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The best anime on Amazon Prime Video right now

A closeup of a mobile suit mech in Mobile Suit Gundam: GQuuuuuuX.
Amazon Prime Video, Sunrise, Studio Khara

Amazon Prime Video’s consistent new content ensures fans are always well stocked, including having some of the best anime available. This is complemented by having Crunchyroll as an optional add-on channel to expand on the main platform’s library. There’s not too big a difference between subscribing to each individually, but it lets fans consolidate where they get their favorite content.

This added convenience also helps anime feel more accessible. Still, that wealth of content can feel intimidating for new audiences to tackle. Thankfully, this monthly-updated list compiles some of the best anime on Prime Video right now, including Prime’s native library and the premium Crunchyroll channel.

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For those who might be feeling a little overwhelmed but are still intrigued by the genre, we also have worthwhile guides on the best anime on Netflix and the best anime on Hulu to help fans get the most value out of their subscriptions. Also, check out our guides for the best new shows to stream and the best shows on Amazon Prime.

Recently added to Amazon Prime

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (2025)

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
Stars
Tomoyo Kurosawa, Shinji Kawada, Akane Fujita
Watch on Amazon

One of Amazon Prime’s biggest anime additions is another Mobile Suit Gundam entry. The long-running and influential mecha anime series continues with Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which takes an ambitious new direction by splintering off from the franchise’s classic Universal Century timeline. It wildly changes the events of the consequential One Year War, with the Earth Federation losing to Zeon, and follows high schooler Amate Yuzuriha taking part in underground Mobile Suit fights.  Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX is a brave new way for the series to reinvent itself. Subverting the anime series’ canon as far back as its roots is an exciting premise and a way to explore “what if” concepts. The anime is a co-production between long-time animation studio Sunrise and Studio Khara, creating a striking and visually distinctive art style for this installment.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (2025)

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
tv-14
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Crime
Stars
Shuichiro Umeda, Ikumi Hasegawa, Yasuhiro Mamiya
Watch on Amazon

With the main My Hero Academia anime series nearing its end, 2025’s My Hero Academia: Vigilantes is a noteworthy release. Based on Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court’s manga, this spin-off anime series instead follows the story of young Koichi Haimawari. Despite not being a legally sanctioned hero, Koichi uses his Quirk superpowers to help others, eventually joining up with fellow vigilantes. 

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes will please longtime fans of the flagship manga and anime series. This spinoff is a clever way to expand upon the worldbuilding of this series and explore a more obscure side of the canon. At the same time, Vigilantes offers a suitable standalone story without overly relying on its predecessor.

Dororo (2019)

Dororo
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure
Stars
Rio Suzuki, Hiroki Suzuki, Naoya Uchida
Created by
Osamu Tezuka
Watch on Amazon

The 2019 adaptation of Dororo is easily one of the best anime available natively on Prime Video. Studio MAPPA animated this second anime rendition of Osamu Tezuka’s ‘60s manga. It retells the story of the ronin Hyakkimaru who, alongside the young Dororo, goes on a country-wide quest to vanquish the demons who have stolen the former’s body parts. 

The 2019 Dororo anime diverts noticeably from the manga, but it loses none of the emotional impact and action in its storytelling. Hyakkimaru’s journey to recover his humanity (literally and metaphorically) is rewarding to watch unfold as much as his growing bond with Dororo.

Elfen Lied (2004)

Elfen Lied
7.9/10
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Chihiro Suzuki, Sanae Kobayashi, Emiko Hagiwara
Created by
Lynn Okamoto
Watch on Amazon

While it’s certainly gruesome, Elfen Lied will satisfy fans of dark, supernatural anime. This seinen anime series is animated by Studio Arms and based on Lynn Okamoto’s manga, set in Japan, where humans exist alongside the mutated Diclonius. They resemble humans aside from elements like protruding horns, unusual hair color, and supernatural abilities.

Audiences follow the Diclonius girl Lucy, who breaks free from an experimentation facility and seeks vengeance. Elfen Lied can be a rather divisive anime, best known for its intense gore and the brutal way it expresses societal themes. It can be a gripping watch for those same reasons, exploring topics of prejudice, persecution, and the nature of humanity.

Kyo Kara Maoh! (2004)

Kyo Kara Maoh!
tv-pg
3 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Action & Adventure
Stars
Takahiro Sakurai, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Mitsuki Saiga
Watch on Amazon

Isekai anime are some of the most prominent in the medium, and Kyo Kara Maoh! (or King From Now On) is a long-running series from the 2000s. The anime series is produced by Studio Deen and adapted from Tomo Takabayashi and Temari Tatsumoto’s light novels. Kyo Kara Maoh! opens with a 15-year-old Japanese high school student Yuri Shibuya being targeted by bullies. 

