This weekend is the perfect time to relax and go through some of your anime backlog.Netflix has tons of great anime, from originals to classic titles you can’t find anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a great series to pick up and finish over the next few days,Netflixhas you covered. From one of the biggest anime out there right now to a classic slapstick comedy, these are some of the best Netflix anime you’re able to binge this weekend.
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Runtime
24 hours 9 minutes
With thefirstInfinity Castilemovie already breaking records, now is the perfect time to get intoDemon Slayerif you haven’t yet. The adaptation of Koyoharu Gotouge’s popular manga has become a global phenomenon over the years, drawing in fans from around the world.
The story follows young Tanjiro Kamado, who, after returning to his isolated mountain home to find all but his sister, Nezuko, having been slain, must venture out to find the demon responsible. At the same time, Tanjro must look for a way to cure his sister, who has been transformed into a demon herself.
Ufotable’s incredible animation has certainly helped makeDemon Slayerstand out among its peers, but the story and characters are what will have you coming back for more each episode. The manga ended back in 2020, and with the anime nearing its conclusion as well, this is the perfect time to hop on the hype train.
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4 hours
Beforegetting its name out there with hits likeDandadanandScott Pilgrim Takes Off, Masaaki Yuasa’s Science Saru turned heads with another anime adaptation:Devilman Crybaby. Based on Go Nagai’s iconicDevilmanseries from the 70s,Crybabyserves as a modern retelling of Nagai’s classic story.
After becoming possessed by the demon Amon, kind-hearted Akira Fudou gains incredible powers and becomes the eponymous Devilman. With Amon influencing him, Akira goes through a complete personality change. Now much more confident and exponentially more powerful, Akira works alongside his childhood friend Ryou Asuka to destroy various demons threatening humanity.
Crybabyis on the shorter side, consisting of just 10 episodes. But there’senough story and character development packed in each episodethat make up for the shorter runtime. If you want something quick and engaging to watch this weekend, this is the anime for you.
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10 hours 24 minutes
In a genre as oversaturated as mecha anime, there are a few series that truly stand out among the rest. WhileGundammight be king, Hideaki Anno’sNeon Genesis Evangelionhas earned a reputation over the years as one of the best series the genre has to offer.
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where 14-year-old Shinji Ikari finds himself forced to pilot a bio-mech dubbed Evangelion Unit-01 by his father, the enigmatic leader of NERV, Gendo Ikari. The timid and insecure Shinji serves as humanity’s last line of defense against the invading Angels – foreign entities that seek to destroy Earth. Together with his fellow Eva pilots, Shinji must find the strength within himself to defend the Earth from the Angels while also trying to connect with his Father, caretaker Misato, and fellow pilots Asuka and Rei.
Evangelionshines when focusing on the relationships between its various main and supporting characters. Each character has their own complicated personality that gets fleshed out throughout the series, making for some of the most compelling storytelling you’ll come across. It’s not an easy watch at times, but definitely worth checking out.
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16 hours 29 minutes
There are plenty of amazing late 90s and early 2000s anime that seem to get forgotten over time.GTO: Great Teacher Onizukamight not be something many modern anime fans are familiar with, butit’s a great comedy that encapsulates the era it’s from.
The series follows 22-year-old ex-gang member Eikichi Onizuka, who, in a bid to pick up women, decides to turn his life around and become a teacher. Now trying to present himself as a more respectable member of society, Onizuka finds himself dealing with all manner of troubled students. While these delinquents have managed to scare off plenty of other “normal” teachers, Onizuka’s past as a gang member makes him more than a match for his troubled new class. Will this rookie teacher be overwhelmed by his students’ issues, or will his unique background give him what it takes to help them turn their lives around?
GTOis full of classic slapstick antics and sprinkles in some nice character momentsbetween some of its more absurd comedic beats. Some might find some of the comedy to be dated, but for fans of classic anime,GTOshould be a fun “turn off your brain” anime to laugh along with.
9 hours 6 minutes
Not many manga have had the sustained success and popularity that Hirohiko Araki’sJoJo’s Bizarre Adventurehas enjoyed over the years. The series has been going strong since 1897, having run in Weekly Shonen Jump before moving to Ultra Jump in 2005. The manga has always been popular, but David Production’s 2012 adaptationintroduced the series to anime fans across the world.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventurefollows various members of the Joestar family throughout different generations. Part 1, Phantom Blood, introduces viewers to Jonathan Joestar and his childhood rival, Dio Brando. Part 2, Battle Tendency, follows Jonathan’s grandson, Joseph, and his quest to defeat supernatural beings known as The Pillar Men.
While Part 3 is when most consider the series hit its stride, Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency still serve as a great introduction to the world ofJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. At 26 episodes combined, these are the shortest arcs the series has to offer, making them a perfect weekend binge candidate.
