Netflixhas quickly become a major player in the anime world, not just through licensing but by producing and commissioning original series that rival Japan’s top studios. From genre-bending fantasy to emotionally resonant romance, Netflix’s originals are not just filler, they are redefining what global anime can look like. With such a wide variety to choose from, it is hard to know which ones are truly worth your time.
But among all of Netflix’s options, some of its original series are the best anime Netflix has helped bring to life, highlighting series and films that offer something unforgettable. Whether fans are after gorgeous visuals, experimental storytelling, or just an addictive plot,these ten titles stand out as the crème de la crème of Netflix’s anime catalog.
At first glance,Romantic Killer looks like a frothy romantic comedy, but it gleefully subverts every trope fans expect.The story follows Anzu, a girl who loves video games, chocolate, and her cat more than any idea of romance. When a magical being tries to force her into a dating sim-like life, chaos (and comedy) ensues.
What makes the show special is Anzu herself, because she is refreshingly resistant to romance, and her sarcastic inner monologue adds a satirical edge to every scene. While there are cute boys galore, the series never loses sight of its tongue-in-cheek tone, making it perfect for fans tired of formulaic love stories.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersexploded onto the scenewith visual intensity and brutal emotional moments. Set in the same world asCyberpunk 2077, the anime follows David, a gifted teenager who spirals into the violent underground of Night City. It’s a grim story, but one that pulses with raw energy and tragedy.
Studio Trigger brings its signature style of neon-drenched chaos, slick character designs, and kinetic action to full effect.Yet underneath all the ultraviolence lies a heartbreaking exploration of human ambition, identity, and love.It is short, sharp, and unforgettable, making it easily one of Netflix’s boldest anime projects.
Aggretsukomight be the most relatable anime ever made for the millennialand Gen Z workforce. It centers on Retsuko, a mild-mannered red panda office worker who releases her frustrations through death metal karaoke. The premise is absurd, but the execution is surprisingly sharp and socially observant.
This unlikely Sanrio creation proves that even cute characters can scream about capitalism.
Each season digs deeper into workplace dynamics, gender roles, and the quiet desperation of modern adulthood.Yet the humor never gets lost as Retsuko’s internal struggle to find herself and resist societal pressure remains hilarious and moving.This unlikely Sanrio creation proves that even cute characters can scream about capitalism.
There is no anime quite likeDorohedoro, a gritty, bizarre blend of horror, dark comedy, and surreal world-building. Set in a decaying city full of sorcerers and mutants, it follows Caiman, a man with a reptilian head and no memory, as he searches for the sorcerer who transformed him. It is grotesque and violent, but also deeply funny.
What really makesDorohedorostand out is its eccentric cast and unrelenting weirdness.From gyoza-cooking assassins to magical mushrooms, it is a fever dream that somehow works. It is not for everyone, but for those who love the grotesque and absurd, it is a darkly entertaining ride.
A Whisker Awayis a beautifully animated film that weaves magic, longing, and identity into a heartfelt coming-of-age story.Miyo, a girl dealing with emotional neglect, finds an escape by magically transforming into a cat to be near the boy she likes.But the line between her two lives quickly starts to blur.
What elevates the film is its emotional honesty, because beneath the whimsy lies a story about loneliness, vulnerability, and the desperate need to be seen. The animation is lush, and the metaphors run deep. For fans ofSpirited AwayorYour Name, this film scratches that same emotional itch.
Komi Can’t Communicateis both laugh-out-loud funny and disarmingly tender. It follows Komi, a high school girl whose beauty and elegance hide an extreme communication disorder. With the help of her ordinary classmate Tadano, she slowly starts to open up and chase her dream of making 100 friends.
The series balances absurd comedy with its exaggerated reactions, quirky characters, and moments of genuine emotional growth.Komi’s struggle is portrayed with empathy and humor, making her one of the most endearing characters in recent anime.It is a quiet, sweet triumph of kindness over awkwardness.
Delicious in Dungeonis a dungeon-crawling fantasy with a culinary twist. After a failed rescue mission, a party of adventurers decides to eat their way through the dungeon, literally, by cooking the monsters they encounter. It is a wild concept, but the show manages to turn it into something uniquely charming and surprisingly heartwarming.
The blend of world-building, humor, and practical cooking tips is unexpectedly effective.Each episode feels like a blend ofDungeons & DragonsandIron Chef, complete with rich lore and tasty animation. It is one of Netflix’s newest gems and a perfect watch for fantasy lovers and foodies alike.
My Happy Marriagebrings historical fantasy and romance together in a quietly powerful way.Miyo, a girl treated like a burden by her family, is arranged to marry Kiyoka, a man feared for his cold demeanor. But instead of cruelty, she finds kindness, and maybe even love, in their slow-burn relationship.
Combined with its soft color palette and supernatural touches,My Happy Marriageis a moving meditation on healing, resilience, and the beauty of an earned connection.
The series does not rush its emotions. Instead, it luxuriates in quiet moments, small gestures, and the gentle growth of trust. Combined with its soft color palette and supernatural touches,My Happy Marriageis a moving meditation on healing, resilience, and the beauty of an earned connection.
Taiki Inomata is a dedicated badminton player with big dreams, but even bigger feelings for Chinatsu Kano, the star of the girls’ basketball team. His daily routine shifts when Chinatsu unexpectedly moves in with his family,setting the stage for a slow-burn romance filled with awkward moments and emotional stakes.
Blue Boxmasterfully balances athletic ambition with heartfelt adolescent love. It is not just a sports anime or a romance, it’s both, tied together by quiet tension and mutual respect. Watching Taiki and Chinatsu navigate shared goals and unspoken feelings makes for a refreshing, emotionally grounded experience that’s as sweet as it is sincere.
Violet Evergardenis not just one of Netflix’s best original anime, it is one of the best anime, period. This gorgeously animated series tells the story of Violet, a former child soldier trying to learn the meaning of love by writing letters for others. Each episode delivers an emotional punch that lingers long after the credits roll.
Beyond its tear-jerking storylines, the anime is a triumph of craftsmanship. Kyoto Animation’s visuals are breathtaking, with delicate detail in every frame. Violet’s journey from numbness to empathy is paced beautifully, creating a story of healing and humanity that’s both epic and intimate. It is a must-watchNetflixanime masterpiece.