But when a bully dunks him into a toilet, it leads to a portal transporting him to a fantasy land, where its inhabitants declare him king of the demons. It’s hard for an isekai anime to stand out in such a saturated genre, but Kyo Kara Maoh! is one of the best of its time. The anime’s story has a well-balanced blend of slice-of-life, fantasy, comedy, and romance elements, with much of the humor arising from Yuri getting accustomed to the world’s cultural differences.

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan (1993)

Dragon Ball Z: Broly - The Legendary Super Saiyan
70m
Genre
Animation, Science Fiction, Action
Stars
Bin Shimada, Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa
Directed by
Shigeyasu Yamauchi
Watch on Amazon

The Dragon Ball franchise has been enjoying an exciting new age of canon movies. However, there are plenty of beloved non-canon movies worth watching. Produced by Toei Animation, Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan was the debut of the titular character. 

Goku, Vegeta, and the rest of the Z fighters are forced to face the destructive Broly before he leaves the galaxy in shambles. Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan is one of the best of the non-canon movies, as it’s packed with relentless action and an exciting antagonist. The Legendary Super Saiyan’s take on Broly is notably more villainous, but he convincingly backs the story’s heroes into a corner.

Vinland Saga (2019)

Vinland Saga
8.8/10
tv-ma
2 Seasons
Genre
Animation, War & Politics
Stars
Yuto Uemura, Shunsuke Takeuchi
Watch on Amazon

Whether it’s Makoto Yukimura’s original manga or the anime adaptation, Vinland Saga is one of the best mature stories in either arena. A historical-themed series, the story tells a fictionalized account of Icelandic explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni. From a young, carefree boy to a rageful teenager out for vengeance for his father’s murder, audiences will watch a sprawling yet intimate story of Thorfinn’s growth.

While there are some thrilling Viking action sequences, Vinland Saga flexes its narrative muscles when exploring sobering themes of grief and redemption. It’s the best Viking anime available, and Thorfinn’s journey of introspection going into season 2 is one of the most rewarding in the medium.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018)

Dragon Ball Super: Broly
99m
Genre
Action, Science Fiction, Animation
Stars
Masako Nozawa, Aya Hisakawa, Ryo Horikawa
Directed by
Tatsuya Nagamine
Watch on Amazon

The late Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is as topical as ever. Aside from the latest series Daima, the Dragon Ball Super: Broly anime movie is another recent highlight. The second anime movie from the Dragon Ball Super TV anime, this feature sees the rampaging Saiyan Broly make his canon debut. 

The mentally stunted Broly was among the few survivors from the genocide of the Saiyan race, and decades later, the villainous Frieza attempted to weaponize him against Goku and Vegeta. Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a welcome canonization of a fan-favorite character and is full of the explosive and colorful action fans would expect. On top of the wild and super-powered martial arts, fans are also treated to worldbuilding about the downfall of the Saiyans.

Naruto (2002)

Naruto
tv-pg
4 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Junko Takeuchi, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura
Watch on Amazon

For a dose of 2000s shonen anime nostalgia, Naruto still holds up. From studio Pierrot and Masashi Kishimoto’s manga source material, the story opens with a shunned and mischievous boy named Naruto Uzumaki. The young ninja holds lofty ambitions of becoming the Hidden Leaf Village’s leader — the Hokage — but not without the rest of his Team 7 facing shadowy villains and potential nation-ending threats. 

Naruto certainly doesn’t revolutionize shonen anime tropes, but it excels with its tried-and-true underdog story. Complete with its stylized ninja action and some fantastical world-building, this is an easy anime to get invested in.

Übel Blatt (2025)

Übel Blatt
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Yuya Hirose, Hina Tachibana, Toshiki Masuda
Watch on Amazon

Offering a change of pace from the usual shonen anime content, Übel Blatt is a new dark fantasy anime adaptation. Based on Etorouji Shiono’s seinen manga of the same name, studios Satelight and Saple Entertainment adapt the revenge tale of Koinzell. 

He appears to be nothing special — just a half-elf boy — but he’s truly a victim of the supposed Seven Heroes, who turned on their allies to take all the credit for saving the land from a great peril. The Übel Blatt brings a satisfying grim fantasy epic for anime fans wanting something darker. Full of action, drama, and themes of betrayal, the story leans into its over-the-top atmosphere.

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022)

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
99m
Genre
Animation, Science Fiction, Action
Stars
Masako Nozawa, Toshio Furukawa, Yuko Minaguchi
Directed by
Tetsuro Kodama
Watch on Amazon

For Dragon Ball fans wanting more from the franchise after watching Daima, the latest movie will more than satisfy them. Directed by Tetsuro Kodama and animated by longtime studio Toei Animation, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero puts Goku’s son Gohan in the spotlight, alongside the fan-favorite Namekian Piccolo. 

