Take a break from the usual run-of-the-mill storylines, and delve into the world of Japanese anime shows for your next binge session. We round up some of the best animes available right now to add to your watchlist
PSYCHO PASS
Psycho Pass, available on both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, boasts of one of the most unique anime storylines. In 2113 Japan, law enforcers use the Sybil System, a surveillance network that scans human brains, and displays “crime coefficents”, that report how likely they are to commit a crime. Individuals with a higher number are locked away, or even killed. It’s a macabre, tyrannical vision of Japan, where citizens fear for their lives, and law enforcers are forced to comply with this harsh measure of justice.
CASTLEVANIA
Castlevania is technically not an anime, since it’s not animated in Japan. But this Netflix series is heavily inspired by the anime style of drawing, animation, and storyline, and is based on the popular Japanese video game series of the same name. Castlevania is a dark fantasy that puts a unique spin on Count Dracula’s classic tale. After Dracula’s wife is burnt at the stake, he vows vengeance and builds an army of demons to terrorise the people of Wallachia. But Trevor Belmont, the vampire hunter, will do everything in his power to put an end to Dracula’s reign of terror.
ONE PUNCH MAN
You would think being the most powerful being on earth would be a good thing, but not for One Punch Man, who can defeat anyone with — you guessed it — one punch. But that seems to be the problem in his life. No real opponent can ever challenge him, which leaves him depressed and in ennui. One Punch Man was an original manga series (Japanese comic) that sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The Netflix series has two fresh seasons that can be enjoyed by everyone, thanks to its English dubbing.
DORORO
Based on Osamu Tezuka’s manga of the same name, Dororo, on Amazon Prime Video, is a dark fantasy tale of a cursed samurai named Hyakkimaru, and his companion, Dororo. Hyakkimaru’s father sacrifices parts of his newborn son to 12 demons, in exchange for his kingdom’s prosperity. The son grows up to be Hyakkimaru, a fierce and brave samurai, who battles all 12 demons to steal back what was stolen from him, and a young Dororo is by his side while he goes on this dangerous journey. Demons, intense clashes and samurai swordfights, along with some emotional moments, is what you can expect from the show.
THE DISASTROUS LIFE OF SAI K
Sai K was born with strong psychic abilities. As he grew up, he learnt to control his abilities, and decided he would never reveal his secret. But keeping your powers hidden in a high school poses to be a real challenge, and the result is three hilarious seasons of The Disastrous Life of Sai K, that shows K struggling to deal with ordinary tasks, with his extraordinary powers. The original 2012 series is currently streaming along with the brand new Netflix series, giving you a lot of Sai K to catch up on.
JAPAN SINKS 2020
Japan Sinks 2020 is Netflix’s modern-day anime reinterpretation of Sayo Komatsu’s bestselling 1973 sci-fi novel, Japan Sinks. The series has been directed by Masaaki Yuasa, best known for his work on the horror, gory anime Devilman’s Crybaby. The show follows a family whose life has been shaken up after a devastating earthquake in Japan. What results is an endearing journey that tests the family’s resolve as they try to survive, while the Japanese archipelago sinks.
