Best Anime On Amazon Prime Video (December 2023)

When it comes to anime goodness, streaming services such as Funimation and Crunchyroll tend to dominate the discussion. After all, they provide the most content for their price tag. In recent years, other streaming platforms have jumped onto the anime bandwagon, expanding their library to include both classic and new shows.

Amazon Prime Video might not get as much attention as HBO Max, Netflix, or Hulu, but it has an impressive collection of anime, some of which can only be found on the platform. So, the next time someone subscribes to Amazon’s premium service and they find themselves yearning to watch some Japanese animation, they should make sure to check out the best anime on Amazon Prime Video.

Each anime’s Japanese title includes a link to its Amazon Prime Video page. Also, only shows that are natively on Prime Video will be included, so none of the channels or series that require Crunchyroll or HIDIVE subscriptions. The only exception is Freevee since that just adds ads rather than a heightened price.

Vinland Saga

MyAnimeList: 8.75 (Season 1)

Vinland Saga tackles a historical setting that is seldom referenced by anime: Vikings. A prequel to the main story, Vinland Saga takes place during the 11th century when England was under the control of the Danes.

Vinland Saga‘s main driving force is Thorfinn’s desire to get revenge against Askeladd, a quest that sees the former join the latter’s band. Blending political intrigue with ambiguous characterization, Vinland Saga is a gripping and unpredictable show that starts strong and only gets better as it goes along.

Only season 1 is available to Amazon Prime subscribers.

Rebuild Of Evangelion

MyAnimeList: 8 (Movie 1)

Hideaki Anno’s retelling of Neon Genesis Evangelion, all four movies in the Rebuild of Evangelion series are available on Amazon Prime Video. Initially sticking quite close to the ’90s anime, these movies divert course towards the end of the second entry, with the final two sequels tackling largely new ground.

Rebuild of Evangelion boasts stellar animation and intriguing themes, the latter of which are presented in a more digestible way than the original show. While not flawless, these movies are a fascinating alternate take on a classic anime.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

MyAnimeList: 7.89 (Season 1)

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a shonen manga classic that has been around since the late ’80s. Save for an OVA, the series took a while to make the jump to anime, but the wait was worth it. David Production’s adaptation captures the over-the-top magic of Hirohiko Araki’s source material, delivering larger-than-life characters with big muscles and cool powers.

The story is divided into parts that revolve around different protagonists, all of which belong to the Joestar family. Each one establishes a unique setting, tone, and pacing, while still building upon what came before it. Amazon Prime Video has Phantom Blood, Battle Tendency, Stardust Crusaders, Diamond Is Unbreakable, and Golden Wind. Even though some parts are better than others, there is no such thing as a bad JoJo saga.

Banana Fish

MyAnimeList: 8.48

It took a long while for Akimi Yoshida’s shoujo manga, Banana Fish, to receive an anime adaptation. Eventually, MAPPA took on the responsibility of bringing to life this challenging story about abuse, isolation, pain, and friendship. Only available on Amazon Prime Video, Banana Fish is one of the main reasons an anime fan should consider subscribing to the service, at least until they get through the show’s 24 episodes.

Banana Fish revolves around Ash, a teenager who has been chosen to succeed the don of a mafia. Although ruthless and violent, Ash hates this world and has been subjected to unspeakable horrors for most of his life. When he meets Eiji, a Japanese photographer, a light finally enters Ash’s life.

Princess Principal

MyAnimeList: 7.68

Princess Principal takes place in a steampunk world inspired by Victorian-era England, and this setting already distinguishes the anime from most other stories on Amazon Prime Video. The praise does not stop there either, as the series establishes a fascinating political climate driven by a civil war that divided the country into two states. World-building is one of the show’s strong points.

Princess Principal follows a group of girls who spend their nights executing espionage missions, and the anime dedicates considerable time to each character. If there is one criticism that could be made of Princess Principal, it is that the series does feel like a precursor to the movies, the first two of which came out in 2021. Unfortunately, Amazon Prime Video does not have these films.

Ghost Stories

MyAnimeList: 7.74

Ghost Stories is a unique case. The Japanese version is a straightforward horror series that is passable but largely forgettable. Rather than a standard translation, the English dub turns the series into a comedy, adding plenty of adult jokes while morphing the original’s stereotypical children characters into irreverent idiots.

Prime Video has the English version of Ghost Stories, which represents the anime at its best and most memorable. In some ways, this series was a precursor to fan-made abridged series that became popular later in the 2000s. Although the irreverent humor can be corny and repetitive at times, the comedy holds up surprisingly well. Despite starting out as a horror series, Ghost Stories is one of the funniest anime on Amazon Prime Video.