With Goku and Vegeta away from the action, the pair must fend off the revived Red Ribbon Army, the military outfit once defeated by a young Goku. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was warmly received, giving Gohan and Piccolo much-deserved protagonist roles and surprisingly good CG animation. The movie is filled with plenty of fan service to please veteran fans, with the Red Ribbon Army creating a plot that celebrates the original Dragon Ball story’s legacy.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019)

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
tv-ma
5 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kito, Hiro Shimono
Watch on Amazon

One of the biggest modern shonen anime, the adaptation of Koyoharu Gotouge’s Demon Slayer quickly became a sensation in the medium. Ufotable takes the reigns for this series, telling the story of Tanjiro Kamado’s quest to hunt demons across early 1900s Japan. Young Tanjiro sees his family slaughtered at these monsters’ hands barring his sister — who has been transformed into a demon herself. 

From there, they journey to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps. against these beings’ shadowy leader. Demon Slayer’s plot is far from groundbreaking for the Shonen anime demographic. However, it’s supported by colorful characters and emotional themes. However, the biggest highlight is Ufotable’s masterful art style and animation, delivering visual spectacles in every action sequence.

Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020)

Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
tv-pg
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Atsumi Tanezaki, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Mikako Komatsu
Watch on Amazon

Square Enix is known for its iconic Dragon Quest role-playing video game series, and fans have a sprawling anime to enjoy too. Rather than adapting any of the many video games, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai adapts an original manga story by Riku Sanjo and Koji Inada. The story opens with the eponymous Dai, who lives peacefully as the only human on an island of monsters, but he longs for adventure. 

However, Dai and co. will be forced to learn the true meaning of being a hero after the revival of a previously deceased evil. Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai is the perfect fix for high-fantasy anime fans and those of the classic JRPG series. This story proudly stands among the pantheon of Dragon Quest tales while evoking the adventurous spirit of the games.

Dr. Stone (2019)

Dr. Stone
tv-14
4 Seasons
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Watch on Amazon

Animation studios TMS Entertainment, 8PAN, and Die4Studio have done well adapting the quirky sci-fi series Dr. Stone. Based on Richiro Inagaki and Boichi’s manga of the same name, this story takes audiences 3,700 years into the future after humanity was inexplicably petrified. 

Enter protagonist Senku Ishigami, a young science prodigy, who awakens all those years later and aims to rebuild civilization with the friends he meets along the way. Postapocalyptic sci-fi stories are a dime a dozen, but Dr. Stone creates a genuinely clever spin on the subgenre. Between its sense of humor, colorful characters, and surprising reverence for the science behind Senku’s experiments, Dr. Stone is one of the most unique sci-fi shonen in recent years.

Psycho-Pass (2012)

Psycho-Pass
8.2/10
tv-ma
3 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Crime, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Stars
Yuki Kaji, Kana Hanazawa, Yuichi Nakamura
Created by
Gen Urobuchi
Watch on Amazon

An anime-original production from Naoyoshi Shiotani and Katsuyuki Motohiro, Psycho-Pass is an exciting cyberpunk thriller anime. Produced by studio Production I.G, this series opens in a futuristic Japan where the government hunts down people with the potential for criminality using intrusive advanced tech. 

The Enforcers capture their targets, and the Inspectors rein them in. While subsequent seasons can’t match the gold standard set by season 1, Psycho-Pass is an overall captivating sci-fi thriller. Its blend of psychological and crime-drama elements, as well as social commentary, will satisfy fans looking for an atmosphere akin to Ghost in the Shell.

Great Teacher Onizuka (1999)

Great Teacher Onizuka
8.5/10
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Drama
Stars
Wataru Takagi, Junko Noda, Isshin Chiba
Watch on Amazon

For a more slice-of-life but comedic change of pace, Great Teacher Onizuka is an excellent choice. Adapted from Tooru Fujisawa’s manga of the same name, this anime series tells the story of delinquent 22-year-old Eikichi Onizuka as he goes from former biker gang member to teacher. 

While his initial motives for teaching at Holy Forest Academy might be morally reprehensible, his ambitions are tested when he’s responsible for a host of troubled students. Great Teacher Onizuka is one of the best anime of the late 1990s and early 2000s. It’s well-received for its unapologetically raunchy and satirical comedy. Aside from its humor, GTO isn’t afraid to tackle real-world social issues young people face, injecting some sincerity amid the gags.

Look Back (2024)

Look Back
58m
Genre
Animation, Drama
Stars
Yuumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida, Yoichiro Saito
Directed by
Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Watch on Amazon

Adapted from Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga, Look Back is perhaps the best anime film of 2024. The team at Studio DURIAN helms this feature production, telling the story of young Ayumu Fujino, a talented artist aspiring to create manga.

Influenced by the skills of fellow artist Kyomoto, the two develop a bond and eventual partnership as they develop their careers. Look Back is a beautiful animated feature that makes poignant commentary on the industry. Through this emotional and character-driven story, the movie illustrates how punishing and unforgiving being a mangaka can be.

