The Best Anime on Prime Video in 2025

Amazon Prime Video continues to expand its library with a diverse selection of Japanese animation that spans multiple genres and eras. From psychological thrillers and high octane sports dramas to timeless science fiction classics, the platform offers high quality content for both casual viewers and dedicated fans. This collection highlights the most impactful series and films currently available to stream on the service. The titles are curated based on their critical reception and enduring popularity within the global anime community.

‘Batman Ninja’ (2018)

The Dark Knight is transported to feudal Japan by a mysterious time displacement machine. He must battle his greatest enemies who have taken the roles of feudal lords across the country. Without his modern technology, Batman relies on his martial arts and the help of local allies to restore order. The film features a unique visual style that blends traditional Japanese art with modern animation techniques.

‘Pet’ (2020)

A group of people possesses the ability to infiltrate and manipulate human memories. These individuals are often used by the underworld to cover up crimes or orchestrate assassinations. The story focuses on the emotional bond between the users and the psychological toll of their powers. This thriller explores the fragile nature of human identity and the weight of shared experiences.

‘Babylon’ (2019–2020)

A public prosecutor named Zen Seizaki investigates a series of illegal clinical trials involving a large pharmaceutical company. He uncovers a vast conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government and media. The investigation leads him to a mysterious woman who seems to influence people to commit terrible acts. This series is a dark and intense look at law, morality, and the nature of evil.

‘Kokkoku, Moment by Moment’ (2018)

A young woman named Juri Yukawa discovers that her family possesses a stone that can stop time. She uses this power to rescue her kidnapped brother and grandfather from a dangerous cult. However, they soon find that they are not the only ones who can move in the world of frozen time. The series creates a tense atmosphere as the characters fight for survival in a motionless environment.

‘Scum’s Wish’ (2017)

Two high school students enter into a fake relationship to cope with their unrequited love for other people. They agree to fulfill each other’s physical needs while keeping their true feelings hidden. The story explores the complexities of teenage intimacy and the pain of loving someone who does not love you back. It provides a raw and often uncomfortable look at the darker side of romance.

‘Golgo 13: The Professional’ (1983)

Duke Togo is a legendary assassin who never misses a target and operates under the codename Golgo 13. He is hired to eliminate the son of a powerful oil tycoon which triggers a massive manhunt for him. The film showcases high stakes action and the cold calculated nature of its protagonist. This classic movie is known for its early use of computer generated imagery combined with traditional animation.

‘Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie’ (1994)

The evil organization Shadaloo seeks to find and brainwash the world’s greatest martial artists. Ryu and Ken must reunite to stop M. Bison from achieving global domination. The film features iconic battles between beloved characters from the video game franchise. It remains a fan favorite for its faithful character designs and impressive fight choreography.

‘Rage of Bahamut’ (2014)

The story takes place ten years after humans, gods, and demons united to seal away the dragon Bahamut. A young girl named Nina arrives in the capital city and becomes involved in a conflict between the different races. The world has changed significantly and tensions are rising under the rule of a powerful human king. This fantasy epic offers grand scale battles and a vibrant world full of magic.

‘Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress’ (2016)

Steampunk technology meets a zombie apocalypse in this high energy action series. Humanity lives in fortified stations and travels via armored trains to protect themselves from undead creatures called Kabane. A young engineer named Ikoma creates a weapon to fight back and eventually becomes a human-zombie hybrid. The series is celebrated for its stunning visuals and intense survivalist themes.

‘Flame of Recca’ (1997–1998)

A teenager named Recca Hanabishi discovers he is the descendant of a ninja clan with the power to control fire. He pledges his loyalty to a girl named Yanagi who has the ability to heal others. Together with a group of friends, Recca participates in a tournament to protect Yanagi from those who want to exploit her power. This classic battle shonen features creative fire dragons and diverse combat styles.

‘Onihei’ (2017)

The series follows Heizo Hasegawa who leads a special police force in charge of investigating arson and robberies in Edo period Japan. He is a skilled swordsman known for his fair but firm approach to justice. Each episode presents a different case that delves into the lives and motivations of criminals. The show provides a mature and atmospheric look at historical Japanese society.

‘Saint Seiya’ (1986–1989)

Five young warriors known as Saints are tasked with protecting the goddess Athena and the Earth. They wear mystical armor called Cloths which are based on various celestial constellations. The Saints must battle rival warriors and powerful gods to ensure the safety of humanity. This influential series is a cornerstone of the battle genre and features grand mythological themes.

