In another demonstration of Netflix’s ambitions in the anime space, it didn’t take long for the streaming giant – and growing global hub for anime fans – to showcase some of the best animation of the new year. Indeed, if Netflix is dropping such scintillating eye candy just a few short weeks into the year, it makes fans wonder just how great a year it will be for anime on Netflix.

The second season of Castlevania: Nocturne premiered on January 16, 2025, on Netflix, picking up exactly where it left off—especially in of its stunning animation. A growing number of fans who’ve seen the new episodes are raving about the visuals, with some calling it the best animation they’ve ever seen. One particularly stunning sequence is the fight scene between Alucard and Richter against Drolta.

Castlevania: Nocturne Brings Animation To Another Level

The Second Season of the Netflix Original Anime Premiered in January 2025

The praise for the animation is well-deserved. The fight scene is truly breathtaking. One notable aspect is the meticulous attention to detail. Even the smallest effects, such as cracks in the cobblestone bricks, are crafted to look incredibly realistic. Another standout feature is the fluidity of movement. Both the characters' attacks and defenses, as well as the camera work seamlessly transition between Alucard, Richter, and Drolta Tzuentes, incorporating close-ups and wide shots to provide a comprehensive view of the battle.

The flow of motion is consistently spectacular. The special effects further enhance the scene's realism. The flames dancing on the sword blade and the blood droplets suspended in mid-air after a character is struck are particularly stunning.

Despite it only being January, the second season of Castlevania: Nocturne is already a strong contender for the best-animated series of the year. It’s a powerful testament to animation's ability to evoke the same range of emotions in viewers as a live-action film or television series. To be sure, Netflix has set the bar for animation remarkably high and early, compelling other anime producers and creators to elevate their work to remain competitive.

Whether you're a fan of the Castlevania series or not, this development promises anime fans of all types the possibility of a new era filled with even more visually stunning animation. Regardless of its long-term impact, Netflix's Castlevania: Nocturne's new season has undoubtedly established a new standard for animation in 2023.

Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 premiered on Netflix on January 16, 2025. All episodes are now available for viewing.