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
115m
Genre
Animation, Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
Stars
Manaka Iwami, Miyu Irino, Yuuki Sakurai
Directed by
Mari Okada
Watch on Amazon

Director Mari Okada’s Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is a refreshing anime-original story. Animated by P. A. Works, the movie takes audiences to a fantasy world where the kingdom Mezarte plunders the homeland of the mystical Iorph. 

These beings can live for hundreds of years, with the plot following the Iorph Maquia as she escapes the horrors of war and raises a newborn human as her son. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms features an imaginative and original fantasy universe. More than that, the movie is praised for its grounded themes of wartime struggle and motherhood.

Speed Racer (1967)

Speed Racer
tv-y7
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Family, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids, Comedy
Stars
Katsuji Mori, Teiji Ōmiya, Ryoko Kinomiya
Created by
Tatsuo Yoshida
Watch on Amazon

For those who are nostalgically inclined, the classic Speed Racer series is still a fun watch today. Animated by Tatsunoko Production, this adaptation of Tatsuo Yoshida’s manga tells the story of an aspiring racing star named Gou Mifune. Despite his father urging Gou to stay away from the tracks, the teenager strives to be the world’s greatest race car driver. 

Speed Racer certainly shows its age, but that’s expected of an anime from the 1960s. Regardless, the original anime adaptation has a delightful, campy charm. With the help of a colorful cast of supporting characters, Speed Racer is a landmark of the medium.

Dan Da Dan (2024)

Dan Da Dan
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Shion Wakayama, Natsuki Hanae, Mayumi Tanaka
Watch on Amazon

Science Saru’s adaptation of Dan Da Dan by Yukinobu Tatsu is easily one of the best anime of the fall 2024 season. This strange story begins with teenager Momo Ayase rescuing classmate Ken Takakura from a group of bullies. 

The two end up in a heated debate about whether ghosts or aliens are real. Not only are they both right, but Momo and Ken will get roped into a string of supernatural incidents. Sci-fi, the occult, and a dash of coming-of-age romance all in one, Dan Da Dan is the most imaginative anime adaptation of the year. The art direction and animation are visually striking, and its zany premise won’t even give fans a chance to be bored.

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (2002)

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
tv-pg
2 Seasons
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, War & Politics
Stars
Kenichi Suzumura, Maaya Sakamoto, Toshihiko Seki
Watch on Amazon

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is another highlight from the mech franchise. Animated by Sunrise, this installment depicts a full-scale war between two subspecies of humans. The Naturals (unaltered humans) clash against the Coordinators (genetically altered humans living in space colonies), with young Coordinator Kira Yamato being swept into the conflict when a third party invades his home to steal Mobile Suits. 

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED is one of the most successful anime series from the franchise, praised for its drama, mech action sequences, and political intrigue. Gundam is known for its impressive sci-fi world-building and operatic storytelling, and SEED achieves this without alienating new fans.

Dragon Ball Super (2015)

Dragon Ball Super
tv-pg
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Hiromi Tsuru
Watch on Amazon

With the addition of Crunchyroll as an optional add-on to Prime Video, Dragon Ball fans have even more content in one place. For the uninitiated (or simply the nostalgic), audiences can watch Dragon Ball Super, the long-awaited sequel series to DBZ

Set after the events of DBZ’s Buu Saga, Goku finds his quiet life interrupted when Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens to find the powerful opponent prophesized to defeat him. While it’s hard to top the legacy and novelty of DBZ, Dragon Ball Super has all the action and over-the-top storytelling fans would want. From high-octane tournaments to even more elaborate power-ups, Dragon Ball Super is endlessly entertaining.

MEGALOBOX (2018)

MEGALOBOX
tv-ma
2 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Yoshimasa Hosoya, Hiroki Yasumoto, Michiyo Murase
Watch on Amazon

There are plenty of grounded sports anime, but for fans wanting a larger-than-life twist, Megalobox is a great choice. Animated by TMS Entertainment, Megalobox takes place in late 21st-century Japan when professional athletes wear mechanized exoskeletons to box.

The plot focuses on a scrappy underground boxer known as Junk Dog, who rises through the ranks to win the prestigious Megalonia tournament and take down its reigning champion. Megalobox is the perfect mix of engrossing character drama and visceral boxing action. Even with the exciting sci-fi backdrop, Megalobox tells an investing underdog-themed story that fans of more realistic boxing anime like Hajime no Ippo and Ashita no Joe can appreciate.

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015)

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'
93m
Genre
Action, Animation, Science Fiction
Stars
Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Ryusei Nakao
Directed by
Tadayoshi Yamamuro
Watch on Amazon

The Dragon Ball franchise’s 19th movie and the first in the main canon, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is an exciting return for the anime series. Produced by Toei Animation, the movie sees the return of iconic DBZ villain Frieza, who’s exact revenge on Son Goku and company for defeating him. 

