News

Beastars is coming to an end in 2025.

The anime TV series is airing Part 2 of its final season on Netflix sometime this year, with Part 1 already available on the streamer.

Here’s a synopsis, via Animation Magazine: “The youth drama is set in a world where carnivores and herbivores coexist, in which a troubled young gray wolf, Legoshi (Chikahiro Kobayashi), grows up while struggling with the differences between the species. Legoshi, a high school student, was troubled as he was not sure whether his feelings for his first love, the dwarf rabbit Haru (Sayaka Senbongi), were love or appetite, but after going through various experiences, he has accepted himself as a carnivore and now wants to ‘become stronger’ in order to protect Haru and the herbivores.”

Keep reading to find out more…

“In the final season, Legoshi leaves school for a certain reason and goes out into society to start a new life.

Fans of the hit shonen anime and manga franchise Fire Force are having an excellent year so far, with a long string of good news announcements that don't seem to be slowing down. Following the debut announcement of the streaming release date for Season 3, Fire Force fans were also treated to an announcement regarding availability, with Hulu picking up the series in addition to Crunchyroll.

Less than a week after this announcement, Netflix has announced that it will also be streaming the third season of Fire Force, giving fans several different services to watch on. The announcement arrived via the official Netflix Anime X (formerly Twitter) account, with a post showing a highlight reel of several notable 2025 anime releases that will be available for streaming on the platform. Many of the series listed in the post are well-known quantities for Netflix already, such as the fantasy series My Happy Marriage,...

Who doesn’t love a good fantasy? And if it is as well animated and rich in lore as Netflix’s latest eight-episode series, Wolf King, then all the better. Adapted from the fantasy horror Wereworld series written by Curtis Jobling, Netflix’s Wolf King is a dark, visually expressive, and well-written animated venture that adds to the streaming service’s recent success in the medium. While the central plotline follows the same old classic trope of the ‘rightful heir to the throne’ narrative, the inclusion of varied werecreatures to form its own mythos surely makes the show feel unique to some extent. A minor gripe will be how, unlike Netflix’s best releases in the animation medium, like Castlevania, The Dragon King, Beastars, and Hilda, this latest addition isn’t as willing to explore themes of political intrigue and identity despite the premise providing ample opportunity to do so.

Fans of Trigun Stampede will surely be thrilled to learn that the next season, titled Trigun Stargaze, finally has a release window, and will be debuting in 2026. The news comes as the series approaches its 2-year anniversary of airing.

Trigun Stargaze is being produced by Studio Orange, much like the first season, who are well known for their work on Beastars and other series. The announcement was accompanied by a poster, depicting the heavily scarred Vash standing with a gun, the entire image colored in only red and black. Stargaze was also announced to be receiving a new director, Masako Sato, who is known for his work on Haikyuu season 4 and at Studio Ghibli.

Trigun Stargaze Teases a Bloody New Version of Vash Vash the Stampede Carries a Lot On His Conscience "Trigun Stampede" Sequel Anime "Trigun Stargaze" Officially Confirmed For 2026!New Director Masako SatoAnimation Studio: ORANGEInfo Via Entax: https://t.

Ahead of a planned Fall 2025 release, the official anime website and accounts for With You, Our Love Will Make It Through today unveiled the romance series' first teaser trailer, along with a character visual, additional cast and production staff details. With You, Our Love Will Make It Through Teaser Trailer With You, Our Love Will Make It Through 's confirmed cast is as follows: Mari voiced by Manaka Iwami (Akane in Oshi no Ko ) Tsunagu voiced by Takuya Eguchi (Loid in Spy x Family ) Yukihiro voiced by Kotaro Nishiyama (Kentaro in My New Boss is Goofy ) Related: With You, Our Love Will Make It Through TV Anime Slated for Fall 2025 Based on the manga by Chihiro Yuziki, Shin Itagaki serves as director and series composer for the With You, Our Love Will Make It Through anime at studio Millepensee, with Hiromi Kimura alongside as co-director and character designer. Additional staff...

Beastars author Paru Itagaki's Sanda manga is getting an anime adaptation from Science Saru, and we'll be able to read the source material in English later this year. Titan Manga announced plans in an exclusive reveal over at Anime News Network , revealing that the first volume is scheduled to launch in English on September 2. Volume 2 will follow on November 18. Sanda by Paru Itagaki September 2, 2025 Synopsis: In a near-future Japan, Christmas has faded into myth, and the birth rate has dropped so dramatically that children are now the most precious commodity. Society has artificially extended adolescence to preserve their youth, and traditional holidays, like Christmas, are a mere legend of the past. Volume 1 of Sanda introduces Sanda Kazushige, a middle-school student who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a strange and dangerous mystery. When his classmate, Fuyumura Shiori, accuses him of carrying a curse that could help find her missing friend, Ono Ichie,...

