Best Anime On Amazon Prime Video

When it comes to anime goodness, streaming services such as Crunchyroll and HIDIVE 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 libraries to include both classic and new shows. Amazon Prime Video might not get as much attention as 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.

Updated on December 21, 2024 by Mark Sammut: As Fall 2024 is basically over, Winter 2025 must now take center stage. One of the lineup’s anime will be airing on Amazon Prime Video.

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.

Winter 2025 Anime On Amazon Prime Video

A new season is right around the corner, and like always, Amazon Prime Video is unlikely to be most people’s first choice to consume Winter 2025’s anime shows. Technically, if a user also has a Crunchyroll or HIDIVE subscription, then Prime Video would offer them the most content available on a single platform. However, when discussing solely Winter 2025 anime that are part of a core subscription, then the pickings become extremely slim. In fact, they shrink to one show, albeit a relatively big one.

Ubel Blatt

While not attracting as much attention as Solo Leveling, The Apothecary Diaries, Sakamoto Days, Dr. Stone, or Fate/strange Fake, Ubel Blatt is still one of Winter 2025’s most exciting anime, especially for viewers who are craving a dark fantasy seinen story that takes some inspiration from the likes of Berserk. Now, despite that aspect, expectations should be lowered ever so slightly, as Etorouji Shiono’s manga is quite divisive. Still, this series should offer gore-infused action, a revenge-hungry protagonist who does not hesitate to kill, and a straightforward plot about taking down seven people who are powerful in status and abilities.

The adaptation is being handled by Satelight and Staple Entertainment, with the former being way more experienced than the latter. That said, both companies have produced their share of decent shows, with Satelight’s most decorated work being arguably Symphogear and Log Horizon. Staple Entertainment seems to specialize in ecchi content to an extent, as both Vermeil in Gold and Tales of Wedding Rings came packed with fanservice. Honestly, the studio might be a good match for Ubel Blatt.

Now, on to the best Amazon Prime Video anime…

1

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.

2

Hunter X Hunter (2011)

MyAnimeList: 9.03

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.

3

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.

4

Banana Fish

MyAnimeList: 8.46

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.

5

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

MyAnimeList: 8.39

Honestly, Amazon Prime Video has amassed a pretty impressive range of anime movies, covering both classics and more modern releases. 2018’s Maquia fits into the latter category but has the potential to be remembered as the former in a couple of decades. Set in a world where humans live in envy of the Iorph, a race of long-life beings, a member of the latter has to leave her home after the former unleashes a devastating and cruel attack.

Along the way, she saves a young human baby and essentially adopts him. Due to their age differences, Ariel quickly grows up to look older than his mother, which causes a rift between them. In the meantime, a war breaks out.

Maquia is a fantasy epic with grandiose battles and gorgeous visuals; however, it is also a personal drama about family, time, and death. These two aspects blend to create a powerful story that will linger in the mind long after the credits roll.

6

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.

7

Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku

MyAnimeList: 7.93

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.

8

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.

9

Naruto

MyAnimeList: 8

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.

10

InuYasha

MyAnimeList: 7.86

While showing its age at times, InuYasha is still an enjoyable watch more than two decades after its debut. Unfortunately, only the first 54 episodes are part of Amazon Prime Video, but these seasons arguably represent the anime’s peak, especially since the show gets somewhat repetitive after that point.

Blending action, fantasy, romance, and even isekai, InuYasha is a jack-of-all-trades that succeeds in most areas. The characters are generally lovable, particularly Inuyasha and Kagome, while the storytelling is strong for the most part. Even though nostalgia might play a part in determining someone’s appreciation for this series, it is still worth a recommendation for shonen or even shojo fans.

11

Toradora!

MyAnimeList: 8.06

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.

12

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

MyAnimeList: 8.04

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.

13

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.

14

Elfen Lied

MyAnimeList: 7.46

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.

15

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.

16

Scum’s Wish

MyAnimeList: 7.11

Romance anime are usually quite sanitized and idealized, which can make for a nice escape from reality. However, sometimes, a change of pace can be refreshing, and Scum’s Wish is nothing if not unique. This anime features almost exclusively horrid people, nearly all of whom are willing to hurt each other as they chase after physical pleasure.

Basically, Scum’s Wish is a melodramatic SOAP that is both infuriating and intensely captivating. While not everyone will enjoy this ride, nobody will forget it, which is more than can be said for most releases of any medium.

17

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.

18

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.

19

My Deer Friend Nokotan

MyAnimeList: 7.04

Wit Studio’s My Deer Friend Nokotan played a risky marketing game. The trailers and teasers leaned heavily into meme-style humor, crafting a preview that suggested an absurd and envelope-pushing comedy with no reservations. On one hand, this helped attract attention, propelling this goofball anime into one of Summer 2024’s most highly-anticipated releases; conversely, this push set lofty expectations that, at times, the series struggled to meet.

To be clear, My Deer Friend Nokotan is a funny gag show with flourishes of creative silliness, and it is well worth a watch for anyone craving a laugh. That said, except for the first episode, it is a fairly conventional parody of the cute girls doing cute things genre, even if it has more CG deer than most of its contemporaries.

Expectations aside, My Deer Friend Nokotan is mostly amusing. Noko, the eponymous deer, steals the show as a force of nature who blows into Torako’s life, threatening to destroy everything the girl has tried to build since entering high school. Noko is a hilarious enigma who plays by no rules and seems to exist solely as an agent of chaos. She is comfortably the anime’s best character and her banter with Torako is constantly funny. The other main girls, Anko and Meme, do not fare anywhere near as well, coming across as one-note characters with very little depth. Anko is by far the worst part of the anime since she has one tired gag that is repeated with almost no variety after her first full episode.

20

Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc.

MyAnimeList: 6.83

Magical girls are in the same ballpark as mecha: they can struggle to draw the attention of the uninitiated. Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. was one of Fall 2024’s most overlooked shows, and its Prime Video exclusivity might even discourage fans of the theme from checking it out. While not flawless, the anime offers a refreshing take on the mahou shoujo concept, going down a similar route as Tiger & Bunny. In this universe, magical girls are signed to businesses and can be hired to exterminate threats; basically, if someone has the required stuff, they can choose to become a magical girl in the same way they can decide to become a lawyer or salesperson.

Feeling directionless after leaving college, Kana does not know what she wants to do with herself, outside of wishing she could help people. After assisting a magical girl named Hitomi to clear out a monster, Kana is offered the opportunity to join her company and start a new career. While unexpected, she jumps at the chance.

Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. has more going for it than just a neat premise. Kana and Hitomi are both charming, and they bounce off each other well. Admittedly, the other employees are a bit more hit-and-miss, but they are not offensively off-putting either. More importantly, the anime has decent action sequences that make good use of a diverse range of enemies that push the heroes in fresh ways.