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’ is a worthy sequel to the DBZ manga and TV anime adaptation. The story doesn’t accomplish anything groundbreaking, but Resurrection ‘F’ feels like a warm return for these classic characters. It acts as a bridge to the Super sequel series and packs all the fast-paced fights and nostalgia fans will want.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (2015)

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Animation, War & Politics, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Kengo Kawanishi, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Yuka Terasaki
Watch on Amazon

While Mobile Suit Gundam can seem difficult to dive into, it has plenty of great standalone shows. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one such installment, revolving around a group of juvenile soldiers who establish their own militaristic security company.

The young fighters use their Mobile Suits to fight on behalf of their contractors, raging against the adult leaders who exploited and betrayed them. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans is one of the most beloved entries in the franchise thanks to its gritty sci-fi action and engrossing drama. Packed with political intrigue and branching storylines, this series makes some biting social commentary on real-life crises like slavery, children of war, and rampant political corruption.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022)

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury
tv-14
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Drama, War & Politics
Stars
Kana Ichinose, Lynn, Yohei Azakami
Watch on Amazon

For thrilling robot-themed action, anime fans should check out the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam series. The Witch from Mercury is a recent TV installment animated by longtime studio Sunrise, and it’s set in a future where intergalactic corporations run the world. 

The Benerit Group dominates the mobile suit industry, and the plot focuses on young Suletta Mercury, a girl who transfers to a technology academy owned by the conglomerate. Complete with complex political machinations, character drama, and mech-on-mech combat, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is a must-watch for sci-fi anime fans. It contains all the tropes fans have come to love while remaining accessible to the uninitiated viewer.

Dragon Ball (1986)

Dragon Ball
tv-pg
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Masako Nozawa, Mayumi Tanaka, Hiromi Tsuru
Watch on Amazon

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise is best known for the sequel Dragon Ball Z, but the original series is still worth watching in 2024. Animated by Toei Animation, Dragon Ball chronicles the colorful exploits of Son Goku, a shockingly powerful young boy with a monkey tail and a mysterious past. 

Along with his companion, Bulma, they clash with many villains on their way to finding the seven wish-granting Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball is a landmark in the manga and anime mediums. Toriyama’s whimsical worldbuilding still shines through, complemented by martial arts-themed action, comedy, and a mix of sci-fi and fantasy.

Kingdom (2012)

Kingdom
tv-ma
5 Seasons
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Drama
Stars
Yutaka Nakano, Rie Kugimiya, Masakazu Morita
Watch on Amazon

Fans of mature, historical dramas owe it to themselves to watch the anime adaptation of Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom. With five seasons currently released and animated by studios including Pierrot and Signpost, the story is set during a fictionalized take on China’s Warring States era. 

It follows a young orphan named Xin as he aims to become the land’s elite general and unify China. Kingdom is one of the most acclaimed seinen manga thanks to its epic-scale conflicts and character drama. The anime adaptation has only improved with each season in terms of its art direction and animation quality, and the plot will suit fans of other historical anime/manga like Vinland Saga and Vagabond.

Tonbo! (2024)

Tonbo!
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Drama
Stars
Rika Hayashi, Hiroki Touchi
Watch on Amazon

Sports anime is an increasingly popular niche in the medium, with Tonbo! using golf as its backdrop. Based on Ken Kawasaki and Yu Furusawa’s manga of the same name, the plot focuses on the journey of a young girl named Tonbo Ooi. 

After former pro-golfer Kazuyoshi Igarashi looks to move on by taking a job at an island’s development center, he’s amazed by the girl’s incredible talent and rediscovers his passion for the sport. Animated by OLM, Tonbo! is well-received for how it uses golf for its story, but more impressive is how character-driven it is. The sport is a great vehicle for the co-leads to grow past their respective life struggles.

InuYasha (2000)

InuYasha
tv-14
2 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Comedy, Mystery
Stars
Kappei Yamaguchi, Satsuki Yukino
Created by
Rumiko Takahashi
Watch on Amazon

Rumiko Takhashi’s Inuyasha was a manga classic of the 1990s, and its anime adaptation did it justice in the 2000s. Animation studio Sunrise is behind the anime series, telling the story of 15-year-old Kagome Higurashi and time-traveling exploits to Sengoku-era Japan. 

She meets the half-dog, half-demon Inuyasha, teaming up to prevent the fragments of a powerful jewel from being used for nefarious purposes. Inuyasha is an anime classic and remains one of the best shonen adventure series in the medium. The series earned praise for its entertaining mix of action, adventure, Japanese fantasy, and romance elements.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023)

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
tv-14
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Drama, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Chiaki Kobayashi
Watch on Amazon

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, alongside other adaptations like Delicious in Dungeon, shows high fantasy excels in anime. Based on Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s manga series, Frieren follows the quest of the eponymous elven mage. Generations after Frieren’s heroic companions defeat the Demon King, she takes in a new apprentice and seeks to fulfill her late friends’ requests.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is acclaimed for its soothing and vibrant fantasy world. It also bucks the trend of heroes banding together to defeat a world-ending threat. Instead, Frieren opts for a quieter but no less emotional approach, portraying a main character struggling to face mortality.

