Netflix continues to emerge as one of the best streaming platforms for anime, and this year has only solidified that claim. Almost every anime imaginable can be found on the giant streaming platform. However, as Netflix continues to expand its presence in the anime industry, it is also bringing in several exclusives. This year has seen plenty of such variety.
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Netflix has acquired almost all the major new anime released this year, although some of the most popular titles took some time to arrive on the platform. While there are dozens of new anime from 2026 available on Netflix, these are the five best anime that have been released on the platform so far.
5) Dorohedoro Season 2
Dorohedoro returned this year after a six-year absence, and its arrival on Netflix stands as one of the biggest action series of the year, not just on the platform. MAPPA delivered the return of one of the most bizarre revenge anime, filled with gore and action, with its second season. Although this season was short, it perfectly captured the elements that made the series so compelling.
It continued Caiman and Nikaido’s journey as they finally reunited and ventured into a new arc, where they uncovered more mysteries surrounding the Hole while new details about Caiman’s past were also revealed. Dorohedoro Season 2 reminded fans why it remains one of the most unique series out there, and fans can easily catch up on Netflix in 2026.
4) Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 might just be the biggest action anime series of 2026, and looking at the upcoming titles, it is clear that no other anime is likely to top it. The anime initially arrived only on Crunchyroll when it was released; however, in late July, it finally made its way to Netflix. Its arrival didn’t just add to Netflix’s existing library; it also pushed more Netflix fans to watch it, making it one of the most-watched anime on the platform this year.
If you have a Netflix subscription and have been sitting on this anime, there has never been a better time to watch it. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 exceeds fans’ expectations in every way, making the season look crisper and more fluid, and that is only the beginning of what is to come in the Culling Game arc.
3) Daemons of the Shadow Realm
One of the most intriguing entries in the anime industry this year was Daemons of the Shadow Realm. As the second series from the author of Fullmetal Alchemist, fans had high expectations for the anime. With Bones Film at the helm and the series delivering its own compelling story, the anime quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing series since its start in the Spring 2026 season.
While the anime initially aired exclusively on Crunchyroll, it finally arrived on Netflix at the start of the Summer season. Thus, fans who have been curious about how Daemons of the Shadow Realm holds up against its predecessor, one of the greatest anime series of all time, can now use Netflix as a platform to judge it for themselves.
2) Chainsmoker Cat
Netflix is known for featuring some of the most bizarre and mature content that explores events streaming platforms often stay away from. For anime, Netflix did this by featuring the uncensored version of Chainsmoker Cat, which is nowhere to be found in Western regions. Chainsmoker Cat is a bizarre anime with a premise centered around a cat girl who is addicted to smoking to the point where she will do anything for a cigarette.
As new episodes of the series have emerged, it has solidified itself as a bizarre and truly adult anime that perfectly suits Netflix’s reputation. As an adult anime featuring dark comedy, the series also emerges as one of the saddest hidden anime on Netflix, making it one of the best and most unique series on the platform.
1) Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has become a staple on Netflix since Part 6, and thus, there was no doubt that the new part, Steel Ball Run, was one of the most anticipated anime on Netflix this year. The anime premiered with a special episode this year with an almost hour-long runtime, setting up the events for this bizarre racing journey.
With only its first episode, it has emerged as one of the best and most-watched anime series on Netflix so far this year. However, the anime will continue its run starting in September, with 11 new episodes being released weekly. When it arrives, Steel Ball Run won’t just emerge as one of the best anime series on Netflix in 2026, but as one of the best anime series of the year as well.
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