5 Modern Classic Anime on Netflix You Should Watch Immediately

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With the year winding down, there are tons of fantastic anime series to choose from. Many streaming services are adding exciting new titles, so you won’t have to search far to find something you’ll enjoy. Netflix is a major player, and it’s consistently had a strong anime selection for the past ten years, often getting new seasons and films before other platforms. If you’re looking for an alternative to Crunchyroll, Netflix is a great option, especially with its increasing number of original anime shows and movies.

Once you’ve decided you want to watch anime, the next challenge is choosing what to watch. While many beloved anime classics are available, there’s also a wealth of more recent shows that could become classics themselves. What qualifies as a “modern classic” varies – some fans consider anything from the last five years, while others go back a decade or two. Generally, these shows combine excellent animation with strong storytelling. Here are five of the best modern classics currently streaming on Netflix, perfect for your next viewing session.

5) Jujutsu Kaisen

With its broad appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers, Jujutsu Kaisen is a standout choice for this list. Along with Hell’s Paradise and Chainsaw Man, it’s considered part of a powerful new wave of Shonen Jump anime. The series has also benefited from the popularity of Gojo Satoru, a character who has quickly become a modern anime icon and drawn a lot of attention to the show. Jujutsu Kaisen premiered in 2020, and its third season is expected to arrive in early 2026.

In addition to the popular anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen has also done well in theaters, with its newest movie, Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, scheduled for release in December 2025. The show is famous for its incredible animation, particularly its action-packed fight scenes created by studio Mappa. The story centers around Yuji Itadori, a high school student who gets caught up in the world of jujutsu sorcery after consuming a cursed object, which makes him the host for a powerful curse. Jujutsu Kaisen is well-regarded for its mature themes, intense violence, and generally dark atmosphere, all of which appeal to its dedicated fanbase.

4) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Some anime fans either love or hate JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, which makes it a somewhat surprising pick for this list. However, its impact on modern anime is undeniable. From its unique style and humor to its character and world designs, JoJo’s has set trends that no other series has matched. The show began in 2012 and has five seasons so far, with a sixth season adapting the “Steel Ball Run Arc” expected to premiere in 2026.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure centers on the Joestar family and their allies as they face global dangers and develop incredible abilities. The show is known for its over-the-top humor, pop culture nods, bright visuals, and unique character designs, creating a style that feels like a living comic book. Despite its playful nature, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure also features surprisingly touching and heartfelt moments, adding real emotional impact to the story.

3)Attack on Titan

I still remember when Attack on Titan first came out – it absolutely exploded! And it stayed popular for almost ten years, which is incredible. It really changed the game for a lot of action anime that followed, especially those released after 2014. When the final episode aired in 2023, it felt like a huge moment for all of us fans – a real end of an era. What I loved most was how it mixed dark fantasy with intense action, and even though it showed a lot of brutal violence, there was always this underlying sense of hope that kept you invested in the characters and their fight.

I’m completely hooked on Attack on Titan! It takes place on this island called Paradis, where the remnants of humanity are hiding behind these huge walls to protect themselves from terrifying creatures called Titans. The story really grabbed me when Eren Yeager’s home is destroyed and his mother is killed – it’s such a powerful moment. From there, he joins this group called the Survey Corps, determined to fight back. But then things get really interesting because Eren discovers he has this incredible ability to become a Titan himself! It’s amazing how the show slowly reveals all these huge mysteries while still delivering these intense, action-packed battles. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, honestly.

2) Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a truly exceptional anime that has largely revived interest in historical stories within the anime world. Originally released in 2019, fans are eagerly awaiting news about the third season, with many expecting it to arrive around 2026. The show masterfully blends Viking culture, intense battles, mythology, and themes of revenge into a consistently gripping story. Adding to its appeal, Vinland Saga features stunning animation and artwork, making it a visually impressive experience.

Vinland Saga begins with Thorfinn, a boy who witnesses his father’s violent death at the hands of the ruthless mercenary, Askeladd. Driven by a desire for revenge, Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band, hoping to get close enough to finally confront him. Through his experiences, he’s exposed to the brutal realities of war and begins to envision a peaceful future for his people, one free from violence. Vinland Saga is a classic story of growing up, powerfully set against the harsh backdrop of the Viking age, creating a truly memorable and hopeful adventure.

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Though it first aired in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains a beloved classic and is often considered a modern masterpiece. This 64-episode series is a remake of the original Fullmetal Alchemist anime, addressing criticisms of its earlier pacing and unnecessary filler. Brotherhood is widely regarded as one of the most thought-provoking action anime available, exploring complex themes like the meaning of life, corrupt political systems, the ethics of science, and the complexities of human morality.

I absolutely love Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood! It tells the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who face a terrible loss when their mother dies. Desperate to bring her back, they try a forbidden form of alchemy, but it goes horribly wrong. Ed loses arms and a leg, and Al loses his entire body – his soul is somehow bound to a suit of armor! From there, they embark on a journey to become State Alchemists, hoping to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone and get their bodies back. What really gets me about this series is how powerfully it explores family, the importance of knowledge, and the drive to achieve your dreams.

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2025-12-15 17:18