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

MyAnimeList: 7.94

Love is not always simple. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku revolves around a handful of couples that are in different stages of their relationships, with the central duo being Narumi and Hirotaka. Despite sharing an interest in otaku culture, Narumi and Hirotaka struggle to communicate, leading to frustration for the former and hilarity for the audience.

Although certainly not devoid of romantic moments, Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku is first and foremost a comedy, and it is a consistently hilarious one at that. Narumi’s reactions are priceless, and the main characters are all likable.

Naruto

MyAnimeList: 7.99

By this point, Naruto transcends anime or manga. Alongside One Piece, Bleach, and Dragon Ball Z, Musashi Kishimoto’s story about a plucky ninja set the standard for mainstream battle shonen series. Naruto not only introduced plenty of people to the genre but also served as a gateway to the glorious world of anime as a whole. Split into two series, the original show tends to be overshadowed by its successor, Naruto: Shippuden; if nothing else, the latter produced more than twice as many episodes as its predecessor.

Yet, Naruto contains more than a few of the story’s high points. The Chunin Exam holds up as one of the strongest arcs in all of shonen, while the Sasuke Recovery storyline expertly foreshadows the darker tone the series would adopt in Shippuden. Amazon Prime Video might not have the sequel series, but Naruto should still be able to keep subscribers engaged for a few months.

Sagrada Reset

MyAnimeList: 7.34

Sagrada Reset leaves a bad first impression. Set in a Japanese town filled with people with unique abilities, the anime follows Misora Haruki, a girl who can reset time by three days, and Kei Asai, the only person who remembers what happens before the reset. As their abilities complement each other, the two work together to solve cases and help others.

On the surface, this sounds like a by-the-numbers premise, but Sagrada Reset takes an unusual approach with its characters. Kei and especially Haruki are extremely stoic, to the point they barely seem to have emotions. Eventually, they do change and grow, but it is not a quick process. Frustrating as the show can be at times, Sagrada Reset has flashes of brilliance.

Lupin The 3rd Part 4

MyAnimeList: 7.90

Monkey Punch’s Lupin the Third manga debuted in 1967, with the first anime adaptation airing in 1971. Since then, the franchise has consistently produced new stories that, for the most part, retain the classic charm that helped make the manga a hit in the first place. Lupin the Third is an institution, and the show’s longevity can be credited to its iconic characters.

Lupin the Third Part 4 is just a drop in the bucket that is the entire franchise, and the season changes the eponymous thief’s status quo by tying Lupin to a bride. This might make Part 4 seem like a terrible entry point for newcomers, but that is not really the case. Ultimately, this is still the same old Lupin the Third that revolves around over-the-top heists, well-established personalities, and slapstick humor.

Himouto! Umaru-chan R

MyAnimeList: 7.32

At school, Umaru Doma is the perfect idol. The girl is loved by all and seen as mature, intelligent, and respectable. At home, Umaru transforms into an otaku who loves nothing more than to waste away every second of every day. To visually illustrate this personality change, otaku Umaru assumes a chibi form.

Amazon Prime Video only has Himouto! Umaru-chan R, the anime’s second season. Typically, this would be an issue since all the show’s main players are established in the first season; however, Himouto! Umaru-chan‘s characters are easy enough to grasp by just watching season 2. More importantly, the sequel is generally stronger than its predecessor since it focuses more on character development than just isolated high-jinks.

Made In Abyss

MyAnimeList: 8.66 (Season 1)

Made in Abyss has cute characters, an imaginative world with endless possibilities, and gorgeous animation. The anime follows two children (sort of) as they descend the “Abyss,” a fantastical realm filled with wonders, dangers, and colorful personalities. Adventure awaits Riko, Reg, and the audience!

Also, Made in Abyss is devastating, uncomfortable, horrifying, and nightmarish. This is an “adventure” anime that has more in common with Berserk than One Piece.

Hunter X Hunter (2011)

MyAnimeList: 9.04

A recent Amazon Prime anime addition, Hunter x Hunter is regarded as one of the best battle shonen series to ever grace the industry. Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga, the anime follows Gon, an optimistic child who decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a hunter. This journey starts off with an exam and includes a trip into a game’s world and a widespread conflict with sentient ants.

Hunter x Hunter has a fantastic power system and a well-rounded roster of characters, most of whom lead their own lives removed from the protagonist’s existence. Boasting great animation by Madhouse and a story that is willing to go to places that most shonen series are reluctant to thread, this anime is an all-time great.

Yu-Gi-Oh!

MyAnimeList: 7.49 (Duel Monsters)

An all-time shonen classic, Yu-Gi-Oh! lives on in memes, reruns, and video games; however, people who grew up with the anime might be surprised to learn that new episodes are still being produced. Now, Yugi Yami and company have long since disappeared as protagonists, but the core appeal of the anime – the over-the-top card battles – has remained largely intact.

