Specialises in hidden gems, isekai, and anything with great world-building.
Best Anime on Netflix Right Now (2026)
Netflix's anime catalog has come a long way. While Crunchyroll still dominates simulcast volume, Netflix has built a genuinely strong library of licensed classics, exclusive films, and original productions. In 2026, it's no longer the second choice — for some viewers, it's the better choice.
Here are the 12 best anime currently streaming on Netflix.
Must-Watch Originals
1. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Studio Trigger's adaptation of Cyberpunk 2077 became a cultural moment in 2022 — and four years later, it's still one of the most stylish, emotionally devastating anime Netflix has ever produced. Ten episodes, complete story, no filler. Essential viewing.
2. Devilman Crybaby
Masaaki Yuasa's bold, controversial reinvention of the Devilman franchise. Animation that breaks rules in service of emotional intensity. Not for the faint of heart, but unforgettable.
3. Aggretsuko
A 25-year-old red panda copes with her terrible office job by screaming death metal at karaoke nights. It sounds silly — it's quietly one of the best workplace dramedies in any medium.
Recent Hits
4. Spy x Family
The wholesome family espionage comedy that took over the world. Easy to watch, beautifully animated, perfect for binge sessions. Available on Netflix in many regions.
5. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (all parts)
Netflix has the entire JoJo run, from the original Phantom Blood through Stone Ocean. One of the most influential, weirdest, and most beloved shounen franchises. If you haven't started it, this is your invitation.
6. Chainsaw Man
MAPPA's intense adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga. Available on Netflix in many regions. Visceral, funny, deeply weird in the best way.
The Classics
7. Death Note
Still one of the best psychological thrillers in any medium, animated or otherwise. If you've somehow missed it, fix that. The first 25 episodes are perfect television.
8. Code Geass
Mecha politics, brilliant strategy, and a protagonist with one of the most iconic moral arcs in anime. Both seasons are on Netflix.
9. Naruto Shippuden
The vast majority of Shippuden is on Netflix in most regions. Combined with our filler skip guide, it's a perfect time to commit.
Cinematic Picks
10. Pluto
Naoki Urasawa's reimagining of an Astro Boy arc as a meditative sci-fi noir. Eight episodes, complete, profoundly moving. Studio M2's animation is extraordinary.
11. Violet Evergarden
Kyoto Animation's breathtakingly beautiful drama about a former child soldier learning to write love letters. The film Violet Evergarden: The Movie is also on Netflix and serves as a perfect conclusion.
12. The Way of the Househusband
A retired yakuza becomes a stay-at-home husband. Lo-fi animation, but the comedic writing is razor-sharp. Easy palate cleanser.
Sorted by Mood
For intense emotional rides: Pluto, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Devilman Crybaby
For pure feel-good binging: Spy x Family, Aggretsuko, The Way of the Househusband
For mind-bending thrillers: Death Note, Code Geass
For cinematic atmosphere: Violet Evergarden, Pluto
For long-running shounen commitment: Naruto Shippuden, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
A Note on Region Differences
Netflix's anime library varies significantly by region. The UK and Japan generally have the largest anime catalogs; the US has fewer titles but more Netflix Originals; some titles available in one region disappear in others without warning.
If a show on this list isn't in your region, check JustWatch for alternative platforms.
What About Crunchyroll?
If your priority is simulcast availability (watching new episodes the day they air in Japan), Crunchyroll still wins decisively. Netflix tends to wait until full seasons are complete before adding them. For long-running classics, completed series, and high-budget originals, Netflix is excellent.
Find Your Next Watch
If none of these grab you, browse our shows directory — you can filter by streaming platform, genre, year, and more. Or use vibe search to describe the feeling you want and get matched to shows on Netflix specifically.
Caught a frame from something on Netflix you can't identify? Our screenshot identifier will pinpoint the show in seconds.