10 Most Unique Original Anime Currently Streaming on Netflix

As anime becomes increasingly popular worldwide, it’s safe to say it’s now a major form of entertainment. While Crunchyroll is the official home for anime shows and movies, Netflix also offers a wide variety of unique films and series for fans around the world. There’s a whole different side to anime beyond well-known series like those from Shonen Jump, with each original anime offering something special in its story, setting, and animation style. Although anime is often linked to Japanese animation, studios globally – including those in Korea, China, and Thailand, among others – are also creating anime content.

It’s a shame that despite demonstrating the variety and creativity of contemporary anime, these original series frequently go unnoticed because of ineffective promotion and a lack of buzz. Many anime viewers tend to gravitate towards popular adaptations of manga or novels with established fan bases. Consequently, it’s simple to miss these original shows that they aren’t familiar with. Nevertheless, these 10 series are definitely worth adding to the watchlist of any anime fan.

10) Moonrise

It took six years for WIT Studio to release its original sci-fi series, penned by Tou Ubukata – the writer famous for Psycho-Pass. The story unfolds in the near future, where people live peacefully by following the rules of a global AI network that runs the government. However, the network’s project to develop the Moon – which involves sending criminals and waste there – is causing growing inequality among citizens.

Growing inequality in how people live on the Moon sparks a war, and Jacob Shadow finds himself caught up in it following a terrible terrorist attack. After suffering immense personal loss, he enlists in the army to battle the Moon’s rebels, unexpectedly coming face to face with someone from his past he thought he’d never see again. Heartbroken and seeking purpose, he joins the fight, unaware of the shocking reunion that awaits him.

9) Sirius the Jaeger

The anime, which debuted in 2018, ends with an unresolved cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for a continuation. Nevertheless, Sirius the Jaeger remains a compelling watch, thanks to its impressive story development and well-crafted characters. The narrative unfolds in 1930s Japan, centering around Yuliy, a young werewolf. He’s part of a vampire-hunting organization known as the Jaegers, and their newest assignment leads them to Japan to combat a clandestine group of vampires who are wreaking havoc.

The vampires are actually searching for a very old and powerful artifact called the “Ark of Sirius,” which is rumored to give whoever possesses it incredible power. Yuliy lost everything he cared about due to the vampires’ ambition and vowed to destroy them all. But as he continues his pursuit, he starts to discover unsettling truths about his own history and what the famous relic is really about.

8) Vampire in the Garden

Stories about vampires are incredibly diverse, allowing each one to feel unique. Vampire in the Garden is a less famous anime from WIT Studio, taking place in a world where the last humans, after a devastating war with vampires, live in fear. They live inside a walled city lit by a protective barrier to keep the vampires out, and have even stopped singing and playing music because vampires have very sensitive hearing.

The story centers around Momo, a young soldier, and his unexpected connection with Fiine, the vampire queen. Fiine views the ongoing war differently than the rest of her vampire subjects. They develop a close relationship through their mutual passion for music, and both desperately wish for a way for the warring sides to live together peacefully, even in a world torn apart by conflict.

7) B: The Beginning

This psychological thriller unfolds in Cermona, a futuristic island nation plagued by crime and violence. A vigilante, nicknamed “Killer B,” is taking the law into his own hands, eliminating criminals and leaving a “B” signature at each crime scene. With the authorities unable to catch him, the Royal Investigation Service (RIS) enlists the help of Keith Flick, a renowned investigator, to solve the case.

With the investigation still underway, a puzzling boy named Koku becomes caught up in the unfolding events. Gradually, the narrative reveals the hidden, darker aspects of this technologically advanced world, exposing things like clandestine groups, acts of terrorism, and disturbing human experimentation.

6) My Daemon

This emotionally powerful show, created by a studio in Thailand, takes place in the not-too-distant future. A massive nuclear blast has caused the Earth to merge with Hell. Following this devastating event, people live in constant fear. A young elementary school student named Kento discovers a small daemon with strange abilities and gives her the name Anna. Daemons are beings formed from daemonium particles, and because of their unique looks, where they come from, and their powers, humans generally dislike and fear them.

