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 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.
10 Sci-Fi Anime That Are Underrated
When it comes to Sci-Fi Anime, there's always something new to discover. These underrated gems are certainly worth some attention.
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 June 8, 2024 by Mark Sammut: There are plenty of Amazon Prime Video anime to keep subscribers busy for a few months. Two more shows have been added as recommendations, including a popular series that has been going on for more than 20 years.
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.
Spring 2024 Anime On Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video does not often stream currently airing series, at least in recent years. There was a time when the platform seemed to be pushing these types of exclusives, but they have become quite rare nowadays. However, Spring 2024 contains an exception as Tonbo! is available on Amazon Prime Video. While not among the season's biggest shows, it is still a decent get for Amazon, particularly for people who enjoy the sports genre.
Tonbo!
Hey! Tonbo
- Japanese Title
- Oi! Tonbo
- Release Date
- April 6, 2024
- Studio
- OLM
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Ken Kawasaki
Based on a long-running manga that has produced nearly 50 volumes in the last decade, Tonbo! is not exactly a small property, although it targets a distinct audience. Sports stories tend to walk the line between mainstream and niche, with the most popular ones adhering to a fairly strict shonen blueprint. Tonbo! is not cut from that cloth, especially since the manga can be found in a magazine catering specifically to golf. Consequently, this series requires an appreciation for its chosen activity more than traditional sports anime. That said, someone does not have to be a big golf fan to enjoy this series.
Set on the small Kagoshima island that has nothing but mountains and water, Tonbo! follows a former golf pro, Kazuyoshi, who is trying to start fresh by accepting a job working for a family. Once he arrives, he meets Tonbo, an energetic young girl who spends her free time playing golf on an impressive course that the islanders created to pass the time. Spending years practicing with the difficult-to-master No. 3 iron, Tonbo is talented, something Kazuyoshi recognizes.
Tonbo! is a cute sports anime about an unlikely friendship between a young girl and a jaded former pro. The premise shares similarities with Barakamon, an all-time great slice of life anime about a disgruntled guy who is banished to an island filled with cheery locals.
Now, on to the best Amazon Prime Video anime...
1 Vinland Saga
MyAnimeList: 8.75 (Season 1)
Vinland Saga
- Release Date
- July 7, 2019
- Studio
- Wit Studio, MAPPA
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Makoto Yukimura
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.
2 Rebuild Of Evangelion
MyAnimeList: 8 (Movie 1)
Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone
- Release Date
- September 1, 2007
- Director
- Hideaki Anno
- Studio
- Khara
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.
6 Unresolved Mysteries & Plot Holes In Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time
The latest (and possibly last) Evangelion film appears to have wrapped up the story, but a few lingering questions still remain.
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.
3 Hunter X Hunter (2011)
MyAnimeList: 9.04
Hunter x Hunter (2016)
- Release Date
- October 2, 2011
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Yoshihiro Togashi
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.
4 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
MyAnimeList: 7.89 (Season 1)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
- Japanese Title
- JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken
- Release Date
- October 6, 2012
- Studio
- David Production
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Hirohiko Araki
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.
5 Banana Fish
MyAnimeList: 8.48
Banana Fish
- Release Date
- July 6, 2018
- Studio
- MAPPA
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Akimi Yoshida
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.
6 Ghost In The Shell
MyAnimeList: 8.27
Ghost in the Shell
- Release Date
- December 8, 1995
- Studio
- Production I.G
- Based On
- Manga by Masamune Shirow
One of the most influential anime movies of all time, Ghost in the Shell served as a gateway into the industry for many people. While fairly light on story, the 1995 film is a tour-de-force of atmosphere, animation, and sound design, all of which combine to create a one-of-a-kind package that has stood the test of time.
6 Best Villains In The Ghost In The Shell Franchise, Ranked
Several great villains have been featured throughout the Ghost in the Shell franchise. These examples tend to stand out.