‘Iroduku: The World in Colors’ (2018)

Hitomi is a colorblind girl from a family of witches who is sent back in time to the year 2018. She meets her grandmother as a teenager and joins a high school photography club. Through her interactions with new friends, she begins to experience the world in a different way. The series is known for its beautiful art and gentle exploration of emotional growth.

‘After the Rain’ (2018)

Akira is a high school student who falls in love with the middle aged manager of the restaurant where she works. The manager is a divorced man with a young son and he is unaware of her deep feelings at first. Their relationship is depicted with sensitivity and focuses on their individual struggles and aspirations. It is a quiet and reflective story about finding inspiration in unexpected places.

‘Welcome to the Ballroom’ (2017)

Tatara is a shy student who accidentally enters the world of competitive ballroom dancing. He discovers a hidden talent and a fierce passion for the sport after being rescued from bullies by a professional dancer. The series follows his journey as he trains rigorously to compete against talented rivals. The animation emphasizes the fluidity and intensity of dance through exaggerated and dynamic movements.

‘Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple’ (2006–2007)

A weak high school student named Kenichi begins training at a dojo that houses masters of various martial arts. He undergoes extreme physical conditioning to defend himself against the gangs that plague his school. Under the guidance of his masters, he transforms into a powerful fighter. The show balances intense action with comedy and character development.

‘Blade of the Immortal’ (2019–2020)

Manji is a cursed samurai who cannot die until he kills one thousand evil men to atone for his past crimes. He agrees to help a young girl named Rin seek revenge against the group that murdered her family. Their journey is filled with brutal combat and encounters with unique warriors. This adaptation stays true to the gritty and artistic style of the original manga.

‘Princess Principal’ (2017)

Five girls work as undercover spies in a fictionalized version of 19th century London that is divided by a massive wall. They use high tech gadgets and their unique skills to carry out dangerous missions for the Commonwealth. The setting features a unique blend of Victorian aesthetics and steampunk elements. Each mission reveals more about the complex political landscape of their world.

‘Promare’ (2019)

A group of fire wielding mutants called Burnish has caused global destruction through spontaneous combustion. A rescue team known as Burning Rescue uses advanced mechs to fight these fires and capture the mutants. The story follows a hotheaded firefighter named Galo and the leader of the mutants named Lio. The film is famous for its vibrant color palette and fast paced action sequences.

‘Re:Creators’ (2017)

Characters from various popular manga, games, and light novels are suddenly transported into the real world. They must deal with the fact that they are fictional creations and seek out their authors. A conflict arises between those who want to save the world and those who want to destroy it. This series offers a meta commentary on storytelling and the relationship between creators and their work.

‘Redline’ (2009)

The Redline is the most dangerous and popular illegal car race in the entire galaxy. JP is a daring driver who qualifies for the race and must compete against aliens and cyborgs on a hostile planet. The film is renowned for its incredible hand drawn animation and high octane energy. It took seven years to complete and features a unique visual style that stands out in the medium.

‘The Boy and the Beast’ (2015)

A lonely boy named Kyuta wanders into a parallel world inhabited by beasts and becomes the apprentice of a warrior named Kumatetsu. Despite their constant bickering, they form a strong bond as they train together. Kyuta eventually must choose between the world of beasts and the human world when a great threat emerges. This heart warming film explores the meaning of family and inner strength.

‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

Lucy is a Diclonius, a mutant human with horns and invisible telekinetic arms, who escapes from a high tech research facility. She develops a split personality after suffering a head injury and is taken in by two cousins. However, the government continues to hunt her down using other Diclonius as weapons. The series is well known for its extreme violence and tragic exploration of isolation and trauma.

‘Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust’ (2000)

D is a dhampir, a half human and half vampire, who works as a legendary bounty hunter in a post apocalyptic future. He is hired to rescue a young woman who has been kidnapped by a powerful vampire nobleman. Along the way, he competes with a group of rival hunters who are also after the reward. The movie features stunning gothic art and fluid animation that defines the high fantasy horror genre.

‘Ghost Stories’ (2000–2001)

A group of school children discovers that their town is haunted by ghosts that were previously sealed away. They use a special diary left by one of their mothers to perform exorcisms and protect their friends. While the original version is a standard supernatural show, the English dub is famous for its comedic and irreverent dialogue. It has become a cult classic due to its unique history and self aware humor.