Kento desperately tries to protect Anna, but a tragic event leads to the death of his mother. Refusing to accept this fate, Kento embarks on a quest with Anna to locate the Daemon in Kyushu, a being rumored to control time. However, the journey to revive his mother is incredibly difficult, and proves to be a heavy burden for a young boy to bear. It’s more than he can handle as an elementary school student, and the road ahead is far from easy.

5) Drifting Home

This heartfelt film tells the story of Kosuke Kumagaya and Natsume Tonai, two eleven-year-old boys who shared a close, sibling-like bond since they were very young. Their relationship began to change after the passing of Kosuke’s grandfather, a significant figure in both their lives. During summer vacation, Kosuke and his friends secretly enter the old apartment building where they used to live, which is about to be torn down.

However, Kosuke spots Natsume as well, and the two quickly start arguing. Then, they suddenly realize their entire apartment building has lifted off and is floating away on a huge, unknown ocean. Now lost and frightened with no escape, the kids have to stop fighting and work together to find a way back home.

4) Carole & Tuesday

I’m a huge fan of Carole & Tuesday, and honestly, I think it’s one of Shinichirō Watanabe’s most overlooked masterpieces – even after all these years since it first came out! The series takes place in a really cool, futuristic world, about 50 years after people started living on Mars. It’s a world where AI basically runs everything, including the music scene. The story centers around Tuesday, who’s the daughter of a really important politician, but she runs away from home because she’s desperate to follow her dream of becoming a musician. It’s a fantastic show!

She unexpectedly meets Carole, a refugee from Earth who, like her, loves music. The two girls quickly become friends and start collaborating, working hard to achieve success in the music industry. The series explores not only their challenges as musicians, but also important social topics such as immigration, injustice, and the inequalities faced by people on different planets.

3) Blue Eye Samurai

Blue Eye Samurai, an animated series created with a French studio, tells the dramatic story of Mizu, a skilled female warrior driven by a desire for revenge. The story takes place in 1663, a time when Japan had isolated itself from the rest of the world, refusing entry to foreigners. During this difficult period, people of mixed heritage were often considered inferior, and this includes the courageous main character.

She is determined to find four men-including her father-who have been living in the country illegally since the borders closed. These men inflicted a harsh upbringing on her, forcing her to learn to fight, and were also involved in criminal acts like human trafficking. They not only made her life difficult, leaving her with no option but to defend herself, but also participated in several unlawful schemes.

2) Lost in Starlight

I’m absolutely blown away by Lost in Starlight! It’s not only the first Korean animated film to get a global release, but honestly, it’s probably the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The movie takes place in 2050, and the way it mixes old-school and futuristic styles is just incredible – and the music? So calming and perfect! The story follows Nan-young, an astronaut who’s really hoping to lead the next Mars Expedition Project, but unfortunately, she’s put on standby after not passing her psych evaluation.

Her boss is concerned that the painful memory of her mother’s death during a similar operation might affect her work, and suggests she take some time off in Seoul. While there, she meets Jay, a musician who gave up on his aspirations years ago and now fixes old stereos. They inspire each other to pursue what they want, and begin to develop feelings for one another, knowing their time together might be limited.

1) Big Fish & Begonia

This beautiful anime movie is considered a landmark achievement in Chinese animation. The story takes place in a magical world hidden below our own, and centers on a young girl named Chun. She’s preparing for an important coming-of-age ceremony: on her sixteenth birthday, she must transform into a red dolphin and spend seven days in the human seas. A key part of this ritual is a strict rule – she cannot have any contact with humans.

But when she gets tangled in a fishing net and is saved by a human boy who unfortunately drowns during the rescue, Chun feels a strong sense of guilt and obligation. She goes back to her own world, firmly resolved to bring his soul back, regardless of the sacrifices she must make.

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2025-09-30 17:16