If you want animation that is not just for kids, Basilisk is available in Australia on Crunchyroll, and in the US on Crunchyroll right now. Across 2 seasons, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. With 104 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Inori Minase's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Crunchyroll.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Basilisk is worth clearing space for. Basilisk treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. The story takes place in the year 1614. Two ninja clans, Tsubagakure of the Iga and Manjidani of Kouga, battle each other to determine which grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu will become the next shogun. The deadly competition between 10 elite ninja from each clan unleashes a centuries-old hatred that threatens to destroy all hope for peace between them. The voice work from Inori Minase and Reina Ueda adds real texture, not just recognisable names. The series ran for 2 seasons (2005–2018), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. Basilisk uses the freedom of animation to tell stories live-action could not attempt. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Basilisk works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. The tonal similarities to Hell's Paradise are real, though Basilisk carves out its own identity quickly. A contained run means every episode is doing real work. Inori Minase's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. If you have been sleeping on it because of the format, the format is not the thing here.

Basilisk wrapped up in 2018 — and 2 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro's free voice app makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just say the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.