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If you’re looking for entertaining content to help you brush up on your Japanese, there’s plenty on Netflix right now.
While learning Japanese from anime (which means “cartoons”) can be difficult, it can certainly be a useful tool for improving basic understanding.
Whether you’re looking for fantasy action and betting adventure on or a heartbreaking high school drama, you’ll find it among the many anime series available on Netflix. So keep scrolling to find your next binge-worthy anime series.
Hunter versus Hunter (2011-2014)
The series follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers that his father, Ging, who he thought was dead, is alive and well. Ging is a legendary ‘hunter,’ an elite person whose work includes finding people and things, solving mysteries, and protecting knowledge, similar to a bounty-hunting spy.
Hunter x Hunter is a shounen anime classic. (“shounen” refers to anime aimed at young boys.) The show is thrilling and well-crafted, with lovable, fully developed characters. The 2011-2014 series is probably the most loved one.
Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby is a compelling, psychedelic plot that is hyper-violent, hyper-sexual, and features drug use. It commits to its adult themes, but all in service of a story that left us breathless. In the series, the main character Akira (one of the world’s biggest softies) transforms into a bestial demon.
Still, instead of succumbing to his darkest carnal desires, he uses his newfound abilities to combat a hellish world. This anime has the same potency, heaviness, and intensity as the classic Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Fullmetal Alchemist
As far as sprawling character-driven adventures go, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric is among the most engaging. The Elric brothers use forbidden alchemy to bring their dead mother back to life at a tormenting physical and mental cost. Nevertheless, the brothers set out to restore what had been lost.
While their redemption journey is dark and fascinating, it has many comedic moments and extremely lovable characters. While some argue that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is superior to the original 2003 series, it adheres more closely to the manga and arguably weaves a more cohesive and gripping narrative. Meanwhile, get on for more fun.
Lagann, Gurren
This electrifying anime blends the post-apocalyptic and mecha genres, as well as vibrant, colorful animation and a fun, dynamic story. After monsters overtake the Earth’s surface, humanity is forced underground. Still, an unlikely duo (a flashy dude in sick 80s shades and a skinny, worried-eyed boy) drills their way to the top, joining a sniper-wielding badass in a bikini (oh, and a little mole creature). This is a thrilling ride you will not want to miss!