14 Best TV-MA Anime Series on Netflix

The entertainment landscape is evolving quickly, but anime has become a firm favorite for many. What was once a specialized interest is now incredibly popular, captivating audiences with its beautiful visuals, smart stories, and unique imagination. Thanks to streaming services like Netflix, it’s also easier to watch than ever before.

I’m a huge anime fan, and while I love all kinds of stories, some of the most powerful ones are definitely the more mature, R-rated series. These shows aren’t afraid to tackle really complex themes and can be incredibly intense, with amazing visuals and a dark, gripping atmosphere. Honestly, they really stick with you. Netflix has a surprisingly good collection of these kinds of anime, and I’ve put together a list of 10 that I think are absolutely outstanding.

‘Sakamoto Days’ (2025)

Taro Sakamoto used to be the world’s most dangerous hitman, but he gave up that life when he found love and started a family. Now, he’s a gentle, slightly overweight convenience store owner enjoying a peaceful life with his wife and daughter. However, his past catches up with him when a price is put on his head, forcing him to return to action. This time, though, he’s determined not to kill anyone.

Deadly Past, Domestic Present

Sakamoto Days is an exciting mix of comedy, action, and heartfelt scenes, presented with a cool, retro art style that feels both new and familiar. While it’s rated for mature audiences due to its violence, it’s more over-the-top and cartoonish than gritty or realistic – think exploding food and plenty of action without a lot of gore. The show really shines with its unique blend of humor and seriousness, its engaging characters, and its clever take on the classic ‘retired hero’ story.

‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ (2023)

Okay, so I just finished watching Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and it’s brilliantly twisted! The main character, Akira Tendo, finds out there’s a zombie apocalypse, and honestly? He’s thrilled! Seriously, after being completely worn down by a terrible job, he wakes up to zombies and feels *liberated*. No more awful bosses or crushing deadlines, just a chaotic city and a list of 100 things he wants to do before… well, before he potentially becomes one of them. It’s such a clever take on the genre.

A Refreshing Take on the Zombie Genre

This anime is unique within the zombie genre because it quickly shifts between hilarious comedy and genuinely disturbing gore. While it doesn’t hold back on showing gruesome injuries and decaying bodies, it also offers a surprisingly hopeful look at dealing with exhaustion and finding your value, making it particularly meaningful today. Directed by Kazuki Kawagoe and animated by Bug Films, it became a popular hit in 2023 thanks to its emotionally releasing and almost healing quality.

‘Beastars’ (2013)

Beastars takes place in a world populated by animals with human characteristics. The story unfolds at Cherryton Academy, where a murder sparks fear and reveals underlying conflicts within the animal community. When a herbivore student is killed, suspicion falls on everyone. At the heart of the drama is Legoshi, a kind-hearted gray wolf, who develops a connection with Haru, a dwarf rabbit who is often judged for her lifestyle.

Coming-of-Age Story With Claws

Despite featuring animals, *Beastars* is fundamentally a story about the human experience, presented in a strikingly realistic and dreamlike way. It tackles mature themes with honesty, openly addressing topics like violence, sexuality, and self-discovery. While not exploitative, the show is thought-provoking, using animal characters to examine issues like societal expectations and the pressures of conformity. It’s a challenging watch, and best suited for those already familiar with anime, but remains a bold and original series from Netflix.

‘Kengan Ashura’ (2019)

Kengen Ashura is set in the cutthroat world of Japanese corporations, where conflicts are resolved not through negotiations, but in violent, hidden fighting arenas. The story follows Ohma Tokita, a skilled fighter known as “Ashura,” who is hired by a major company to compete in the Kengan Annihilation Tournament. As he fights increasingly tough opponents, secrets from his past are revealed, showing he’s driven by a deep personal grudge.

Corporate Carnage and a Display of Muscles

As a huge action anime fan, I was completely blown away by this series! It’s just packed with incredible fights, intense energy, and even some surprisingly emotional flashbacks. Forget everything else – this anime *lives* for the combat, and it delivers it in a raw, unfiltered way. What really grabbed me, though, was how it didn’t just show the fights, but explored *why* these characters were fighting – their motivations are seriously messed up, and that’s where the story really shines. The animation, done by Larx Entertainment, isn’t for everyone – it’s a bit different – but I think it looks fantastic, and it’s definitely gained a dedicated following for a reason.

