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As Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape, its original content library has expanded to include various animated series that cater to audiences of all ages and tastes. From futuristic anthologies to magical adventures and existential explorations, the streaming giant certainly has something you will enjoy.
This article dives into the captivating world of animation. It explores the top 7 Netflix Original animated series that will undoubtedly capture your heart and mind as they have millions of viewers around the globe.
Before You Get Started
Before settling in for a cozy binge-watching session, you must know that you may be restricted from watching certain entries on this list. Ease your worries by employing a tvOS VPN app, granting you access to numerous series and movies on Netflix globally.
1. Love, Death & Robots: A Kaleidoscope of Sci-Fi Wonders
If you have ever watched and enjoyed “Oh Yeah! Cartoons” as a kid in the 90s, there is a good chance you will love this series as an adult today.
“Love, Death & Robots” is a groundbreaking anthology series that weaves short stories in various animation styles. In this series, you can explore themes of love, mortality, and the ever-evolving relationship between humanity and technology.
Each episode offers a unique story and visual style, embodying speculative fiction captivatingly. From high-tech dystopias to mind-bending realities, “Love, Death & Robots” is a thrilling visual feast.
2. The Dragon Prince: A Magical Journey of Friendship and Adventure
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing realm of Xadia with “The Dragon Prince,” a tale where magic, dragons, and dark forces collide. Crafted by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” fame, this animated fantasy series unfolds a gripping narrative, following two human princes and an elven assassin on their quest to bring much-needed peace to a war-torn world.
“The Dragon Prince” enchants audiences of all ages on Netflix with its rich world, characters, and themes of friendship. Fans of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will spot delightful easter eggs nodding to the Nickelodeon classic.
3. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off: An Animated Extension of the Cult Classic
Based on Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series, “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” brings the beloved characters of Scott Pilgrim and his friends to life in animated form. The series expands on the cult classic film and graphic novels, exploring Scott’s quirky and action-packed adventures as he navigates the challenges of love and friendship and battles the League of Evil Exes.
With its unique animation style and witty humor, this Netflix Original offers a nostalgic trip for fans of the source material while introducing new audiences to the whimsical world of Scott Pilgrim. Fair warning, however, while this series is perfectly capable of staging on its own, you need to watch at least the first live-action film to appreciate it fully.
For all you lore hunters out there, you can take the experience further by reading the graphic novels and playing the game first, watching the movie second, and finishing with the series.
4. Castlevania: A Dark and Riveting Tale of Vampires and Revenge
If you are a gamer, there is a good chance you have minimal faith in any film or series adaptation of a beloved video game due to notorious flops like Bloodrayne, Doom, and the infamous Resident Evil franchise. However, “Castlevania” is a testament to the successful adaptation of video game material into an engaging animated series.
Set in a medieval world plagued by vampires and supernatural forces, the series follows Trevor Belmont, Alucard, and Sypha Belnades as they join forces to stop the powerful vampire Dracula.
With its mature themes, intricate storytelling, and stunning animation, Castlevania has garnered a dedicated fan base, proving that video game adaptations can be both faithful and compelling in animated storytelling.
5. Aggretsuko: The Adorable Red Panda Tackling Adulting Woes
“Aggretsuko” offers a unique blend of cute characters and relatable adulting struggles in the corporate world. The series centers around Retsuko, a red panda who copes with the challenges of her mundane office life through the power of death metal karaoke.
With its humorous take on work struggles, relationships, and societal expectations, Aggretsuko will likely strike a chord with you regardless of age. The juxtaposition of adorable anthropomorphic characters with the harsh realities of adulthood makes this Netflix Original a delightful and surprisingly insightful watch.
6. BoJack Horseman: A Subversive Exploration of Fame and Existentialism
“BoJack Horseman” is not your typical animated series. BoJack, a washed-up anthropomorphic horse and former sitcom star, navigates the complexities of Hollywood, addiction, and the search for meaning in a superficial world.
With its dark humor, complex characters, and unflinching exploration of existential themes, “BoJack Horseman” has gained critical acclaim thanks to its unique approach to animation as a medium for mature storytelling. The series does not shy away from addressing real-world issues, making it a poignant and thought-provoking addition to your Netflix animated series lineup.
7. The Midnight Gospel: A Psychedelic Journey through Multiverse Conversations
“The Midnight Gospel” combines vivid animation with thought-provoking conversations in a surreal and psychedelic adventure. Created by Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell, the series follows Clancy, a spacecaster who interviews beings from different worlds while traversing bizarre and visually stunning landscapes.
Blending philosophical discussions with fantastical settings, “The Midnight Gospel” invites you to ponder life’s big questions in a visually captivating and mind-bending experience. The series pushes the boundaries of animated storytelling, offering you a unique and immersive journey through the multiverse.
Bonus: Honorable Mentions
While the entries on this list are objectively the cream of the crop of what Netflix’s original animated series has to offer, it would be an injustice not to mention these other outstanding series.
Carmen Sandiego
This show follows the enigmatic Carmen Sandiego as she embarks on daring heists to thwart the plans of the villainous organization V.I.L.E. With its engaging storytelling, sleek animation, and educational components, “Carmen Sandiego” strikes a perfect balance between entertainment and learning.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
The series follows Kipo, a young girl with a mysterious past, as she navigates this fantastical landscape in search of her family. With its dazzling animation, diverse characters, and themes of friendship and acceptance, Kipo stands out as a heartwarming and visually captivating animated series on Netflix.
Big Mouth
This animated series delves into the awkwardness of puberty with humor and empathy. Using anthropomorphic hormone monsters and fantastical elements, “Big Mouth” addresses serious topics while keeping you laughing and reflecting on your teenage experiences.
Let The Binge-watching Begin
Netflix has solidified its position as a powerhouse of creativity and innovation when it comes to animated series. The top 7 best Netflix original animated series mentioned above offer diverse genres, styles, and storytelling approaches, catering to audiences of all ages and preferences.
Whether you are a fan of dark fantasy, heartfelt comedy, epic adventures, or thought-provoking narratives, Netflix has an animated series that will capture your imagination and keep you entertained for hours. So, grab your popcorn and dive into the animated marvels that Netflix offers!