Ever since it started making waves in the market back in the early 2020s, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by the diverse and extensive collection of anime Netflix has to offer! From original exclusives to timeless classics, their library is nothing short of breathtakingly vast. Frankly, it can be a bit overwhelming sometimes!
These hidden gems among Netflix’s anime collection often go unnoticed for various reasons. Perhaps they receive less attention than they deserve or their appearance is not striking enough to catch the eye of most viewers initially. Regardless, they are currently streaming on Netflix, and I strongly recommend you give them a watch!
1) Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
As a passionate aficionado of anime and manga, I can’t help but marvel at the timeless trio that has long been revered within our community: Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece – the undisputed shonen giants! It’s fascinating to observe how new groupings have emerged, each striving to define the modern face of shonen manga in a similar vein. Among these fresh contenders, I find myself captivated by what I like to call the “Dark Trinity”: Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, and Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku. Interestingly enough, the latter is penned by Yuji Kaku, a former assistant of none other than Tatsuki Fujimoto, the mastermind behind Chainsaw Man!
Among the trio, Hell’s Paradise, surprisingly, has garnered the least attention, even though it was published before the other two in the “Dark Trio.” This series revolves around Gabimaru the Hollow, who hails from a shunned village of assassins. Desiring to abandon his assassin ways and handed over by his village to the Shogunate, he embarks on a quest for pardon, self-discovery, and reunion with his wife. However, what he believes to be his goal—that’s just part of the excitement. A genuine 9/10 battle shonen that might easily slip under your radar if you solely base your judgment on the cover.
2) Kengan Ashura
If you’re a fan of tales about secretive underground fight tournaments, with shady high-stakes deals lurking in the background, then you’ll find Kengan Ashura irresistible. This series follows fighter Ouma Tokita and his manager, Kazuo Yamashita, as they strive for success in hidden combat events. The intrigue lies not only in Ouma’s ambition to be the best but also in the fact that these fighting teams represent powerful businessmen. Consequently, these matches serve as a means to settle certain corporate disagreements.
The swift ascendancy of our central character unfolds amidst a harsh landscape of business transactions and secretive negotiations, where combat tournaments serve as decisive tools for choosing the next CEO, for instance. Although the plot itself is engaging enough to draw viewers in, it’s the exceptional audio design that truly elevates the experience. Some spectators have voiced their dissatisfaction with the use of CGI or the breakneck speed compared to the original manga (the first season adapts 73 chapters into just 12 episodes from Kengan Ashura), but even considering these drawbacks, this series stands out as a unique spectacle worth watching.
3) Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth stands out among contemporary anime with its thought-provoking plotline. Although it’s not underestimated, it hasn’t garnered as much recognition as it deserves. Produced by seasoned studios like Madhouse (Death Note, Monster, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End), this series is a masterful anime adaptation of a manga that portrays the secretive endeavors of scholars in medieval Europe who strive to prove the heliocentric theory. In line with Madhouse’s penchant for series that delve into deeper, contemplative themes, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth explores a more clandestine form of power compared to what is commonly depicted in anime.
In a straightforward and engaging manner: “It’s simple to portray scenes involving swords, authoritarian rule, and shadowy figures lurking corners – serial killers, for instance. Yet deep down, we all understand that power goes beyond these surface-level aspects: what is allowed or forbidden in speech, thought, and action – the self-imposed limitations we place on ourselves and others. The anime Orb, however, explores this deeper form of power, one closely tied to knowledge. Just as other political-themed anime do, even when set in unique environments, Orb keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
4) B: The Beginning
If you’re into anime series that revolve around the chase of a cunning serial killer, I highly recommend giving B: The Beginning a try. Unlike most shows in this genre, the serial killer in this series is actually a superhuman vigilante. What makes it even more intriguing is that as the story progresses, it continually delivers enjoyable surprises and unexpected turns of events.
This story is likely to strike a chord with viewers who enjoy series such as Psycho-Pass, Death Note, Durarara!!, and Bungo Stray Dogs. It carries elements reminiscent of urban-themed anime. If you’re tired of darker anime or those with gloomy color schemes, we understand your preference. However, don’t dismiss B: The Beginning just because it starts off slowly. This unique anime gradually builds up to a compelling and rewarding conclusion.
5) Kakegurui
As an ardent fan, I can confidently say that Kakegurui isn’t just overlooked; it’s a cult classic waiting to be rediscovered by more fans. Admittedly, after the second season in 2019, it seemed like the series had reached its end, with no signs of continuation for years. But then came the unexpected resurgence! Netflix made brave attempts at reviving the franchise, one of which was 2022’s Kakegurui Twin, and a controversial live-action film titled Bet in 2025. These efforts have breathed new life into the series, capturing the attention of fresh audiences. In essence, the future looks promising for this fascinating world of gambling and psychological games.
Kakegurui shows us that sometimes, low-cost excitement can be just as valuable as gold. This anime takes place at a school where power and wealth are determined by high-stakes gambling, with students risking their astronomical net worth. The show has the same exhilarating feeling of high-stakes games found in series like Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor and One Outs, coursing through its very core.
6) Hi Score Girl
Greetings! I’ve just watched “Hi Score Girl,” and let me tell you, it’s brimming with emotion. This romantic comedy has a playful spirit similar to “Saiki K.” The story unfolds in brief episodes, following the journey of a boy named Haruo Yaguchi and his classmate Akira Ono, who share a passion for video games. The narrative is set against the backdrop of ’90s arcades, tracing their friendship from adolescence to young adulthood, capturing the transformations they experience together and separately.
