If you've exhausted all the K-dramas, documentaries, and true crime content on Netflix, why not give anime a try? Netflix has made fans of the genre extremely happy by adding well-loved movies and TV series to the streaming site. There's plenty of content to choose from: Take your pick from action/adventure, fantasy, supernatural, and more. Want to understand those inside jokes and fandom references your friends—or the internet—are always referring to?
Kickstart your obsession with our beginner anime list of 10 classics you can watch on Netflix:
1. Naruto
Possibly one of the most popular anime of all time, Naruto is part of the so-called "Big 3", along with Bleach (also on our list!) and One Piece (still not on Netflix, unfortunately). Guided by the nine-tailed biju (spirit demon) within him, follow along Naruto's adventures as he learns to harness his ninja skills. If you're looking for a lengthy plot (the original series has 220 eps, while the extended Naruto Shippuden has 500), good triumphing over evil, and a storyline centered around the power of friendship, this is a sure bet. You'll find yourself believing in "The Will of Fire" in no time!
2. Dragon Ball Z
Another shounen anime (aimed at the teenage male market), Dragon Ball Z is about the adventures of a now-adult Goku, his son Gohan, and their friends, who defend the Earth against villains of all types: aliens, androids, and other creatures. The phenomenon had everyone yelling out the familiar catchphrase, "Kamehameha!" while cupping their hands in front of their bodies. Fun fact: Dragon Ball Z is actually the sequel to, you guessed it, Dragon Ball!
3. Fullmetal Alchemist
Harry Potter fans, you'll love this anime! The series centers around brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are searching for the famed Philosopher's Stone in order to regain the bodies they lost after failing to bring their mother back to life using alchemy. Quick tip to tell the two apart: Edward is the shorter blond, and his younger brother Alphonse is actually the suit of armor. Edward lost his left leg during the attempt to resurrect their mother, and sacrificed his right arm in order to attach Alphonse's soul to the armor.
4. Fairy Tail
If you love fantasy and believe that true *friendship* conquers all, this anime's for you. Natsu Dragneel is a member of the popular wizard guild Fairy Tail. On his search for the dragon Igneel, his adoptive father, Natsu befriends several others who help him on his quest: celestial celestial wizard Lucy Heartfilia, ice wizard Gray Fullbuster, magical knight Erza Scarlet, and fellow dragon slayer Wendy Marvell.
5. Inuyasha
After falling into a well located in her family's shrine, modern-day teenager Kagome suddenly finds herself transported back in time to feudal Japan. She teams up with a half-dog-demon named Inuyasha to collect scattered shards of the sacred Shikon Jewel, unknowing of the dangers they now face. This anime combines history, the supernatural, and *romance* all in one sitting!
6. Bleach
Normal teenager Ichigo Kurosaki becomes a substitute soul reaper after being given powers by soul reaper Rukia Kuchiki. The soul reapers are also known as shinigami (literally translated as "Death God"), posessing powers similar to grim reapers. Whether he likes it or not, it is now Ichigo's duty to protect humans from evil spirits, and guide newly-departed souls to the afterlife. Supernatural fans, with 366 episodes you can watch an episode a day—for a year!
7. Fruits Basket
Released in 2001, this lighthearted shoujo anime (aimed at the teenage female market) is perfect for astrology fans. Female protagonist Tohru Honda becomes a member of the Sohma household after her family dies. She eventually discovers their secret: The clan has been under a zodiac curse for centuries! A reboot project aiming to adapt the entire manga began in 2019, with the second season premiering in April 2020.
8. Spirited Away
This anime starter pack list is not complete without a Studio Ghibli project—so we included three! A modern classic, Spirited Away does not hold back from scary imagery (spirits, witches, mosters, and more!). The movie tells the story of 10-year-old Chihiro's adventures. On the way back to their new home, Chihiro's father takes the wrong turn and the family stumble upon what looks like an abandoned amusement park. After her parents are turned into pigs, Chihiro realizes she is trapped inside the spirit world, and must find her own way out.
9. Howl's Moving Castle
In one of the most-visually stunning works by Hayao Miyazaki, themes of female empowerment and anti-violence take centerstage in this epic film. If you're in the mood for a romantic story with a powerful message, Howl's Moving Castle is all about Sophie and her journey. Cursed by a witch to appear as an old woman, Sophie works as a housekeeper for Howl, a half-man, half-bird wizard, becoming a part of his resistance in a war waging between two kingdoms.
10. Princess Mononoke
More than a fantasy-adventure film, Princess Mononoke's stance on the climate crisis is perhaps more relevant today than when it was first released in 1997. Visually stunning and with a complex message—How can humankind coexist with nature?—viewers will be kept at the edge of their seats as Prince Ashitaka, cursed by an angry boar spirit and forced to travel to Irontown, reluctantly works together ferocious wolf princess Mononoke to prevent the destruction of the forest and its spirit god.
***
What does your zodiac sign say about you? Subscribe to Cosmopolitan Philippines and find out!
Follow Andie on Instagram.
