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Entertainment September 25, 2018
These Netflix originals have no chill in the best way.
Bleach needs to move over; there’s a new generation of anime coming through. Recent developments have seen incredible advancements in anime artwork and animation style, and Netflix has predictably hopped on this train. These are some of the most successful Netflix animes so far.
Let’s start off this list strong. “B: The Beginning” is one of the best Netflix animes I’ve seen recently. Following the story of several protagonists struggling with their identities, this show is a harrowing tale of secret experiments and horrifying truths. It may seem like your typical “Sherlock” show with a genius, anti-social detective and a murder mystery, but the show is quickly turned on its head.
The most stunning component of “B: The Beginning” are the animated fight scenes. While the plot can sometimes fall a little flat, Netflix’s artwork is not something to scoff at. They consistently deliver on smooth and compelling animation that spices up even the dreariest storylines.
Not that “B: The Beginning” falls under that category. It touts incredible execution and psychological mindbends that will leave you thinking about the show for weeks afterward.
At first glance, “Aggretsuko” is easy to dismiss as a kid’s cartoon. Its Sanrio-inspired characters and simplistic animation might make some Netflix viewers skip over it. In reality, though, “Aggretsuko” is an incredibly relatable story that will touch the hearts of any audience.
It focuses on Retsuko, a 20-something-year-old working as an accountant at a corporate company. Retsuko absolutely hates her job, and she spends her free time pursuing her secret passion. Death metal. After work, she uses karaoke rooms as an outlet for her frustration. She wonders if her day job is worth the money. More than one of us can understand that feeling.
“Aggretsuko’s” greatest strength is its compelling, relatable characters. You sigh as you watch a co-worker’s unrequited love and laugh at Retsuko’s familiar struggle with entitled bosses. It’s a show that has a little something for all the post-graduates trying to find their place in the world. It feels a little better knowing you’re not alone.
This is one of those cry-your-eyes-out-and-wonder-what-you’re-doing-with-your-life kind of Netflix animes, so be prepared. It revolves around the story of “Violet Evergarden“, an ex-military soldier who lost her colonel in a battle. The war is over, and she struggles to adapt to daily life after being raised on the battlefield. It’s a heart-wrenching coming-of-age story.
“Violet Evergarden” has less of a cohesive, ongoing plot and more of an episodic narrative. Each story offers more and more insight into Violet’s journey and understanding of the world. The show also touches on other stories; from sick mothers to deceased daughters, each episode touches on different topics of bravery, love and loss.
The thematic nature of the anime allows for deep explorations of the human psyche and emotions. It’s one that gives you pause, if only at least to grab a few more tissues.
“The Seven Deadly Sins” is not immediately appealing. The artwork is a little old-school, and their faces are all very formulaic (except for their different eye colors). But in a few episodes, it’ll hook you.
“The Seven Deadly Sins” follows the story of Meliodas on his journey to reunite his friends. He strives to reassemble his old order of knights to fight the corrupted Holy Knights, which are meant to protect the people and government.
This anime took many by surprise. Meliodas is admittedly your typical, over-powered hero who seems to have no match. Nothing about this plotline, characters or animation is particularly unique. So why did the anime still grab the attention of so many viewers?
For one, it’s fast-paced. It’s one of those Netflix animes that avoids drawn-out fight scenes and fillers. The anime dives into the plot right away and continues to plow forward.
The character relationships are also incredibly appealing. Their in-depth, well fleshed out interactions will leave you wanting more. Also, the lines between good and evil are blurred throughout the show, which creates an interesting dynamic.
“Little Witch Academia” was one of the most highly anticipated Netflix animes, and it did not disappoint. With ostentatious visuals and quirky animation befitting Studio Trigger’s style, it definitely catches your eye. This anime centers around young Atsuko “Akko” Kagari, who wishes to attend Luna Nova Academy as a witch. This visionary with no magical knowledge embarks on a wild adventure to prove that she can be a great magic-wielder.
“Little Witch Academia” lives up to its hype. The series works hard to create compelling, unique characters that leave you wanting more. It doesn’t cut corners in their development.
Although not necessarily the most complex of plots, “Little Witch Academia” takes a unique route. It’s fun and entertaining with vibrant humor that’ll keep you watching.
People often balk at Netflix originals. Anime weebs are hesitant to endorse a Japanese medium produced by this streaming empire. Others may wonder what the hell these foreign cartoons are doing on Netflix. But Netflix’s forays into the anime world have been surprisingly satisfying. Their storylines may be a little predictable, and they may follow basic anime tropes, but they put hard work into their animation and characters. This could be a great beginning to a new anime era.
