The five anime series to binge on Netflix this weekend
The anime craze has officially reached a fever pitch on Netflix. And the company has responded with just what viewers want: more anime. Last weekend, Netflix went all out to expand its bandwidth with the announcement of every new anime coming to the streamer. Now that yet another weekend is just around the corner, we’ve five perfect anime series to add to your watch-list.
As per Netflix, anime has cast its spell on more than half of its global audience. Over 50% of viewers now tune in for animated tales from Japan. But that’s just the opening scene. In the past five years, the platform has witnessed anime viewership triple, a surge worthy of its own epic montage.
And truly, the genre is a shape-shifter – expansive and endlessly inventive, slipping into every emotional wavelength like a master of disguise. In fact, Netflix wears many feathers in its hat. And finding the one could be quite a task.
But whether you’re in the mood for pulse-pounding battles, star-crossed love stories, or laugh-out-loud absurdity, there’s an anime nestled in Netflix’s library to match every mood. So, here’s your anime escape for the weekend with five shows.
Five anime series you cannot miss on Netflix this weekend
5. Sakamoto Days (Masaki Watanabe, 2025)
If you’re seeking some action content with slapstick humour, look no further. Sakamoto Days follows the return of hitman Tara Sakamoto, who had left his career for good. Despite becoming a true family man, when the ghosts of the past come to haunt Sakamoto, he must put his veteran skills to use to shield himself and his family from the bounty hunters.
But there’s a rule he just cannot break: no more killing. The first part of season one is currently streaming on Netflix. And this coming Monday, part two will be released on Netflix. So, if you’re procrastinating on what to start, Sakamoto Days might just be the perfect pitstop this weekend.
4. Vampire in the Garden (Ryōtarō Makihara, 2022)
In case your weekend is too busy and you need to sneak something short but impactful, Vampire in the Garden fits just the bill. With only five episodes, the show requires no such heavy commitment. But just because it’s a five-episode show, do not assume any shortcomings in quality. Set in a universe where humans are constantly at war with vampires, humans give up every form of “art”, or what they deem “distractions”. Meanwhile, vampires are just the opposite in their strategy.
But what moves the show and the audience is an unexpected bond growing between a human and a vampire. They are the beacon of hope for a blissful co-existence; it’s a lesson learnt in friendship. While criticisms persist that it’s a redundant story, a bit cliché perhaps to some, many feel Vampire in the Garden made the five episodes worth it. Not to forget the stunning action sequences.
3. Hunter X Hunter (Noriyuki Abe, 2011-2014)
If you’re too sceptical to try out new titles, Netflix has quite a few old gems you might want to rewatch. Hailed as one of the most popular anime series of all time, Hunter X Hunter tells the story of Gon Freecss, whose parents are both believed to be dead. But when he discovers his father, Ging Freecss, a world-class Hunter, is still alive, he sets off on a journey to follow in his footsteps.
Gon leaves for the Hunter Examination, and there he meets Killua. And the rest is history. Hunter X Hunter is the perfect mix of good plot, in-depth characters, and masterful animation. It may have begun just as a show, but now it’s an emotion for viewers. So, those in search of nostalgia, you know where to go.
2. Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre (Shinobu Tagashira, 2023)
Weekend escapes are best enjoyed when shows are short, but long enough for a lasting impact. And Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre is the perfect horror-scape you can tune into this weekend. With the right amount of chills and horrors that creep on your skin, Japanese Tales of Macabre is a collection of short stories by the Japanese king of horror stories, Junji Ito.
The series has 12 episodes and is perfect for a weekend watch for variety, where there’s more than just one gripping plot.
1. My Happy Marriage (Ayuko Tshukahara, 2023-2025)
My Happy Marriage is set in the 1800s and depicts the story of Miyo Saimori, who is born without supernatural talent. Those born without superpowers are hailed as deplorable. As a result, Miyo lives a life of servitude to her stepmother, father, and sister. While marriage seems the only way to escape her Cinderella-like fate, she’s put in a tough spot when she’s married off to an infamous soldier known for driving away wives for his cruelty
It’s a top-notch amalgamation of fantasy and romance that will leave you craving for more. And since it only has two seasons, it easily fits into the weekend schedule.