The anime catalog on Netflix has grown exponentially compared to just a few years ago. As the medium continues to find increasing popularity in the West, the popular streaming service has tried to keep up by adding a decent collection of both new and classic series for fresh and long-time fans to binge to their heart's content. Like recent hits Apothecary Diaries and Jujutsu Kaisen Like the beloved 2000s romps Oran High School Host Club and Vampire KnightThe company continues to add to its collection of anime series, and those who want more vintage experiences have some stellar ones to choose from right now.
While Netflix doesn't currently offer a huge selection of 90s anime series, this one does Worth bragging about. Whether you're looking for magical girls, some raw comedy, or a dark and terrifying post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure, all of this and more can be found on the service. It can serve as a gateway for those looking to brush up on their anime history, or for a while, they'll feed off some powerful nostalgia.
The best anime series on Netflix, ranked
Netflix has amassed an impressive selection of anime, but these series represent the industry at its absolute best.
Slam dunk
A true undernourishment story, Slam dunk Hanamichi follows Sakuragi, a high school bad boy and gang leader who can't find a girl or catch a break. During his first year at Shohoku High School, he meets a girl named Haru who immediately watches his athleticism, introducing him to the basketball team. Although initially reluctant, Hanamichi joins in to impress Haruko, soon becoming a big fan of the sport against her wishes. When a more popular boy joins the team, the criminal sees him as the ultimate rival, though their goal soon becomes the same: winning the national championship.
Running for a total of 101 episodes from 1993 to 1996 in Japan, Slam dunk Inspiring an animated film in 2022, the adaptation remains extremely popular to this day, ranking 7th on the list of highest-grossing anime films of all time. Takehiko Inoue's 1990s coming-of-age manga was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump, and the series inspired countless Japanese youth to play basketball. Jumping into this series is like taking a time machine back to a simpler time, and even those committed to such long game-centric series may be surprised to fall in love with this legendary release.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion Longtime fans of anime need little introduction as the psychological drama and mecha series goes down in history as one of the greatest animated series of all time. More than 30 years after its initial release, the series remains hugely popular in Japan and abroad, inspiring numerous films and video games and currently boasting an excellent score on Rotten Tomatoes. After a global cataclysmic event, held in the futuristic city of Tokyo-03, Evangelion Tells the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy recruited by his father to join the mysterious underground organization Nerv. Here, he's tasked with battling terrifying creatures known as Angels with the help of the Evangelion, a giant biomechanical mecha that trolls its pilot.
The new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime has been officially announced
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an iconic anime series, and it's officially getting a brand new anime.
Simply put, this is not your average mecha series. The battle scenes are as well animated as they can be. Neon Genesis Evangelion Focuses more on the emotions and mental health issues faced by those forced to pilot these terrifying machines. First-timers are in for a wild and real ride, though they should be warned: it's not for the faint of heart. From intense violence and gore to sexual references and references to suicide and abuse, Evangelion It demands a lot from its audience, but the rewards are worth the risk.
The great teacher Onizuka
Sometimes, you just want to turn your brain off and laugh, and that's it The great teacher Onizuka (GTO) comes. Definitely a product of its time, the action comedy series leans on low-hanging fruit and goofy gags, and Studio Pierrot's 43-episode 1999 anime adaptation of Tooru Fujisawa's manga series brings all the charm and funny facial expressions to the small screen. The show follows Ikichi Onizuka, a former gang member, who becomes a teacher at a private middle school as a way to impress women. However, it's not what he expected, and as he spends time in his new profession, he becomes the best teacher there is (even though many of his teaching methods are illegal and dangerous).
The manga series has sold over 50 million copies, The great teacher Onizuka It remains one of the best-selling manga series in history, even inspiring several live-action series. Its humor may not impress everyone, with blatant sexism and pop culture references aplenty, but those who grew up in the 90s or have an affinity for more blatant satirical humor will have a great time following Onizuka's quest for redemption.
Case closed
known as Detective Conan around the world, Case closed is a mystery thriller series with a long history and wide acclaim. The anime adaptation of Gosho Aoyama's best-selling manga series follows Shinichi Kudo (or Jimmy Kudo in the English dub), a high school detective who sometimes works alongside the police to solve cases. During a special investigation, he is attacked by a member of a black organization crime syndicate and fed an experimental drug. Instead of killing him, it shrinks his body to the size of an elementary school child. Keeping his identity a secret from most people, he trusts only those he trusts, seeks to get to the bottom of what has been done to him, and is eager to eliminate those responsible.
Rearrange the covers into the correct Japanese release order.
get started
Rearrange the covers into the correct Japanese release order.
Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)
Not all Case closed Currently available on Netflix – The series has been running since 1996 and boasts 1,195 episodes, making it an astonishing a piece. However, new viewers should be able to understand why Aoyama's characters and stories are loved by audiences of all ages, and why it's enough to be on the streaming service. Detective Conan Has a lot of staying power. Not every anime series can run continuously for 30 years, so there should be plenty to love here.
Magical Night Rayarth
Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are three eighth grade girls who seem normal in every way. One day, on a field trip to Tokyo Tower, however, they are drawn into the magical world of Sephiroth, a land influenced by a central 'pillar' through constant prayer. The three are tasked with rescuing the current pillar, Princess Emeraud, who has been kidnapped by the evil high priest Zagato. Each girl can command a specific element, and over time, they learn to control their powers, work together, and become friends. After all, not doing so means never coming home.
Created by the legendary manga artist group Clamp, Magical Night Rayarth Combines the spirit of the magical girl series with more dark fantasy and mecha elements. The over-the-top character designs alone are worth a watch, and those looking to get up to date with the lore before the remake comes out in October 2026 should binge the 49-episode series when they get the chance.
