When it comes to watching anime, there are tons of platforms one can use to catch up on their favorites. The newest episodes of popular shows like “Demon Slayer,” “Spy x Family,” and even “One Piece” are available on multiple services to help you keep track of your favorites on one preferred source. Oftentimes, you’ll even see shows like “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” and “Oshi no Ko” make the jump to other platforms as their popularity soars. Of course, these very same streaming platforms wouldn’t exist without their own lists of exclusive anime that you can only view in one particular place. Naturally, that goes for Netflix.
Though the most popular streaming platform in the world has struggled with its anime releases in the past, Netflix has slowly adjusted into becoming a steadfast source for some excellent anime that you can only find there. From high-octane action series to unsung gems and everything in between, Netflix has become the de facto home to several anime that you won’t want to miss. The next time you’re on a “Netflix and chill” vibe, consider adding these exclusive anime to your queue.
“Beastars”
In a modern day world populated by sentient, anthropomorphized animals, carnivores and herbivores have co-existed for generations as the former keeps their meat-eating instincts in check. Unfortunately, the students at the prestigious Cherryton Academy get a rude awakening after a llama student is eaten by an unknown carnivore assailant. As the school reckons with a murderer in their midst, wolf student Legoshi develops a crush on a promiscuous white rabbit named Haru. In this beastly coming-of-age story, Legosi learns to come to terms with his status as a carnivore and its potential for disaster in his pursuit of romance.
“Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean”
While the first few installments of the beloved “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” series are still available on multiple platforms, the fifth season of the anime is only on Netflix. In the sixth arc of the series, Jolyne Kujo (daughter of Jotaro Kujo), is wrongfully convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years in the all-female Green Dolphin Street Prison. While there, she comes into her own power as a Stand user and contends with her fellow inmates with abilities of their own. But as her father attempts to get her out of prison, Jolyne and Jotaro discover that her incarceration was a trap set by a mysterious figure in order to steal Jotaro’s memories and his Star Platinum.
In order to save her father, Jolyne resolves to stay in prison and take on the many dangerous Stand users to get to the bottom of this scheme.
“Komi Can’t Communicate”
Shoko Komi is a high school student of few words. Yet on her first day of high school, she becomes the most popular girl in class due to her seemingly stoic nature and refined beauty. However, Hitohito Tadano quickly discovers that despite appearances, Komi is deeply shy and terrified of interacting with others. Despite this, she still wants to come out of her shell and make 100 friends while in school. Inspired by her earnestness, Tadano becomes her first and resolves to help her overcome her anxiety to make new friends.
“Blue Period”
Gifted high school student Yatora Yaguchi has been dealing with feelings of emptiness. But after being emotionally moved by a particularly blue morning in Shibuya, he becomes inspired to paint the scene that touched him. He quickly develops a passion for art and decides to pursue a career in it. Though he quickly discovers the struggle that comes with making it in the art world, he commits himself to learning everything he can to stand out.
“The Summer Hikaru Died”
Yoshiki Tsujinaka and Hikaru Indo are two childhood friends who grew up closely with each other in small-town Japan. In fact, they’re so close that Yoshiki knew almost immediately that Hikaru was not as he seemed one hot summer day. Something descended from the mountains that copied Hikaru’s body, personality, and even memories perfectly. However, Yoshiki quickly discovered that this thing was not Hikaru. Despite this, Yoshiki keeps its existence a secret to others and allows it to live as a false Hikaru. In this horrifying yet touching love story, both Yoshiki and “Hikaru” try to uncover the true nature behind its existence.
“Aggretsuko”
The 9-to-5 grind has never been as metal as it is in this adorable anime from Sanrio. Retsuko is a red panda in her mid-20s who works at a Japanese accounting firm. Constantly bogged down by her frustrating co-workers and overbearing superiors, she unloads at a karaoke bar every night by singing death metal. She attempts to navigate her turbulent 20s as she meets new people, gets to know her work friends, and overcomes all kinds of absurd challenges.
“The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity”
In this “Romeo & Juliet” romance, two high schoolers find love while in completely different standings. Rintaro Tsumugi attends Chidori Public High School, a school that enrolls lower class delinquents. Meanwhile, Kaoruko Waguri attends the prestigious Kikyo Private Academy Girls’ High School right next door. After a chance encounter between the two of them, they develop a mutual infatuation with each other as they overcome their class standings.
“Ranma ½”
Studio MAPPA is at the helm of this sparkly new adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s beloved romcom manga. One day while training at a Chinese mountain range full of cursed springs, Ranma Saotome and his father both fall into separate springs. These bizarre deposits of water cause people to assume the form of whatever drowned there. For Ranma, he becomes a woman whenever he is splashed with cold water and reverts with hot water.
The two of them later return to Japan where they place themselves in the care of the Tendo family of martial artists. Among them, Akane Tendo discovers that she is engaged to Ranma, much to the dismay of the betrothed. Chaos and hilarity ensue as Ranma and Akane grapple with their circumstances and develop an unlikely romance.
“Orb: On the Movements of the Earth”
It’s the 15th century in Europe. The Catholic Church maintains a tight grip on government and information, and any perceived deviation from religious doctrine is viewed as heresy and punishable by death. A young and manipulative prodigy named Rafal is content on coasting through life with his intelligence and abiding by society’s beliefs to his advantage. However, he meets a heretical scholar who suggests that the Earth revolves around the sun. Though this runs contrary to the Church’s accepted geocentric model, Rafal becomes fascinated by the concept and discovers its merit for himself. Thus he triggers a decades-spanning journey to perfect the heliocentric model and defy church doctrine by any means necessary.
“Devilman Crybaby”
Be warned. This modern-day adaptation of Go Nagai’s dark hero manga is not for the faint of heart. In “Devilman: Crybaby,” high school student Akira Fudo reunites with his childhood friend Ryo Asuka who informs him of the existence of ghoulish demons. In Ryo’s attempts to expose them, demons appear at a nightclub and massacre the humans there. As Akira faces off against a powerful demon that tries to possess him, he overcomes its influence and transforms into a powerful monster. Taking on the name “Devilman,” Akira tries to be a hero for justice and protect humanity from other demons.
What’s your favorite Netflix exclusive anime? Comment below.
