20 Best Animation TV Shows on Netflix 2026
Explore top Netflix animation picks, from Arcane and One Piece to Death Note, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more great series across action, drama, and adventure.
If you’re searching for the best animation TV shows on Netflix, this list gives you a wide mix of action, drama, mystery, and family picks without making you dig through endless menus. You’ll find modern fan favorites like Arcane, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, and Jujutsu Kaisen alongside long-running staples such as One Piece, Naruto, and Pokémon. There are also smart, story-driven series like The Apothecary Diaries, Pantheon, and Death Note for viewers who want something a little different. Whether you want heartfelt fantasy, tense crime stories, or high-energy adventure, these animated series cover a lot of ground. The ratings and genres below make it easier to match your mood to the right show.
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01
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
animation · action · adventure · crime · drama · sci-fi · thriller
In a dystopia riddled with corruption and cybernetic implants, a talented but reckless street kid strives to become a mercenary outlaw — an edgerunner.
Why watch: If you like dystopian stories with action and sci-fi elements, this is a strong fit. Its mix of crime, drama, and thriller tags also makes it a good choice if you want something intense and fast-moving.
Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, Kai Ikarashi, Yoshiyuki Kaneko, Noboru Furukawa, Kôdai NakanoCast Kentarô Tone, Kôki Uchiyama, Momoka Terasawa, Akari Kitô, KENNNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
02
Dragon Ball Super: Beerus
action & adventure · animation · fantasy · science-fiction
When Beerus, the God of Destruction, awakens in search of a worthy rival, Goku and his friends face an epic battle to stop him from destroying Earth.
Remastered and re-edited version of Dragon Ball Super.
Why watch: If you enjoy large-scale action and fantasy with a science-fiction edge, this title may be your kind of watch. It should appeal most to viewers who want a high-stakes battle story tied to the Dragon Ball universe.
Directed by Matsuto Seya, Kota Tamakuma, Nobutaka Yoda, Maya Asakura, Ryôta NakamuraCast Masako Nozawa, Joji Yanami, Takahiro Fujimoto, Shinichiro Ota, Ryoichi TanakaNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
03
The Apothecary Diaries
animation · drama · history · mystery · romance
Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she's sold as a lowly servant to the emperor's palace. But she wasn't meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she's making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!
Why watch: If you prefer mystery with drama and historical details, this series is worth a look. The palace setting and medical problem-solving angle make it a good pick for viewers who like smart, character-led stories.
Directed by Norihiro Naganuma, Akinori Fudesaka, Jun Ôwada, Wataru Nakagawa, Akira KoremotoCast Aoi Yûki, Emi Lo, Takeo Otsuka, Katsuyuki Konishi, Kaiji TangNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
04
Haunted Hotel
animation · comedy · horror
After inheriting a hotel from her late brother, a single mom moves in with his good-natured ghost — and high-maintenance guests who will never check out.
Why watch: If you want something lighter that still leans into horror, this comedy-horror mix could be a fun choice. The ghost-and-hotel premise should suit viewers who like supernatural stories with a playful tone.
Directed by Erica Hayes, Christopher Nance, Bob Suarez, Meg WaldowCast Will Forte, Eliza Coupe, Skyler Gisondo, Natalie Palamides, Jimmi SimpsonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
05
Pokémon
animation · action · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · sci-fi · thriller
Join Ash accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.
Why watch: If you enjoy adventure stories with a family-friendly feel, Pokémon is an easy one to choose. Its mix of action, comedy, fantasy, and sci-fi means it can work for a lot of different moods.
Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, Norihiko Sutō, Masamitsu Hidaka, Joop Pieëte, Lotte HorlingsCast Ikue Otani, Rica Matsumoto, Megumi Hayashibara, Shin'ichiro Miki, Inuko InuyamaNetflixTubiDisney PlusMore details on IMDb →
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06
One Piece
animation · action · adventure · comedy · drama · fantasy
Years ago, the fearsome Pirate King, Gol D. Roger was executed leaving a huge pile of treasure and the famous "One Piece" behind. Whoever claims the "One Piece" will be named the new King of the Pirates.
Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who consumed a "Devil Fruit," decides to follow in the footsteps of his idol, the pirate Shanks, and find the One Piece. It helps, of course, that his body has the properties of rubber and that he's surrounded by a bevy of skilled fighters and thieves to help him along the way.
Luffy will do anything to get the One Piece and become King of the Pirates!
Why watch: If pirate adventures and big fantasy quests sound appealing, this is an easy recommendation. Fans of long-form action and ensemble storytelling will likely enjoy the journey toward the One Piece.
