Top 10 Must-Watch Fantasy Anime on Netflix

Article Overview

The best fantasy anime on Netflix offer fascinating worlds filled with magical creatures, ethereal technology, and extraordinary powers.

Demon Slayer and Hunter X Hunter demonstrate the strength of optimism and the relentless quest for mastery in challenging circumstances. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Yasuke delve into inventive ideas, combining historical and fantastical elements to offer diverse and thrilling anime encounters.

Netflix offers a selection of the greatest fantasy anime of all time. These timeless classics and new beloved series provide viewers with a plethora of captivating worlds to explore alongside the characters. Each episode is brimming with magical creatures, ethereal technology, and extraordinary powers that surpass the heroes’ wildest dreams.

From vampires and spirits to enigmatic beings beyond categorization, these shows showcase the boundless imagination of their creators. Fantasy is a genre that knows no bounds, and animation proves to be the perfect medium for bringing these fantastical tales to life. With live-action constraints out of the picture, these artists are free to push the boundaries of their imagination.

10. Demon Slayer

Tanjiro Kamado enters the world of demons and demon slayers in the most horrifying way possible, as his family is brutally killed by a demon and his sister Nezuko is transformed into one. Determined to protect others and restore Nezuko's humanity, he takes up his sword. As Tanjiro grows stronger, he realizes that both he and Nezuko may have been destined to bring an end to this war once and for all.

Demon Slayer is currently one of the most popular shonen anime, with the manga being completed in May 2020. While the anime has its nightmarish and shocking moments, it overall maintains a powerfully optimistic tone. Tanjiro, Nezuko, and their fellow Demon Slayers continually push themselves to their limits, mastering Breathing Styles that enable them to overcome increasingly powerful demons.

9. Hunter X Hunter

Gon, like many typical shonen protagonists, aims to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, Ging. However, Gon's true curiosity lies not in his father himself, but in understanding the allure of being a Hunter that caused Ging to prioritize his own pursuits over raising his son. As Gon embarks on his journey beyond Whale Island, he discovers much more than he anticipated in his quest to find his father.

The world of Hunters, filled with fearless explorers in search of various goals, offers a captivating and vibrant culture. Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the show's appeal. From the remarkable Nen abilities mastered by formidable fighters to the disturbing array of insect species and the distinctive characteristics of each country and city, Gon and his companions encounter something novel and intriguing at every turn. If the manga's Dark Continent Arc were to receive an anime adaptation, viewers would have the opportunity to witness the enigmatic aspects of Hunter X Hunter's world in all its captivating peculiarities.

8. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a series that defies explanation. It starts off with a bang in Phantom Blood, and as each new part unfolds, it becomes even more extravagant and outlandish. Along their quests, the heroes of the Joestar family harness extraordinary and one-of-a-kind abilities, enabling them to overcome the ever-escalating dangers that threaten their world and the ones they hold dear.

JoJo's peculiar moments never fail to astonish both the characters within the series and the viewers alike. Every aspect surrounding JoJo, ranging from the vibrant character designs to their extraordinary abilities and intricate storylines, stem from Hirohiko Araki's multitude of diverse inspirations as a mangaka. Moreover, Araki has always embraced the freedom to adapt the manga to his own evolving preferences, resulting in an incredibly varied and captivating experience.

7. BNA: Brand New Animal

In this futuristic world, being a beastman is a tough test for Michiru Kagemori. She finds herself suddenly and inexplicably transformed into an anthropomorphic tanuki. To uncover the secrets behind her transformation and the hidden conspiracies in their world, she must relocate to Anima City and join forces with the renowned wolf detective, Shirou Ogami.

BNA is one of the latest endeavors by Studio Trigger, renowned for its distinct and exhilarating animation style. This reputation carries on in this series, bringing Anima City to life with vibrant visuals. By blending urban fantasy and crime thriller elements, the show effectively creates a captivating world for Michiru and Shirou to navigate and unravel.

6. Yasuke

The Sengoku period in Japan marked a tumultuous era characterized by chaos and warfare following the collapse of the feudal system. Amidst the power vacuum, a remarkable figure emerged – Yasuke, an African man who served as a retainer to Oda Nobunaga. While historical documentation on Yasuke and his endeavors in Japan remains scarce, various films, manga, and now anime have sought to fill in the gaps of his story.

The first-ever animated portrayal of Japan's inaugural foreign samurai is brought to life in this Netflix original produced by MAPPA. Starring LaKeith Stanfield as Yasuke in the English dub, Yasuke effortlessly combines historical fantasy, enchantment, and steampunk advancements to deliver an exhilarating narrative. In his quest to move forward after the downfall of Nobunaga, Yasuke must employ his expertise to safeguard a mother and her daughter.

