One of the significant ways Netflix has tried to distinguish itself from other general entertainment streaming services is its embrace of animation. Regardless of where it’s from, Netflix has a growing library of some of the best animated series dropping today. While some land with such meteoric force that it’s impossible not to hear about them, others can easily slip under the radar.
To help you find the lesser-known gems, here are 5 Netflix animated series you don’t want to miss. These Netflix animated series depict various genres and styles to provide something for every reader. These titles are all worth a watch, as they deliver something different from many of the most talked-about series.
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5) Exploding Kittens
Synopsis: God has grown bored with creation. His lack of interest in his work has begun to cause problems, forcing Heaven’s board of directors to cast God down to earth in the form of a cat. His mission is to live with a human family and learn about the creation he has made.
Why You Should Watch: Few genres are hit or miss more than Western adult comedy. Often overly reliant on raunchy jokes and characters who exhibit no mental capacity, these series fail anyone not looking for the lowest forms of comedy.
Happily, the Netflix animated series Exploding Kittens mostly avoids the pitfalls of its genre, delivering lots of laughs through various joke styles. Sight gags, topical references, and physical humor all play out well, providing a surprising number of laughs.
However, the series stands out the most is its ability to let its cast grow. The very imperfect God comes to understand his new family surprisingly well. They all find time to develop and deliver some surprising depth to the humor, allowing the series to be more than a bunch of jokes.
4) Scavengers Reign
Synopsis: The crew of a deep space freighter must struggle to survive after crash-landing on an alien world. The struggle is hard as this world’s evolutionary path is nothing like Earth’s, forcing the crew to question everything as dangers surround them in ways they cannot fathom.
Why You Should Watch: This series is an absolute must-watch if your passion for animation is experiencing new visual styles. The animation feels unique, and the alien world it’s exploring is one of the most fascinating settings animation has visited. Part beauty, part horror, Scavengers Reign manages to mix wonder and terror in a way few narratives can.
3) Trese
Synopsis: Detective Alexandra Trese searches for clues in supernatural mysteries. Ghost and mythological creatures live in the shadows of Trese’s fictional version of the Philippines, embracing the mythology and folklore of the region in an often gory fashion.
Why You Should Watch: For many, Filipino folklore is a new area to explore. Getting to experience mythology and magic in a new style is always welcome. While Western concepts are well-worn paths for many viewers, Trese‘s core concept offers an intriguing new look at a different brand of magic. That the series delves into its world with enthusiasm only strengthens the appeal.
Grounding the series’ strong lead is the great setting. Trese is an experienced detective who has seen a few things. Her strength feels hard-earned and is a great starting point for the character. Seeing her expand beyond her first impressions through the bonds she forms with those around her makes the series a strong, well-rounded watch.
2) Seis Manos
Synopsis: When three orphans lose their surrogate father and kung fu master in a mysterious murder, they soon find themselves dragged into a world of mysticism and murder in 1970s Mexico. What the trio will have to overcome to survive will test their physical strength and the strength of the bonds they share.
Why You Should Watch: Blending martial arts and Mexican mysticism, Seis Manos brings a multifaceted story to life with a deep cast and great action. One of the famed animation studio Powerhouse‘s best, the series delivers all of its action with all the fluid grace one expects from the talented studio.
While its action is the flashiest element, how it blends all its various elements is most impressive. Kung fu, grindhouse, and Mexican identity merge to form a compelling world for the cast to explore. The twists, turns, and challenges that await its stars are fantastically implemented and never fall short. It is a one-of-a-kind series that promises something exciting and special around every turn.
1) Vampire in the Garden
Synopsis: In a frozen, post-apocalyptic future, humans and vampires are locked in an unending war that threatens to destroy them. When the human girl Momo (Megumi Han) can take no more, she flees her home and runs headlong into the Vampire Queen Fine (Yū Kobayashi) who has also fled from the crushing reality of their existence. Once together, the pair embarks on a journey to find the warmth in their frozen world.
Why You Should Watch: Spanning just five episodes, Vampire in the Garden goes on an incredible journey that feels full but never rushed. Through skillful use of montage sequences and brilliant characters, the series can present a fully fleshed-out tale that hits harder than many series two or three times its length. The animation does a brilliant job of bringing all the series’ tones and emotions to life, further empowering the series to do more with less.
The strength that Momo and Fine share as the series goes by brings hope and compassion to the utterly bleak world it grows out of. What we learn about the characters and their pain makes them immensely empathetic, adding to the cheers and tears their current journey elicits.
From humor to horror, these Netflix animated series bring many stories and characters. Each delivers something special that allows them to stand out from the pack, even if they didn’t get the notice they deserve. There is so much great animation out there. I hope this helps you find your next favorite watch.
