The story of my anime journey began in a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth or at least it feels that way. Back in the day, I would come home from school and watch Battle of the Planets. Anime was very much a niche back then. Since then, the amount of anime that I watched has topped out to over five hundred series. This puts me somewhere between otaku and noob on the anime viewer scale. Holding the middle ground has its advantages.
One of the key benefits is that people new to anime ask for your advice. This is a serious undertaking, as who wants to be the one who destroyed anime for another? Before giving a suggestion, I like to get an idea of the types of shows they like to watch. Are they comedies, dramas, fantasy, or something else? With the baseline set, you can now select something they may like. As of this posting, these are my ten anime for anyone interested in getting into anime.
As you review the post, please feel free to let me know what anime got you into anime. Leave a comment below and let me know your picks.
For action fans
Attack on Titan (2013)
- Genres: Action, Dark Fantasy, Drama, Suspense, Shounen
The choices of action anime are vast. This makes finding a good series pretty easy. You have Fullmetal Alchemist, One Punch Man, Demon Slayer, and a host of others. The unknown variable in play here is the story’s theme. Do you go with fantasy or something more grounded? Gleaning over the anime in the genre, my choices came down to either Attack on Titan or One Punch Man. If push comes to shove, go with Attack on Titan.
In the distant past, humanity was brought to the doorstep of extinction. The agents of their destruction are large humanoid beings that eat people. With the titan’s ruin, the survivors sealed themselves off in a high-walled fortress. The Titans are back and humanity once again faces ruin. Eren Yeager and his friends take up the struggle to save their people. This story follows their journey from refugees to members of the Survey Corps.
Attack on Titan is a well-written story with first-rate characters and animation. The story captures viewers and holds them for the episode’s runtime. There are few series that can match Attack on Titan for its fluidity of action. This is a visceral series, which may cause some to shy away from it. Despite any drawbacks, I feel that new viewers will beg for more after watching Attack on Titan.
For comedy fans
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
- Genres: Comedy, Supernatural, Slice of Life, School, Shounen
Picking a comedy anime for someone else is a difficult undertaking. This is because we all come to the table with our own view of what is funny. One person may like quirky themes while another may prefer slapstick. The choice of a gateway comedy may take a bit of trial and error before finding the perfect series. Therefore, I feel that The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a good starting point.
On the outside, Kusuo Saiki is a normal high school student. The truth is that he has psychic abilities. His gifts can change reality itself. This is a burden he wishes were given to someone else. Kusuo’s desire is to live a hassle-free life but his friends and family have nothing to do with it. Rather than living a slow life, he finds himself sucked into their antics. When forces collide, the result is comedy gold.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a blend of episodic and serialized plots. This quality makes the series ideal for new viewers. Newbies do not need to hold on to a plot to follow each tale. The humor is both physical and cerebral. These elements cast a wide net to catch the eyes of the most who enjoy comedy. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a top-tier anime for those seeking humor in their stories.
For drama fans
A Silent Voice (2016)
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life, School, Psychological
Youth is a time when we look to find our place in the world. This journey often comes with more failures than successes. At some point, we all look back on our journeys and evaluate whether or not we did the right thing. This is the core backdrop behind A Silent Voice. The theme of coming to terms with one’s past is something we all struggle with. This is why A Silent Voice is a top pick for fans of drama who are new to anime.
Shouya Ishida is a wild child who seeks the approval of his peers. A new student in his class, Shouko Nishimiya is deaf. Her focus is on making friends with her classmates. Shouya is having nothing to do with that and so he is cruel to her. His bullying goes too far and Shouko transfers out. Tired of his antics, Shouya’s classmates and teacher give up on him. Now a teenager, he sets out to make things right by seeking forgiveness from the young girl he terrorized.
A Silent Voice has a few elements that some may find difficult to watch. The story explores subjects like mental health, societal norms, and violence. With this aside, the heart of this tale is Shouya’s journey of redemption. At two hours and ten minutes, this award-winning film is a draw for those who like the drama genre.
For fantasy fans
Violet Evergarden (2018)
- Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life, Romance, Military
The world of fantasy brings a lot of opportunities for new viewers. There is something for most people’s taste. These series bring us images of castles, dragons, elves, and the like. Most of these tales cross multiple genres. In this category, my choice of anime seems like a far cry from a true fantasy. You will not find other-worldly beings in this tale. Violet Evergarden is a slice-of-life drama set in an alternate version of Europe. My feeling is that the lack of these qualities makes it ideal for those getting their toes wet in the fantasy genre.