5. Beastars

Legosi, a towering six-foot-two wolf with a menacing fanged muzzle, has made a solemn vow never to sink his teeth into another living being, haunted by a chilling incident from his past. However, when his alpaca classmate is brutally murdered and Legosi finds himself at the center of suspicion, he is compelled to go against his very nature and embark on a harrowing journey to unveil the true culprit.

In the vein of its spiritual successor BNA, Beastars brilliantly delves into the complex themes of prejudice and social hierarchy within a world riddled with carnivorous and herbivorous creatures locked in conflict. Within the confines of Cherryton Academy, where deception lurks around every corner, the fantastical elements seamlessly intertwine with the enigmatic storyline. As Legosi and his fellow drama club members grapple with the grim truth, they must forge unbreakable bonds of trust to ensure their survival.

4. Shaman King

The Shaman Fight, taking place once every five hundred years, is a global competition that brings together spirit mediums from all over the world. Their ultimate goal is to forge a sacred bond with the Great Spirit. Eager to seize the opportunity and reshape the world, Yoh Asakura and his trusted spirit partner Amidamaru eagerly enter the competition. However, they must overcome formidable battles and navigate a captivating sibling rivalry—one that rivals the best in the world of anime—to attain the coveted title of Shaman King.

In the creation of Shaman King, mangaka Hiroyuki Takei aimed to explore a unique concept that had not yet been explored in manga, such as shamanism. Each of the main characters, including Yoh, possesses a distinct connection with their guardian spirits, and it requires time and training to unlock the full extent of their powers. Currently, only the 2021 reboot of Shaman King is accessible on Netflix, while the original 2001 series can be found on Tubi and Pluto TV.

3. One Piece

After Gol D. Roger, known as the most notorious pirate in history, is executed for his criminal activities, he makes a promise to hand over his hidden treasure to whoever can locate it. Fast forward twenty-four years, a young and ambitious pirate, Monkey D. Luffy, sets out on a journey to find the legendary One Piece, while assembling a devoted crew along the way. Despite facing daunting challenges, Luffy remains unwavering in his determination to become the ultimate King of the Pirates.

2. Castlevania

One Piece, known to most anime fans, holds the title as one of the longest-running anime series. With its unique character designs and vast world-building, it continues to captivate audiences even after twenty-six years of being published. The 2023 live-action remake, which can also be streamed on Netflix, quickly became a sensation, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the franchise.

Centuries after their initial encounter with Count Dracula, the Belmont family has dwindled to only one member, Trevor, and has fallen on challenging times. However, Trevor seizes the opportunity to become a vampire slayer himself when Dracula resurfaces to threaten humanity. Joining forces with sorceress Sypha Belnades and Dracula's son Alucard Tepes, Trevor embarks on the most crucial battle of his life.

Although Castlevania is an American production, it stands alongside the most popular shows in Netflix's anime category. Drawing inspiration not only from the original video games but also from iconic anime works like Vampire Hunter D, Akira, and Ninja Scroll. The Japanese dub features renowned voice actors including Ryotaro Okiayu, Naoya Uchida, and Takehiro Sakurai.

1. Dorohedoro

In the terrifying dystopia known as the Hole, Kaiman's life was already filled with misery and despair. However, things took a turn for the worse when he was abducted by a Magic User, subjected to bizarre experiments, and transformed into a lizard-like creature with no recollection of his past. Now, Kaiman embarks on a journey alongside his trusted friend Nikaido, determined to wage a war against the Magic Users and reclaim his lost identity. Similar to numerous hidden gems on Netflix, Dorohedoro is an anime that remains criminally underrated. Its devoted fans are captivated by its unique amalgamation of horror and lightheartedness, where even the humor is tinged with darkness. The resilience and goodness exhibited by the characters as they navigate through this nightmarish world strikes a chord with many viewers.

Netflix offers a selection of the most exceptional fantasy anime, showcasing captivating characters and compelling storylines. For enthusiasts seeking fresh and imaginative content, this streaming platform presents an opportunity to discover their next beloved series. These top-notch fantasy anime on Netflix represent the sheer excitement and enjoyment that the medium can deliver.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see that fantasy anime is getting the recognition it deserves. With streaming services like Netflix making these shows more accessible than ever, I can easily immerse myself in magical worlds filled with captivating characters and awe-inspiring adventures.

The variety of fantasy anime available on Netflix is astounding. From the classic action-packed adventures of Demon Slayer and Hunter x Hunter to the more lighthearted and comedic BNA: Brand New Animal and Beastars, there's something for every fan. And with new shows like Yasuke and Shaman King constantly being added, there's always something fresh to explore.