Anime is a vibrant and multifaceted medium with which many rightfully fall in love. In exploring anime’s best exemplars - from cult classic films and TV series to seasonal smash hits - fans regularly come across impactful, alluring narratives that reassure them of their desire to continue expanding their horizons. However, like any prolific medium with a broad reach, anime produces just as many bad apples as it does masterpieces.

Along with incredible series that demonstrate anime’s beaming merits and artistic prowess, the medium is chock-full of notoriously bad shows one would benefit from avoiding - particularly at the start of their anime journey. From unexpected disappointments to notorious failures and horrible experiments, these anime are some of the worst series those truly fond of the medium could have a displeasure of watching.

RelatedThe 30 Lowest-Rated Anime Of All Time, Ranked

Though plenty of anime are worthy of love,...

The strength of an anime series’ writing can sometimes be determined at first glance — be it in the context of series famous for their stellar narratives, like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Attack on Titan, or titles tied to acclaimed creators, like Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent. However, not every anime’s merits are as easily discernible from the get-go, and some of the medium’s most narratively compelling exemplars end up being overlooked due to deceiving first impressions.

Powerful writing, nuanced characterization, and evocative thematic substance can sometimes hide in anime series that, to the casual eye, don’t stand out as particularly intelligent or competently written. These anime might not strike viewers as thought-provoking masterpieces initially, yet reward those who give them a shot with some of the most riveting writing in the medium.

Related10 Shows to Avoid If You're Just Getting Into Anime

From Berserk to The Promised Neverland,...

Anime fans have had disagreements about their preferences on several different subjects, but something fans almost universally agree on is their dislike for CG and 3D animation, with many refusing to watch any series that uses the animation technique. Dating back to the first officially recognized anime Namakura Gatana (1917), anime has traditionally been hand-drawn and most fans prefer 2D animation. However, the methods of animating series are rapidly advancing, along with technology, so CG and 3D animation are becoming more common in anime.

Computer Graphics (CG) is an umbrella term for the visuals created using computer software. The most well-known form of CG is CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), which focuses on creating realistic images for media, and 3D animation refers to the creation of moving images using 3D models in a computer. CG technology has been a key component of animation for decades, assisting with the creation of titles such as Finding Nemo,...

From folklore to classical literature to modern fiction across mediums, animals have been used as protagonists in countless narratives across history and culture. The appeal of animal heroes is self-evident. Non-human characters make the setting more imaginative, and their traits can be used for fantastic allegorical storytelling. Yet, while animal protagonists are a staple in Western cartoons and comics, they appear much less frequently in anime and manga.

Unlike characters with animal traits, like ears and tails, or heroes who can transform into beasts at will, full-on animal protagonists are a rarity in manga. Several incredible manga series star animals as main characters, resulting in captivating narratives that stray from the medium’s conventions. From adorable and heart-warming to surprisingly introspective and human-like, these are the best manga with animal characters as their leads.

Related10 Best Anime Starring Anthropomorphic Animals, Ranked

Anthropomorphic animals in anime bring charm to both silly and serious stories,...

While many anime focus on more realistic situations full of humans, there's nothing quite like humanoid animals going through scenarios usually meant for mankind. There are anthropomorphic animals that can be put in situations both silly and serious. They are also often incredibly cute.

Anthropomorphic animals often appear in many anime, sometimes living alongside humans and other times living in a world without them. Several popular anime fall into these categories and there's even a movie based on a game that fits the bill. From the adorable hi-jinks in the world of Animal Crossings to the dark and morally gray world of Beastars anime fans are sure to find an anime that piques their interest.

Ai Moves to Animal Village in Gekijoban Dobutsu no Mori Currently Unavailable to Stream

Gekijoban Dobutsu no Mori is a 2006 anime movie adaptation of the Animal Crossing anime made by Nintendo. The movie follows a...

This year, which has just begun, promises to be incredible for the anime industry, not only because of the long-awaited releases that are sure to become high-grossing films, like Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc and the return of fan-favorite franchises like Solo Leveling Season 2, and Fire Force Season 3, but also due to some upcoming animes that stand out from the others and could revolutionize animation and become masterpieces.

Anime became one of the most successful industries of 2024 and shows no signs of stopping, as it seeks to maintain its rising momentum with many confirmed adaptations scheduled to release this year. However, amid the great adaptations premiering in 2025, these upcoming animes offer an exciting experience and have the potential to get a spot among the best of the year, so any fan of the medium should include them in their watchlist.

Leviathan Based on the...

