'll learn some new stuff along the way. It's also cool to see legends from all corners of the globe coinciding in one mythos. There are two seasons, totaling 22 episodes, streaming on Netflix now, making this a perfect anime to binge on your next couch session.
If you thought Naruto was long, think again. One Piece is the longest-running anime to date, spanning more than 1,000 episodes across 23 years of broadcasting. The show follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates. They're in search of the ultimate treasure known as One Piece. Netflix recently expanded its four-season collection of One Piece to 13 seasons, giving you plenty to sink your teeth into. If you ever hope to catch up, best get to it!
Devilman Crybaby is based on the manga written by Go Nagai, which was originally adapted as an anime back in the '70s. This newer series moves the time setting from the 1970s to modern times and goes hardcore on mature themes and violent sequences. It's rated TV-MA, so this isn't one for the children.
How would you feel if you were so strong that you could defeat any foe with just one punch? Triumphant? Bored? Lonely? This is the central question One Punch Man grapples with. The show follows hero Saitama, who trained so hard all his hair fell out. By the end of his training, he's able to defeat any enemy with one punch. The show is a satire of shonen manga and anime, subverting the common tropes found in those stories. There are two seasons out, with the highly anticipated third season recently announced. But only the first is streaming on Netflix. If you're looking for a different spin on the modern superhero story, this might be your cup of tea.
Netflix has a robust library of past Pokemon anime, and the newest series in the franchise is being produced by Netflix itself. The story follows our favorite forever-10-year-old, Ash Ketchum (go figure), as he continues his Pokemon journey. The show also introduces a host of new characters, including Goh and Chloe, and takes audiences to multiple regions of the Pokemon world, including the most recent, the Galar region. If you're a fan of Pokemon, or have children, this is a great anime to watch.
OK, Avatar: The Last Airbender isn't technically anime, but it draws so heavily from the art form, and is so perfect, that it would be madness not to mention it here. I missed out on this show when it was still airing on Nickelodeon, and when it resurfaced on Netflix, I dismissed it as solely nostalgic hype. Boy, was I wrong. This show handles complex themes of war propaganda, genocide, duty and honor, all while remaining a lighthearted and upbeat epic tale. Oh, and it also has one of the best character redemption arcs in TV history, period.
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