Getting into anime for the first time is an exciting experience, but the sheer volume of available content and the constant influx of new releases each anime season can make it seem daunting. While the diversity and sheer number of genres within anime are part of its charm, this can make it overwhelming for newcomers.
Because of this, I recommend you jump into an anime that has genres or themes you’re already comfortable with before diving into more niche categories, such as ecchi, which cater to very specific tastes and content preferences. Similar to what I recommend in my tips for manga collecting, think about what interests you.
Are you a sports fan? Passionate about a hobby? Or maybe you enjoy certain movie genres, like horror, sci-fi, or psychological thrillers. Chances are, if there’s a subject or theme you’re interested in, there’s likely an anime that explores it. I think this approach gives you a more personalized gateway into anime, building a connection through your already existing interests.
Navigating the sea of anime releases to find the right fit for you can still be tricky, though. With this in mind, I’ll point out key themes and topics that may appeal to specific people—like how Death Note is great for fans of crime thrillers, and so on.
It’s also worth mentioning that the humor in anime can vary widely, with some being more nuanced than others. Shows like Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku have jokes that are very specific to Otaku culture, which might not fully land with those new to anime. I have kept this in mind while making this post as well.
Another potential hurdle for newcomers is the length of a series. Long-running anime, such as One Piece, which has been airing since I was a kid in the 90s, are classics that I believe everyone should try at some point. But, I wouldn’t recommend them to beginners due to their large episode count. Starting your anime journey with a series that spans hundreds of episodes can feel overwhelming. I recommend starting with a shorter series or even an anime film to get you into the swing of things, but if you are someone who likes to dive into a series, I have plenty of recommendations below as well.
In making this list, I also considered the age of the series. While I think it’s important to explore where anime began, I decided to include only a few older titles on this list, and when I say older, I mean from around the early 2000s. The reason I did this is that the animation style of earlier works might not appeal to everyone, potentially deterring some newcomers, so I included some new anime series on this list, even a few that were released in the past few years, as well.
That said, even though I think that your journey into anime should be personalized, there are still anime series that I think are essential for beginners. Here are my top recommendations!
Death Note
Death Note is at the top of my recommendations for anyone who is getting into anime for the first time, especially if you enjoy gripping stories. It is an essential watch in anime, not only because it’s one of the best but also because it is a great entry point being that it’s a thrilling crime series.
This series features a masterful game of cat and mouse between two intriguing and intelligent characters. The story is centered around Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon the Death Note, a supernatural notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, provided the writer can picture the person’s face. With his vision of a crime-free world, Light embarks on a vigilante quest, dealing justice under the alias “Kira.” This spree of moralistic killings soon draws the attention of the world’s law enforcement agencies, who enlist the enigmatic Detective L to stop him.
What unfolds is a riveting battle of wits between Light and L. Even though it doesn’t have a whole lot of action scenes, it’s still full of suspense thanks to the rivalry that develops between the two. The true allure of Death Note, though, is its exploration of moral dilemmas. The story dives into the complexities of justice, power, and the consequences of wielding absolute control, all through the lens of a high school student who views himself as a deity.
Death Note‘s premise makes it intriguing from the get-go but it becomes increasingly more captivating as the plot progresses, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers with a supernatural twist.
Where to Watch Death Note
Death Note is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Attack on Titan
It’s no surprise that Attack on Titan is always recommended for beginners. It nails everything – from mystery and action to drama and emotion, not to mention the killer music and stunning animation. It appeals to both fans of shonen and seinen, so it transcends boundaries. For me, it’s what anime’s all about, and along with Death Note, it’s the perfect intro to the anime world.
In Attack on Titan, humanity dominated the natural order for centuries until the Titans emerged a hundred years ago. These towering, grotesque mockeries of humans, devoured nearly all of humanity, forcing the survivors to retreat behind colossal walls. Now, the fear of Titans has faded into legend, and a young boy named Eren dreams of the world beyond these protective barriers. What starts as a youthful fantasy quickly turns into a harrowing reality when a Titan breaches the wall, thrusting humanity to the edge of annihilation once more.