If your name is Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones Jr., look away now. As for the rest of you, we wish you a Happy New Year! And so do many of our favorite anime titles, among others, who've provided a hiss-toric number of Year of the Snake-themed artwork and depictions of characters keeping warm, visiting shrines and eating mochi to kick off 2025. Related: Roundup: Scale Up Your 2024 Celebrations with Over 100 Anime New Year's Visuals and Illustrations 9-nine- Ruler's Crown via official X (formerly Twitter) A Couple of Cuckoos via author's X (formerly Twitter) A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring via author's X (formerly Twitter) A Sign of Affection via author's X (formerly Twitter) A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School! via author's X (formerly Twitter) Actas Animation via official X (formerly Twitter) Aggretsuko via official X (formerly Twitter) Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian via official X...

Japanese entertainment giant Toho has taken the anime industry by surprise again by acquiring a significant stake in Studio Orange, the creative powerhouse behind Trigun Stampede and Beastars. Toho announced it will purchase 19.7% of Orange’s shares in January 2025. This partnership aims to elevate the quality of both studios' works, strengthen global collaborations, and expand their production capabilities. Though financial details remain undisclosed, the move shows Toho’s growing interest in leading anime innovation and storytelling.

Studio Orange has consistently pushed the boundaries of CGI in anime. Their groundbreaking work on Haruko Ishikawa's Land of the Lustrous and Paru Itagaki's Beastars proves their reputation for striking, character-driven stories. This partnership with Toho has the potential to redefine what is possible in anime production.

Toho’s Strategic Investments in Animation Studios Toho’s Bold Moves to Dominate Anime Production

Toho's stake in Studio Orange is part of a broader strategy...

If you are thinking the Christmas craze is now winding down, then you couldn’t have been more wrong. The holiday cheer is really just getting started, with a surprise Santa anime announcement, giving us anime fans a new wave of excitement. What else are we about to witness before GTA 6?

A still from Sanda anime trailer, focusing on Sanda | Credits: Science Saru

Even with this utterly ridiculous concept, the trailer surprised everyone with its animation quality, where one could see the genius fusion of humor, action, and darkness. And why would it not be, as it’s Dandadan’s animation studio we are talking about? Here’s what we know about this adaptation so far.

Dandadan’s animation studio is animating the Santa anime, Sanda! A still from Sanda anime trailer | Credits: Science Saru

Fans are certainly not ready for this yet another mind-blowing anime adaptation from the legendary...

Sanda has finally released its first trailer, and it’s as great a trailer as one would hope from the next big shonen anime. Sanda takes place in a dystopian Japan where children have every aspect of their lives controlled by the government, and the only one who can bring them hope is Kazushige Sanda, who has the power to turn into Santa Claus and bring Christmas joy to the world.

Paru Itagaki's Sanda is as weird as one would expect a work from the author of Beastars to be, and it’s about to become just as big. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Sanda would receive an anime adaptation from Science Saru, and just recently, the first teaser trailer for Sanda was released and shows that it will be as visually gorgeous as any other Science Saru project, if not more so.

The Next Big Shonen...

The previously announced sequel to 2022's Mirage Queen Prefers Circus theatrical anime, titled Mirage Queen vacances élégantes , today revealed a planned May 23, 2025 release date for Japanese theaters in a brand-new trailer and key visual. Furthermore, Cocomi joins the cast as Ilma, pictured above. She joins leads Yuga Yamato, Kazuki Kato and Yuma Uchida. Mirage Queen vacances élégantes Trailer Mirage Queen vacances élégantes Key Visual Related: New Mirage Queen Theatrical Anime Film Hits Japanese Theaters in Spring 2025 Based on the novels by Kaoru Hayamine, Shigetaka Ikeda ( Beastars Final Season Part 1 episode director) directs Mirage Queen vacances élégantes at East Fish Studio, with a script by Mariko Kunisawa ( Bartender Glass of God ), character designs by Kumiko Kawashima and music by Moe Hyuga ( The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten ). Hidive streams the previous installment and describes the story: They always steal the prey they aim for. That is Phantom Thief Queen. Gender,...

Beastars is a unique anime that boasts plenty of eclectic characters. Each one stands out with their own personalities and singular, animal qualities. Due to the nature of Beastars, audiences are treated to all different perspectives of their animal world. Viewers learn more about the lore of Beastars through these characters. Unfortunately, they don’t always get the screen time they deserve.

The characters who deserved more screen time were either under-utilized or were merely used for story progression. Each of these characters had unique points of view about their situations and what struggles they faced daily. If these characters had been given the proper screen time, audiences would understand their motivations better, which would make for a more cohesive story. Their time on screen may have been short in reality, but there’s no question that these characters should have received more time to shine.

Related Beastars Season 3 Part...

The first part of Beastars' final season just aired on Netflix on December 5th. Although its initial season was met with positive reviews from audiences, sentiments have been mixed about the rest of the series. The story of Beastars follows an anthropomorphic gray wolf named Legoshi who is struggling to discover if he is in love with or if he wants to devour his rabbit classmate, Haru.