Dragon Ball Z (1989)

Dragon Ball Z
tv-14
9 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Stars
Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Toshio Furukawa
Created by
Akira Toriyama
Watch on Amazon

The late Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z is still the most popular of the blockbuster franchise. The sequel series is set five years after Son Goku’s win at the World Martial Arts tournament, with the protagonist now living quietly with his wife Chi-Chi and son Gohan.

But when the Saiyan villain Raditz arrives on Earth, Goku’s origins are revealed and his life takes a sudden action-packed turn. Dragon Ball Z is an anime phenomenon that’s persevered decades later thanks to its iconic characters and over-the-top action. The anime consistently expands its world with grander conflicts each arc, flashy power systems, and imaginative villains.

Pokémon (1997)

Pokémon
tv-y7
25 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Rica Matsumoto, Ikue Otani, Daiki Yamashita
Watch on Amazon

The segmentation of the Pokémon TV anime across streaming platforms is admittedly convoluted. Still, fans can enjoy Ash Ketchum’s classic adventures on Prime Video, specifically from Gold and Silver. Following Ash and Misty’s adventures in the Orange Islands, they rejoin Brock to explore the Johto region.

Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver takes cues from the acclaimed Game Boy Color video games while telling its own charming story. The “monster-of-the-week” formula is still well in effect, but it’s perfect for the now-nostalgic atmosphere. Even with the familiar cartoon tropes, Pokémon the Series: Gold and Silver still features touching character development between Ash and his friends — Pokémon included.

My Hero Academia (2016)

My Hero Academia
tv-14
7 Seasons
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Watch on Amazon

Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has taken the anime scene by storm since the adaptation began in 2016. Produced by studio Bones, the story is about Izuku Midoriya, a teenager desperate to become a hero in the vein of his idol, All Might. My Hero Academia is set in a world where most of humanity is born with a super-powered “Quirk,” and despite Izuku being born without one, he enrolls in a prestigious hero academy.

The series has proven to be one of the most lucrative and popular shounen manga and anime series currently airing. It’s not without the tropes fans would expect from such a story, but it depicts a colorful world that puts an entertaining spin on the superhero genre.

Blade of the Immortal (2019)

Blade of the Immortal
7.4/10
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Drama, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Houko Kuwashima, Ayane Sakura, Kenjiro Tsuda
Watch on Amazon

Blade of the Immortal‘s second anime adaptation is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. Set during feudal-era Japan, the plot revolves around the eponymous cursed samurai Manji. To repent for the 100-plus samurai he murdered, Manji must kill 1,000 evil men to break the curse and regain his humanity.

Blade of the Immortal is among the best seinen manga, and Liden Films’ adaptation is a solid effort that surpasses the 2008 anime. It does an admirable job of making an excellent yet straightforward revenge epic stylized and interesting in motion. Manji’s wisecracking personality and the dark atmosphere make this a worthwhile watch.

Kaiju No. 8 (2024)

Kaiju No. 8
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Masaya Fukunishi, Asami Seto, Wataru Katoh
Watch on Amazon

The adaptation of Naoya Matsumoto’s Kaiju No. 8 is one of the biggest shounen anime of 2024. Animated by studio Production I.G, the series tells the story of Kafka Hibino, a clean-up crew worker in the aftermath of monster attacks, who gets far more than a promotion to the elite Defense Force.

Falling behind his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, now a captain of the Defense Force’s Third Division, Kafka gets a monstrous transformation ability after ingesting a kaiju. Kaiju No. 8 is shaping up to be one of the best ongoing anime of the season, backed by over-the-top action and its clever premise. Production I.G’s animation work is typically top-notch as well.

Yu Yu Hakusho (1992)

Yu Yu Hakusho
tv-14
4 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Stars
Nozomu Sasaki, Shigeru Chiba, Megumi Ogata
Created by
Yoshihiro Togashi
Watch on Amazon

From the mind of Hunter x Hunter creator Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho was his breakout hit. Animated by studio Pierrot, the series follows the adventures of Yusuke Urameshi, a teenager who’s revived as a Spirit Detective after sacrificing himself to protect a child in a car accident.

With this second lease on life, Yusuke is joined by Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei on a string of supernatural and martial arts-themed exploits. Yu Yu Hakusho is a satisfying shounen story for all ages thanks to its combination of action, storytelling, and entertaining supernatural atmosphere. It earns its 100-plus-episode runtime, balancing comedy and a sincere cast despite its larger-than-life premise.