In this world, a Great War tore the continent to pieces. A girl serves as an instrument of death. Stripped of her humanity, Violet would suffer great loss before the war’s end. Thrown into civilian life, she struggles with war trauma and life off the battlefield. The path to recovery comes after she takes on the role of an Auto Memory Doll. People hire her to record their stories and send these letters to loved ones. The connections she makes help her to overcome past demons.
Violet Evergarden is a visually stunning anime. The story is tight and viewers will come to enjoy the characters. On the flip side, this is not an anime to watch if you want Lord of the Rings. With this aside, this series has enough fantasy elements to be my choice to hook new anime viewers.
For psychological fans
Death Note (2006)
- Genres: Supernatural, Suspense, Psychological, Mystery, Shounen
There are a couple of hurdles in watching psychological anime and Death Note in particular. The first of these is that the genre can sometimes have convoluted narratives. These stories could lose new viewers. Simple is always better for those new to anime. The second item is that folks may have heard or watched the failed Netflix live-action series. Despite these elements, this anime is one of the best to introduce newbies to the genre.
Death Note explores the concept of what that would look like if you could hand out justice. The gods of death seek to explore this premise among humans. A death note comes into the hands of Light Yagami. By writing a name in the book, Light has the ability to dispatch anyone. The strange deaths of some bad guys cause law enforcement to take note. Light’s actions reach legendary status, which feeds his ego. Emboldened, he starts killing off anyone who gets too close to him. Hiding in the open, the story evolves into a game of cat and mouse.
Almost twenty years ago, Death Note graced our screens. Over this time, the fandom continues to heap praises on the series. This is due to great storytelling and character development. From start to finish, the series holds you captive. Death Note hits all the right keys to keep both veterans and newbies of the suspense genre interested in anime.
For romance fans
Fruits Basket 1st Season (2019)
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Supernatural
The romance genre’s straightforward tales make it a perfect vehicle to initiate others into the world of anime. These stories explore love and relationships between characters, for both straight and same-sex couples. One downside is that they are often formulaic, which may turn off long-term viewers. This is a problem for a later date, as we are winning over a new convert to anime. For the uninitiated, check out the first season of Fruits Basket.
Tooru Honda loved the tales her mother told of the Chinese zodiac. A tragedy takes her family, leaving the young girl to fend for herself. With no place to go, she sets up camp on the property of the Souma family. Despite the hardships, Tooru is a positive and cheerful girl. One rainy night, Shigure stumbles upon the girl’s campsite and offers to take her in. His gesture will lead Tooru to find family and love within the world of the zodiac.
Fruits Basket is a perfect balance of drama, comedy, and romance. It also has some dark moments, which may be difficult for some viewers. My feeling is that you cannot go wrong with the first season of Fruits Basket. I am sure that any romance noob will be begging to see the next season.
For science fiction fans
Steins;Gate (2011)
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi, Suspense
In the spirit of full disclosure, science fiction is one of my weak areas. The last anime in sci-fi watched was Heavenly Delusion. I had to watch it a couple of times before catching all the nuances. And this is the problem with most sci-fi series. These stories are like onions in that they come with layers, which make a one-and-done viewing nearly impossible. Exploring the genre, my advice is to go with Steins;Gate. This story is linear and digestible.
Future Gadget Lab scientists long to create tech that amazes the public. However, the lab’s claim to fame so far is the ability to turn fruit into sludge. Rintarou Okabe attends a conference on time travel, which flips his world on its head. A piece of new tech seems to manipulate time by sending messages to the past. He comes to work on the device, which leads him to be a target of a secret organization. Meanwhile, someone is messing with the timeline. Okabe must repair time or face the loss of friends and family. Can he fix the problem before losing his mind?
Steins;Gate is a popular series in the anime community. This is because it takes a different approach to time travel. The story is solid and the characters are worth the investment of your time. You also do not have to over analyze it. For this reason, I recommend Steins;Gate to those who are new to anime and like sci-fi.
For slice-of-life fans
Barakamon (2014)
- Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Seinen
Finding the right slice-of-life anime is almost as difficult as choosing the best comedy series. The genre’s problem rests in its pacing. More often than not, a slice-of-life anime takes a while to develop. For example, Laid-Back Camp is a pretty good anime but it takes a while to build. The secret to finding a series that draws the viewer into valuing the genre. My feeling is that Barakamon is one of the best beginner slice-of-life series.
