10 Best Netflix Original Anime, Ranked

Netflix is undoubtedly the go-to streaming platform for anime fanatics apart from Crunchyroll. Over the years, it has curated a diverse library filled with anime from different genres; whether horror, thriller, or romance, Netflix has something to offer every subscriber.

While some of the anime are high-quality adaptations from the most critically acclaimed manga or Webtoon, the streaming service has also blessed the community with original projects like Devilman: Crybaby and Castlevania. However, with so many Netflix originals out there, it’s obvious that it’s quite difficult to pick the ones that are worth your time. Well, here are some of the best Netflix originals that you should get started with.

My Happy Marriage

My Happy Marriage is one of the most gorgeous anime Netflix has blessed the industry with. The stunning visuals, the charismatic characters, and the emotionally heavy storyline make it a standout in a pool of countless anime in a similar genre. Moreover, the character growth this anime features makes it resonate with existing anime fans or those who want to give this medium of entertainment a shot.

My Happy Marriage starts with a girl named Miyo, who lost her biological mother when she was too young. His father married another woman, and from that day, Miyo’s life changed. She gets treated like a maid until a man named Kiyoka enters her life. Initially, he seems cold and uncaring, but as the story progresses, Kiyoka reveals his true side, which is much softer than anyone had imagined. The anime blends historical and supernatural elements, which is what makes it exciting.

Castlevania

Castlevania is one of those anime that doesn’t need filler fight sequences to hook the audience; instead, it shows the world that if the concept and writing is good, nothing else really matters. It basically came with the brilliant idea that it’s not necessary to make the characters look either good or bad; sometimes, featuring flawed characters actually works. Also, the biggest strength of Castlevania is that it doesn’t portray the villain as an obstacle, as most anime do; instead, it makes him an anchor that holds the story together.

The story begins with Dracula, whose perception of humanity changes after he falls for a young woman named Lisa. However, things go south when humans burn Lisa alive after accusing her of witchcraft. Dracula vows to destroy humanity, so he forms an army of deadly creatures and shows up one year after the tragic incident. To stop him, a trio of heroes enters the picture: Trevor Belmont (the last member of the disgraced monster-hunting family), Sypha Belnades (a sorcerer), and Alucard (Dracula’s son).

Lookism

Unlike typical anime, Lookism takes a unique look at how society judges you based on your appearance. This series basically gives the audience a reality check on how people around you judge a book by its cover, no matter how good the content is. Lookism is based on a critically acclaimed webtoon, and that’s one of the reasons why it deserves all your attention. Not only anime fans, but this certainly has everything that can also turn the heads of K-Drama enthusiasts.

Lookism follows a high schooler named Park Hyung Seok, who struggles with bullies every day. He is overweight, so no one treats him well, and as a result, he lacks confidence. However, one day, a miracle happens: Park wakes up in a new body. From then on, he starts living two lives. One doesn’t give him any respect, and the other one brings him extreme popularity.

Trese

You might have explored Japanese folklore, as most of the anime stick to it. However, if you are eager to see something different this time, Trese is here. This anime reveals the Filipino monsters, including Aswang and Tikbalang. Moreover, it features a strong female protagonist and a tight story that hooks you from the moment you decide to give it a shot. Also, unlike other supernatural anime, Trese doesn’t offer a repetitive ghost story.

Rearrange the covers into the correct Japanese release order.

Easy (5)
Medium (7)
Hard (10)

Start

Rearrange the covers into the correct Japanese release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)Start

Set in Manila, Trese revolves around Alexandra Trese, a supernatural detective who protects humanity from out-of-this-world entities. The anime consists of six episodes, each presenting a supernatural crime. The initial episodes make the series feel more like an anthology, but as the story progresses, the past events start to make sense.