This show is worth watching for two key reasons. Firstly, despite sounding sentimental, it’s incredibly funny with endearing characters that make every episode feel like it goes by in a flash. Secondly, if you’re a fan of video games, the series is meticulous in its portrayal of gaming history. It accurately represents various period software and hardware, making retro gaming or arcade gaming enthusiasts feel right at home with iconic titles such as Street Fighter II, Virtua Fighter, Out Run, and many more.
7) Blue Box
In the realm of heartwarming smiley romance anime, “Blue Box” is definitely worth checking out! At Elmei Junior and Senior High School, sports are a significant part of life. Taiki Inomata, an average badminton player, spends his days honing his skills at the school’s gym. The only other student who shares this space with him is the star basketball player, Chinatsu Kano. Taiki nurtures his feelings for Chinatsu by spending time near her every day, but he’s too timid to engage in conversation—that is, until circumstances align so that she moves in with his family. Simultaneously, a love triangle unfolds as Taiki’s childhood friend (and gymnast) Hina encourages him to pursue Chinatsu despite her feelings for him.
Moving forward, things grow increasingly intricate. Meanwhile, each one spurs the others on towards unparalleled excellence in their respective fields. Admittedly, the scenario appears somewhat overused and predictable, yet its exceptional quality deserves recognition. It’s visually stunning, skillfully written, faithfully adapted, heartwarming, humorous, and intense. Ultimately, it’s simply irresistibly endearing. A multitude of fans have found themselves drawn to the series, garnering an 8.21 rating on MyAnimeList, but there’s still a long way to go before reaching its full potential.
8) BNA: Brand New Animal
The exceptional pedigree of ‘Brand New Animal’ alone might persuade numerous viewers to embrace the series, as it’s produced by Studio Trigger – the creative minds behind ‘Kill la Kill’ and ‘Delicious in Dungeon’. Typically, this means a unique, unconventional narrative paired with stunning visuals and progressive direction. However, despite high expectations, ‘BNA’ seemed less impactful compared to the cultural phenomenon that often accompanies Studio Trigger’s other significant productions.
A portion of the issue can be traced back to the anime itself, as it failed to live up to fans’ expectations across the board. However, keep in mind that Trigger anime sets a very high standard, so you shouldn’t dismiss BNA as something you don’t need to see. Set in a world where humans coexist with a discriminated group of anthropomorphic animals known as beastmen, the story follows Michiru, a young girl who has unexpectedly turned into a beastman herself. In search of answers, she moves to Anima City, a sanctuary for beastmen, where she encounters Shirō, a wolf peacekeeper. Together, they embark on a journey to understand Michiru’s transformation and find themselves entangled in a conspiracy.
9) Shaman King
Shaman King, surprisingly, doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves. With its distinct visual style, a humorous tone that’s easy to laugh at, and an uncommon approach for a shonen anime – nonviolent triumph, Shaman King stands out. The narrative revolves around Yoh Asakura, a young shaman who aims to become the almighty Shaman King. Accompanied by his fiancée, Anna (a spirit medium), and a growing group of friends, he embarks on this journey. It may not seem particularly enticing at first glance, but it’s a delightful, engaging series that effectively satisfies the craving for long-running battle shonen shows.
Shaman King is often referred to as one of the most unfortunate manga series throughout history, marked by premature cancellations and less-than-satisfactory adaptations. The 2021 Netflix remake aimed to rectify the shortcomings of a previous adaptation. Though it didn’t see significant commercial success, the remake managed to preserve the essence of a franchise that remains popular today. The distinctive charm and compassionate spirit of Shaman King make it an engaging read even for those who might not initially be interested in it.
10) Dorohedoro
In much the same way that MAPPA’s unique qualities shine in the series “Hell’s Paradise,” they are equally showcased in “Dorohedoro.” Indeed, “Dorohedoro” launches swiftly, pulling you into its enchanting underworld, a gritty slum known as Hole, teeming with treacherous sorcerers. As an observer, I find myself following the journey of Caiman, a man who has been transformed into a reptile after his head and memories were stolen. Alongside his trusted companion Nikaido, he embarks on a relentless quest within Hole, a place where life is a precarious struggle for survival by the skin of one’s teeth. Of course, there are delightful surprises that add a fresh spin to the familiar narrative, such as Caiman’s resistance to magical spells.
MAPPA masterfully breathes life into an oppressive ambiance with ease, just as one would anticipate from them. In terms of their usual darker action-packed tales, the quality across all aspects such as animation, music, and voice acting is exceptional. Similar to Hell’s Paradise, unfortunately, Dorohedoro has been overshadowed by other popular battle shōnen/seinen series. However, it’s a highly competitive industry. Although Dorohedoro doesn’t often dominate the news, it has a passionate fan base who appreciate its bold writing, abundant dark humor, and gruesome seinen action. With Dorohedoro Season 2 arriving this year, now is the ideal time to catch up on it.
Hey there, fellow anime enthusiast! Here’s a suggestion: “If any title from this lineup strikes a chord with you, why not give it a try and share your thoughts below? I’d love to hear what you have to say! Now, if none of these appeal to you, feel free to suggest an alternative Netflix anime that you believe others should check out. Let’s keep the conversation going!
If you’re on the hunt for an outstanding summer anime to enjoy in 2025, be sure to take a peek at the well-organized collection we’ve compiled, accessible through the link provided!
https://comicbook.com/anime/news/summer-2025-anime-schedule-top-10-preview/embed/#
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2025-07-04 20:12