Attack on Titan (2013)

Attack on Titan
tv-ma
4 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Stars
Yuki Kaji, Yui Ishikawa, Marina Inoue
Watch on Amazon

When the adaptation premiered in 2013, Attack on Titan became a mainstream anime sensation. WIT Studio adapted the first three seasons of writer/illustrator Hajime Isayama’s manga, while the anime studio MAPPA took over for the drawn-out fourth season. The story is set in a bleak fantasy world inspired by European aesthetics where humanity is forced to live in a walled-in city-state to defend itself from the violent and grotesque Titans that roam outside.

What follows is upstart soldier Eren Yeager’s quest to destroy all Titans to avenge his slaughtered family, but far more sinister forces dwell under the surface of this premise. While the release structure of its “final season” was clunky, Attack on Titan proved to be a consistently compelling fantasy saga packed with intrigue. It had an appeal somewhat similar to Game of Thrones in that it was set in a ruthless, unforgiving dark fantasy world with tense action set pieces, complex political dynamics, impressive worldbuilding, and a tantalizing mystery at the story’s core.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
tv-14
1 Season
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
Stars
Romi Park, Rie Kugimiya, Shin-ichiro Miki
Watch on Amazon

While the first anime adaptation was solid in its own right even though it eventually diverted from the original story, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the definitive version in terms of sticking to the source material. Animated by the creative team at Bones — who also produced the first anime adaptation — Brotherhood follows Hiromu Arakawa’s manga faithfully. It’s set in an Industrial era-inspired dark fantasy world where alchemist brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric set out on a quest to find the fabled Philosopher’s Stone.

The duo are desperate to use it to restore their bodies after a grisly attempt to resurrect their mother. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the most widely acclaimed manga and anime of the 21st century, lauded for its detailed worldbuilding, creative use of fantasy elements, and immensely rewarding character arcs.

Samurai Champloo (2004)

Samurai Champloo
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Action & Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Drama
Stars
Ayako Kawasumi, Kazuya Nakai, Ginpei Sato
Created by
Shinichiro Watanabe
Watch on Amazon

Samurai Champloo is another uniquely stylish and resonating anime from beloved Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe. Animated by studio Manglobe, the series is set in a fictionalized Edo-era Japan as the rival ronin Jin and Mugen are saved from execution by a former teahouse waitress named Fuu and are now indebted to help her find the elusive “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”

Similar to Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo was widely praised for its slick animation, thrilling action sequences, inventive use of music, and poignant social commentary. It might not carry quite the same revered weight as Watanabe’s earlier series, but Champloo is more than deserving of its acclaim as one of the best anime of the 2000s.

Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Cowboy Bebop
tv-14
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Western
Stars
Koichi Yamadera, Unsho Ishizuka, Megumi Hayashibara
Watch on Amazon

Arguably one of the most important anime series in the history of the genre, Cowboy Bebop is a timeless sci-fi story. Set in 2071, the series follows the exploits of an unlikely bounty hunting crew in a world where corporate greed has devastated Earth and forced most of humanity to colonize space — only to continue making the same mistakes.

Complemented by a fantastic acid-jazz soundtrack that influences the animation and art direction, Cowboy Bebop features a unique cast of characters with compelling backstories and character arcs. This series’ episodic story and core plot blend the sci-fi and neon-noir genres and are anchored by thoughtful themes of the human condition.

One Piece (1999)

One Piece
tv-14
22 Seasons
Genre
Action & Adventure, Comedy, Animation
Stars
Mayumi Tanaka, Kazuya Nakai, Akemi Okamura
Watch on Amazon

Thanks to the addition of the Crunchyroll channel, anime fans now have access to the flagship One Piece anime series in addition to the spin-off movies. Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is a shounen manga and anime phenomenon that’s going strong decades later, with the series being a consistently entertaining experience.

Animated by Toei Animation, the show opens with young Monkey D. Luffy as he embarks on a grand quest to follow in the footsteps of his role model, Red-Haired Shanks, to become a world-class pirate — and discover the immense treasure that renowned pirate Gol D. Roger, left behind before being executed. What follows is a vibrant swashbuckling saga filled with colorful casts of heroes, villains, and everything in between.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

Jujutsu Kaisen
tv-ma
1 Season
Genre
Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Watch on Amazon

Writer Gege Akutami’s Jujustu Kaisen manga is one of the biggest modern shounen sensations, and that acclaim has translated into the anime adaptation. Produced by famed studio MAPPA, this series sees high schooler Yuji Itadori enrolled in Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he’s trained and guided by some of Japan’s greatest sorcerers in combatting the otherworldly Cursed Spirits rampant throughout the country.

Bolstered by an engaging main and supporting cast of characters, stylish art design, and exhilarating animation, Jujutsu Kaisen is an exciting dark urban fantasy and martial art anime. It’s undoubtedly one of the biggest additions to the service now that anime fans on Amazon Prime Video can access it through the added Crunchyroll channel.