It truly is one of the best anime of all time. Just a small heads-up, though: if you start watching, make sure to stick around until Season 3, because it’s one of the best seasons ever to air in anime. You’ll breeze through to Season 3 in no time because Attack on Titan grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Its gripping story, rich lore, intense battles, and thought-provoking themes make it one of those shows you just can’t stop watching.
Where to Watch Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga brings history to life with its rich, detailed storytelling. Since it explores Viking lore, it offers a cool, unique way for newcomers to get into anime. I decided to add Vinland Saga to this list because it is not just an awesome action anime, it showcases how anime can take these stories that are rooted in history and make them interesting and engaging.
Even if you’re not initially sold on the Viking theme, I highly recommend giving it a shot. The series might just surprise you with its complex story and characters, especially with characters like Thorfinn. He’s not your typical protagonist; his growth and the emotional depth that lies beneath his quest for revenge make him fascinating to watch.
Vinland Saga is more than just Viking battles and conquests, even though that’s a big part of its appeal. It’s filled with meaningful stories, which are driven by characters who have strong motivations. The beautifully choreographed fight scenes are a bonus, but it’s the internal battles, like Thorfinn’s conflict between revenge and his father’s ideals, that make the series a true standout. It’s a historical deep dive that doesn’t just focus on the brutality of Viking life but also explores the culture and period’s complexities, and it’s all brought to life with amazing animation and sound.
Where to Watch Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Erased
Erased holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite anime series. The story follows Satoru, who possesses a mysterious ability known as “Revival,” which allows him to travel back in time. When a loved one becomes the victim of a murder, Satoru is transported 18 years into the past, inhabiting his younger self but with his adult consciousness intact.
In his hometown, a shadow of fear looms as children, including his classmates, fall prey to kidnappings and murders. Satoru embarks on a race against time to solve this murder mystery, hoping to change both the past and the future. As crime thrillers go, Erased sets the gold standard. It weaves a complex story in just 12 episodes, developing the story in a manner that feels neither rushed nor incomplete, with all plotlines coming to a satisfying conclusion by its end. Every element of this anime is thoughtfully crafted, unfolding in a way that keeps you thoroughly captivated.
I think that a binge-worthy series like Erased is perfect to start with because you want a series that will hook you at the start. Once you start watching Erased, stopping becomes nearly impossible, as you find yourself deeply rooting for Satoru and the children to overcome the daunting challenges they face. Erased explores dark themes, but it is also one of the most emotionally impactful series I’ve ever experienced.
Where to Watch Erased
Erased is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man introduces us to Saitama, who is one of the strongest characters in anime history. His power is so immense that no enemy can withstand even a single punch from him. This extraordinary strength throws him into a state of ennui and depression, longing for a worthy opponent who can offer him a challenge and reignite his passion for battle. But, finding such an adversary turns out to be far more challenging than he expected.
What makes One Punch Man such a good starter anime is its themes and its comedic approach to action anime. It’s this perfect balance of humor and badassery, which makes it a standout. The concept of an overpowered hero like Saitama could easily make for a boring story, but One Punch Man keeps you on your toes with some of the most exciting battles in anime and it is one of the best you can watch.
It’s not just a story about an invincible superhero either; it’s a thoughtfully crafted story that’s brimming with comedy and supported by a cast of colorful characters. The series excels thanks to Saitama’s massive strength and his pursuit of a challenging fight, which make for entertaining as well as hilarious moments. Also adding to the humor of this series are the characters that constantly underestimate him, only to find out the hard way that he should have been taken seriously from the jump.
Since One Punch Man is one of the funniest anime out there and it packs a serious punch in the action department, it is one of the best introductions you can have to anime.
Where to Watch One Punch Man
One Punch Man is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim is one of the top horror anime I’ve watched, and as someone who loves horror across all forms of media, it’s my go-to recommendation for anyone diving into anime in search of a good horror series, but it is also one that fans of sci-fi will enjoy.
