5 Awesome Anime to Watch on Netflix During December 2025

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Even though the year is almost over, there’s still time to start a new anime series! Watching anime is a perfect way to get excited for all the great shows coming out in early 2026, like Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Fire Force. Many fans predict next year will be even better than 2025, which already saw a lot of popular anime movies in theaters.

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest releases, but don’t forget about the great shows already available! Netflix has a huge selection of popular anime, including exclusive originals, for its subscribers. You can’t go wrong with classics like Naruto, One Piece, and My Hero Academia. If you’re looking for something to watch this December, here are five anime currently available on Netflix.

5) The Rising of the Shield Hero

I’ve been following isekai anime for years, and while it’s always been popular within the anime community, it felt like things were cooling off a bit recently. But then The Rising of the Shield Hero came along and totally revitalized my interest! It first aired in 2019, and we’ve already had four seasons – the latest just finished airing in 2025. The best part? They’ve announced a fifth season! No date yet, but I’m already hyped. What I really love about Shield Hero is how it takes all the usual isekai ideas and flips them on their head, giving us a really unique take on what it means to be a hero in another world.

The anime The Rising of the Shield Hero centers around Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary high school student unexpectedly transported to a fantasy world. He’s hailed as the Shield Hero, but quickly finds his reputation destroyed when the princess falsely accuses him of wrongdoing. This leaves him isolated and struggling to survive in an unfamiliar land. The story explores powerful themes like the importance of chosen family, overcoming past trauma, finding forgiveness, and questioning what it means to be truly good.

4) Leviathan

Released in July 2025, Leviathan is a fantastic anime series that doesn’t get enough attention. It’s based on Scott Westerfield’s book trilogy of the same name and cleverly blends steampunk, science fiction, and historical elements. What really sets it apart are its beautiful visuals and compelling character relationships, which drive the story’s engaging pace and atmosphere.

In the alternate World War I setting of Leviathan, people are divided into two factions: the Clankers, who rely on machines, and the Darwinists, who use genetically engineered creatures. Prince Aleksandar and Deryn Sharp meet on the airship HMS Leviathan after Aleksandar flees his father’s murder. They become close friends, but their bond is challenged as they get increasingly involved in the war from all sides.

3) Trigun Stampede

Trigun Stampede is a fresh take on the classic 1990s anime Trigun, widely considered a top sci-fi western. Released in 2023, the series is getting a second season, Trigun Stargaze, in early 2026. This new version explores parts of the original manga that weren’t covered in the first anime and delves deeper into Vash’s past, especially his relationship with his twin brother. The show’s animation stands out thanks to its unique use of CGI, giving it a different look and feel from the original Trigun.

I’m watching Trigun Stampede, and it’s set on this really tough planet called No Man’s Land – it’s a dangerous place with a lot of crime. Everyone talks about Vash the Stampede, this legendary gunslinger who’s supposed to be destructive wherever he goes. But what’s surprising is that Vash is actually a peaceful traveler; he just attracts trouble because of his reputation. It turns out he’s got a brother, Knives, who’s actively working against humanity, and their opposing beliefs are setting them on a collision course. It’s a really interesting conflict because it makes you question what’s right and wrong for both of them.

2) Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a recent anime that playfully twists common story elements to surprise viewers. It premiered in 2023 and has already released two seasons, with a third one planned for late 2025 or early 2026—currently, early 2026 seems more probable. The show is an enjoyable spin on the fantasy genre, blending a school for magic with exciting, action-packed moments that are surprisingly authentic, funny, and layered.

I’m completely hooked on Mashle: Magic and Muscles! The world is fascinating – magic is everything, and if you’re born without it, you’re basically an outcast. That’s the situation for Mash Burnedead, who’s been hiding his lack of magic with his dad. But things change when he’s forced to enroll at Easton Magic Academy, hoping to become a Divine Visionary. He has to pretend he can use magic just to survive! It’s amazing to watch him tackle all these magical challenges using pure strength and smarts – he literally has to muscle his way through everything, and it’s hilarious and exciting to see how he does it.

1) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

I’ve been really impressed with Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku. It’s easily one of the best dark fantasy anime I’ve seen in years, even though it hasn’t gotten quite the attention of some other popular shows from Shonen Jump. After a long wait for fans of the original manga, it finally came out in 2023, and a second season is planned for January 2026. What really stands out is how beautiful it looks – the animation is incredibly smooth, and the fight scenes are amazing. Beyond that, the characters are complex and interesting, and the story tackles some pretty deep themes like finding redemption, the idea of living forever, corruption in society, and whether people can truly change.

Hell’s Paradise tells the story of Gabimaru the Hollow, a skilled ninja assassin facing execution for his crimes. He’s given a chance at freedom – and a return to his wife – if he journeys to the mythical island of Shinsenkyo in search of the elixir of life. Along the way, he’s accompanied by his executioner, Sagiri, and together they uncover the island’s hidden, dangerous truths and how they connect to the world beyond.

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2025-12-09 00:43