‘The Castle of Cagliostro’ (1979)

The world famous thief Lupin the Third travels to a small European country to investigate a source of high quality counterfeit money. He discovers a conspiracy involving a kidnapped princess and a hidden treasure within a massive castle. This film was the directorial debut of Hayao Miyazaki and is celebrated for its charm and adventure. It remains one of the most beloved entries in the long running Lupin franchise.

‘One Piece Film Red’ (2022)

The Straw Hat Pirates attend a massive music festival where the world’s most famous singer, Uta, is performing for the first time. It is revealed that Uta is the daughter of the legendary pirate Shanks and she possesses a dangerous power. Luffy and his crew must intervene when her plan to create a new era threatens the entire world. The film features high energy musical performances and significant lore developments for the series.

‘Fist of the North Star’ (1984–1987)

Kenshiro is the successor of a deadly martial art that allows him to destroy enemies from within by striking their pressure points. He wanders a post apocalyptic wasteland to protect the innocent from brutal gangs and powerful rivals. The series is an icon of the action genre and is famous for its hyper violent battles and dramatic storytelling. It explores themes of survival and justice in a lawless world.

‘Girls’ Last Tour’ (2017)

Two girls named Chito and Yuuri travel across the ruins of a desolate multi layered city in their specialized military vehicle. They spend their days searching for food and fuel while reflecting on the remnants of human civilization. Despite the bleak setting, the girls find joy in small moments and their mutual companionship. This series offers a contemplative and philosophical take on the slice of life genre.

‘Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku’ (2018)

Four office workers navigate the challenges of dating while maintaining their secret hobbies as dedicated geeks. Narumi hides her passion for manga while her childhood friend Hirotaka is an open gaming enthusiast. They decide to date each other to avoid the judgment of non otakus in the workplace. The series provides a grounded and humorous look at adult relationships and modern fandom culture.

‘INUYASHIKI LAST HERO’ (2017)

An elderly man and a high school student are caught in an alien explosion that replaces their bodies with powerful mechanical weapons. The old man chooses to use his new abilities to save people while the teenager becomes a mass murderer. Their conflicting paths eventually lead to an inevitable and destructive confrontation. This psychological thriller examines how different people react when given absolute power.

‘Grand Blue Dreaming’ (2018)

Iori Kitahara moves to a coastal town to attend university and joins a local diving club filled with eccentric members. He quickly finds himself caught up in a cycle of wild parties and comedic misunderstandings. While the show focuses heavily on humor and friendship, it also features beautiful underwater diving scenes. It is a high energy comedy that captures the chaotic nature of college life.

‘Psycho-Pass: Providence’ (2023)

Inspector Akane Tsunemori and her team investigate a series of incidents involving a mysterious paramilitary group known as the Peacebreakers. They must navigate a complex web of political intrigue and threats to the Sibyl System. This film bridges the gap between different seasons of the main series and provides crucial character development. It maintains the dark atmosphere and philosophical questioning that fans expect from the franchise.

‘Land of the Lustrous’ (2017)

In a distant future, a new life form called Gems inhabits the Earth and must defend themselves against the Lunarians who want to harvest them. Phos is the youngest and weakest Gem but wants to find a purpose and help in the war effort. The series is notable for its innovative use of 3D animation to depict the crystalline bodies of the characters. It explores themes of identity and change as Phos undergoes a dramatic physical and mental transformation.

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019–2021)

A group of orphans lives a peaceful life at Grace Field House until they discover a terrifying secret about their purpose there. The smartest children plan a daring escape to save their siblings from a dark fate. They must outsmart their caretaker and navigate a world that is much more dangerous than they ever imagined. The first season is widely praised for its suspenseful writing and psychological tension.

‘Akira’ (1988)

A secret military project in Neo Tokyo threatens to destroy the city when it turns a member of a biker gang into a powerful telekinetic. His friend Kaneda must find a way to stop him before the government or the destructive power itself levels everything. This landmark film is credited with bringing anime to a global audience. Its detailed animation and cyberpunk themes remain influential decades after its release.

‘Paprika’ (2006)

A research team develops a device that allows therapists to enter and record the dreams of their patients. When the device is stolen, a therapist named Atsuko Chiba enters the dream world as her alter ego, Paprika, to recover it. The line between reality and dreams begins to blur as the thief uses the device to cause chaos. The film is a visual masterpiece that explores the depths of the human subconscious.

‘Ghost in the Shell’ (1995)

Major Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg federal agent hunting a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. The investigation leads her to question her own humanity and the nature of her soul in a highly technological world. The film is a seminal work of the cyberpunk genre and features deep philosophical themes. Its impact can be seen in numerous science fiction movies and series that followed.

