5 Must-Watch Netflix Anime That Put Most Mainstream Series To Shame
Netflix might be best known for its massive hits like Stranger Things and Squid Game, but let’s not sleep on its burgeoning anime library! That’s right, while you’re binge-watching your fave dramas, Netflix has been quietly storing some of the finest gems in the anime world—gems so good they’d make most mainstream series look like toddler art projects.
1. Cowboy Bebop
First up, the classic Cowboy Bebop, which first graced our screens in 1998. I mean, come on, this show is the cosmic cowboy of anime! With its hand-drawn animation and a jazz soundtrack so smooth it could butter toast, this space western hasn’t aged a day and still outshines many modern sci-fi contenders. Even The Mandalorian could take some notes.
The show kicks off in 2071, post-hypergate disaster where humanity’s spread across the solar system has led to a crime wave. Enter the crew of the Bebop, including laid-back martial artist Spike Spiegel and an exceptionally brainy Welsh Corgi named Ein. Adventures ensue, along with a secretive past Spike can’t seem to shake off—oh, drama!
2. Delicious in Dungeon
Now, let’s talk about Delicious in Dungeon. The title might sound a tad ridiculous, but trust me, it’s a feast for your imagination! Our adventurers must chow down on dungeon monsters to survive after a dragon gobbles up one of their crew members. So what do they do? They whip up some gourmet meals featuring the monsters!
This quirky show dives deep into a world that makes others look like they didn’t even bother with a budget. Watch as Laios and his band of merry misfits, including an overly enthusiastic dwarf chef, battle creatures—and cook them—while unraveling an underlying darker plot. Season 2 is set for October 2027, so now’s a great time to catch up!
3. Pluto
Next on our list is Pluto—not a Disney sidekick, but a reimagining of Tezuka’s Astro Boy. It’s like a fresh coat of paint on a classic! With a plot twistier than a pretzel, this dark murder mystery unfolds amidst a future where humans and robots live side by side. Things heat up when several advanced robots start getting offed, including the lead investigator, Gesicht, who just happens to be one of the intended victims.
This series dives into profound questions about what it means to be human and explores the emotional toll of living in a post-war world. If you loved the thrill of Westworld, you’ll definitely appreciate the emotional rollercoaster here.
4. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Now, if you’re in the mood for something gritty, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is your jam. In just ten episodes, this series packs an emotional punch that’ll leave you gasping for air. Following David Martinez, a kid dealt a bad hand, we watch as he dives into Night City’s seedy underbelly after a major tragedy strikes his life.
As he partners up with the cunning netrunner Lucy and a band of tough mercs, David’s fast-paced life spirals dangerously towards cybernetic doom. You’ll probably feel your heart break episode after episode—talk about emotional investment!
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Last, but certainly not least, we have Neon Genesis Evangelion. This series is essentially the grandfather of influential anime, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute must-see! Set fifteen years after a worldwide catastrophe, it follows young pilots working for NERV, battling Angel invaders with their huge bio-mechanical robots. Sounds cool, right?
But this isn’t just another monster-kicking adventure. It takes a deep dive into the mental and emotional toll on its adolescent heroes. Piloting giant robots while grappling with their own self-worth? Yep, that’s the show! And with rumblings of a new series being penned by NieR creator Yoko Taro, there’s no better time to catch up.
In conclusion, Netflix is home to a trove of anime treasures that you’ve probably been sleeping on. Put down that binge-worthy drama for a sec and dive into these vibrant worlds. Your inner otaku will thank you!