Putting aside the most recent shows, Amazon Prime Video has most of Yu-Gi-Oh!‘s anime variants, including 2014’s The Dark Side of Dimensions movie. Now, the vast majority of these shows are available through the Freevee channel, but the episodes are free (with ads); consequently, they do not require any additional investment.

Toradora!

MyAnimeList: 8.07

Toradora! is all about young love and that sometimes, the heart doesn’t know what it wants. Ryuji has a crush on Minori, whose best friend – Taiga – happens to have a thing for Ryuji’s closest companion, Yusaku. Therefore, Ryuji and Taiga decide to team up to aid each other in their quest for romance.

They also happen to be polar opposites as Ryuji looks like a delinquent but is actually quite gentle while Taiga’s unassuming physique hides a tiger who is always ready to deliver a dropkick. Naturally, they complement each other quite nicely.

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

MyAnimeList: 8.05

Kenichi is weak, a fact that defines his existence. One day, he meets a girl who can more than hold her own in a fight, which inspires Kenichi to join her dojo and become the strongest fighter in the world. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a comedy-heavy battle shonen series that features a strong and lovable cast of characters.

Although a bit of an idiot at times, Kenichi works well as the anime’s lead since the show goes out of its way to properly chronicle his development as a fighter. Miu and Shigure Kousaka are also pretty iconic female characters.

Boarding School Juliet

MyAnimeList: 7.45

The Romeo and Juliet story has been done to death, but Boarding School Juliet presents a fun twist on the formula. Dahlia Academy is divided into the Black Dogs and White Cats, two groups who are constantly at each other’s throats as they both seek to be the dominant party at the school. Romio and Juliet lead the Black Dogs and White Cats respectively, meaning they are positioned as mortal enemies. While they pretend to hate each other in public, Romio and Juliet are secretly in love.

Boarding School Juliet is rife with cliches, but the anime uses them well rather than as a crutch for poor writing. The protagonists have a sweet dynamic and their personalities buck stereotypes. The show handles its action sequences well enough to ensure they are constantly entertaining, and the same can be said for its comedy.

Dororo

MyAnimeList: 8.25

A modern adaptation of a popular classic manga, Dororo has a gloriously dark central premise. Due to his awful father, Hyakkimaru is born lacking many body parts. Somehow, Hyakkimaru manages to survive, so he sets out to regain his missing pieces by defeating the demons who hold them.

Dororo boasts stellar action, two strong lead characters, and a story that builds momentum quite nicely as it goes along. This anime is only available on Amazon Prime Video, and it is good enough to justify a subscription all on its own.

Elfen Lied

MyAnimeList: 7.48

One of the more controversial anime on Amazon Prime Video, Elfen Lied is simultaneously a niche and famous property. Set in an alternate version of reality where some people are born with unique and potentially destructive powers, this 2004 series presents harrowing accounts of human experimentation and trauma, including a scene featuring a dog that tends to burrow deep into people’s memories forever.

Elfen Lied is gory, intense, uncomfortable, and ambitious. For all of its gratuitous content, this anime is still well-written, and the story builds up to an unforgettable final act.

Blade Of The Immortal

MyAnimeList: 7.42

Hiroaki Samura’s Blade of the Immortal manga has received its share of adaptations, including two anime versions. The better of the two is the 2019 ONA series that is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. A historical epic, the story follows Manji, a violent swordsman who is cursed with immortality as punishment for all the samurai he has killed throughout his life. To change this, Manji must eliminate a thousand evil men. Along his journey, Manji meets and is hired by Rin Asano, a girl seeking revenge on her parents’ killer.

Decently animated and packed with uneven, but frequently entertaining fight sequences, Blade of the Immortal is a serviceable adaptation of the beloved manga, even if it does not come close to replicating the magic of the source material.

Kabaneri Of The Iron Fortress

MyAnimeList: 7.27

Upon release, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress got branded as “Attack on Titan, but on a train,” a comparison that is not wholly inaccurate. Due to a zombie-esque virus, humanity has been forced to retreat to fortified shelters that are connected via locomotives. After seeing his home overrun with walking corpses and becoming infected himself to the point of turning into a hybrid, Ikoma goes on a cross-country journey while armed with a unique gun-like weapon.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress delivers basically non-stop action, most of which is fantastically animated. While not deep nor containing a powerful and unforgettable story, this anime works beautifully as a roller coaster ride that is constantly seeking to supply thrills.