Beastars has a lot of interesting themes about what it means to be a person and how society is unfairly biased. Unfortunately, these deep topics are often undermined by nonsensical, and downright comical, moments. Anything from a teenage deer leading a lion crime syndicate to a mech made of rats can derail the story - lending to an overall goofy tone. Beastars is a great show that has a lot of potential, but some moments make it hard to take seriously.

Related The...

Beastars' final season has aired. Although there are mixed reviews about the series as a whole, the show boasts plenty of memorable characters. Since they are all anthropomorphic animals, each of them has nuances in their personalities that hint at their species. This makes them believable characters and helps audiences to connect more with their characters.

The best Beastar characters, however, have more than charm. Their personalities shine through no matter what situation they’re in. Their societal roles and their beliefs about their world all play huge parts in what makes a Beastars character great. While not all of these characters are good morality-wise, they are still great characters because of how interesting they are.

Related Favorite Part of Beastars (So Far)?

Heading into its final season, which is allegedly releasing this winter, what’s been your favorite part of Beastars so far? Mine is the way the show...

A shocking snack has fans shaken after watching Netflix's Beastars Season 2 finale.

As viewers wait on the mysterious release date of Beastars Season 3, Part 2, many are rewatching or catching up on past seasons.

Beastars Season 3, Part 1 was recently released and featured a stellar group of voice actors. However, an emotional scene concluded Season 2 in 2021.

Read full article on The Direct.

Beastars fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Season 3, Part 2, which will mark the final chapter of the beloved Netflix anime series. Known for its thought-provoking exploration of societal divides and identity in a world of anthropomorphic animals, the series has kept viewers hooked since its debut in 2020. Here’s everything we know about the release of the final episodes.

The Journey So Far: A Quick Recap

Adapted from Paru Itagaki’s manga, Beastars debuted in Japan in 2019 and made its Netflix debut the following year. The series gained acclaim for its unique storytelling and stunning animation. Seasons 1 and 2 were released in 2019 and 2021, respectively, and Season 3 was officially confirmed for development in July 2021 by CG Orange.

In March 2024, it was announced that Season 3 would be split into two parts, marking the end of the series. Part 1, released on Netflix on December 5, 2024, introduced the first batch of episodes for this climactic season.

"Beastars", the animated TV series adapting the manga comic book title, written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, launches Part 1 of a third and final season, now streaming on Netflix:

"...in a civilized society of anthropomorphic animals, an uneasy tension exists between carnivores and herbivores.

“At 'Cherryton Academy', this mutual distrust peaks after a predation incident results in the death of 'Tem', an alpaca in the school's drama club.

"Tem's friend 'Legoshi', a grey wolf in the stage crew, has been an object of fear and suspicion for his whole life.

"In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, he continues to lay low and hide his menacing traits…

“…much to the disapproval of 'Louis', a red deer and the domineering star actor of the drama club.

"When Louis sneaks into the auditorium to train Tem's replacement for an upcoming play, he assigns Legoshi to lookout duty. That very night,...

Following a fan event held in Japan today, the official website and accounts for Black Butler revealed that the previously announced Black Butler -Emerald Witch Arc- anime will begin airing in April 2025 . A teaser visual and two additional cast members were also unveiled. Black Butler -Emerald Witch Arc- Teaser Visual Chikahiro Kobayashi (Legoshi in Beastars ) and Rie Kugimiya (Kagura in Gintama ) join the cast as Wolfram Gelzer and Sieglinde Sullivan, respectively. Sebastian Ciel Sieglinde Wolfram Related: Black Butler -Emerald Witch Arc- Anime Announced, Crunchyroll to Stream Kenjiro Okada ( March comes in like a lion chief director) continues to direct the latest Black Butler anime at studio CloverWorks, with series composition by Hiroyuki Yoshino ( World Trigger ), character designs by Yumi Shimizu ( Horimiya chief animation director). Maaya Sakamoto and Daisuke Ono reprise their roles as Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis, respectively. Crunchyroll streams the full series to date and describes the overall...

The final moments of the first part of the third season of Netflix’s Beastars left Legoshi’s fate in jeopardy, as his second encounter with Melon resulted in the Shishigumi boss throwing him off a cliff into the sea—raising questions about his survival. Every season of the coming-of-age youth animal drama anime has thus far concluded with Legoshi putting himself in harm’s way either to test his belief or to protect someone. Previously, Legoshi had taken on much stronger foes, like the former chief of the Shishigumi clan and Riz the brown bear; however, his present adversary, Melon, has proven to be the most interesting one so far, as Legoshi has felt a personal connection to him due to his hybrid identity. Legoshi, who has become quite mature thanks to his exposure to multiple worldviews, refused to take an aggressive approach even after getting himself nearly killed...

Beastars Season 3, Part 2 is making its way through development with the big question now being when it may debut on Netflix.

