Top 5 animated series to watch on Netflix this week

Netflix isn’t the only one competing for the anime market worldwide, but it faces fierce competition from Disney Plus and HBO Max in terms of its animation library. However, Netflix’s emphasis on producing intelligent and creative animated series has helped it stand out in a saturated market. Their animated content remains like none other, with a surplus of extraordinary programs that most fans would strive to watch in their lifetime.

One of Netflix’s central strengths is its inclusivity, boasting a numerous array of original children’s cartoons that are either on par with or even superior to any other television or streaming service. Moreover, they have produced a variety of successful adult animations, such as Big Mouth and Bojack Horseman, which engage adult viewers with their explicit humor and complex characters. From thrilling sci-fi adventures to comedic young adult content, Netflix has consistently demonstrated animation’s versatility and unbridled potential.

1. Castlevania:

Castlevania draws inspiration from the well-known game franchise, heavily borrowing from Dracula’s Curse and the Curse of Darkness. Its greatest success is in portraying Dracula as a complex and relatable antagonist, set against a world plagued by violence and corruption. Despite the innocents caught in the crossfire, the show never loses sight of the fact that Dracula’s war is a justifiable response to the world’s cruelties. It’s up to Belmont and Alucard to navigate this conflict and protect both humanity and the vampire population from mutual destruction.

2. Bojack Horseman:

Bojack Horseman has received immense acclaim for its unique approach to exploring the lives of celebrities and how addiction, depression, and mental health disorders impact their daily existence. Despite its portrayal of a world where anthropomorphic animals coexist with humans, the show remains grounded and highlights the ripple effects of the self-centered choices made by the wealthy on regular people.

One of the show’s standout features is how it portrays flawed characters that are easily relatable. Despite their animalistic appearances, the characters’ struggles with their demons feel all too human. This relatability is crucial to the show’s message about seeking help when one is in need, regardless of their social standing or lifestyle.

3. Maya and the Three:

While Maya and the Three may not have a seamless connection to Mesoamerican myths, it nonetheless delivers an engaging and diverse story about a child fated to save her world from corrupt gods. The show makes ample use of familiar tropes, but Maya’s journey to discover her own inner strength and assemble a team of heroes is still compelling and exciting.

What sets Maya and the Three apart is its subversive take on the classic mythology of a corrupt heaven ruled by once-mighty gods who demand sacrifices they don’t deserve. Despite their fall from grace, these villains remain a formidable threat to the heroes, and their malevolent presence hangs over the series like a dark cloud.

4. Blood of Zeus:

Blood of Zeus is a well-designed animated series available on Netflix that appears to be influenced by the success of darker shows such as Castlevania. It has always succeeded in delivering a remarkable experience to viewers with its top-notch animation and compelling storyline. The series circles around Heron, the demi-god son of Zeus, who was created specifically for the show. As he finds out the truth about his lineage and fate, he realizes that he was born to rescue Olympus and Earth from the demonic army.

Given its setting in ancient Greece, it is natural to expect some blood and violence. However, Blood of Zeus manages to present these aspects in a way that is not unjustified or excessive. The show has been made for mature audiences and avoids any unnecessary scenes of sex or excessive violence.

5. Avatar: The Last Airbender:

Avatar: The Last Airbender is one of the most beloved animated series that appeared first on Nickelodeon in 2005 and has since become a classic. Its world-building, memorable characters and intriguing storyline make it stand out from the rest of the animated series. Now, with its availability on Netflix, fans, both old and new, have the chance to follow Aang, Kitara, and Sokka on their journey through the four nations.

While most stories feature unlikely heroes saving the world, Avatar’s implementation sets it apart. Its humor and intelligence are balanced with real and impressive emotional stakes. The show’s portrayal of villains is also worth looking at, as some remain undoubtedly evil while others are given a chance to change and grow. From the unforgettable Toph to the complex Zuko, every character is given their moment to shine, making Avatar one of the greatest animated series of all time.