‘Perfect Blue’ (1997)

A pop idol named Mima Kirigoe decides to leave her music career to become an actress but faces backlash from her fans. She begins to lose her grip on reality as she is stalked by an obsessed fan and plagued by visions of her former self. The film is a haunting psychological thriller that examines the pressures of fame and the fragility of identity. It is considered one of the most significant works of director Satoshi Kon.

‘Haikyu!!’ (2014–2020)

Shoyo Hinata is a short student determined to become a great volleyball player despite his physical limitations. He joins the Karasuno High School team and forms an unlikely partnership with a talented but arrogant setter named Tobio Kageyama. Together, they work with their teammates to restore the school’s former glory. The series is celebrated for its realistic sports action and deeply developed cast of characters.

‘Initial D’ (1998–2014)

Takumi Fujiwara is a quiet teenager who unknowingly hones his driving skills while delivering tofu for his father on a mountain pass. He is drawn into the world of illegal street racing where he must face off against experienced drivers from across the region. The show uses specialized animation for its high speed races and features a popular Eurobeat soundtrack. It is a definitive series for fans of automotive culture and racing.

‘Look Back’ (2024)

Two girls with very different personalities are brought together by their shared love for drawing manga. The story follows their evolving friendship and their individual journeys as they grow into adulthood. It is an emotional and poignant exploration of creativity and the impact of personal loss. This film adaptation of the acclaimed one shot manga received high praise for its faithful and beautiful art style.

‘Great Teacher Onizuka’ (1999–2000)

Eikichi Onizuka is a former gang leader who decides to become a teacher to meet high school girls but ends up truly caring for his students. He is assigned to a class of troubled youths who have successfully driven away every previous teacher. Using his unorthodox methods and street smarts, he helps his students overcome their personal problems. The series is a classic comedy that also offers heart felt lessons on life and education.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

A young boy named Gon Freecss embarks on a journey to become a licensed Hunter and find his long lost father. Along the way, he befriends a diverse group of companions and faces increasingly dangerous challenges. The series is famous for its complex power system and subverting traditional battle shonen tropes. It features some of the most critically acclaimed story arcs in the history of the medium.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012–2019)

In a futuristic society, a computer system called Sibyl constantly monitors the mental state of every citizen to determine their likelihood of committing a crime. Akane Tsunemori is a new police inspector who works with Enforcers, criminals used to hunt other criminals, to maintain order. She soon begins to uncover the flaws and dark truths behind the system she serves. This dark sci-fi thriller is known for its deep philosophical questions about justice and free will.

‘Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’ (2021)

Shinji Ikari struggles with the aftermath of the Near Third Impact in a world on the brink of destruction. He joins forces with the remaining members of Wille to prevent Gendo Ikari from initiating the Final Impact. This film serves as the definitive conclusion to the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy. It offers a deeply emotional and visually stunning resolution to the long running franchise.

‘Banana Fish’ (2018)

Ash Lynx is a young gang leader in New York City who investigates a mysterious drug that turned his older brother into a vegetable. He meets a Japanese photographer named Eiji Okumura and they form a deep bond amidst the violence of the criminal underworld. The story is a gritty and emotional thriller that deals with themes of trauma and redemption. It is highly regarded for its compelling characters and intense narrative.

‘Dororo’ (2019)

A young ronin named Hyakkimaru travels across feudal Japan to reclaim his body parts from demons. He is accompanied by an orphaned thief named Dororo who helps him navigate a world ravaged by war and poverty. Each victory against a demon restores one of Hyakkimaru’s senses or limbs. This dark fantasy series explores themes of humanity and sacrifice through its brutal journey.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–2022)

Riko is a young girl who dreams of exploring the deepest parts of a massive and mysterious pit called the Abyss. She encounters a robotic boy named Reg and they descend into the dangerous layers to find her mother. While the art style appears cute, the series is known for its dark themes and intense emotional moments. The world building is exceptionally detailed and the sense of adventure is matched by a sense of constant peril.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023)

A young man named Thorfinn joins a group of mercenaries to seek revenge against the man who killed his father. He spends years training and fighting in the hopes of earning a duel with the leader named Askeladd. The story takes place during the Viking age and covers historical events across Northern Europe. This epic tale explores themes of violence, redemption, and the search for a peaceful land called Vinland.

Please share which of these anime series or movies you plan to watch next in the comments.