Netflix has become a major player in the global entertainment industry, known for pushing boundaries with its diverse offerings. One area it has notably ventured into is anime. But here’s the burning question: Is Netflix original anime really "anime"? This topic sparks debate among hardcore anime fans, casual viewers, and even creators. Some see it as a natural evolution of the art form, while others argue it’s something else entirely. So, let’s dive into what defines anime, where Netflix fits in, and whether its “originals” can stand up to the real deal.
What Defines "Anime"?
To tackle the question, we first need to clarify what anime is. At its core, anime refers to animated works produced in Japan. It encompasses a wide variety of genres, from action-packed shonen like "Naruto" to psychological thrillers like "Death Note". The artistic style—large eyes, vibrant colors, and expressive characters—immediately distinguishes it from Western animation. More importantly, anime often reflects elements of Japanese culture, society, and storytelling that have helped it carve a niche worldwide.
However, in recent years, the lines between Japanese anime and global animation have blurred. Anime has exploded beyond its cultural roots, with creators and fans from all over the world contributing to its growing popularity. Platforms like Crunchyroll, what was FUNimation until Crunchyroll swallowed them whole, and Netflix have played massive roles in this globalization. But does that make any animation produced by or for Netflix, labeled as "anime," truly part of the anime canon? Let’s unpack it.
Netflix's Role in Anime’s Global Expansion
Netflix entered the anime scene with a bang, offering an expanding library of both licensed anime and what it dubs “Netflix original anime.” Shows like "Castlevania", "Baki", "Beastars", and "Devilman Crybaby" have found global fanbases through the streaming giant. With the accessibility Netflix provides, anime is no longer a niche hobby. It’s mainstream. For many fans, Netflix is their first exposure to anime, and for some, it’s their only source of content.
According to a report by Netflix, over half of its global subscribers watched some form of anime in 2022. The company has invested heavily in this genre, commissioning both Japanese studios and non-Japanese creators to bring anime to a wider audience. Netflix has partnered with leading Japanese animation studios like MAPPA and Production I.G., but it’s also worked with Western creators on series like "Castlevania" and "Blood of Zeus".
But herein lies the issue: Does the involvement of non-Japanese creators and studios dilute the authenticity of Netflix’s so-called “anime”? Can a series like "Castlevania", an American production heavily inspired by Japanese anime, truly be considered anime?
The Purist Perspective: No, It's Not "Real" Anime
For anime purists, the answer is a resounding no. Many fans and critics argue that anime is a cultural product tied to Japan. They see Netflix’s “original anime” as, at best, inspired by anime, but not genuine. According to this view, anime isn’t just a style of animation; it’s an entire cultural phenomenon rooted in Japanese history, language, and societal norms. To be an anime, the argument goes, a show must be created by Japanese studios for Japanese audiences, regardless of how global the audience may be now.
The purist perspective is grounded in the belief that anime is intrinsically linked to Japan’s unique culture and storytelling traditions. From the influence of Shinto mythology in "Spirited Away" to the high school dramas steeped in Japanese societal expectations, anime reflects a distinctly Japanese worldview. For many fans, anime that doesn’t capture these elements simply can’t be considered part of the same tradition.
Even the production process is an argument purists make. The animation industry in Japan operates differently from Western studios, with a focus on hand-drawn animation and a production cycle that is both rigorous and unique. Shows like "Attack on Titan" or "My Hero Academia" take years to develop, often with meticulous detail to their source manga, whereas Netflix originals can sometimes feel like they skip these cultural steps.
The Globalist Perspective: Anime is Evolving
On the flip side, there’s a growing belief that anime has evolved beyond the borders of Japan. After all, art forms evolve over time, and it would be limiting to say anime must adhere to rigid national definitions. Supporters of Netflix original anime argue that as long as the work adheres to anime’s visual and narrative styles, it qualifies.
They point out that even Japanese anime isn’t a monolith; it borrows from Western storytelling techniques, pop culture, and global mythologies. Shows like *Cowboy Bebop* were heavily influenced by Western sci-fi and film noir, while *Samurai Champloo* was a mashup of Japanese samurai culture and American hip-hop. If anime can incorporate non-Japanese elements, why can’t non-Japanese creators also contribute to the genre?
From a practical standpoint, Netflix’s involvement has been a massive win for the anime industry. The financial investment, broader distribution, and exposure to new audiences have given a much-needed boost to many Japanese studios. A series like "Devilman Crybaby" or "Dorohedoro", produced in Japan but distributed by Netflix, has achieved global success precisely because of Netflix’s reach.
Moreover, younger generations of anime fans don’t necessarily care about the country of origin as much as the storytelling and art. For them, the medium itself is evolving, and the globalization of anime only strengthens its appeal.
Netflix Original Anime: The Best of Both Worlds?
It’s also worth noting that many of Netflix’s original anime are co-productions. Take "Beastars" or "Devilman Crybaby", for instance—both produced by well-known Japanese studios. These shows are marketed as Netflix originals because Netflix holds global distribution rights, but they are created with all the hallmarks of Japanese anime. In such cases, the “original” tag becomes more of a marketing term than a true indicator of creative origin.
Then there’s the case of Netflix collaborating with international studios on shows like "Blood of Zeus" or "The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf". These are clearly influenced by Japanese anime aesthetics but don’t follow the traditional paths of anime production. They appeal to both anime fans and Western audiences, showing that anime’s influence has grown far beyond Japan.
In some ways, Netflix's original anime could be seen as a hybrid: blending the best of anime’s traditional roots with the broader storytelling techniques of the global animation industry. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. It could lead to the creation of a new, globally conscious art form that expands the definition of anime itself.
The Future of Anime: Does It Need to be Japanese?
As the anime industry continues to globalize, the definition of what qualifies as anime may become even more fluid. Netflix has shown that anime can be a global product, with international creators contributing their own stories to the mix. Whether or not purists accept this shift, the numbers don’t lie: Netflix’s anime strategy is working, and the genre’s global appeal continues to rise.
The real question might not be whether Netflix's original anime is "anime," but whether the concept of anime should remain limited to its Japanese origins. If anything, Netflix is helping to usher anime into a new era—one where it can continue to grow, diversify, and evolve without losing what made it special in the first place.
Conclusion: Where Do You Stand?
So, is Netflix's original anime actually anime? The answer, like much in the world of art, is subjective. For purists, it may never feel authentic, rooted as it is in a different production process and cultural context. For globalists, it represents the natural evolution of a genre-breaking free of national boundaries. Regardless of where you stand, one thing is clear: Netflix has fundamentally changed how anime is created, distributed, and consumed.
But what do you think? Does Netflix deserve to be considered a legitimate player in the anime world, or is its "original anime" missing the cultural core that makes anime what it is? Let's keep the conversation going!
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