Streaming has given anime an incredible global reach, and Netflix has been a vital part in introducing the medium to wider audiences. Between distributing series new and old and playing a part in the production of several hits, I feel the service has created an ideal anime gateway for newcomers to dive into a new medium that they may not have considered otherwise. From shonen battles to romantic comedies, there is a varied selection that offers a little something for everyone.
Despite this variety, there are always going to be certain series that stand out as a higher priority, either due to exciting new announcements or anniversaries. Here are three series that you should be watching on Netflix this weekend.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Created by visionary filmmaker Hideaki Anno and originally released in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion rewrote the mecha anime genre and expanded what it could be. In a world ravaged by strange gigantic beings known as Angels, young Shinji Ikari is drafted into the ranks of NERV to become a pilot for EVA 01, a giant humanoid robot designed to combat the Angels. Under the command of his estranged father and pushed to work with the shy and quiet Rei Ayanami and bashful and boastful Asuka Langley Soryu, Shinji must grapple with both his personal demons and humanity’s doom.
The mecha anime genre had been thoroughly explored by the time production on Neon Genesis Evangelion began, so Anno hoped to bring something new to audiences. The series is layered with symbolism that references religion that leaves viewers deciphering its meaning, while also tackling deeper explorations of depression and other mental struggles. As such, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a fascinating series with characters who have stood the test of time and endeared themselves to generations of viewers, including myself.
However, even after the full original series has long concluded and the Rebirth of Evangelion movie quadrilogy came to a close, Shinji’s story still isn’t over. In February, a new short film was previewed to select viewers in Japan, followed by confirmation that a new series is in the works penned by Nier: Automata writer Yoko Taro. Whether a new fan or series veteran, now is the perfect time to dive into the original series and its finale movie, The End of Evangelion, to prepare yourself for the surprising next chapter.
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Megumi Ogata
Shinji Ikari
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Megumi Hayashibara
Rei Ayanami
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Kotono Mitsuishi
Misato Katsuragi
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Spike Spencer
Ritsuko Akagi
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s hit manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba was first brought to life by Ufotable in 2019. In the Taisho era, young Tanjiro Kamado and his sister-turned-demon Nezuko enlist in the Demon Slayer Corps following the slaughter of their family. Together with the amateur and fearful Zenitsu Agatsuma and the feral Inosuke Hashibira, the group grows through the ranks of the Corps as they seek to rid Japan of demons.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a visual masterpiece. By the time of their adaptation, Ufotable had already built up a reputation for intricate and creative animation that pushes the boundaries of what can be done in the medium. When paired with Gotouge’s memorable slayers and layered demons, Kimetsu no Yaiba’s reputation as one of the best anime series of the century so far is more than earned.
While there are two more movies in the Infinity Castle trilogy to go, Ufotable will be taking a break from the franchise in late 2026 and diving into another realm of magic. Based upon the Type Moon visual novel of the same name, Mahotsukai no Yoru will tell the story of a young witch coming into her powers, and a recent new trailer confirmed that it will release in December 2026. With it looking like Kimetsu no Yaiba may be on a break this year, I feel now is the perfect time to catch up on Tanjiro’s journey or refresh your memory before the next chapter begins.
- Release Date
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2019 – 2024-00-00
- Network
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Fuji TV, Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV, Kansai TV, Tokai Television Broadcasting, Fukui TV, Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting, Iwate Menkoi Television, Sendai Television, SAGA TV, TNC, OHK, Ishikawa TV, Kochi Sun Sun Broadcasting, TV Shizuoka, UMK TV Miyazaki, Television Shin Hiroshima System, NST, NBS, Sakuranbo TV, TSK, Ehime Broadcasting, KTS, NIB, Fukushima TV, TOS, AKT, Toyama Television, TV Kumamoto, Okinawa Television Broadcasting
- Directors
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Hideki Hosokawa, Shinya Shimomura, Akihiko Uda, Takuro Takahashi, Shuji Miyahara, Masaru Takeuchi, Toshiyuki Shirai, Takuya Nonaka, Yuki Ito, Ken Takahashi, Takahiro Majima, Yusuke Shibata
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Natsuki Hanae
Tanjiro Kamado (voice)
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Akari Kito
Nezuko Kamado (voice)
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Hiro Shimono
Zenitsu Agatsuma (voice)
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Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
Inosuke Hashibira (voice)
Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
February saw the return of survival horror with Resident Evil: Requiem. The ninth game in the mainline series, the 2026 entry sees the long-awaited return of the now-grizzled Leon S. Kennedy, as a series of deaths, kidnappings, and bioweapon shenanigans brings him back to the site of Raccoon City. However, the horrors of Raccoon City have long haunted everyone’s favorite RPD rookie throughout the franchise, and Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness dived into Leon’s trauma when he reunited with a familiar face.
Released in 2021, the animated series adapts the beloved video game franchise and reunites Leon with fellow survivor Claire Redfield during his career as a secret service agent following the events of Resident Evil 4. However, when a new undead nightmare spawns in the White House itself, Leon and Claire are forced to gear up once more. Unable to escape the long-lasting scars caused by Umbrella and the B.O.W. arms race, the duo seek to uncover the conspiracy together.
Resident Evil is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, and Capcom is paying respect to its franchise’s long history. Resident Evil: Requiem is walking down the familiar roads of a long-destroyed Raccoon City with the iconic hero in a story that will bring things back to where the nightmare began. As such, I feel that now is the perfect time for any Resident Evil fan to dive into more of Leon’s adventures on streaming and get a greater glimpse at his overall journey so far.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2021-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Eiichirō Hasumi
- Writers
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Eiichirō Hasumi, Shogo Moto
- Franchise(s)
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Resident Evil
For more weekend recommendations, check out some of Netflix’s top documentaries, including Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Plus, one of Tom Cruise’s most recent action movies, Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning, is now on Netflix.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, $8/month
- Simultaneous streams
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Two or four
- Live TV
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No
- Price
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Starting at $8/month
