Fancy a proper good weekend of doing absolutely nothing but sinking into a new series? You’re in luck, because Netflix’s anime catalogue is getting seriously impressive. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the genre or just dipping your toes in for the first time, there’s a surprising mix of nostalgic favourites and brand-new hits just waiting to be binged. We’ve done the hard graft for you and curated a top-tier list of the best anime on Netflix that are perfect for a weekend watch party. Get your snacks ready; this lot will have you hooked from the first episode.
10. Vampire Knight
If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic for the early 2000s, Vampire Knight is a brilliant, gothic throwback. This notorious shojo anime has just landed on Netflix and it’s a perfect slice of melodramatic, tropey romance. The story centres on Yuki Cross, a guardian at a special boarding school that secretly hosts vampires. It’s full of love triangles, tangled bloodlines, and dark secrets, making it a great guilty pleasure for anyone who loved classics like Twilight. It's a quick, easy Netflix anime to watch on a gloomy Saturday afternoon.
9. Delicious in Dungeon
Looking for something truly unique? Delicious in Dungeon is a critically acclaimed fantasy series with a brilliantly quirky twist. It brilliantly blends the high-stakes adventure of a classic fantasy world with the cosy, bizarre charm of a cooking anime. The premise is simple: a party of adventurers gets stuck in a dungeon and has to eat the monsters they defeat to survive. The dynamic between the characters is absolutely spot-on, providing both laughs and genuine heart. It's a compelling anime recommendation that's a proper good laugh.
8. My Happy Marriage
For a heart-sweeping romance with a supernatural twist, look no further than My Happy Marriage. This is a lovely series set in Taisho-era Japan, which is a rare setting for an anime and adds a rich, historical feel. It follows Miyo Saimori, a young woman who has suffered years of trauma, as she finds love and a new life with the kind but stoic Kiyoka Kudo. The show's writing is incredibly sensitive and the relationship is beautifully paced.
7. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Widely hailed as one of the best new anime, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a truly special series. It follows an ancient elf mage, Frieren, who outlives her human adventuring party and embarks on a new journey of self-discovery. Frieren’s story is a beautiful, introspective look at legacy and friendship, and it’s an absolute must-watch for any fan of shonen and fantasy.
6. Demon Slayer
If you’ve somehow managed to miss the phenomenon that is Demon Slayer, now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about. This shonen anime combines stunning, lavishly animated battle scenes with an emotional story about family and survival. The hero, Tanjiro, becomes a demon slayer after his family is murdered and his sister is turned into a demon. It’s a beautifully animated series with a strong emotional core and some of the most impressive fight choreography in recent memory. All of the key story arcs are available on Netflix, making it a perfect weekend project.
5. Ranma 1/2
For a dose of classic martial arts romantic comedy, dive into the reboot of Ranma 1/2. This one's a proper classic from legendary mangaka Rumiko Takahashi, and it takes a wild, hilarious look at gender and family chaos. The main guy, Ranma, is stuck with a bizarre curse that turns him into a girl whenever he gets splashed with cold water, which, as you can imagine, leads to all kinds of mischief and utter mayhem. His constant bickering with his fiancée, Akane, is a joy to watch, and their undeniable chemistry is what makes this a timeless shonen anime classic.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is an absolute modern classic in the shonen anime world and a must-watch for any fan. The hero, Yuji Itadori, is a genuinely kind and selfless person who is thrown into a dark world of curses and sorcery after he swallows a cursed object. He joins a magic school led by the incredibly powerful and witty Satoru Gojo. The series is packed with thrilling action, clever world-building, and an ensemble cast of characters that you’ll instantly fall in love with. It's an absolutely essential Netflix anime binge.
3. Mashle: Magic & Muscles
For a brilliant parody of the magical school genre, Mashle: Magic & Muscles is a laugh a minute. This series inverts the "chosen one" trope by introducing Mash Burnedead, a guy with zero magical ability who can, however, solve every problem with the power of his incredibly well-developed muscles.
2. Witch Watch
A new addition to Netflix, Witch Watch is pure, unadulterated fun. This lighthearted shonen comedy follows a young witch, Nico, and her protector, Morihito, her childhood friend who is now her familiar. The show's charm lies in the brilliant chemistry between the characters and their hilariously unpredictable antics.
1. The Apothecary Diaries
Rounding off our list is the highly acclaimed The Apothecary Diaries, which has taken the anime world by storm. It follows Maomao, an apothecary with a razor-sharp scientific mind, who finds herself working in the Emperor’s palace. She uses her knowledge to solve clever scientific and political mysteries, all while trying to stay out of trouble. Her slow-burn relationship with the handsome court official, Jinshi, is brilliantly written and adds a nice romantic touch.