The best anime on Netflix. Something for everyone

You have no idea what to watch on Netflix? We can help you with that problem.

bingefire originals
Aleksandra Wolna22 December 2023
Source: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Hiroyuki Imaishi, Netflix, 2022
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Even though there has been an increasing number of negative reviews about the Netflix library, it must be admitted that when it comes to anime, the global giant is doing exceptionally well. The choice, although still not including several iconic titles, is vast – and it includes a wide variety of genres.

The end of the year is often associated with free time – it's a great opportunity to make up for lost time and delve into the classics or explore newer shows that we haven't had the chance to watch before. Younger family members are coming for the holidays and are really eager to watch cartoons? You can easily introduce them to Japanese animation, as there's something for everyone - especially the films of Studio Ghibli, which are available on Netflix.

The following compilation consists of the finest and most intriguing titles from an extensive library, although it is a subjective selection. We have selected interesting titles, taking into account diverse options, to ensure that everyone finds something suitable for themselves.

The Way of the Househusband

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Released: 2021

Episodes: 25 (2 seasons)

Potential recipients: men who aren't afraid of washing dishes and anyone who simply likes to laugh

Tatsu, a highly respected yakuza boss, chooses to retire from his criminal career and pursue something different. While his wife advances in her career and climbs the corporate hierarchy, Tatsu supports her by handling all the household duties. Although it may sound cliché – mundane, everyday activities become scenes straight out of the best comedies when combined with Tatsu's menacing appearance and his past, which sometimes comes back to haunt him at the least expected moments.

Howl's Moving Castle

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Released: 2004

Episodes: none, this is a full-length film

Potential recipients: the youngest and those who still love fairy-tale worlds

Picking only one Studio Ghibli film for this list was quite a challenge, as you can watch any of them and not be disappointed. However, Howl's Moving Castle is one of the most well-known movies of this studio. It has gained a cult status and its charm captures the hearts of both children and adults. If you enjoy heartwarming and moving stories, then the tale of the moving castle will be perfect for you. The magic, challenges of fate, and countless colorful characters that the main character Sophie meets on her journey will definitely leave a lasting impression on you.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

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Released: 2022

Episodes: 10

Potential audience: fans of action and cyberpunk

The recent release of the Phantom Liberty expansion demonstrates that many people continue to long for this world even after finishing Cyberpunk 2077. If you're looking for more and haven't watched Edgerunners yet, it's high time to catch up. The narrative takes place in the game universe but follows entirely different characters, making it comprehensible even without prior knowledge of the original story. Surprisingly, the anime was positively received even by those who had never played Cyberpunk 2077, and for whom Edgerunners was the first contact with Night City.

One Piece

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Released: 1999 – present

Episodes: 1,087 (at the time of writing)

Potential recipients: those with a desire for adventure

Some of us once wished to become actors, superheroes, or great artists, but Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming a pirate king. He is extremely consistent and devoted to this desire, as he has been tirelessly pursuing this goal for over a thousand episodes. Due to its extensive length, One Piece is a series suited for those undeterred by prolonged battles spanning over ten episodes, as the time invested in watching them always pays off. The Netflix live-action adaptation from this year has attracted a new group of fans to the anime, making it definitely worth watching - there are even more colorful characters and unforgettable adventures waiting for you.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

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Released: 2016

Episodes: 120 (3 seasons)

Potential audience: fans of absurdity, pastiche, and a huge dose of sarcasm

Telekinesis, telepathy, teleportation... We could endlessly list various supernatural abilities, and still almost every one of them will be natural to our protagonist. Saiki Kusuo, as the full name of the title character sounds, is an ordinary teenager from an ordinary family who attends an ordinary high school. Only he himself isn't quite ordinary, as the list of his powers is endless, which ruins his dreams of a normal life. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is an awesome comedy divided into short episodes, with many brilliant pop culture references.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

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Released: 1995

Episodes: 26

Potential audience: sad, melancholic nihilists

Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to deeply affect viewers, even though it has been almost 30 years since its premiere. The story of the introverted Shinji Ikari, who is chosen to pilot the titular Evangelion in order to protect Earth from invaders, may seem like typical science fiction, but it is definitely not. It's a tale packed with reflections on almost every aspect of human life, and we never know what to expect in the next episode. Evangelion will likely continue to be admired by future generations due to its timeless nature. Or maybe five more? I think that wouldn't surprise anyone.

My Happy Marriage

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Released: 2023

Episodes: 12

Potential recipients: hopeless romantics

A girl from an abusive family with low self-esteem sees no hope for a better future and... then he appears. True enough, not as a result of a passionate feeling or a sudden, wonderful meeting that makes time stand still. Unfortunately, this is an arranged marriage, and the future husband of our main protagonist doesn't have a very good reputation. Will this couple fall in love with each other? You are completely right if you think that My Happy Marriage is a typical romance. At times, everyone needs exactly that, and it was exceptionally well executed in this anime.

Cowboy Bebop

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Released: 1998

Episodes: 26

Potential audience: those who look for real emotions

The anime about space cowboys is a fairly well-known show – at least its title has been heard by those who don't avoid classics. For those who are hearing about this series for the first time or who simply haven't had the opportunity to watch it before, I highly recommend it, because instead of a typical shounen we get a realistic, real-life story set in space. The entire crew of bounty hunters traveling together through the vast cosmos has their own unique story, and each successive one is more touching than the last. To familiarize yourself with all of them, all it takes is a few evenings in the company of Spike and the rest of the gang.

Cardcaptor Sakura

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Released: 1998

Episodes: 46

Potential recipients: fans of cute magical girls

Cardcaptor Sakura is one of the most acclaimed mahou shojo anime series, alongside Sailor Moon, especially among those now considered older. This anime is primarily intended for a younger audience, but that doesn't mean it's exclusively reserved for them. The story of Sakura, who must collect all the magical cards to stop the catastrophe, has been pleasing viewers for twenty-five years and delights with its visuals – the world of this anime is a real feast for the eyes. Especially those who enjoy admiring things that are lovely and cute.

Death Note

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Released: 2006

Episodes: 37

Potential audience: fans of mind games and twisted stories

It's another highly acclaimed title that is definitely worth watching if you haven't had the opportunity to do so before. One day, Light Yagami comes across a notebook that has the power to cause the death of the person whose name is written in it. This is a godlike power in the hands of one person - the question is, does Light realize this, or has he decided to use the notebook as he sees fit? Death Note is a show about a battle between brilliant minds, the nature of morality, and about what people are capable of if they are given such power.

Aleksandra Wolna

Aleksandra Wolna

Has been writing articles for Gamepressure since March 2022 about both games and movies. On a daily basis, she deals with creating storylines for games, so she knows the industry inside out. She's been playing since she was little; she usually chooses JRPGs or indie games, although she also has a huge weakness for 3D platformers. Feels most comfortable when writing, so she considers the combination of creating texts with a passion for games a natural sequence of events. Privately, she collects Tamagotchi and takes care of her small, cat family. She happily shares her favorite games, cat photos, and other various things on Instagram.

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