The anime series is known for exploring societal divides, identity, and morality in a unique world featuring anthropomorphic animals dealing with the relationship between predator and prey. It was initially adapted from Paru Itagaki's manga series and first came to Netflix in 2020 after debuting in Japan one year earlier.

Behind an A-list cast of stars, Beasters Season 3, Part 1 came to Netflix on December 5. However, this was only the first of two parts of the series' final season.

Read full article on The Direct.

Netflix's anime Beastar is back with Season 3, bringing back its stellar English-speaking cast and adding in a few more names for new characters.

Beastars explores societal divides, identity, and morality in a world of anthropomorphic animals grappling with predator-prey dynamics. 

Adapted from Paru Itagaki's manga, the final season, which premiered on December 5, promises to conclude the characters' journeys, exploring themes of growth, self-acceptance, and the balance of power in a divided society.

Read full article on The Direct.

After a prolonged hiatus of three years, Beastars has returned with the first part of its third and final season and upped its game big time by exploring uncharted territories like the existence of hybrids, Legoshi’s past, aquatic ways of life, and a heinous underworld conspiracy that could aggravate the already dwindling state of the relationship between carnivores and herbivores. A number of interesting new characters have been introduced in this season, and the world-building of Beastars has also been expanded upon, almost making it seem that the series still had a number of stories to tell. Legoshi, Louis, Haru, and the rest of the teenage characters continue to find themselves in situations where their preconceived beliefs constantly get challenged, which truly emulates the coming-of-age theme of Beastars. With the scope of storytelling having increased in this season, the stakes are higher as well. Even though the final part...

The way the third season of Beastars has brilliantly used the complexities of the connection between herbivores and carnivores and interspecies relationships as a metaphor for identity politics, the narrative seems to be shaping into a redefined modern interpretation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” Previously the series had allegorized real-world issues involving segregation and prejudice based on birth identity through the existing world order of the anthropomorphic creatures, but the third season takes things a step further. integrating even more topical conundrums. Also, the third season has proven to be the darkest one so far, as the underworld gets more involved than ever, resulting in a large-scale conspiracy that could change the relationship dynamics between carnivores and herbivores forever. Legoshi gets himself entangled in a troublesome mess while trying to connect with his birth identity, and a series of events results in his life getting jeopardized time and again...

Following the global release of Beastars Final Season Part 1 on Netflix today, the anime's official accounts unveiled creditless versions of the latest opening and ending sequences, which feature "Into the world" by Satoru Kosaki/issei and "Feel Like This" by Yu-ka ( Metallic Rouge Op), respectively. Beastars Final Season is releasing in two separate parts . A release date for the latter part is yet to be confirmed. Beastars Final Season Part 1 Opening Video Beastars Final Season Part 1 Ending Video Additional cast members were also revealed, as follows: Leano voiced by Hoko Kuwashima Toki voiced by Yuko Minaguchi Deshico voiced by Tomokazu Seki Korunu voiced by Ryusei Nakao Sunaga voiced by Genki Muro Azuki voiced by Ruriko Aoki Holger voiced by Tomokazu Sugita Related: Beastars Final Season Part 1 Anime Reveals New Trailer, Release Date Based on the manga by Paru Itagaki, Shinichi Matsumi continues to direct Beastars at studio Orange, with scripts...

The balance between the antithetical dictates of nature and nurture is the parameter of self-awareness. Despite being the most complex creatures, human beings are by no means ‘better’ than any other living beings; the only defining trait that differentiates us from others is our ability to consciously choose and show restraint—not giving in to our instinctual drives. On one hand, the allure of being true to one’s core defies morals, boundaries, and ethics, while on the other hand, trying to hide what we truly are is a commitment to a life of lies—and this dilemma is poignantly highlighted in Mangaka Paru Itagaki’s masterclass of a manga, Beastars. Creating a world of anthropomorphic beings to question the existing power dynamics between those with power and those who lack it, the mangaka has created a nuanced narrative that allegorizes that quintessential balance through the binary between carnivores and herbivores.

Netflix’s slate will include many a festive film in December 2024 ahead of Christmas. Several already arrived on the streamer in November, including Meet Me Next Christmas, Hot Frosty, The Merry Gentlemen and Our Little Secret.

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas will land this month as well. Carry-On, a thriller starring Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman set during Christmas at an airport, will put a twist on the Christmas classic. Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano and more will also star in Liz Feldman’s next ensemble series, No Good Deed. Season 6 of Virgin River arrives ahead of Christmas as well.

Here’s what’s new on Netflix in December 2024:

Available Dec. 12/1/24

Bunk’d Season 7 Burlesque Daddy Day Care The Happytime Murders Little Midway Project X We’re the Millers Zero Dark Thirty

Avail. 12/2/24

30 for 30: Bad Boys 30 for 30: Celtics/Lakers: The Best of Enemies 30 for 30: Sole Man 30 for...

