Anime Original Net Animation (ONA) series have gained popularity due to their innovative storytelling methods, pushing the boundaries of traditional TV and anime. They are released online, often episode-by-episode, and can easily reach a global audience. This format has led to creative content, from emotional dramas toaction-packed thrillers, dark fantasies, and comedic tales.
RELATED:Best Anime Trios, Ranked
Each ONA series provides a distinct viewing experience, offering something to suit every taste. From The King’s Avatar’s dive into esports culture, the reimagined samurai tale in Yasuke, to Aggretsuko’s relatable exploration of work-life frustrations, these series exemplify the best of what Anime ONA has to offer.
10Violet Evergarden: Eternity And The Auto Memory Doll
While primarily a TV series, the Violet Evergarden franchise also released an ONA. The story focuses on Violet, an Auto Memory Doll who transcribes people’s thoughts and feelings into letters, and her interactions with Isabella, a girl from a prestigious but restrictive boarding school.
The story highlights their evolving friendship, Isabella’s struggles with societal expectations, and Violet’s continued growth in understanding human emotions. The narrative delves into friendship, self-discovery, and the power of words, maintaining the main series' poignant and heart-wrenching drama withvisually stunning animation.
9Great Pretender
Great Pretender is an adventurous anime series that follows Makoto Edamura, a self-proclaimed Japan’s greatest swindler. His life takes an unexpected turn when he tries to con Laurent Thierry, a world-class crook, and instead ends up working for him.
The series navigates through various high-stakes scams worldwide, offering thrilling heists. Its unique art style uses bright, contrasting colors and beautiful backdrops to bring to life each international setting. With a mixture of comedy, drama, action, and clever plot twists, Great Pretender provides an exciting and engaging viewing experience.
8Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro is a dark fantasy anime series set in a post-apocalyptic universe divided into two distinct dimensions: the Hole, a dismal city where humans live, and the Sorcerers' world, where magic users originate.
The story centers on Kaiman, a man cursed with a lizard’s head by a Sorcerer, as he attempts to regain his original human form. Accompanied by his friend Nikaido, Kaiman hunts down Sorcerers, hoping to find the one who cursed him. The anime is renowned for its gritty aesthetics, visceral violence, and surreal humor.
Yasuke is an anime series that reimagines the life of the historical figure Yasuke, a samurai of African origin who served under the Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century.
In this fantastical retelling, Yasuke attempts to live a peaceful life following the fall of Nobunaga.
He is pulled back into conflict when he’s asked to protect a mysterious child targeted by dark forces. The show is praised for its unique blend of historical events with magic and mechs, beautifully rendered animation, and a stunning soundtrack composed by Grammy-nominated artist Flying Lotus.
6Castlevania
Castlevaniais an anime series inspired by Konami’sclassic video gameseries. The story is about Trevor Belmont, the final remaining member of the shamed Belmont family, as he embarks on a quest to rescue Eastern Europe from annihilation by the malevolent Vlad Dracula Tepes.
While Dracula and his underlings unleash chaos around the globe, Trevor joins forces with the magician Sypha Belnades and Dracula’s part-human offspring, Alucard. The series is known for its dark, gothic aesthetic, mature narrative, complex characters, and intense action sequences.
5B: The Beginning
B: The Beginning is a Netflix Original anime series that combines elements of crime, mystery, action, and the supernatural. The series takes place in the technologically advanced island nation of Cremona, where the infamous serial killer known as Killer B is being hunted.
RELATED:Best Anime To Watch On Netflix
The story follows two main protagonists: Keith Flick, an eccentric, brilliant detective returning to the Royal Police Force just as Killer B’s activities intensify, and Koku, a seemingly ordinary young man with a mysterious past tied to Killer B. The anime uniquely combines crime-solving with high-stakes supernatural battles.
4Japan Sinks 2020
Japan Sinks 2020 is a Netflix Original anime series directed by Masaaki Yuasa. The series is based on Sakyo Komatsu’s 1973 novel Japan Sinks but reimagines the story in a modern setting. It follows the Muto family as they navigate a series of catastrophic earthquakes that hit Japan, resulting in the country slowly sinking.
Amid the chaos and despair, the family must stay together and survive in the face of unfathomable natural disasters. The series provides a realistic depiction of catastrophe, leaving a strong impression on viewers.
3Aggretsuko
Aggretsuko is a Netflix Original anime that centers around Retsuko, a 25-year-old red panda who works in the accounting department of a large company. Although she appears ordinary and somewhat submissive during the day, Retsuko vents out her frustrations and the pressures of her life through death metal karaoke after work.
RELATED:Best Anthropomorphic Anime, Ranked
The series masterfully uses its animal characters and seemingly light-hearted premise to explore deeper issues related to work culture, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment. Aggretsuko provides a humorous and often insightful look at the struggles of adult life in the modern world.
2Devilman: Crybaby
Devilman: Crybaby is a Netflix Original anime that reinterprets Go Nagai’s classic 1970s manga, Devilman. The series revolves around Akira Fudo, a sensitive and kind-hearted teenager who, after being informed by his childhood friend Ryo Asuka about the impending revival of demons, merges with a devil to fight this threat.
He becomes Devilman, a being with the body and strength of a demon but the soul of a human. Devilman: Crybaby’s mature content and bold approach make it a gripping watch for those seeking a darker, more philosophical anime experience.
1The King’s Avatar
The King’s Avatar is a Chinese ONA series revolving around the competitive world of esports. The protagonist, Ye Xiu, is considered one of the best professional players in the online multiplayer game Glory. However, after a series of events, he’s forced to retire from his team.
He starts working at an internet cafe and soon decides to make a comeback. Using a new character in Glory, he embarks on a journey to reclaim his title as the top player. The King’s Avatar is a must-watch for gaming enthusiasts who enjoy stories about passion, determination, and strategy.
