Pluto TV has officially joined the ranks of streamers hosting anime content, and we’re here to share the best TV titles on its schedule.
Anime has become increasingly accessible since the days when viewers had to resort to outdated, buggy streaming sites just to satisfy their Japanese animation cravings. And now that American streamers like Netflix and Hulu have caught the wave led by Crunchyroll, other platforms have opened their libraries to include the popular genre. That’s where Pluto TV enters the fray.
Here are the 10 best anime series on Pluto TV right now.
“Speed Racer”
Outside of “Pokémon,” this was probably the first anime you were ever introduced to, and you probably didn’t even know it was anime when you tuned in weekly to catch the 18-year-old race car driver who hit the pavement in his Mach 5. And that’s literally what the series is. Viewers watch Speed Racer as he competes in various racing competitions in the hopes of one day becoming the best race car driver in the world.
“Inuyasha”
In feudal Japan, half-demon, half-human Inuyasha awakens from a 50-year slumber after a shrine priestess named Kikyo—who also happens to be the love of his life—shoots him with an arrow that places him under a spell after she is tricked into believing Inuyasha attacked her. Five decades later, modern-day high school student Kagome frees Inuyasha from his prison, and the two embark on a journey with their friends to find the culprit behind the scheme. The series was adapted from the manga series of the same name. It was written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, and the anime premiered on October 16, 2000.
“Naruto”
Naruto is recognized as one of the best-selling manga series in history, selling 250 million copies worldwide. It makes perfect sense that it was adapted into a series, which premiered on October 3, 2002. “Naruto” is written and illustrated by its creator, Masashi Kishimoto, and follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks the admiration and praise of his peers.
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”
Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” was adapted into an anime series 34 years after its manga predecessor. The series follows the Joestar family as they explore a vast array of powers that they must use to defeat supernatural foes.
“Hunter x Hunter”
In this fun adventure series, audiences follow the journey of Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers that his long-lost father is a world-renowned hunter. Gon Freecss sets out on a quest to become an elite hunter, and along the way, he hopes to find his father.
“One piece”
Inspired by his childhood hero, Red-Haired Rods—one of the greatest pirates of all time—Monkey D. Luffy sets sail on a journey to find the mythical treasure called One Piece. Monkey D. Luffy, who is made entirely of rubber, wants to claim the single piece for himself so he can be known as the King of the Pirates. The series, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, premiered on October 20, 1999.
“Sailor Moon”
Growing up, viewers probably never realized that one of their first introductions to Japanese animation was the universally popular series “Sailor Moon.” The show tells the story of a teenage girl who uses her magical powers to fight evil and protect Earth and the galaxy alongside her fellow Scouts. Like its series, the manga—from which the show was adapted—is equally supported as one of the most popular manga series. “Sailor Moon” was written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi, and the show premiered on November 30, 1994.
“Yu-gi-oh!”
Pluto TV has another series that will trigger nostalgia, especially for millennials. The series follows a shy high school student named Yugi Moto, whose grandfather gives him pieces of an Egyptian artifact called the Millennium Puzzle. That’s when he suddenly possesses a 3,000-year-old spirit who loves to fight people with a trading card that summons monsters.
“Ranma 1/2”
“Ranma 1/2” was adapted from Rumiko Takahashi’s manga of the same name, and Netflix remade the 1989 anime and released the series this year. The show revolves around a teenage boy named Ranma, a trained martial artist. However, he succumbs to a curse that transforms him into a girl whenever he is splashed with cold water.
“Death Note”
Imagine being able to kill someone simply by writing their name in a book. That’s pretty much the essence of the popular one-season anime, “Death Note.” Besides its creepy world and plot, this would also make a great beginner anime. The series was adapted from its manga, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.
“Death Note” centers on genius Light Yagami, who discovers a mysterious notebook called “Death Note,” which used to belong to a deity named Ryuk. Although the show is only 37 episodes long, it makes for a fast-paced and terrifying watch, providing viewers with uniquely designed characters, a dark and adventurous storyline, and crisp animation. Additionally, Tetsurō Araki, director of the first three seasons of “Ant on Titan,” helmed the full season of “Death Note.”
