Blood of Zeus dives headfirst into Greek mythology, delivering a fresh and action-packed take on the tales of gods and monsters. The story moves at a great pace, with character development and plot twists that make it incredibly easy to binge. It’s a fun, stylish series that stands as a solid entry in the world of animated epics. | © Netflix
Scavengers Reign is a breathtaking work of sci-fi that builds an alien ecosystem of incredible depth and bizarre beauty. The planet is a living character, with every plant and animal intricately connected in a surreal cycle of life and death. This show is a true masterpiece of imagination, reminding us what science fiction is capable of. | © Netflix
Code Lyoko follows a group of kids who battle a malevolent AI named XANA from within a dangerous virtual world. The show cleverly blends their everyday school life with high-stakes digital adventures. Its unique mix of 2D and 3D animation and compelling plot made it a standout and beloved cult classic. | © Cartoon Network
Link Click masterfully blends time travel thrills with genuine slice-of-life emotion. The concept of diving into photographs to change the past creates brilliant, often heartbreaking, narrative twists. With its slick animation and powerful focus on character bonds, this Chinese series delivers drama that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best. | © Crunchyroll
Heaven Official's Blessing is a donghua that masterfully builds a romantic fantasy around centuries of devotion and tragedy. The bond between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng unfolds with a quiet patience that makes their story deeply resonant. Its stunning art direction and focus on emotional payoff create a moving experience that stands out from more action-heavy series. | © Funimation
Trese plunges you into a supernatural Manila where ancient Filipino folklore shapes every shadowy corner. The show follows the stoic Alexandra Trese as she navigates this gritty urban battleground between spirits and humans. Its authentic embrace of regional myths and crisp graphic-novel style proves that anime-inspired storytelling can be powerfully adapted to any culture. | © Netflix
Lord of the Mysteries builds a unique world of Lovecraftian horror and Victorian steampunk that feels entirely fresh. Its story introduces a clever supernatural system rooted in mystery and escalating cosmic stakes. This Chinese adaptation has all the ingredients to become a major global hit, rivaling the scale and depth of Japan's biggest franchises. | © Crunchyroll
Star Wars: Visions hands the galaxy's reins over to top Japanese animation studios, resulting in a breathtakingly fresh take on the franchise. Each short film is a unique love letter to Star Wars, infused with the distinct style and spirit of anime. It’s a bold experiment that successfully reinvents the classic saga for a new medium. | © Disney+
Gravity Falls is so much more than a simple kids' show, packed with witty humor, lovable characters, and a wonderfully weird town full of secrets. Beneath its colorful surface lies a surprisingly deep and engaging mystery that unfolds with every episode. It’s the kind of clever, heartfelt series that genuinely appeals to viewers of all ages. | © ABC
Samurai Jack follows a warrior flung into a dark, futuristic world ruled by his nemesis, Aku. Each episode is a visually striking adventure where he helps the oppressed in wildly creative and action-packed ways. With its unique art style and brilliant storytelling, the series stands as a true masterpiece of action animation. | © Warner Bros. Television
Love, Death & Robots is a bold anthology where every episode is a visually stunning and self-contained story. The first season is widely considered a near-perfect collection of original and thought-provoking shorts. While later seasons have some standout moments, they haven't quite matched the consistent, re-watchable brilliance of that initial groundbreaking run. | © Netflix
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a pure, unfiltered shot of adrenaline that never slows down. This show doesn't play it safe, diving headfirst into the brutal and bloody reality of Night City. While it's a wild ride from start to finish, the story and characters are so compelling you'll be hoping for more the second it ends. | © Netflix
Arcane completely redefines what animated storytelling can achieve with its breathtaking visual style. The heart of the show is the devastatingly raw and personal conflict between sisters Vi and Jinx. It tackles complex political struggles with such maturity and depth that it has genuinely raised the bar for the entire industry. | © Netflix
Based on the iconic Japanese video game, Castlevania proves that anime-style storytelling can thrive overseas. It dives into mature themes with morally complex characters and some truly spectacular, blood-drenched action. The show's gothic horror and emotional depth make its take on Dracula's tragedy feel both epic and surprisingly human. | © Netflix
Avatar: The Last Airbender masterfully captures the spirit of anime, weaving Eastern philosophy and martial arts into a powerful story about war and redemption. Its characters, especially the deeply compelling Zuko, grow and change in ways that feel truly meaningful. For many, Avatar became the perfect introduction to a world of anime-style storytelling, proving that a great story can come from anywhere. | © Nickelodeon
For decades, Japan has been the undisputed master of anime. But a new wave of global storytellers has emerged, creating series that capture the spirit and style of anime while telling their own stories. These are the shows that are beating Japan at its own game.