December is finally here and with it comes a bunch of new movies and shows to Netflix. This week brings a ton of new additions, including a Christmas special from a famous pop star, a new drama series, and the start of the final season of a popular anime show.

First up is A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter! The Xmas special hits Netflix on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. In the musical special, Carpenter will sing, welcome guests, and be her overall delightful self. Some of the guests will include Cara Delevingne, Sean Astin, Quinta Bronson, Shania Twain, and Chapell Roan. I will definitely be watching this to start off my holiday season!

Take a look at the trailer here:

Black Doves is also coming to Netflix this week! The series stars Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Tracey Ullman, Sarah Lancashire, and Finn Bennett and comes to Netflix on Thursday, Dec. 5. The series...

Keira Knightley’s long-awaited return to a high profile project; Sabrina Carpenter and friends getting everyone ready for Christmas; Angelina Jolie bringing the legendary Maria Callas to life; Tyler Perry telling the story of a women and Poc only WWII Army unit; the NFL attempting to institute a new streaming Christmas tradition; and the return of one of biggest TV series of the 21st century are some of the highlights among the new films and series hitting Netflix in December.

After a quiet few years, Keira Knightley returns as a lead in Netflix’s spy drama Black Doves, which launches on Dec. 5. In the show, Knightley plays Helen Webb, a dedicated wife and mother and professional spy. Having passed her politician husband’s secrets to the Black Doves, a shadowy group, Webb’s covert identity is endangered when a lover (Andrew Koji), is murdered and she looks to avenge his death.

The Most Awaited Anime Releases for Winter 2024 - Main Image

December is here, and it’s the perfect time to kick back and binge-watch your favorite anime. But before you start, check out the upcoming anime releases everyone’s buzzing about for winter 2024!

From debut seasons to highly anticipated continuations, these titles might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for all year. Plus, the list includes some exciting premieres slated for January 2025.

Sakamoto Days - January 11, 2025

2025 is already looking great for Sakamoto fans! The story of the ultimate hitman-turned-family-man is dropping on Netflix this January, and fans can’t wait to see all the insane action scenes brought to life.

Sakamoto Taro was the most feared hitman around, respected by assassins everywhere. Now, he’s traded that life for fatherhood, packed on a few pounds, but hasn’t lost a bit of his fighting skills. Produced by Tms Entertainment,...

2024 has been such an amazing year, at least for fans of anime, since many reputable animation studios like Ufotable, Production I.G., and Science Saru have cooked up some incredible narratives. In fact, long-running shows like One Piece have kept us engaged for years, but the addition of new adaptations like Wind Breaker, Kaiju No. 8, and Solo Leveling really made a significant difference.

Having said that, despite the year's final month approaching, a few other exciting anime shows have yet to be released, and fans are growing impatient. Fret not, December is almost here, and so are the shows we've been looking forward to all year. With that in mind, here's every anime series set to premiere in December 2024.

'Beastars' Final Season Part 1 Streaming on Netflix on Dec. 5

Beastars has established itself as one of the most popular suspense thriller anime series of all time, and the long-awaited final season is almost here,...

December is set to be an exciting month for fans of the extremely popular but unconventional and even slightly controversial anime Beastars, as Season 3 -- the series final installment -- is finally returning after more than three years.

Per Whats On Netflix, Beastars is set to make its highly anticipated return to streaming service Netflix on Dec. 5, 2024, with the long-awaited Season 3 finally arriving after Season 2 concluded in March 2021. Beastars Season 3 will be the series final season, and it will be released in two parts on Netflix, with Season 3 - Part Twos reveal still undated. Netflix holds all streaming rights for Beastars outside of Japan.

Related "I Have No Intention of Giving Up": Stars of Winter 2025's Major Netflix Anime Tease the Future of the Series

The original voice cast for one of Netflix's most popular romance anime drop tantalizing hints about what viewers can expect from the new season.

As 2024 draws to a close, Disney+ is announcing some impressive anime offerings for the year ahead. In the anime community, Disney+ is often sidelined in favor of other subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. Disney+ has always had mainstream offerings for anime lovers, hosting major series like Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach. But as far as exclusives and originals go, Disney+ hasn't attained the same prestige as Netflix or Crunchyroll with fans.

In reality, Disney+ has been producing anime exclusives for a while now. They offered the niche hit Black Rock Shooter a follow-up in 2022 with Black Rock Shooter: Dawn Fall, and beloved classic Code Geass received a Disney+ exclusive film in 2024 called Code Geass: Roze of the Rebellion. Although anime has never been Disney+'s priority, a string of recent announcements confirm several new exclusives for the platform that could entice anime fans who are yet to try the service.

The Netflix December 2024 originals, movies, and TV series have been revealed and can be viewed below. The streaming service has also announced the list of movies and TV series leaving next month.