A calligrapher, Seishuu Handa has hit the wall with his art. Ignorant of this fact, he receives a wake-up call when a judge critiques his work. Seishuu’s father exiles his son to the Goto Islands to find his muse. Seeking peace and quiet, the artist looks to find his creative voice. The problem is that the villagers did not receive the memo. Slowly, Seishuu comes to appreciate the slow life but will this help his art?
At some point in our lives, we all hit a creative or mental wall. This could be at school, sports, work, or any host of other endeavors. Barakamon is relatable in this sense. The story and the characters are frosting in the cake. This is why I recommend Barakamon for those new to slice-of-life anime.
For sports fans
Haikyuu!! (2014)
- Genres: Sports, Shounen, Comedy, School
One of the most diverse genres in anime is sports. This theme covers both team and individual activities, within popular and obscure games. Baseball, basketball, ice skating, kuruta, ping pong, soccer, and the list goes on. The vastness of the genre makes it perfect for any sports fan, regardless of sex. This also means that there are few series that one might call terrible. Into this deluge, my advice for a green sports anime fan is Haikyuu!!.
The anime is about the Karasuno High School volleyball team on their road to the championship. Once a powerhouse, the team seeks to take back the school’s glory days. To achieve this task, seasoned players need to whip the newbies into shape. Two first-year students, Shouyou Hinata, and Tobio Kageyama, are key to the team’s efforts but the pair come with their own hang-ups. The series follows the duo from individual players to valued members of the team. Will their efforts be enough to earn Karasuno their former glory?
Haikyuu!! does a great job of blending a story with some intense sports action. The banter and action make you feel part of the team. Anyone who played school sports will relate to the team’s struggles. You do not have to like volleyball to enjoy the story, so this is why I feel Haikyuu!! is the gateway for sports fans to get into anime.
For horror fans
Hell Girl (2005)
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense
Horror is a bit of a fast and loose term when it comes to anime. If you are looking for a good slasher series, good luck! A lot of horror series lean heavily into psychological themes. The storytelling may have some newbies scratching their heads. Therefore, we must think differently when it comes to horror in anime. The one series in this genre I recommend watching is Hell Girl.
At some point, we have dreamed of getting revenge upon someone. This is part of human nature. For most, we never act upon our desire but what if you could? In this tale, someone who is wronged places an online request to the Hell Correspondence website. Hell Girl, Ai Enma carries out the bidding of the requester. The issue is that revenge is always a double-edged sword, slicing the offender and offending.
Hell Girl may be a bit mature for some audiences. There are scenes of trauma that sometimes hit hard. On the plus side, the series has great visuals and episodic storytelling. A viewer can sample the series before investing their time. My feeling is that the horror enthusiast will enjoy investing the time to watch Hell Girl.
For mystery fans
The Future Diary
- Genres: Psychological Thriller, Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Horror, Romance
Amano Yukiteru is a lonely high schooler who spends his days observing others and documenting his thoughts in a cellphone diary. Although he seems to have no real friends, he frequently engages in conversations with his imaginary companions—Deus, the God of Space and Time, and his servant.
Yuki’s world turns upside down when he discovers that Deus is a real god, who proves his existence by granting Yuki a Random Diary that can predict future events related to him. While this power initially appears to be a blessing, Yuki soon learns that Deus has granted similar diaries to 11 other people, all with one ultimate goal in mind: the last person standing will become the next god.
Future Diary masterfully combines elements of psychological thriller, survival game, and supernatural intrigue. As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into Yuki’s struggle for survival, moral dilemmas, and the complex relationships he develops with other diary holders.
For supernatural fans
Kamisama Kiss
- Genres: Supernatural, Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, Fantasy
Kamisama Kiss is a perfect anime for beginners who enjoy supernatural stories featuring a slow-burn, sweet romance.
Nanami Momozono, a high schooler with a troubled family background, becomes homeless after her father disappears. One day, she helps a man in distress, who, in gratitude, offers her his home—only for her to discover it’s a rundown shrine.
There, she meets two shrine spirits and a fox familiar named Tomoe, who reveals that she has been made the new land god by the previous deity, Mikage. Initially, Tomoe refuses to accept her because she is human, but Nanami is determined to prove herself.
