If you’re anything like me, sometimes the longing for escapism completely transcends this reality, with its mundane routines and looming deadlines. On those days (which is most days), there’s nothing quite like the mesmerising visuals, gripping storyline, and ridiculously attractive characters in a great anime show.
Since Netflix has been the anchor of our lives since the dawn of this homebound era, enjoy this countdown of my ultimate anime favourites available for streaming on Netflix, and in some cases, of all time!
5. Monthly Girls Nozaki-Kun
Upon mistaking her confession for a proposal to assist him with his ongoing manga series, 16-year-old Chiyo Sakura unintentionally follows her crush, Umetarou Nozaki, into the world of manga artistry.
I had originally avoided this title, as the plot seemed to branch from the classic shoujo manga stereotypes (complete with a timid female protagonist who tends to blush at everything), but boy was I wrong. This light-hearted anime acknowledges the painfully routine cliches and turns them on their heads. Emotionally intense scenes are replaced with those that’ll leave you belly laughing, alongside characters who are marvellously refreshing and equally likeable, including the protagonist herself.
Genres: Slice of Life, School, Comedy, Romance ~ Dub: Available ~ *Seasons: 1/1
4. Terror in Resonance
A city plagued by terrorism: seems fairly typical on its own, right? Well, what if you saw through the eyes of the terrorist? That’s right, Death Note fanatics will love this chilling tale of two boys, single-handedly directing attacks on the people of Tokyo. What looks like two immature pranksters to the rest of the world may lie a far more sinister truth.
In terms of emotional intensity, the same certainly cannot be said for this number right here. It’s been months, yet not a week has gone by where I haven’t thought about this anime. So, a word of warning: for those who fall all too easily for the Misunderstood Criminals™, this spectacular show will destroy you in the best possible way.
Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller ~ Dub: Available ~ Seasons: 1/1
3. Kuroko’s Basketball
First year Kuroko Tetsuya signs up for the Seirin High School Basketball team, alongside the young prodigy Kagami Taiga. Oftentimes, sports animes follow the triumphs and pitfalls of a genius player, whose own fate determines that of the team. In this case however, the main character acts as a ‘shadow’ for Taiga, who is initially appalled by Kuroko’s blatant lack of skill as a basketball player, as well as his startling invisibility both on and off the court. Neither he nor the rest of Seirin were prepared to witness how he had sharpened his inconspicuous nature into a deadly skill, later revealing his place in the legendary middle school team, the ‘Generation of Miracles’. Despite this prestige position, it later becomes clear that Kuroko’s true potential lies in drawing the strengths of the gifted players surrounding him, whose arcs define the games throughout the series. Whilst the plays between old and new rivalries are nothing short of otherworldly, Kuroko’s character cannot be described as far-fetched, both in his mediocre skill and mild demeanour, which perfectly complements the more conventionally hot-headed basketball fanatics surrounding him. Complete with heart-warming friendships and the right amount of drama, it is indeed Kuroko’s basketball; a game where the pillar of support is truly appreciated.
Genres: Comedy, School, Shounen, Sports ~ Dub: Available ~ Seasons: 1/2
2. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
Pink hair? He’s got to be the main character, but Kusuo Saiki wishes he were anything but. Unfortunately for him, his multiple gifts of psychic ability don’t leave him much of an option.
Like Nozaki- kun, this Netflix original anime follows a very light-hearted tone throughout, and does little in the way of a hard storyline. That’s probably why I enjoyed this anime as much as I did (to say nothing of the MC sharing the same English voice as Kyo from Fruits Basket); the sitcom-esque nature of his life provides a casual watching experience, which you could pick up from any point in the seasons since the episodes themselves are divided into unrelated mini stories. Watch it while you work, cook, or brew over the meaning of life; nothing will take away from the hilarity of this show and its unorthodox characters.
Genres: Comedy, School, Shounen, Slice of Life, Supernatural ~ Dub: Available for season 1 ~ Seasons: 3/3
(Note: the equally amusing continuation series The Disastrous Life of Saiki K: Reawakened is also available on Netflix)
1. Haikyu
If I could dedicate my third-year dissertation to the absolute brilliance that is Haikyu, I would do so in a heartbeat. This shounen-style anime follows the volleyball fanatic, Shoyo Hinata, whose heart makes up for his height. Upon entering the Karasuno high school team in the shadow of his long-time inspiration, the Tiny Giant, Hinata finds himself on the same team as his ultimate enemy (as of his first and only middle school game), Kageyama Tobio. With the help of their seniors, and a whole lot of butting heads, the two grudgingly accept the value of teamwork, and form a dynamic duo that turns Karasuno’s recently mediocre reputation on its head.
Volleyball has never looked quite so glorious as it does now, and that’s coming from someone who hasn’t looked at sport in the eye since 2018. And don’t even get me started on the characters themselves: I haven’t seen character arcs this wholesome since Prince Zuko. Not only do you find yourself emotionally invested in every member of Karasuno (and their beautiful manager), but also every other team that comes in their path to Nationals. How the writer managed to craft such a multitude of endearing characters, I will never know. Be prepared to finish this anime with either 500 more anime crushes than when you came, or the feeling of adopting a small country of charming volleyball starlets.
Genres: Comedy, Sports, Drama, School, Shounen ~ Dub: Available ~ Seasons: 2/4
*this indicator marks seasons available on Netflix out of total seasons currently released.