10 noteworthy anime series to stream, whether youre a longtime fan or first-time viewer

With that in mind, we've put together this list of TV series that you can stream right now. Like the genre, which ranges from tales of vampire hunters to detective sagas, we've included a little something for everyone.

- "Cowboy Bebop" (1998)

This beloved series - part noir, part space Western - follows a team of intergalactic bounty hunters. "Cowboy Bebop" was the first anime to ever air on Adult Swim back in 2001, and it's a great series to watch if you're unfamiliar with the genre. It's also highly regarded for its sardonic sense of humor and jazz-infused soundtrack (which features one of the best theme songs in television).

Netflix is set to release a live-action version starring John Cho as protagonist Spike Spiegel later this year. (Streams on Hulu)

Also consider: "Trigun," a 1998 series that doubles down on the space Western theme. (Streams on Hulu)

- "Yasuke" (2021)

Oscar nominee LaKeith Stanfield voices the lead character of this series, which is based on historical accounts of an African man who lived in 16th century Japan. It's got a lot of other stuff going on, which - as more than a few reviews noted - doesn't always serve the story well. But it's visually stunning and features an expansive electronic score by DJ Flying Lotus, who is also an executive producer on the show alongside Stanfield and series creator LeSean Thomas, a Tokyo-based animator (and New York native) whose previous credits include "The Boondocks" and "The Legend of Korra." (Streams on Netflix)

Also consider: "Afro Samurai," the 2007 miniseries influenced by hip-hop culture and featuring music by RZA of Wu-Tang Clan fame, along with the unmistakable voice of Samuel L. Jackson. (Streams on Hulu)

- "Claymore" (2007)

Based on a manga by Norihiro Yagi, this dark fantasy series follows warriors who are half human, half demon and charged with killing their fully demon counterparts, the most powerful of which can shape-shift into humans. Got that? Most of the action takes place from the perspective of the show's wounded protagonist, Clare, who is driven by her painful past. (Streams on Hulu)

Also consider: "Inuyasha," the 2000 series based on a manga by Rumiko Takahashi, in which a teenage girl is transported to feudal Japan, where she finds herself on a mission with the titular Inuyasha: half man, half dog demon. (Streams on Netflix and HBO Max)

- "Case Closed" (1996)

An astute high school detective crosses paths with a group of criminals and ends up in the body of a young boy in this series, known as "Detective Conan" outside of the United States. The long-running show earned the (faux) ire of Conan O'Brien after the late-night host discovered the child protagonist outranked him on Google in Japan. It's so popular, O'Brien discovered, that there is actually a town named after the fictional character - and, of course, Team Coco visited it. (Streams on Crunchyroll)

Also consider: "Lupin III," the franchise that began in 1971, which follows the grandson of the same gentleman burglar who inspired the popular French-language series. (Streams on Crunchyroll)

- "Castlevania" (2017)

Technically anime-inspired since it was produced outside of Japan, "Castlevania's" English-speaking cast includes Richard Armitage ("The Stranger") and Lance Reddick ("The Wire"). In this Netflix original, which is based on the popular Nintendo franchise of the same name, a vampire hunter resolves to protect his city from Dracula's deadly rage. It's dark, gory and bold in a way that now-adult fans of the "Castlevania" video games will appreciate. It also offers a unique take on the classic Dracula story across four seasons, the last of which debuted in May. (Streams on Netflix)

Also consider: "Hellsing," the 2001 series that revolves around the storied Van Helsing family and their servant Alucard (that's for all you anagram lovers). (Streams on Hulu)

- "Dr. Stone" (2019)

A teenage scientific genius awakens to a world in which nearly all human life has been petrified. Senku, aided by friends who eventually join him in an awakened state, sets off to uncover what happened - and how to undo it. "Dr. Stone" is serious about its science as Senku attempts to advance the world from a Stone Age to modern civilization. (Streams on HBO Max and Crunchyroll)

Also consider: "Fullmetal Alchemist," a 2003 classic with more fantastical scientific leanings. (Streams on Netflix)

- "Naruto" (2002)

This kid-friendly franchise begins with the tale of a young, orphaned ninja who longs to be accepted by the village he hopes to lead one day. Subsequent installments further explore Naruto's destiny, along with those of his closest friends. (Streams on Netflix and Hulu)

Also consider: "One Piece," an ongoing series that began its run in 1999, which similarly revolves around a young boy with big ambitions. (Streams on Netflix, Hulu and Crunchyroll)

- "Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!" (2020)

This bubbly series follows three driven high school girls who create an anime club - though not without opposition - and embark on creating their own animated universe. It's a fun, creatively told story that's particularly illuminating when it comes to the animation process. The New York Times named "Eizouken" one of the best TV shows of 2020. (Streams on HBO Max and Crunchyroll)

Also consider: "My Hero Academia" from 2016, which puts a clever spin on the high school setting. (Streams on Hulu and Crunchyroll)

- "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (1995)

Fans of this classic anime rejoiced when it arrived on Netflix in 2019, after years of being virtually impossible to find in the United States. But the celebration was couched in caution because "Evangelion" is emotionally heavy stuff.

"Yes, it was another show about teenagers in big humanoid robots saving the world," The Washington Post's Gene Park wrote. "But it was also an audacious, brutal mosaic of depressed kids and adults with severe abandonment issues and debilitating existential crises. For myself and many young viewers in the '90s, it awakened awareness of our depression and childhood trauma." (Streams on Netflix)

Also consider: "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," the 2009 series which similarly pairs its action with exploration of pain and grief. (Streams on Hulu and HBO Max)

- "The Seven Deadly Sins" (2014)

This fantasy series revolves around a band of powerful knights charged with restoring order to an ancient kingdom from which they were once expelled. The show - one part of a franchise that includes films, video games and, of course, manga - is currently on its fifth installment; "The Seven Deadly Sins: Dragon's Judgment" was released last month. (Streams on Netflix)

Also consider: "Dragon Ball" from 1986, the first anime in a pioneering and wildly popular franchise geared toward a similar demographic. (Streams on Hulu)