The December schedule features such titles as The Dragon Prince Season 7, Jentry Chau vs the Underworld, Maria, Mary, No Good Deed, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Polo, and Queer Eye Season 9.

Squid Game Season 2

Also coming are Squid Game Season 2, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays Season 7, The Six Triple Eight, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On Season 3, That Christmas, and Virgin River Season 6.

The lineup includes the comedy specials Fortune Feimster: Crushing It, Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind at Radio City Music Hall, Ronny Chieng: Love To Hate It, and Your Friend Nate Bargatze. Netflix will also stream two NFL games and the A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter special.

Netflix gave a sneak peek at its 2025 line-up of non-English programming yesterday with shows such as The Leopard (Italy), Last Samurai Standing (Japan), The Empress S2 (Germany), El Refugio Atómico (Spain), Senna (Brazil), Alice in Borderland S3 (Japan), and even this year’s One Hundred Years of Solitude (Colombia).

“People like the authenticity of local stories,” Netflix Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria said.

“When you try to make something that appeals to everyone, you just end up making something that appeals to no one.” It’s why Bajaria encourages her teams to be ambitious and support the vision of creators with the “goal to make shows and films that resonate in their home country first.”

Netflix shouted out the stat that they dub in 36 languages and subtitle shows in 33 languages. Bajaria also said that 80% of Netflix subs watch Korean content.

Bajaria at Netflix’s International Showcase

Alcaraz (Spain)

Docuseries

Alcaraz...

This week on The Anime Effect: We recommend retro anime through the decades, discuss what shows leave us looking for more lore and share our chat with Afrofuturist group Earthgang. In our audio-only episode we fill you in on the latest news in the anime world including the November Sony Music drop on Crunchyroll, the Oblivion Battery Season 2 announcement and more! Episode 40 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. Et. Listen or Watch on: Episode 40 Summary In this week's audio-only episode, Leah is joined by guest hosts Alex Lebl and Haley Whisennand to break down this week’s headlines. They share the latest on Beastars and Oblivion Battery , an update on Nintendo's Switch successor, Crunchyroll’s collab with Newtype Magazine,...

Beastars is one of the big new anime TV shows that is taking over worldwide.

The Japanese manga series, written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, was serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shōnen Champion from September 2016 to October 2020.

Here’s a summary, via Barnes & Noble: “At a high school where the students are literally divided into predators and prey, friendships maintain the fragile peace. Who among them will become a Beastar—a hero destined to lead in a society naturally rife with mistrust? One night at Cherryton Academy, an herbivore student is brutally murdered. Among the members of the Drama Club, the herbivores’ suspicions naturally turn to their carnivore classmates… The prime suspect? Gray wolf Legoshi. But he wouldn’t hurt a fly. Or would he? Will dwarf rabbit Haru bring out the beast in him? Or are his feelings for her…something else?”

The manga has become hugely successful,...

The upcoming anime film adaptation of The Rose of Versailles has added three new voice actors to its already impressive cast list. Like the cast so far, this new crop of characters includes some names that will be very familiar to anime fans. Joining the cast are: Louis XVI: Fukushi Ochiai (Sanou in Beastars ) General Jarjayes: Banjo Ginga (Gihren Zabi in Mobile Suit Gundam ) Maron Glacé Mont Blanc : Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy in One Piece ) Related: The Rose of Versailles Anime Movie Introduces Three New Cast Members Ai Yoshimura ( Case File nº221: Kabukicho ) is attached to direct with a screenplay by Tomoko Konparu ( Tonari no Yokai-san ). Mariko Oka ( Hell Girl ) serves as character designer, and Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan ), who also serves as music producer, composes soundtrack music along with Kohta Yamamoto. Mappa works on the anime production. The main voice cast members include: Oscar François de Jarjayes...

"Beastars", the animated TV series adapting the manga comic book title, written and illustrated by Paru Itagaki, will launch Part 1 of a third and final season, streaming December 5, 2024 on Netflix:

"...in a civilized society of anthropomorphic animals, an uneasy tension exists between carnivores and herbivores.

“At 'Cherryton Academy', this mutual distrust peaks after a predation incident results in the death of 'Tem', an alpaca in the school's drama club.

"Tem's friend 'Legoshi', a grey wolf in the stage crew, has been an object of fear and suspicion for his whole life.

"In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, he continues to lay low and hide his menacing traits…

“…much to the disapproval of 'Louis', a red deer and the domineering star actor of the drama club.

"When Louis sneaks into the auditorium to train Tem's replacement for an upcoming play, he assigns Legoshi to lookout duty. That very night,...