It delves deep into the world of body horror with its chilling alien designs and gruesome transformations, which are some of the most vividly unsettling I’ve encountered in anime. These aliens, burrowing through human heads, strike a haunting chord, particularly because they retain a distorted human semblance. When brought to life in the anime, their transformations are even more nightmarish, and they are a testament to Madhouse’s incredible animation.
The story of Parasyte is about Shinichi Izumi, an ordinary high schooler, whose life takes a drastic turn when an alien Parasite occupies his body. Remarkably, Shinichi confines the invader to his hand, resulting in a bizarre coexistence with Migi, the murderous alien entity. Meanwhile, countless others haven’t been as fortunate. Infested fully by these Parasites, they become monstrous hosts, who, with their morphing capabilities, camouflage seamlessly among humans, transforming at will into grotesque entities.
It has a lot of elements that my favorite sci-fi horror films have and it wears its influences on its sleeve, so if you enjoy films like Invasion of the Body Snatchers or The Thing, it’s one you’ll want to check out.
Where to Watch Parasyte
Parasyte is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice tells the story of Shoya Ishida, who once bullied Shoko Nishimiya, a girl with a hearing impairment, during their school days. The tables turn when Shoko transfers schools, where he is bullied himself. This experience fills him with regret. Years later, a more mature Shoya seeks out Shoko, hoping to make amends for his past actions.
Adapted from Yoshitoki Oima’s manga, A Silent Voice is a profound and moving film that explores themes of redemption, the power of second chances, and the importance of communication. This anime has evoked more emotion in me than almost any other series, bringing me to tears of both sorrow and joy.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’s as deeply touching as it is uplifting, carrying a powerful message. If you’re in search of a moving experience with stunning animation by Kyoto Animation (Violet Evergarden, Hyouka), this film is an incredible place to start.
Where to Watch A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Your Name.
Your Name. is a film I always recommend to newcomers because it shows just how beautiful and emotionally impactful anime can be and it does so within the short time frame of 1 hr. and 46 min. It’s one that supernatural fans can enjoy, but it’s one of the best romances you can watch as well.
Your Name. is what I would describe as a cosmic romance. It explores themes of time, destiny, and the deep connection between our two main characters. It follows high schoolers Mitsuha and Taki, whose lives are changed forever on a day of a celestial event. Despite being strangers from different walks of life, a mysterious twist of fate causes them to swap bodies.
This inexplicable phenomenon recurs randomly, forcing them to live in each other’s shoes and, in the process, forge a unique bond. Through notes, messages, and the indelible marks they leave on each other’s lives, they form a profound connection. As a spectacular comet illuminates the night sky, their desire to meet in person grows, pushing them to seek each other out against all odds. But, they find themselves up against challenges far greater than mere distance.
Your Name. is one of the most beautiful anime I’ve ever watched, both in terms of its animation and its story. For anyone seeking a striking yet concise introduction to anime, this film is one of the best for beginners.
Where to Watch Your Name.
Your Name. is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Blue Lock
While anime like Slam Dunk are classics, Blue Lock is my top recommendation for newcomers. It’s a recent standout, mainly thanks to its fresh take on football/soccer. Because it’s the world’s most popular sport, I thought an anime centered around it would have a wider appeal. But, on top of that, it is one that I feel people who aren’t typically into sports anime would enjoy as well.
Blue Lock is an innovative and intense series that follows 300 of Japan’s best strikers who are taking part in a rigorous program. This program’s main goal is to find and develop the ultimate striker that can lead Japan to win the World Cup. From the beginning, these players are ranked from worst to best, and this sets the stage for the series. Because it has this surivial-of-the-fittest setting, it feels a lot like the battle royale. As a result, it has an exciting mix of competition and rivalry, but it also has a lot of character development and personal growth.
The true beauty of Blue Lock, though, lies in how it perfectly intertwines these edge-of-your-seat action scenes with heartwarming moments of genuine connection between the players as well as more introspective moments, where our main characters consider things, like how they can be better, not just as players but individuals. As these athletes navigate the harsh realities of their environment, they also delve deep into their passion for football/soccer, honing their skills, while at the same time, further uncovering their true motivations and drives for playing the sport.
