A Netflix re-discovery of one of the greatest R-rated anime thrillers ever is just a matter of time

Monster is a must-watch TV drama for fans of Japanese animation on Netflix, marking the 20th anniversary of its epic finish in 2025. In Düsseldorf, Germany, a young Japanese brain surgeon named Kenzou Tenma is the subject of the unsettling R-rated psychological crime thriller. The little child turns out to be a deranged serial murderer nine years after Tenma risked his career to save him, and Tenma is forced to face the repercussions.

Monster is still one of the most praised anime series of the last 20 years because of its compelling plot, superb animation graphics, deep character development, and really terrifying R-rated violence. Hardcore crime fans and serious adult anime fans should rush to see Monster before it eventually disappears from Netflix, as all 74 episodes are accessible.

“An Additional Explanation of Monster’s Premise”

Monster is an R-rated Japanese adult animated criminal TV series that debuted in 2004 and was created by Naoki Urasawa based on his well-known manga series. With a few exceptions, such as additional dialogue snippets and a rearranged scene sequence, Monster is an animated adaptation of the manga that faithfully adapts the complete plot from start to finish.

The narrative centers on the moral and ethical quandary faced by Kenzou Tenma, a young but reputable Japanese neurosurgeon attempting to adapt to his new job at Düsseldorf, Germany’s Eisler Memorial Hospital. When Johan and Anna, twin twins, arrive at Tenma’s hospital, the primary conflict arises. Johan has a serious head injury that has to be treated right now.

Because Tenma chooses to operate on Johan instead of the Mayor, Tenma is shunned and the Mayor dies. One by one, Tenma’s bosses start to die, and the twins abruptly vanish. Although they don’t have concrete evidence of Tenma’s participation, the police question him.

Johan returns nine years later as a likable adult. Johan kills Tenma’s patient, Adolf Junkers, while at Eisler Memorial, where Tenma is now the Head of Surgery. Before he passes away, Junkers says something about “Monster,” which Tenma remembers Anna saying while tending to Johan ten years before. Tenma soon learns that Johan is the Monster who is ruthlessly killing helpless people while making Tenma seem responsible.

How ‘Monster’ Thrives After Two Decades

The major attraction is still Monster’s gripping plot and character growth, but the animated visuals, real-life frights, and graphic portrayal of violence are still strong in 2025. Guillermo del Toro, a master of horror, attempted to turn the series into a live-action HBO series in 2013 because of how powerful these visual components are. In 2015, del Toro insisted that he would continue to pitch the film after the studio passed on it.

Netflix users have the ideal chance to re-watch one of the most celebrated adult anime series ever, Monster, which ended its 74-episode run 20 years ago, and Del Toro’s effort 10 years ago. Those who are considering making the leap should be aware that the intricate narrative, convoluted storytelling, and unclear moral perspectives need the highest level of focus. It is, in fact, a truly adult anime in every way, and its message is only suitable for an older audience.

Fundamentally, Monster aims to clarify the distinction between right and wrong by placing Tenma in a morally ambiguous circumstance and guiding him through it without compromising his integrity or dignity. Tenma’s values change as viewers wonder if the endearing Johan is indeed the monster at the center of the story. All things considered, Monster ranks among the most intense and gripping R-rated anime series that fans of the genre should watch before it is removed from Netflix.