Devilman: Crybaby

Devilman: Crybaby is one such anime that makes you fear humans more than demons. With its haunting soundtrack, emotional depth, top-tier animation, and intense fight sequences, this anime deserves to be on your watch list if you haven’t already. It will not only be a treat for your eyes, but it will also feed your soul with content that will stay with you for a very long time.

The anime revolves around Akira Fudo, a caring and sensitive boy who doesn’t take time to cry over things. One day, one of his friends reveals the existence of demons to him and takes him to a place where demons possess humans. A demon tries to take over Fudo, but his strong will doesn’t allow him to give up. He eventually ends up becoming a half-demon, but the best part about this transformation is that he gets the ability to fight demons to protect humanity.

Blood of Zeus

The first thing that makes Blood of Zeus a must-watch is the solid animation from Powerhouse Animation Studios, of course. The things that follow are the intense character-driven story, the mindful use of Greek mythology, and high-octane action scenes. The gods aren’t unflawed here; they look more human. Also, unlike most of the anime, Blood of Zeus doesn’t bring a side character for name’s sake; it lets them evolve and shine.

Zeus was romantically involved with a human woman, and as a result, Heron was born. After Zeus’s wife, Hera, learns about the betrayal, and decides to take revenge on the entire human world. She executes the plan, having her biological son, Seraphim, by her side. Initially, the war confuses Heron, but when the battle takes everything from him, and he realizes it is not a random thing, he takes matters into his own hands and fights only to stop the destruction.

Romantic Killer

From what the name suggests, we have to admit that this anime is actually a killer of romance. Unlike typical romantic series, this one majorly avoids love; instead, it focuses on friendship, personal boundaries, and everything that defies the rules made by society. Romantic Killer doesn’t hesitate to parody cliché romance and blesses the community with genuine comedy, featuring over-the-top reactions and goofy characters.

The anime revolves around Anzu Hoshino, who is totally against love, or it would be safe to say that she doesn’t have time to even think about it. His life is all about chocolates, video games, and her cat. Things take a comedic turn when a wizard named Riri shows up and forces her to experience romance. Anzu decides to play along as Riri takes all three things on which Anzu’s survival depends, but only to spoil everything and knock the wizard down in their own game.

Super Crooks

If you’re bored with watching the same old stories where heroes fight villains to save the world, Super Crooks offers a unique story that focuses on the bad guys rather than the good ones. It is a slow-burning robbery story that rewards you if you stick with it until the end. Moreover, the characters are flawed, but they can win your heart through their development.

The story is very straightforward; it starts with a small-time crook named Johnny Bolt, who couldn’t pull off heists and instead kept getting arrested. He struggles his whole life to earn money, so when he gets romantically involved with a woman, and together they hire eight super villains who can help them with a grand robbery.

Ōoku: The Inner Chambers

Ōoku: The Inner Chambers is based on a critically acclaimed manga, and what makes it worth a watch is how faithfully it adapts the events of the source material. It is set in an alternate-history Edo Japan, and offers one of the strongest storytelling of all time. It shows gender dynamics in a way that few anime do. Basically, Ooku: The Inner Chambers makes you think and question your beliefs.

The story is set in Edo Japan during the rule of the third shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. After a boy is attacked by a bear one day, the entire area suffers from a strange disease that reduces the male population. So, to fill the shoes of the men who held important positions in the dynasty, women have to step in.

Delicious in Dungeon

Delicious in Dungeon is a genuinely satisfying anime that you shouldn’t sleep on if you are an avid anime enthusiast. Its light comedic tone and unique concept make it worth a watch. It starts slow, but when you wait patiently to see what shows up next, the anime doesn’t disappoint. No element in this anime is just for fun; everything has some meaning, and that’s what makes it intriguing.

Delicious in Dungeon revolves around a group of adventurers who embark on a deadly journey to defeat a dragon in a dungeon to rescue their friend. With no food, money, or time, one of them, who is a cook by the way, comes to their rescue. Using the resources provided by the dungeon, including the monsters, they somehow manage to survive.