It’s one of the recent sports series that has taken off, and for good reason. In addition to being one of the best anime of 2022, it’s one of the best sports anime to release in quite some time.
Where to Watch Blue Lock
Blue Lock is available to watch now on Crunchyroll.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man, with its creator Tatsuki Fujimoto being a known film buff, draws heavily from cinematic influences, making it a treasure trove of movie references and easter eggs. It’s one you will especially enjoy if you are a fan of movies, like Pulp Fiction or Reservoir Dogs. My anticipation for this adaptation of Fujimoto’s most popular work was high, and I’m happy to report that it exceeded all of my expectations. Within its first season, MAPPA gave us a vivid and unforgettable experience that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the manga.
What distinguishes Chainsaw Man most from other shonen is its raw, unfiltered dive into a devil-infested world, where we follow our MC, Denji. Once a low-tier devil hunter scraping by in a ruthless world, he meets a grim fate one day on a job, only to be resurrected by his pet devil, Pochita. This revival transforms him into something unprecedented and powerful—a human-devil hybrid known as the Chainsaw Man.
Chainsaw Man delivers heart-pounding action, but it is also full of stories that tug at the heartstrings. On top of being an incredible adaptation, the music by Kensuke Ushio is a major highlight of the series, and it adds even more to the atmosphere and tone of the series. If you have yet to check out this series on Crunchyroll, it is an essential watch. It is a theatrical experience and it’s one of the best adaptations I’ve seen to date.
Where to Watch Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is available to watch now on Crunchyroll and Hulu.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Although I’d normally recommend Psycho-Pass to fellow sci-fi fans and still do, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, one of my top anime of 2022, is the new series I recommend most to newcomers. With just 10 episodes, it’s a quick watch, making it an accessible entry point into anime, and it draws inspiration from a well-known game, Cyberpunk 2077, which many of us have already played or heard of.
For those of you who may be wondering if you have to play the game Cyberpunk 2077 before watching the anime, you don’t. Cyberpunk Edgerunners is a stand-alone series with a completely different storyline from the game, so you can jump right into the series. Fans of the game may notice a few familiar names and nods to the original game, but this is where its connection ends.
Cyberpunk Edgerunner’s story is an impactful one because it tells the story of David Martinez, a smart kid who due to certain events, gets thrown into the cutthroat world of Edgerunners. The chance meeting with a girl named Lucy pushes him in a new direction and his life changes forever as a result.
It’s one I recommend because it does a lot of things well. Its high-octane, explosive action sequences get your heart racing, while its unique, quirky humor makes you laugh. The relationships between the characters are relatable and touching, so there are heartwarming moments as well. It even has a little bit of romance, drama, and more.
Keep in mind, though, that while this series is set in the beautiful neon landscape of Night City, don’t let its beauty fool you. Night City is a dystopian city that’s full of struggle, corruption, and violence, where people indulge in their vices freely and have to scrap and fight for everything they own. As a result, this series is mature and graphic, but this is a big part of its appeal.
On top of all that, it’s a visually striking series being that it is animated by Trigger, who is a prominent force in anime, bringing us titles like Darling in the Franxx and Gurren Lagann to name a few. The soundtrack is flawless, so it offers one of the best viewing experiences as well.
Where to Watch Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Cyberpunk Edgerunners is available to watch now on Netflix.
Getting into anime can initially feel as overwhelming as it is exciting, with the endless array of genres and new titles released each new anime season. But, by discovering anime that aligns with themes and genres you’re already a fan of, it becomes easier to navigate the vast and diverse world of anime releases.
I truly believe that anime has something for everyone, from thrilling action and deep psychological dramas to heartwarming tales of love and friendship and more. There are a ton of anime out there that you can get into, but these are the ones I think are the best for beginners. I hope these recommendations introduce you to a series or more that you enjoy. Happy watching!
Looking for more anime recommendations? Here are the best anime on Crunchyroll right now.