Directed by Munehisa Sakai, Kōnosuke Uda, Katsumi Tokoro, Tasuku Shimaya, Yûsuke SuzukiCast Mayumi Tanaka, Akemi Okamura, Tony Beck, Laurent Vernin, Kazuya NakaiNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
07
Jujutsu Kaisen
animation · action · adventure · fantasy · thriller
Yuji Itadori is a boy with tremendous physical strength, though he lives a completely ordinary high school life. One day, to save a classmate who has been attacked by curses, he eats the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, taking the curse into his own soul. From then on, he shares one body with Ryomen Sukuna. Guided by the most powerful of sorcerers, Satoru Gojo, Itadori is admitted to Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses... and thus begins the heroic tale of a boy who became a curse to exorcise a curse, a life from which he could never turn back.
Why watch: If you like supernatural action with a darker edge, this series fits well. Its fantasy and thriller elements make it a strong pick for viewers who want high-stakes battles and curse-driven conflict.
Directed by Shouta Goshozono, Sunghoo Park, Yôsuke Takada, Takeru Satoh, Ryôhei TakeshitaCast Jun'ya Enoki, Adam McArthur, Yuma Uchida, Yûichi Nakamura, Asami SetoNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
08
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Won 1 Emmy 2 nominations
animation · action · adventure · family · fantasy · mystery
In a war-torn world of elemental magic, a young boy reawakens to undertake a dangerous mystic quest to fulfill his destiny as the Avatar, and bring peace to the world.
Why watch: If you want adventure with family appeal and a strong fantasy core, this is one of the safest bets on the list. The elemental-magic setup also makes it a good pick for viewers who like quest-driven stories.
Directed by Oh Seung-hyun, Giancarlo Volpe, Ethan Spaulding, Lauren MacMullan, Dave FiloniCast Dee Bradley Baker, Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack De Sena, Dante BascoNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
PAW Patrol
animation · adventure · comedy · family
Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma and Skye are doing their best to protect the people of their town. Led by Ryder, a tech-savvy 10-year-old boy, each of them is equipped with special equipment and together they help anyone who finds themselves in trouble. No task is too big for them and no puppy is too small.
Why watch: If you’re looking for an easy family watch, this is a clear match. Its adventure-comedy style and rescue-focused premise make it especially appealing for younger viewers or anyone wanting something gentle and upbeat.
Directed by Charles E. Bastien, Paul H. Brown, Jamie Whitney, Dipesh MistryCast Ron Pardo, Lilly Noelle Bartlam, Kallan Holley, Justin Paul Kelly, Devan CohenNetflixAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
animation · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · music · musical
Journey to the enchanted land of Equestria, where unicorn Twilight Sparkle and her pals have adventures and learn valuable lessons about friendship.
Why watch: If you like lighthearted fantasy with friendship at the center, this series is a good choice. The musical and family tags suggest a cheerful tone that works well for viewers who want something warm and accessible.
Directed by Jim Miller, Denny Lu, Jayson Thiessen, Mike Myhre, James WoottonCast Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain, Tara Strong, Andrea Libman, Cathy WeseluckNetflixAmazon Prime VideoTubiMore details on IMDb → -
11
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
animation · adventure · comedy · drama · fantasy
Decades after her party defeated the Demon King, an old friend's funeral launches the elf wizard Frieren on a journey of self-discovery.
Why watch: If you enjoy fantasy with drama and a reflective mood, this title stands out. It should appeal to viewers who like journeys shaped by character growth rather than constant action.
Directed by Keiichirô Saitô, Tomoya Kitagawa, Kazumasa Isogawa, Kôta Mori, Kôki FujimotoCast Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Mallorie Rodak, Jill Harris, Nobuhiko OkamotoNetflixHuluMore details on IMDb → -
12
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
animation · adventure · comedy · crime · family · fantasy · horror · mystery
This incarnation of the popular cartoon series finds Scooby and the gang living in Crystal Cove, a small town with a long history of ghost sightings, monster tales and other mysteries ripe for the sleuths to solve once and for all. But the longstanding Crystal Cove residents, who bank on the town's reputation to attract tourists, are prepared to do what it takes to protect their turf.
Why watch: If you like mystery with a spooky edge, this is a strong pick. The crime, horror, and family tags make it a good fit for fans who want a detective-style cartoon with a little atmosphere.
Directed by Victor Cook, Curt Geda, Michael Goguen, Lauren Montgomery, Doug MurphyCast Frank Welker, Mindy Cohn, Grey DeLisle, Matthew Lillard, Patrick WarburtonNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
13
Sesame Street
Won 6 Emmys 11 nominations
animation · adventure · comedy · drama · family · fantasy · game-show · music · musical · talk-show
On a special inner city street, the inhabitants—human and muppet—teach preschoolers basic educational and social concepts using comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.
Why watch: If you want something educational and family-friendly, this classic is an easy match. Its comedy, music, and talk-show elements make it especially good for viewers who prefer a gentle, concept-driven series.
