Banana Fish, the beloved 1980s manga adaptation from studio MAPPA, is heading to Netflix in the United States starting August 12. Netflix confirmed the move on July 12, along with news that the streamer commissioned entirely new English and French dubs for the release, giving longtime fans and newcomers a fresh way to experience the series.
What Is Banana Fish
Banana Fish is based on Akimi Yoshida's classic shojo manga, which ran through the late 1980s and early 1990s and became one of the most influential and boundary-pushing manga of its era for its frank handling of trauma, violence, and queer relationships. Studio MAPPA adapted the story into a 24-episode anime in 2018, updating the setting to the modern day while keeping the emotional core of the original manga intact.
The story follows Ash Lynx, a young gang leader in New York City entangled in a conspiracy involving a mysterious drug called Banana Fish, and Eiji Okumura, a Japanese photographer's assistant whose life becomes irreversibly tied to Ash's after they meet. Their bond becomes the emotional anchor of a story that spirals into organized crime, corruption, and tragedy.
New Dubs and What's Different
Netflix has produced brand new English and French dubs specifically for this release rather than simply re-licensing the previous dub tracks. Brandon McInnis takes over as the English voice of Ash Lynx, with Jonathan Tanigaki voicing Eiji Okumura. The French dub features Sebastien Baulain as Ash and Gregory Laisne as Eiji.
New dubs for a well-established anime are relatively rare, and the move signals that Netflix is treating this as a meaningful acquisition rather than a quiet catalog add. The series is moving over from Prime Video, where it had been streaming previously, meaning US fans will need to make the switch to Netflix to keep watching once the transition takes effect.
Why This Matters Now
Banana Fish has maintained a devoted fanbase since its original manga run and its 2018 anime adaptation, frequently cited alongside other genre-defining works for how it tackled mature themes without softening them for a general audience. Its move to Netflix, one of the largest anime-streaming platforms globally, puts it in front of a much wider potential audience than its previous home.
The timing also lines up with a broader trend of legacy anime titles finding new life through major streamer acquisitions, as platforms compete to build out back catalogs alongside their current-season simulcasts.
Conclusion
Banana Fish's move to Netflix, backed by all-new English and French dubs, gives the acclaimed series a fresh entry point for viewers who missed it the first time around. Mark August 12 down if you have been meaning to catch up on one of anime's most emotionally heavy classics.
FAQ
When does Banana Fish arrive on Netflix?
Banana Fish debuts on Netflix in the United States on August 12, 2026.
Where was Banana Fish streaming before?
The series was previously available on Prime Video in the US.
Is Banana Fish getting a new dub?
Yes, Netflix commissioned brand new English and French dubs for this release.
Who voices Ash Lynx in the new English dub?
Brandon McInnis voices Ash Lynx, with Jonathan Tanigaki as Eiji Okumura.
What is Banana Fish based on?
It is based on Akimi Yoshida's manga of the same name, originally serialized in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Who animated the Banana Fish anime?
Studio MAPPA produced the 2018 anime adaptation.