Netflixs Beastars will finally return for its third and final season later this year, and in anticipation, the streaming giant has released a premiere date as well as its main trailer, but for only the first half of the installment. The anime is based on Paru Itagakis manga series of the same name and takes place in a modern world of civilized animals who exhibit some form of human traits and emotions. Season 3 Part 1 will debut on December 5, while the second halfs release date is yet to be announced.

Netflix's ever-so-popular anthropomorphic anime, Beastars, has finally revealed its first full trailer for its upcoming final season along with a release date for fans to look forward to. First announced back in July 2021, the third and final season of Paru Itagaki's Beastars is coming to Netflix this Winter, putting an end to the three-year-long wait at last.

A post on X by the anime's official X handle recently confirmed that the final season of Beastars will premiere on Netflix on December 5, 2024. The announcement was accompanied by a new full-length trailer featuring the ending theme for the series titled, "Feel Like This" performed by the up-and-rising Japanese pop artist Yu-ka.

#Beastars Final SEASONPVNetflix125 https://t.co/AabrVMAz4s #bstanime pic.twitter.com/9GklU8tjrV Beastars (@bst_anime) November 6, 2024

In addition to the new release info and trailer, Beastars has also revealed additional cast members for the characters of Gosha,...

The official website and accounts for the Beastars anime today announced that Part 1 of the final season will begin streaming exclusively on Netflix from December 5, 2024 . A main trailer was also unveiled, previewing ending song, "Feel Like This" by Yu-ka ( Metallic Rouge Op), and five additional cast members as follows: Gosha voiced by Shigeru Chiba (Jogo in Jujutsu Kaisen ) Yahya voiced by Shinichiro Miki (Urahara in Bleach ) Melon voiced by Koji Okino (Tetsutetsu in My Hero Academia ) Sagwan voiced by Tessho Genda (Isao in Kaiju No.8 ) Seven voiced by Fumiko Orikasa (Rukia in Bleach ) Beastars Final Season will release in two separate parts . A release date for the latter part is yet to be confirmed. Beastars Final Season Part 1 Main Trailer Related: Beastars Final Season Anime Reveals Two-Part Release With Teaser Visual Based on the manga by Paru Itagaki, Shinichi Matsumi continues to direct Beastars at studio Orange, with scripts by...

The official website and accounts for the ongoing Blue Lock 2nd Season TV anime released a new key visual and promo videos for the upcoming Blue Lock Eleven versus U-20 Japan match, set to begin with Episode 30 on November 9. New voice cast members for the U-20 Japan team was also announced . Blue Lock 2nd Season Blue Lock Eleven Roster Video Blue Lock 2nd Season U-20 Japan Roster Video The new cast members for the U-20 Japan team announced include: Kento Chou voiced by Jun Kasama (Hisashi Mitsui in The First Slam Dunk ) Teru Kitsunezato voiced by Gakuto Kajiwara (Asta in Black Clover ) Itsuki Wakatsuki voiced by Taito Ban (Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling ) Haru Hayate voiced by Kensho Ono (Giorno Giovanna in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Wind ) Miroku Darai voiced by Yusuke Shirai (Shumei Sasaki in Sasaki and Miyano ) Kazuma Niou voiced by Takuya Sato (Toshiki Kai in Cardfight!! Vanguard...

You might know Keisuke Itagaki, the author of Baki the Grappler, but did you know he has a daughter who is equally as famous as him and in the same field? As it turns out, Paru Itagaki, the author of Beastars, is the daughter of the Baki creator.

But how have you never heard of this before? How did Paru Itagaki maintain such a huge secret in a close-knit industry? Well it all boils down to the personal choices of the mangaka, which she took to maintain her integrity.

Paru Itagaki Hid Her Parentage for Years to Succeed by Herself Beastars by Paru Itagaki | Credits: Studio Orange

Beastars, the famous coming-of-age fantasy manga by Paru Itagaki, began serializing in September 2016. Soon, it became famous and received an anime adaptation in October 2019, which is currently ongoing. Itagaki has been extremely private regarding her personal life and has never revealed her face.

Intense action and dangerous scenarios are commonplace in many shonen anime. However, some shonen worlds are much more treacherous than others. Death tolls are high and no one is safe in these worlds. The most dangerous worlds in shonen anime are inhospitable for both the heroes and the everyday citizens that live there.

Each of these worlds has some significant threat that makes living unsafe. Hundreds - if not thousands - of people fall victim to the horrors that surround them. Whether its otherworldly magic, gigantic cannibalistic monsters, or spontaneous combustion, no one is safe in these deadly shonen worlds.

Related 10 Deadliest Shonen Anime Tournaments

Some anime tournaments have fatal consequences, like The Tournament Of Power in Dragon Ball.

Beastars Features Wild Animals Predators & Prey Are At Odds In Beastars

Seasons

Episodes

Japanese Debut

U.S./English Debut

2

24

October 8, 2019

March 13, 2020

Its almost a given that the Beastars world would be...