What are some of the best Netflix anime TV series to watch in December 2023? The anime library of Netflix is continuously expanding, including series that are exclusive to the streaming platform. Here are some of the best Netflix anime TV series to watch on the platform.
My Happy Marriage
If you are interested in historical and romance anime, My Happy Marriage is a combination of the two, alongside some fantasy themes. The show was part of the summer 2023 anime lineup. This is highly recommended for those who want a heartwarming romance in their anime watchlist. For many fans, this will be a top-tier shojo series.
The official synopsis of My Happy Marriage from Netflix reads:
“Miyo’s abusive family deems her worthless — but together with her powerful husband-to-be, her true self and hidden powers slowly begin to shine.”
Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicate is an adorable slice of life and romantic comedy anime. The story revolves around Shoko Komi, who becomes incredibly popular because of her beauty and unfazed appearance. However, Komi’s seatmate, Hitohito Tadano, learns that Komi has a communication disorder. He learns Komi’s goal is to make 100 friends and Tadano offers to help her with it. It is a must-watch for fans who like coming-of-age stories. Komi Can’t Communicate currently has two seasons.
The official synopsis of Komi Can’t Communicate from Netflix states:
“At a high school full of unique characters, Tadano helps his shy and unsociable classmate Komi reach her goal of making friends with 100 people.”
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
A zombie apocalypse meets anime in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead. Fans who enjoyed Alice in Borderland might want to check out this anime since it’s from the same creator. The anime has a distinct way of dealing with the blood and gore in the series, which makes the animation interestingly colorful. The show is currently ongoing.
The official synopsis of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead from Netflix is:
“In this anime adaptation, an overworked 24-year-old finally decides to live a little and create a bucket list, when a zombie outbreak hits the country.”
Looking for English-dubbed anime on Netflix? Check out our guide on the best anime on Netflix with English voices dubbed audio.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
It does not matter if you’ve played Cyberpunk 2077 — whether you have or you haven’t, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an anime worth checking out. The show has a distinct animation style with an interesting use of colors, which is refreshing to look at when compared to the usual animation styles found in anime. Fans of the cyberpunk genre will certainly enjoy this show. but there are also tearful moments as the series takes you on an emotional ride. It’s also a short series (10 episodes), which makes it easy to binge-watch.
The official synopsis of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners from Netflix reads:
“In a dystopia riddled with corruption and cybernetic implants, a talented but reckless street kid strives to become a mercenary outlaw — an edgerunner.”
Romantic Killer
Romantic Killer is a relatively new release and a must-watch for fans of romantic comedy. What makes the series fun to watch is that it goes against the usual tropes we see in romantic shows. The main character, Anzu, is not your stereotypical heroine in a romantic setting. All she cares about are video games, chocolates, and her cat. However, a wizard ends up helping her spice up her romantic life, despite Anzu’s protests. Romantic Killer is worth watching for those who like shows that go against stereotypical romance tropes.
The official synopsis of Romantic Killer from Netflix states:
“Living her best single life, romance is the last thing on Anzu’s mind — until a tiny match-making wizard suddenly turns her life into a clichéd romcom.”
Great Pretender
If you are interested in a fun and exciting series about crime where the rich get scammed, then the Great Pretender is worth checking out. It follows Makoto Edamura, Laurent Thierry, and a dedicated team as they go around the world forming elaborate schemes to con rich people. The series has a refreshing art style that almost makes it seem like a Western animation while still staying true to anime. Plus, the anime’s music is a fun soundtrack that matches the vibe of the show.
The official synopsis of Great Pretender from Netflix reads:
“Supposedly Japan’s greatest swindler, Makoto Edamura gets more than he bargained for when he tries to con Laurent Thierry, a real world-class crook.”
The Way of the Househusband
Anime fans who like absurd and over-the-top, nonsensical humor should check The Way of the Househusband out. It follows Tatsu, a former yakuza turned househusband. This slice-of-life series shows Tatsu getting into hilarious situations where he’s just trying to be a good househusband, but always gets misunderstood due to his scary and intimidating vibe. The animation is not as smooth as the usual anime series and might feel more like an animated comic, but it is purposely done that way. It also complements the vibe of the series more since the show is more fast-paced.
The official synopsis of The Way of the Househusband from Netflix is:
“After disappearing from the underworld, the legendary yakuza known as the “Immortal Dragon” resurfaces — as a fiercely devoted stay-at-home husband.”
Death Note
Whether you’re new to anime or not, a good number of fans would always recommend Death Note. The series follows genius student Light Yagami, who picks up a notebook called the Death Note. This allows the user to kill anyone if they write down that person’s name on the notebook.
The plot revolves around Light using the Death Note to kill criminals with the objective of creating a society without crime. However, due to these serial killings, the Japanese police started investigating and they hired a renowned detective named L to lead the task force. Death Note will have you thinking about justice, murder, and morality.
The official synopsis of Death Note from Netflix reads:
“When a Japanese high schooler comes into possession of a mystical notebook, he finds he has the power to kill anybody whose name he enters in it.”
Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro is a dark fantasy series set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans and sorcerers exist. Caiman is a man with a lizard head with an obsession for gyoza. He’s looking for the person who cursed him, but his sole lead is a man who lives in his throat. So Caiman will put a sorcerer’s head in his mouth and the man will confirm if they found the right sorcerer. However, news about a man with a lizard head killing sorcerers reaches En, a crime boss. En then sends sorcerers to hunt Caiman down.
Dorohedoro has amazing animation done by MAPPA, which doesn’t cut down on the gore. The character designs are interesting and refreshing to look at. The music is also a plus and the opening theme will get you hooked.
The official synopsis of Dorohedoro from Netflix is:
“Amnesiac Caiman seeks to undo his lizard head curse by killing the sorcerer responsible, with his friend Nikaido’s help. In the Hole, that’s a threat.”
Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby is another amazing dark fantasy series that’s worth the watch. Aside from it being an easy watch because it’s only ten episodes long, the show has a distinct animation style that sets it apart from the usual anime. Plus, the music is by the amazing Kensuke Ushio (A Silent Voice, Chainsaw Man).
The story follows Ryo and Akira, who get caught up in the world of demons. Akira himself even gains the ability to turn into a demon. The series gets pretty graphic, so make sure to check the trigger warnings.
The official synopsis of Devilman Crybaby from Netflix reads:
“With demons reawakened and humanity in turmoil, a sensitive demon-boy is led into a brutal, degenerate war against evil by his mysterious friend, Ryo.”
Cowboy Bebop
Many fans who have seen Cowboy Bebop would most likely recommend the series to others. This is a good gateway anime for beginners since the show has a lot of Western influences. The jazzy music is a bop and the show covers themes that might be relatable to a lot of watchers. If you also like shows that cover themes like existentialism and loneliness, then this is worth a watch.
Cowboy Bebop is set in the year 2071 and it follows a group of bounty hunters aboard a spaceship called the Bebop. The show follows all the various jobs they get into. If you are the type of person who usually watches anime in subs, the English dub is arguably one of the best.
The official synopsis of Cowboy Bebop from Netflix is:
“Scouring space for bounties, a ragtag crew — a former hitman, an ex-cop, a con artist, a hacker kid and a data dog — live paycheck to paycheck.”
For more content aside from the best Netflix anime TV series to watch, here is our guide on how to watch anime for free online in 2023.