Across genres, tones, and audiences, the original shows on Netflix vary wildly, but animation has quietly become its greatest success story. The streamer’s animated lineup consistently delivers bold worldbuilding, striking visuals, and mature storytelling that rivals prestige live-action drama. From genre mashups to ambitious fantasy epics, the best animated Netflix shows prove cartoons remain central to the streamer’s creative identity.

Just as importantly, Netflix has repeatedly shown it understands how to end animated stories properly. Rather than dragging narratives out, many series are allowed to conclude with purpose, emotional clarity, and genuine closure. That commitment to satisfying finales is why so many of the best animated shows on Netflix feel complete, cohesive, and endlessly rewatchable for audiences seeking closure without compromise.

Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts (2020)

A Finale That Celebrates Empathy As The Ultimate Form Of Victory

Kipo And The Age Of Wonderbeasts builds toward an ending that feels earned through kindness rather than conquest. Following Kipo Oak (Karen Fukuhara), this animated Netflix show consistently frames empathy as strength, and its finale reinforces that message without undermining the stakes established earlier.

Instead of defaulting to a destructive climax, Kipo resolves its central conflict by letting its characters grow past fear and prejudice. Long-running tensions between humans and Mutes are addressed head-on, with hard-won compromises that feel believable within the show’s vibrant world. Emotional arcs, especially Kipo’s journey toward leadership, land cleanly without being rushed.

What makes the ending stand out among the best animated Netflix shows is its optimism without naïveté. Kipo doesn’t pretend trauma disappears overnight, but it argues change is possible when people listen. That hopeful, character-driven conclusion perfectly matches the series’ colorful tone and cements it as one of Netflix’s most emotionally generous animated originals.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)

A Brutal, Inevitable, And Completely Honest Conclusion

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners never lies about the world it inhabits, and its ending refuses to soften that truth. Centered on David Martinez (Zach Aguilar), the series charts a rise fueled by ambition and desperation, making its conclusion feel tragically unavoidable rather than shocking for shock’s sake.

The finale fully embraces Night City’s cruelty, closing David’s story in a way that reinforces the show’s central theme: survival often demands self-destruction. There’s no last-minute miracle, no escape hatch, just consequences playing out exactly as promised. That commitment gives the ending a devastating clarity.

Edgerunners stands out due to how personal its final moments feel. Lucy’s survival and quiet grief provide emotional resonance without undoing the cost of David’s choices. The result is an ending that hurts but feels right, cementing the series as a rare animated tragedy that understands the power of choosing restraint over spectacle.

She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power (2018-2020)

Emotional Healing Becomes A Powerful Catalyst For Triumph

Rather than focusing purely on going out with a bang, She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power closes by prioritizing emotional resolution. Adora (Aimee Carrero) and Catra’s (AJ Michalka) intertwined arcs drive the finale, turning years of conflict into something deeply personal and cathartic.

The final episode of Princesses of Power balances large-scale fantasy stakes with intimate character moments, allowing relationships to take center stage. Catra’s redemption isn’t rushed or excused—it’s built on accountability and vulnerability. Meanwhile, Adora’s realization that self-worth doesn’t require sacrifice reframes the entire series.

She-Ra earns its place as one of the best animated shows on Netflix by ending with a message of connection rather than conquest. The world is saved but more importantly, the characters are allowed to heal. That emotional honesty gives the finale lasting power, proving the show’s strength was always its characters—not just its action.

Hilda (2018-2023)

The Ending Feels Like Growing Up Without Losing Wonder

A solid and underrated animated Netflix gem, Hilda concludes with a finale that mirrors its heroine’s emotional growth. Hilda (Bella Ramsey) has always balanced curiosity with compassion, and the ending lets her step into maturity without abandoning the sense of wonder that defined the series.

Hilda’s closing chapter expands the show’s mythology while grounding its resolution in community and understanding. Conflicts between humans and magical creatures are resolved through dialogue rather than domination, reinforcing the series’ gentle philosophy. It feels less like a climax and more like a natural turning point.

Honoring the show’s journey across its three seasons, Hilda excels by ending quietly but confidently. The finale doesn’t aim to overwhelm—it reassures. By letting its world remain magical yet grounded, the show closes with warmth signaling that growth doesn’t mean leaving imagination behind—just learning how to carry it forward.

The Dragon Prince (2018-2024)

Long-Term Storytelling And Moral Complexity Are Rewarded By A Thrilling Climax

After years of layered worldbuilding,The Dragon Prince delivers a finale that pays off its sprawling narrative. Callum (Jack De Sena), Rayla (Paula Burrows), and Ezran (Sasha Rojen) each reach conclusions shaped by hard choices rather than destiny alone.

The ending ofThe Dragon Prince emphasizes balance over victory resolving conflicts between humans elves and dragons without simplifying their differences. Moral gray areas remain intact giving the finale credibility and weight. The series’ long-running questions about power responsibility and leadership finally find thoughtful answers.

What securesThe Dragon Princea spot among the best animated Netflix shows is how confidently it closes its saga. Loose threads are addressed without erasing complexity character arcs conclude in ways that feel consistent with years of development. It’s a finale built on patience not shortcuts—and it works beautifully.

Castlevania (2017-2021)

Humanity Shines Through In A World Defined By Monsters

The ending ofCastlevaniaearns its legendary status by refusing to let brutality define its final statement. Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso), and Alucard (James Callis) all reach resolutions that feel hard-earned after seasons of violence and loss.

Rather than escalating endlessly,the finale ofCastlevaniapulls back focusing on survival forgiveness and unexpected second chances. Dracula’s story in particular is resolved with surprising tenderness reframing the series’ central conflict without undermining its darkness.

One of the best animated Netflix shows for many reasons,Castlevaniais especially praiseworthy for understanding when to stop. The ending doesn’t betray the series’ grim tone but it allows space for hope. That balance between despair and compassion gives the finale emotional depth and lasting impact.

BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)

BoJack’s Final Moments Refuse Easy Answers And That’s Why They Work

BoJack Horsemanend exactly how it should unresolved reflective deeply human BoJack Horseman (Will Arnett) doesn’t receive redemption or damnation just consequences of his actions and possibility of continued self-work.

The final episode ofBoJack, “Nice While It Lasted,” avoids dramatic closure in favor of quiet conversations Relationships shift rather than reset acknowledging that healing is ongoing not finite That honesty defines show legacy.