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From Scott Pilgrim Takes Off to Blue Eye Samurai, the Netflix anime released in 2023 was on our minds 24/7!
When we weren’t watching these great new releases, we were definitely thinking about when another installment of these titles would be released. That’s why we had to take a step back and look at all the great anime we were fortunate enough to watch this year!
2023 is the best year for Netflix anime yet!
Whether it was due to the striking visuals of these titles or the story that lay at the center of it all, we, along with Netflix viewers, couldn’t help but be captivated by what we witnessed. The streaming service performing so well in the anime department this year gives us a lot of hope for next year. But before we look toward the future, anticipating what other anime we will soon see, let’s celebrate the five best Netflix anime of 2023!
First up, Castlevania: Nocturne!
Castlevania: Nocturne
Release Date: Sept. 28, 2023
Episode Count: 8
Will There Be Another Season? – Yes! Here’s what we know!
After watching Castlevania, we had our reservations about the spin-off series, Nocturne. Not only did this series have insanely big shoes to fill, but knowing that most of our favorite characters wouldn’t be in this installment, we were worried that we wouldn’t have the same connection we had before.
Thankfully, all our worries were pointless because Castlevania: Nocturne blew our minds!
The stakes were higher than ever in this title, as a Belmont was, once again, tasked with stopping the forces of evil from getting their way. However, this time, the enemy was more formidable than ever, as this vampire was said to be so strong that its power was likened to an apocalypse.
Even though things look dire, as long as this Belmont has the power of his allies and ancestors, there’s little to nothing that can get in his way!
See how Richter Belmont overcomes it all by streaming every second of Castlevania: Nocturne today!
Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre
Release Date: Jan. 19, 2023
Episode Count: 12
Horror anime will always have a special place in our hearts because, no matter the season, it never fails to send shivers down our spine. What anime embodies this better than Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre?!
Between The Hanging Blimp (Balloon) to Tomie, we know all the tales like the back of our hands. Still, seeing them animated in this modern day made us appreciate Junji Ito’s riveting stories even more, especially because, out of all the adaptations, we truly believe this one stayed true to the source material as closely as it could. Audiences agree with this sentiment given the fact that the Netflix anime currently has a rating of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes!
Similar to Netflix viewers, some of our favorite episodes of Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre include:
- Episode 4 – “Four x Four Walls/The Sandman’s Lair”
- Episode 6 – “Mold/Library Vision”
- Episode 11 – “Alley/Headless Statue”
Junji Ito has created loads of other masterpieces, so there’s a good chance that Netflix will have a couple more adaptations on the way. Only time will tell!
My Daemon
Release Date: Nov. 23, 2023
Episode Count: 13
My Daemon is our hidden gem of this list because not a lot of anime fans necessarily know or have heard of this Netflix anime. Fortunately for you, we’re here to shed some light on why you should stream!
In a broken world of unknown deadly creatures causing humanity’s numbers to dwindle daily, Kento Tachibana does his best to survive with his loved ones. Initially, survival was difficult, as the creatures proved to only act on the instinct to wreak havoc on society. However, after Kento meets one particular creature who acts differently from the rest, he soon realizes he has the upper hand and can use his new friend to not only make sense out of all the chaos but also, hopefully, locate his mother’s whereabouts.
Unfortunately, Kento’s new friendship doesn’t come with consequences, especially since the higher powers seek to capture the creature and use it for their suspicious plans. This leaves Kento with no other choice but to fight back and take back what’s his.
What is the true meaning behind this world? What will Kento do to correct what’s wrong? And, most importantly, will Kento ever find his mother? All these questions will be answered once you head to Netflix to stream My Daemon!
Skull Island
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Episode Count: 8
If you thought My Daemon sounded creepy, you probably felt that same way about Skull Island, as this 2023 title also tells a story about mythical creatures running amok. Yet, in this Netflix anime, making friends with these beasts is the last thing they want to do.
Being shipwrecked on a land full of scary monsters, including Kong, is the last thing any of us would want. Having friends suffer through the same fate as you makes things a little better, but doing everything you can to escape the monsters and stay alive isn’t necessarily a vacation anyone would sign up for. Even so, these companions must do their best to find a way out before it’s too late.
Aside from the story of this series, we also love the cast and crew involved in the making of the masterpiece. Here’s a quick snapshot of who’s who!
- Darren Barnet as Mike
- Benjamin Bratt as Cap
- Nicolas Cantu as Charlie
- Betty Gilpin as Irene
- Tania Gunadi as Islander
- Phil LaMarr as Sam
- Mae Whitman as Annie
- Fryda Wolff as Island Girl
Do some of these names sound familiar? If so, show some support for your favorite actors and actresses!
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Release Date: July 9, 2023
Episode Count: 9 (at the time of writing)
Last but not least is Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, also known as the anime that was a nice reminder that, before we realize the weight of the travesties before us, we would first probably celebrate the first few days or weeks after an apocalyptic event, since it means we didn’t have to work or leave the house.
Like the protagonist, there are barely moments we have to ourselves. For some, it would take a zombie apocalypse to even get a break from the hustle and bustle of this world. That’s why Akira Tendo, uses this scary event as the time to accomplish all the things he has always wanted to. Whether it’s visiting some new location or just trying out a new hobby, his possibilities are endless.
While the schedule of this anime has been somewhat confusing, don’t let that take away this show’s magnificence. And the best part is that the show isn’t finished quite yet! Go check it out for yourself and have fun!
Again, the anime Netflix released this year is nothing short of a good time! Head to the streaming service to catch every moment.