Netflix currently has a wide range of content from across the globe, from television shows to blockbuster movies and much more. However, the streaming service also offers a decent selection of anime to watch as well. If you’re having some trouble getting set up on other anime streaming services like Crunchyroll or want your international content all in one service, here’s 10 of the best anime that you can watch on Netflix in South Africa right now, from Demon Slayer to One Piece and more.
Before we proceed, the following list isn’t in any particular order. We also selected 10 anime shows that are currently available to watch for South African viewers. Keep in mind, these are also our own personal opinions. While Netflix doesn’t have as much anime content as other dedicated anime streaming services, there’s still enough that we probably missed some in our guide. You can visit the official anime section on Netflix’s website for the complete list.
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Best Anime to Watch on Netflix South Africa
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer needs no introduction. The immaculately animated project from Ufotable based on the popular manga took the world by storm a few years ago and has continued its popularity streak till today. The first season of Demon Slayer is currently available to watch on Netflix that encompasses the first 26 episodes of the show but newer seasons – including the Mugen Train movie – aren’t available yet on the streaming service, which is worth keeping in mind.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Netflix snatched the rights to stream the latest season of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Stone Ocean, but you can watch the entire series on the platform right now. Following generations of the Joestar family and their insane escapades with vampires, gods, aliens and the mafia (“bizarre” is in the title), JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a must-watch anime for its enormous pop cultural imprint alone. The entire series up until Stone Ocean is available to watch.
One Piece
One of the longest-running shonen anime of all time, One Piece‘s formidable length that breaches over 1000 episodes is absolutely worth every minute (from someone who has watched and even read all of it). This epic adventure set in a grand fantasy world of pirates is rife with outstanding action, incredible world-building, great animation and a compelling story that spans multiple arcs and sagas. As of writing, Netflix only includes up until the end of the Enies Lobby arc (about 350 episodes), though more parts are steadily being added.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Not to be confused with the original Hunter x Hunter anime, the 2011 “remake” more faithfully adapts the manga with several new story arcs, better animation and tighter pacing. Widely regarded as one of the best shonen anime of all time, 2011’s Hunter x Hunter offers a more introspective dissection of the shonen genre while absolutely nailing its best aspects. All 148 episodes are currently available to watch on Netflix.
Vinland Saga
With its second season currently airing, Vinland Saga quickly became one of the most beloved anime shows in recent memory. Telling a gruelling story fuelled by revenge, this viking epic breaks the mould and transports viewers to a very different (and very unique) world with excellent storytelling and writing. The first season of Vinland Saga is available in its entirety with new episodes from the second season added weekly.
Berserk
I wouldn’t recommend Berserk for the faint of heart but it’s a classic that everyone should at least give a try. Based on the late Kentaro Miura’s groundbreaking manga, Berserk tells the tragic origins story of Guts, a wandering hero who joins the mysterious Band of the Hawk to liberate and protect the world from antagonistic forces. However, a powerful evil begins to brew which threatens to throw the world into chaos. All 25 episodes of 1997’s Berserk are available on Netflix.
Cowboy Bebop
Shinichiro Watanabe’s classic sci-fi action anime, Cowboy Bebop, is available on Netflix in all its glory. The story focuses on Spike Spiegel, a galactic bounty hunter who travels the galaxy with his team of other hunters in search of adventure, mystery, action and romance. Despite Netflix’s best efforts to adapt Cowboy Bebop into a live-action series, the anime remains an all-time great and a must-watch for those seeking the best that the medium has to offer.
Monster
Those looking for a compelling mystery anime with mature themes need look no further than Monster. Apart from having one of the most iconic antagonists in all of anime, Monster is a gripping thriller that suspensefully unfolds its dread and narrative twists with masterful writing. Despite its lengthy runtime of 74 episodes, it never lets its foot off the brake and takes viewers for a terrifying psychological thriller ride from beginning to end. All episodes are available on Netflix.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Winner of 2022’s Crunchyroll Anime of the Year award, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is set in the world of CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 video game but tells its own unique story. With only 10 episodes to digest in one sitting, Edgerunners manages to balance stylish action, drama and romance together very well for an unforgettable visit to Night City. The entire series is available exclusively on Netflix.
Devilman Crybaby
Like Berserk, Devilman Crybaby is not easy to sit through but it’s still worth watching. If you can get past the excessive gore, nudity and violence, Devilman quickly unravels itself as an unsettling dark fantasy where demons lurk and humanity is unaware of the looming threat the evil poses. All 10 episodes of Devilman Crybaby are currently available to watch on Netflix.
