Videos by ComicBook.com
The second dilemma typically tends to be what exactly you might be in the mood to watch. There are plenty of anime classics available, but just as many modern classics are presented as options for those looking to watch something a bit more recent. The definition of a modern classic will change depending on which anime fan you ask; some might consider only shows within the last five years, while others will extend to the last decade or two. Either way, the promise of a modern classic is a combination of high-quality animation paired with the storytelling prowess that any classic should entail. This list explores five of the best modern classics available to stream on Netflix as soon as you’re done reading this list.
5) Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most obvious choices for this list based on the show’s popularity with both new and old anime fans. It’s considered part of Shonen Jump’s Dark Trio, alongside titles such as Hell’s Paradise and Chainsaw Man; additionally, Jujutsu Kaisen has one of anime’s most iconic modern characters in recent times, Gojo Satoru, who has managed to boost the series into the public spotlight even more. Jujutsu Kaisen was first released back in 2020 and has its third season set to debut sometime in early 2026.
Alongside the actual anime, Jujutsu Kaisen has had multiple successful theatrical releases, including this year’s Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution, set to air in December 2025. The series is a heavy-hitter in terms of animation, with some of the best fight sequences put to screen in recent years, courtesy of studio Mappa. It follows the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who is entrenched in the world of jujutsu sorcery when he swallows a cursed finger and becomes a vessel for the King of Curses. This series is known for embracing dark themes, violence, and an overall bleak tone that fans love.
4) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure might be a controversial choice to add to this list due to how divisive it is among anime fans, with most either loving or hating the series. That being said, it would be a crime not to include it with the effect that JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has had on modern anime culture, from stylistic choices to humor to design, setting trends that no other series has managed to before. The show first aired back in 2012 and has released five seasons since then; the sixth season will cover the “Steel Ball Run Arc”, and is set to debut in 2026.
The plot of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows the numerous journeys of the Joestar family and associates as they battle world-ending threats while mastering their own strength and powers. It’s full of slapstick comedy, references to pop culture, vibrant colors, and distinct character design that make the show feel like a comic book brought to life. While JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure doesn’t shy away from making light of itself, the show also has shocking moments of emotional depth and character bonding that give it more weight than its shiny veneer might suggest.
3)Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan shot to the top of the charts when it first released and managed to stay there for most of its nearly decade-long run. The series inspired so many shonen titles that came after its initial release in 2014, and its finale, airing in 2023, was the monumental end of an era for many fans. Blending dark fantasy and action genres, Attack on Titan brought a never-ending cycle of bleak violence to the anime scene that was made palatable by its portrayal of humanity’s penchant for hope.
The story of Attack on Titan is set on the island of Paradis, where the last scraps of humanity live behind massive sets of walls, designed to keep the monstrous Titans out. Eren Yeager lives on the outskirts of Wall Maria when it’s destroyed by eerily sentient Titans, leading to the death of his mother and the destruction of his hometown. The plot follows Eren on his journey to join the Survey Corps to kill Titans, later finding out his own Titan-shifting ability that could potentially lead to the reveal of numerous secrets about the appearance of Titans. This show somehow manages to pull off a slow burn regarding big narrative mysteries and numerous high-stakes battles simultaneously.
