Television giant Netflix once again dominated the streaming world last year, with many of us finding the platform a saving grace throughout a turbulent last 12 months.
A host of top TV shows, hilarious animated comedies and films all exclusive to the streaming platform have seen Netflix become the go to app for many of us, as fans check in to watch some of the most bingeable shows around.
While Netflix has been extremely popular for nigh on a decade now, it is perhaps natural to see them dip their toes into varying genres, and 2021 saw Netflix take a plunge into cult genre anime.
A style of animation, often originating in Japan, anime shows and films are mainly characterised by colourful graphics, vibrant characters and action-packed plots which normally follow fantastic or futuristic themes.
With the animated shows growing in popularity, Netflix have began to their cater more content for their audience, releasing a number of highly rated anime hits which have delighted fanatics.
So, if you are looking for the next anime series to binge on, or you’re just curious about the genre and want to see what are the best series on Netflix to begin with, take a look at our list of Netflix’s most popular anime releases over the past 12 months.

. Netflix anime series
Netflix have released a number of popular anime shows and films in the last year. Photo credit: Netflix. Photo: Netflix

5. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolves
Part of the already popular series, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolves is a dark anime series that sees Vesemir, a cocky young witcher, delights in slaying monsters for coin. Photo: Netflix

6. Dota: Dragon's Blood
Dota: Dragon's Blood sees famous Dragon Knight Davion becomes involved in a series of events that are much bigger than he could have anticipated. Photo: Netflix

7. Arcane
While the debate rages on if Arcane is anime, or simply anime inspired it has become one of Netflix's most popular, with the animated action-adventure series sparking 100% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

8. Shaman King
Every 500 years, medium Yoh Asakura enters a battle tournament to compete with other shamans as he bids to become the all-powerful Shaman King. Photo: Netflix