Narratively, Ghost in the Shell can be summarized as a murder mystery set in a cyberpunk world where people's consciousness can be transferred into cybernetic bodies; alternatively, they can replace specific body parts. Public Security Section 9 is a specialized unit that deals with cyberattacks, and they find themselves chasing down the Puppet Master. Touching upon classic sci-fi themes like identity and technological progress, Ghost in the Shell is a smartly written think piece that makes every second count.
7 Land Of The Lustrous
MyAnimeList: 8.39
Land of the Lustrous
- Japanese Title
- Houseki no Kuni
- Release Date
- October 7, 2017
- Studio
- Orange
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Haruko Ichikawa
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 a simultaneously beautiful and disconcerting otherworldly aesthetic.
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, well-written characters, and plenty of emotionally exhausting moments.
8 Princess Principal
MyAnimeList: 7.68
Princess Principal
- Release Date
- July 9, 2017
- Studio
- Actas, Studio 3Hz
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.
9 Made In Abyss
MyAnimeList: 8.66 (Season 1)
Made in Abyss
- Release Date
- July 7, 2017
- Studio
- Kinema Citrus
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Akihito Tsukushi
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.
Unfortunately, Made in Abyss season 2 is not available on Amazon Prime Video.
10 Ghost Stories
MyAnimeList: 7.74
Ghost Stories
- Japanese Title
- Gakkou no Kaidan
- Release Date
- October 22, 2000
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Based On
- Children's Novels
- Creator
- Tōru Tsunemitsu
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.
11 Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
MyAnimeList: 7.94
Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
- Japanese Title
- Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
- Release Date
- April 13, 2018
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Fujita
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.
10 Hilarious Comedy Manga That Have No Anime
Looking for a good laugh? Then check out these fantasy comedy manga, all of which have no anime adaptations.
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.
12 Tomorrow's Joe 2
MyAnimeList: 8.72
Tomorrow's Joe 2
- Japanese Title
- Ashita no Joe 2
- Release Date
- October 13, 1980
- Studio
- TMS Entertainment
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Asao Takamori
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.
13 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.
The Best Anime You Can Watch For Free On YouTube
YouTube has tons of great anime content available. Luckily, there's also a ton of great free anime available to fans on the platform.
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.
14 InuYasha
MyAnimeList: 7.86
Inuyasha (2000)
- Release Date
- October 16, 2000
- Studio
- Sunrise
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Rumiko Takahashi
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.
15 Toradora!
MyAnimeList: 8.07
Toradora! (2008)
- Release Date
- October 2, 2008
- Studio
- J.C.Staff
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Yuyuko Takemiya
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.
18 Most Underrated Romance Anime
Some of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking romance anime have flown under the radar. Fans of the genre should check out these underrated gems.
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.
16 Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
MyAnimeList: 8.05
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
- Japanese Title
- Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi
- Release Date
- October 8, 2006
- Studio
- TMS Entertainment, Brain's Base
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Syun Matsuena
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.
17 Dororo
MyAnimeList: 8.25
Dororo (2019)
- Release Date
- January 7, 2019
- Studio
- Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Osamu Tezuka
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.
The Best Samurai Anime, Ranked
There have been some great Samurai Anime over the years. Here's a look at some of the best.
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.
18 Girls' Last Tour
MyAnimeList: 8.21
Girls' Last Tour
- Japanese Title
- Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou
- Release Date
- October 6, 2017
- Studio
- White Fox
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Tsukumizu
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. Girls' Last Tour is a bizarre, beautiful, and haunting slice of life story that is completely unlike anything else in the genre.
19 Elfen Lied
MyAnimeList: 7.48
Elfen Lied
- Release Date
- July 25, 2004
- Studio
- Arms
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Lynn Okamoto
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.
20 Honey And Clover
MyAnimeList: 8 (Season 1)
Honey and Clover (2005)
- Japanese Title
- Hachimitsu to Clover
- Release Date
- April 15, 2005
- Studio
- J.C.Staff
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Chica Umino
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.