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5 Unique Netflix Original Animated Series to Binge-Watch

From kid-friendly fantasy to adult-oriented sci-fi, we list 5 of the most exquisite animated series worth watching on the streaming provider.

By Marguerita TanPublished 5 years ago 4 min read
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The Dragon Prince - A gorgeously illustrated Netflix Original animated series that boasts a compelling storyline and captivating characters. [Credit: Netflix]

If you are an animation fan, Netflix is a great place to search for a variety of animated shows, be it films or TV series, box office hits or Japanese anime. Furthermore, the streaming provider’s very own notable pool of original animated series are often quality and entertaining productions.

Original animated shows commissioned by Netflix include Emmy-nominated adult comedies such as BoJack Horseman and Big Mouth, to popular kid-friendly series including The Magic School Bus Rides Again and Kulipari: An Army of Frogs.

Many Netflix original animated series made their debut this year and a few proved to be so popular that they were quickly renewed for another season. Meanwhile, standout series that premiered a year or two earlier continue to show that they are still heads and shoulders above the rest.

Unique and compelling in their own distinctive way, here are five of Netflix’s relatively recent original animated series that are worth binge-watching.

1. ‘The Dragon Prince’ – Gorgeously Designed Medieval Fantasy Saga

The Dragon Prince [Credit: Netflix]

In a world where humans, elves and dragons don’t get along, two human princes and an elfin assassin take it upon themselves to bring peace between their warring lands after discovering the revered egg of the titular dragon prince. Gorgeously illustrated with an intriguing plot line and a diverse array of captivating characters, The Dragon Prince is an absorbing tale filled with enthralling action, humor and charm. Although Season 2 was draggy at parts compared to Season 1 (both with nine episodes), the fantasy series is easily one of the best animated series on TV right now. Created by Aaron Ehasz (Avatar: The Last Airbender) and Justin Richmond (Uncharted), Season 3 is currently in production and if all goes well, The Dragon Prince is targeted for a seven-season arc.

2. ‘Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia’ – The First of Guillermo del Toro's Animated Trilogy

Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia [Credit: Netflix]

Created by renowned director Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water), Trollhunters’ three-season, 52-episode run has ended, so if you haven’t watch this acclaimed Emmy-winning series yet, now is a good time to binge-watch it. The modern-day fantasy adventure series follows teenager Jim who finds a magic amulet that appoints him as a Trollhunter. Together with best friend Toby and girlfriend Claire, he commits to protecting good trolls and humans alike from demons and evil trolls. Filled with fun action and appealing characters, the series also feature stellar voice talents such as the late Anton Yelchin (in one of his final performances), Kelsey Grammer, and my personal favorite, Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey as evil witch Morgana in Season 3. Trollhunters is part of del Toro’s Tales of Arcadia animated trilogy for Netflix that includes 3Below (Season 2 currently running) and the upcoming Wizards.

3. ‘Love, Death & Robots’ – Amazing Showcase of Different Animation Styles and Storytelling

Love, Death & Robots - "Three Robots" [Credit: Netflix]

This ambitious adult-oriented animated series by David Fincher and Tim Miller features 18 standalone episodes showcasing a wide range of animation styles, and covering genres including sci-fi, horror, fantasy and comedy. All under 20 minutes long, some episodes are instantly enjoyable such as the hilarious "Three Robots," artistically avant garde like "Zima Blue," or super intense like "Suits" and "The Secret War" (hard-to-kill aliens are often the reason why).

Love, Death & Robots - "The Witness" [Credit: Netflix]

Most are also NSFW, of which one of these is The Witness, which follows a stripper who witnesses a murder and is pursued frantically by the killer through the streets of Hong Kong. The intriguing episode, which amazingly does not use any live action elements at all but real hand animation, nabbed an Emmy nod for outstanding short form animated program. A second season of Love, Death & Robots has been green-lighted, which is nothing but good news for animation buffs.

4. ‘The Hollow’ – Adventure Mystery With Refreshing Original Premise

The Hollow [Credit: Netflix]

Favorable reviews led me to check out this 10-episode Canadian adventure mystery series which follows three teenage strangers Adam, Mira and Kai who find themselves mysteriously plonked in various perilous situations and have to work together in order to survive. Its unique premise with loads of fun scenarios, in which the trio meets up with minotaurs, zombies and various monsters, keeps the viewer hooked, although the plot line does sag a little in one or two episodes. Still, if you areSPOILER ALERTfamiliar with VR escape rooms, it won’t take you long to work out just how it will turn out in the finale. Season 2 for The Hollow has been secured and is scheduled for 2020.

5. ‘Ultraman’ – A Brand New Take On An Iconic Japanese Superhero

Ultraman [Credit: Netflix]

For someone who adores the iconic (albeit cheesy) 1966 live-action TV series of Ultraman, Netflix’s unique take on the legendary Japanese superhero took a while to get used to. For starters, the story picks up 12 years later which sees the original Ultraman handing the mantle over to his teenage son, Shinjiro, who is not exactly excited having to defend Earth against bloodthirsty aliens. Then, clad in an Iron-Man-like armor suit, the new Ultraman only appears human-sizedand not skyscraper-tallwhen taking on equally sized monsters. The plodding pace of the 13-episode series also leaves much to be desired.

What saves the show are the well-choreographed fight sequences that are truly thrilling to watch, complete with Ultraman’s signature moves. Shinjiro’s rivalry with two other potential Ultraman candidates also adds much drama, while his infatuation with a kawaii pop star provides light moments. Ultraman is not overly brilliant, but it’s still a decent introduction to a brand new Ultraman in animated form. Here's hoping Season 2’s pacing will be more chop-chop!

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About the Creator

Marguerita Tan

A freelance writer who loves God, movies, music and TV; esp Star Wars, Animation/Anime, GOT, The Wheel of Time, and anything that's entertaining! X/Threads/ISG: @marfield49

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