SPY x FAMILY (2022)

SPY x FAMILY
tv-14
2 Seasons
Genre
Animation, Comedy, Action & Adventure
Stars
Takuya Eguchi, Atsumi Tanezaki, Saori Hayami
Watch on Amazon

One of the best contemporary anime to watch on Amazon Prime Video through the Crunchyroll premium channel is Spy x Family. An animation co-effort by Wit Studio and CloverWorks, this adaptation of Tatsuya Endo’s manga of the same name has become a charming modern sensation.

A Spy going under the codename “Twilight” embarks on a high-stakes mission to maintain peace between two fragile nations, requiring him to take on the alias Loid Forger as part of a fabricated family. Little do they know, each of the family members has something to hide, from Yor’s assassin background and Anya’s telepathic powers. Combining ’60s and modern aesthetics, Spy x Family is a delightful spy-thiller and feel-good comedy hybrid.

Movie images and data from:
Guillermo Kurten
Freelance Writer, Entertainment

A University of Houston graduate in Print Media Journalism, Guillermo has covered sports entertainment and practically all forms of geek culture as a freelance writer.

His young career so far has seen him write about soccer through websites including Read Bundesliga and Bayern Strikes, specializing in FC Bayern Munich. From there he moved on to Comic Book Resources, Game Rant, The Gamer, and Screen Rant to indulge his inner nerd, with over 2 years and counting as a senior writer at the latter.

Guillermo's interests span video games, movies, TV series, comic books, anime, and manga -- and if you're not careful, will talk your ear off specifically about the last 40-plus years of Batman lore.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Guillermo studied at Lone Star College in Texas before ultimately completing his Bachelor's degree.

Nick Perry

Nick Perry is a freelance writer who bounced from Hollywood to Silicon Beach to pajama pants. His work has been featured on Digital Trends, Good Morning America, Entrepreneur, Mashable, and more media outlets.

The best hidden gems on Netflix right now
Promo art for From Rock Star To Killer.

Did you know that Netflix actually has a hidden gem category that's searchable on the site? It's true, but the streamer's definition of a hidden gem doesn't necessarily line up with our own. For the purposes of this ongoing post, we take the time to throw the spotlight on some of Netflix's shows that aren't getting the attention they deserve. Most of the time, there are plenty of dramas or comedies to choose from.
But in the absence of any worthy scripted hidden gems this month, we're turning our attention to a pair of recently arrived Netflix original documentaries: Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's Treasure and the provocatively named From Rock Star To Killer. Keep reading, and you'll find more shows off the beaten path among the best hidden gems on Netflix.
Want to watch something with more buzz? Check out the the best shows to stream this week, best movies on Netflix and the best shows on Netflix right now. For a much-needed laugh, peruse the best stand-up comedy on Netflix right now.

Gold & Greed: The Hunt for Fenn's Treasure (2025)

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The best sci-fi movies on Hulu right now
Sadie Sink in O'Dessa.

Sci-fi fans, is it fair for Hulu to take away all of the Alien and Predator movies for a few months and then trot them back out as if they're fresh additions to the library? Those films should have permanent places among the best sci-fi movies on Hulu, rather than seasonal passes.
Before we eventually readmit some of those films to this roundup, we're throwing the spotlight on a new arrival called O'Dessa, starring Sadie Sink, who was recently cast in the next Spider-Man film. Our other pick for the month is The Prestige, which does veer into science fiction territory in a uniquely entertaining way. You can find these films and the rest of the best sci-fi movies on Hulu below.
If you're curious about what's available in science fiction on other streaming services, we also have guides for the best sci-fi movies on Netflix, as well as the best sci-fi movies on Amazon Prime Video. For more options, check out guides for the best new movies to stream and the best movies on Hulu.

If you're looking for more films to watch, remember that Hulu is part of the Disney Bundle. That includes the basic Hulu subscription (with ads), Disney+, and ESPN+, all for just $17 a month. That's a great deal, and you don't even have to travel to the future for it.

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The best British TV shows on Netflix
Nanette posing with her arms on a chair wearing a uniform on the spaceship in the USS Callister sequel episode in Black Mirror.

When it comes to the best British TV shows on Netflix, they will keep you enthralled from start to finish. Oftentimes, these shows rise up the ranks for the streamer, becoming among the most popular and watched. In March, for example, the Jack Thorne series Adolescence started gaining a lot of attention and leading to conversation, with viewers dissecting the heart-wrenching, gripping, eye-opening story about kids, mental health, and social media. Black Mirror returns in April, too, and fans have been waiting a long time to see the new set of anthology episodes featuring a high-profile cast and the show's first-ever sequel.
Bottom line: the best British shows on Netflix sometimes count among the best shows on Netflix, period. When it comes to which ones are worth checking out, we have you covered with this curated list.
Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, best shows on Hulu, best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on Max, and best shows on Disney+.

Recently added to Netflix

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