Honey And Clover

MyAnimeList: 8 (Season 1)

Honey and Clover is a coming-of-age anime, one that splits its time between Yuuta Takemoto struggling through college and Ayumi Yamada’s pursuit of love. Blending comedy, drama, and character growth, Honey and Clover is a bit uneven in places, particularly during the first season which focuses heavily on the relationship between Yuuta and Hagumi, an 18-year-old woman who looks and acts like a child. This story is given less attention in the second season, which arguably works to the benefit of the anime.

Polarizing moments aside, Honey and Clover is a powerful series at times, one that builds quite nicely as it goes along. It is also pretty funny.

Magic Knight Rayearth

MyAnimeList: 7.46 (Season 1)

A classic isekai anime, Magic Knight Rayearth centers around three teenagers who are teleported to a fantasy world called Cephiro that is in desperate need of saving. Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji’s adventures start lighthearted enough, but Magic Knight Rayearth gradually embraces a darker tone, especially during its second season.

Magic Knight Rayearth is a must-watch for fans of magical girl anime, particularly those who prefer their shows to come with a healthy helping of action and world-building. This series came out in the mid-’90s and very much looks the part, which is not a negative.

Tomorrow’s Joe 2

MyAnimeList: 8.72

Tomorrow’s Joe is a classic that should be watched by anyone remotely interested in sports anime (or sports stories in general). While the animation is naturally dated, particularly in season 1, the storytelling holds up remarkably well, especially in season 2.

Unfortunately, Amazon Prime Video only has the first half of Tomorrow’s Joe 2, making it a less than exhaustive source to experience this iconic franchise. However, Prime Video is also the only streaming platform that has any part of this boxing anime in its library, and the episodes themselves are fantastic. Incomplete as this collection is, Tomorrow’s Joe‘s quality nevertheless justifies a recommendation.

Memories

MyAnimeList: 7.71

A cult favorite, Memories is an anthology sci-fi flick consisting of three shorts based on manga by Katsuhiro Otomo, who also directs one of the segments. As tends to be the case with these sorts of releases, the quality varies from entry to entry; however, each movie has great animation, jaw-dropping visuals, and interesting themes. Basically, all of them are “good” by most metrics, even if they are not equal. Taken as a whole, Memories is an impressive work of art that covers a range of subgenres and moods. There is horror, comedy, and even a hint of romance.

• Magnetic Rose – While on a salvage mission, a space freighter answers a distress signal.
• Stink Bomb – A guy takes the wrong pill when he is feeling sick, turning him into a biological weapon.
• Cannon Fodder – In a city defined by war, people live to keep cannons forever firing.

Re:Creators

MyAnimeList: 7.55

Re:Creators is a reverse isekai anime about characters from various fictional stories who are teleported to Earth, a process that unbalances the real world. As suggested by its name, this show dives deep into the process of creation, exploring how these fictional beings echo their inventors and how they can take on a life of their own. As the characters hail from wildly different styles of fantasy, they react differently to the reality they are forced to exist within.

Re:Creators has well-animated action, a fantastic antagonist that nearly steals the entire show, and a couple of noteworthy arcs that pay off nicely. Also, the anime’s soundtrack is incredible.

Princess Tutu Season 1

MyAnimeList: 8.14

A classic magical girl anime, Princess Tutu is a triumph of art, storytelling, and music. The anime blends cute character designs with flashes of unsettling or plain old nightmarish backdrops, creating an otherworldly feel that gives the anime a dream-like atmosphere.

Princess Tutu is about a duck who turns into a girl because she is tasked with making whole the fragmented heart of a boy. Bizarre as that premise sounds, the anime sells it with every frame, telling a story that could spark laughter, tears, and satisfaction. Princess Tutu is one of the best anime on Amazon Prime Video, so even if it doesn’t seem to be to your tastes, it is worth a try.

Please note that only season 1 of Princess Tutu is on Prime Video, covering 26 of the show’s 38 episodes.

Land Of The Lustrous

MyAnimeList: 8.39

Another anime that is only available on Amazon Prime Video, Land of the Lustrous is a stunning work of art. Featuring arguably the best usage of CGI animation in anime, Land of the Lustrous creates an otherworldly aesthetic that is simultaneously beautiful and disconcerting.

In this world, Lustrous are humanoid gemstones that must push back the threat of Lunarians, beings seeking to turn them into jewelry. The anime has thrilling action and well-written characters, along with plenty of emotionally exhausting moments.

Girls’ Last Tour

MyAnimeList: 8.21

There are hundreds of great slice of life anime out there, but not many are set within a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In Girls’ Last Tour, Yuuri and Chito traverse a fallen world searching for things to satisfy their basic everyday needs. This is pretty much the entire anime, resulting in an oddly relaxing experience despite the haunting visuals often on display.

For Yuuri and Chito, this wasteland has become the norm, and the girls approach their grim reality with enthusiasm and positivity.

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