‘Terminator Zero’ (2024)

Terminator Zero takes place within the world of the Terminator franchise, originally created by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd. The story is set in Tokyo, Japan in 1997 and follows Malcolm Lee, a scientist working on an artificial intelligence that could compete with Skynet. As the date of Judgement Day nears, Lee is hunted by a Terminator – a dangerous, rogue assassin. Eiko, a soldier from the future (2022), is tasked with protecting Lee and his family.

Relentless Action and Thought-Provoking Themes

Similar to the earlier *Terminator* films, *Terminator Zero* immediately puts its hero in the middle of a major war, forcing him to choose between joining the fight to save humanity or focusing on protecting his own family. However, this new version is a complex and thought-provoking science fiction story that makes audiences question what’s real and what it means to be conscious. Its dark, futuristic style and intense violence add to the film’s grim story.

‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023)

Created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green for Netflix, Blue Eye Samurai is set in feudal Japan, a time defined by honor and duty. Mizu, born with unusual blue eyes and of mixed Japanese heritage, experienced intense discrimination that hardened her. Now, she disguises herself as a boy and embarks on a quest for revenge against four white men.

Combines History, Politics, and Samurai Action

Blue Eye Samurai is a stunning anime that deserves wider recognition. It’s a captivating historical drama with beautifully animated and expertly choreographed fight scenes. The show features complex, well-developed characters – particularly Mizu, her devoted admirer Ringo (a male cook), and her mentor, Master Eiji (affectionately called Swordfather). It’s a truly immersive experience and highly recommended for fans of mature anime.

‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)

I’m completely hooked on *Dorohedoro*! It’s based on a fantastic manga, and the story takes place in this crazy world broken into three parts: Hole, the Sorcerers’ realm, and even Hell. It all kicks off when this guy, Caiman, gets turned into a lizard-headed dude with no memory by a sorcerer. Now, he and his friend Nikaido are on this wild journey to figure out who he *was* and get some payback. It’s a really intense and exciting story!

Dark Fantasy with Twisted Humor

Dorohedoro is a visually striking anime set in a bizarre and brutal city. It uses supernatural horror to examine what it means to be human. The anime doesn’t shy away from violence, strong language, or mature themes like identity and power, which is why it’s rated for mature audiences. Critics love Dorohedoro, giving it a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and highlighting its unique blend of mystery, over-the-top action, and dark humor.

‘Baki’ (2018)

Baki plunges you into the intense world of underground martial arts, filled with incredibly strong fighters competing to be the best. The story follows Baki Hanma, a dedicated young fighter determined to become stronger than his father, Yujiro Hanma – considered the most powerful being on Earth. To achieve this, Baki must overcome a series of increasingly dangerous opponents in high-stakes, life-or-death tournaments.

Graphic and Violent Martial Arts Masterpiece

Let me tell you, *Baki* doesn’t pull any punches – it’s incredibly violent right from the start. The whole series revolves around brutal training, no-rules fights, and a protagonist constantly battling to live up to a dangerous family history. What really grabbed me, though, was how *Baki* glorifies bare-knuckle fighting. The animation is fantastic; you genuinely *feel* the impact of every blow. Honestly, whether you’re already a fan or completely new to the genre, *Baki* is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for a seriously intense, R-rated anime experience.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

This anime, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, is based on the world of the video game Cyberpunk 2077 and takes place a year before the game’s story. It centers around David Martinez, a young man struggling to survive in a city dominated by technology. After a devastating event, he becomes an “Edgerunner”—a mercenary who uses cybernetic enhancements to get by.

Breathtaking Visuals and Immersive Storytelling

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a standout series. Set in the futuristic, visually striking city of Night City, it quickly throws its main character into a dangerous criminal world where they must build relationships and confront rivals. The story is both fast-paced and deeply emotional, immediately grabbing your attention. Its intense action and mature themes fully justify its rating and have earned it a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

Devilman Crybaby follows Akira Fudo, a gentle teenager, who discovers the boundary between demons and humans is fading. To prevent a coming disaster, he fuses with a demon, becoming Devilman. However, this transformation, while granting him demonic power, gradually erodes his compassion for humanity. Akira is then forced to fight evil while struggling to hold onto his own humanity.

Bold and Emotionally Devastating

This anime is based on Go Nagai’s manga, *Devilman*, and is well-known for its bold storytelling. It explores complex questions about morality and what it means to be human. The series doesn’t shy away from mature themes and intense violence, creating a uniquely complex and compelling story. The characters, especially Akira and Ryo Asuka, are realistically flawed, making them relatable and adding depth to the narrative.

2025-10-16 03:37