Directed by Jon Stone, J. Squires Emily, Robert Myhrum, Lisa Simon, Neil SmithCast Caroll Spinney, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz, Sonia Manzano, Martin P. RobinsonNetflixTubiMaxMore details on IMDb → -
14
Pantheon
animation · action · adventure · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
A bullied teen receives mysterious help from someone online: a stranger soon revealed to be her recently deceased father, David, whose consciousness has been uploaded to the Cloud following an experimental destructive brain scan. David is the first of a new kind of being – an “Uploaded Intelligence” or “UI” – but he will not be the last, as a global conspiracy unfolds that threatens to trigger a new kind of world war.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to sci-fi ideas with mystery and thriller energy, this series should be on your radar. Its story about uploaded consciousness gives it a tech-forward premise that suits viewers who like bigger questions alongside action.
Directed by Juno John Lee, Ed Tadem, Melchior Zwyer, David Dwooman Woo, Micah GunnellCast Katie Chang, Paul Dano, Aaron Eckhart, Rosemarie DeWitt, Chris DiamantopoulosNetflixTubiMore details on IMDb → -
15
Naruto
animation · action · adventure · comedy · fantasy
Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.
Why watch: If you like action-adventure stories with plenty of humor and fantasy, Naruto is a natural choice. It works well for viewers who enjoy a determined hero with a classic underdog setup.
Directed by Hayato Date, Harume Kosaka, Masaaki Kumagai, Rion Kujô, Masahiko MurataCast Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Kate Higgins, Chie Nakamura, Noriaki SugiyamaNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
16
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
animation · action · adventure · comedy · family · fantasy · romance
Marinette and Adrien, two normal teens, transform into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir when a mysterious evil threatens to destroy Paris.
Why watch: If you want superhero action with a romance angle and family appeal, this series fits nicely. It’s a good pick for viewers who like teen-led adventures with a brighter tone.
Directed by Thomas Astruc, Wilfried Pain, Jun Violet, Cyril Adam, Nicolas HessCast Anouck Hautbois, Benjamin Bollen, Bryce Papenbrook, Max Mittelman, Mela LeeNetflixDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
17
Chainsmoker Cat
animation · comedy
Catgirl Yani struggles to pay her rent and keep a job while feeding her smoking habit. As her loved ones' concerns grow, she must rethink her future.
Why watch: If you prefer comedy with a more offbeat, character-focused setup, this one may catch your eye. The premise sounds best for viewers who want something quirky and contemporary rather than a traditional adventure.
Directed by Taku KimuraCast Tetsu Inada, Yuko Natsuyoshi, Rina Honnizumi, Ayaka Shimizu, Lauren AmanteNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
18
Death Note
animation · crime · drama · fantasy · mystery · thriller
Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But will Light succeed in his noble goal, or will the Death Note turn him into the very thing he fights against?
Why watch: If you like crime stories with mystery and psychological tension, this is one of the strongest options here. Its fantasy-thriller setup should appeal to viewers who want a darker, more suspenseful watch.
Directed by Tetsurō Araki, Kei Tsunematsu, Mitsuyuki Masuhara, Tomohiko Itô, Hiroyuki TsuchiyaCast Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryô Naitô, Trevor DevallNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluTubiFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
19
Arcane
Won 8 Emmys 9 nominations
animation · action · adventure · drama · fantasy · sci-fi
Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.
Why watch: If you enjoy drama-driven fantasy with sci-fi elements, this is a standout choice. Its clash between two cities suggests a layered story for viewers who like conflict, emotion, and big ideas.
Directed by Pascal Charrue, Arnaud Delord, Bart Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle AbgrallCast Kevin Alejandro, Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Katie Leung, Harry LloydNetflixMore details on IMDb → -
20
Ranma ½
animation · action · adventure · comedy · fantasy · romance
Akane Tendo meets her new fiancé, Ranma Saotome, a martial arts prodigy with a twist: he magically transforms into a girl upon touching cold water.
Why watch: If you like romantic comedies with martial arts and fantasy twists, this is a fun pick. It should suit viewers who want a light, unusual premise with action and relationship drama.
Directed by Brandon Lee Schuster, Kōnosuke UdaCast Suzie Yeung, David Errigo Jr., Yûki Tamai, Seiyû Fujiwara, Shô OkumuraNetflixMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
From epic quests and supernatural battles to mystery, comedy, and family-friendly favorites, this lineup makes it easy to find your next animated series. Use it to compare tones, genres, and ratings before you start your next binge. If you find a title that fits your taste, bookmark this page and come back whenever you want a fresh pick. The list is updated regularly so it stays useful as new animated series join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cartoon series are available on Netflix?
Our top picks right now are Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), Dragon Ball Super: Beerus (2026), The Apothecary Diaries (2023), Haunted Hotel (2025), Pokémon (1997), One Piece (1999), Jujutsu Kaisen (2020), Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005), PAW Patrol (2013) and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic (2010), all streaming on Netflix. There are 10 more picks in the full list above.
Which is the No. 1 cartoon show?
Our No. 1 pick right now is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022), streaming on Netflix.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Netflix. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these animation shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the animation titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.