She risks her life to force him into a contract, and together, they must learn to work as a team despite their differences.
For mecha fans
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- Genres: Mecha, Action, Psychological Thriller, Drama, Supernatural, Political Intrigue
Even as a newcomer to anime, you will most likely binge all 50 episodes of the Code Geass series in one week. With its compelling story, masterfully written characters, and a top-tier ending, there are only a few anime that can rival it in terms of quality.
Code Geass is set in an alternate timeline where the world is divided into three superpowers: Britannia, the Chinese Federation, and the Europia United. Britannia seeks to conquer as many countries as possible, including Japan. As a result, the Japanese people are stripped of all their rights, and Japan is renamed Area 11.
Lelouch vi Britannia is an exiled prince of Britannia who becomes involved with a mysterious woman named C.C. She bestows the power of Geass upon him, enabling him to pursue his dream of exacting revenge on the Holy Britannian Empire.
For game fans
Sword Art Online
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Game, Romance
Sword Art Online is set in the year 2022, where gamers can control their in-game characters with their minds using a special helmet called Nerve Gear. Kazuto Kirigaya, an avid gamer and beta tester, eagerly logs into SAO, only to discover that the game’s mad creator has disabled the logout button. To escape, he and 10,000 other players must conquer all 100 floors of Aincrad, each filled with unique monsters. Worse yet, if a player’s health bar reaches zero, they die in real life.
Sword Art Online took the world by storm due to its innovative premise of immersive virtual reality and its exploration of life-and-death stakes in gaming. The series resonated with audiences for its engaging characters and thrilling action, sparking widespread discussions about the future of gaming technology.
For children
Howl’s Moving Castle
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, Animation, Drama
Why start your anime journey with the most popular titles and not something simple like Howl’s Moving Castle? This is an anime movie so it will end in an hour or so. The reason I am recommending it is that it will give you a good idea of whether anime is your cup of tea or not.
Whatever genre you like, you can’t deny how amazing this animated film is. Sophie, a young girl who is transformed into an elderly lady by a witch’s curse, and her encounter with Howl, a strong magician, take place in a fantastical 19th-century kingdom. The movie’s stunning visuals and genuine romance are two of the things I admire about it. I hope you can appreciate them too.
Honorable mentions
Parasyte: The Maxim
- Category: Seinen with body horror
Do you fear bugs? Now imagine how it would feel if an alien-like worm burrowed into your skin while attempting to take over your brain. Not very pleasant, right?
Fortunately for 17-year-old high schooler Shinichi, the worm-like creature that tried to invade his brain failed and ended up consuming only his right hand!
Parasyte: The Maxim stands out for its thought-provoking exploration of humanity and identity as Shinichi grapples with the consequences of coexisting with a parasitic creature. The series artfully fuses horror, action, and philosophical questions, making it a captivating watch that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Diabolik Lovers
- Category: Reverse harem with hot vampires
Diabolik Lovers follows Yui, a petite, innocent-looking blonde girl who is unexpectedly forced to live in a house with six handsome boys. The catch? They are all vampires lusting for her delicious blood!
Thanks to its combination of dark romance, alluring vampire men, and the fantasy of being desired, this series appeals mainly to young women. While the quality of the plot and character writing may not be the anime’s strengths, it can easily become a guilty pleasure for some viewers.
Naruto
- Category: Long-running shounen
Long-running shounen shows can be great choices for beginners, provided they are well-crafted. Naruto fits this criteria perfectly, offering a compelling blend of character development, action, and unique abilities. What’s more, the anime skillfully weaves together intense battles, heartfelt moments, and a diverse cast of characters, each with their own backstories and motivations.
Set in a world of ninjas, Naruto follows the journey of Uzumaki Naruto, a young aspiring ninja determined to become the leader of his village. His deepest wish is to be acknowledged and accepted by others, driving him to overcome numerous challenges and grow stronger.
Bleach
- Category: Long-running shounen
Bleach follows the chronicles of Ichigo Kurosaki, a hot heated teen who obtains the superpowers of a soul reaper from Rukia Kuchiki (another soul reaper). Upon accepting these powers, he’s now responsible for defending humans from evil spirits floating around them. Yes, this anime involves ghosts but the storyline is not disappointing at all.
The characters in Bleach have a lot of interesting idiosyncrasies and backstories. Bleach has pretty a straightforward timeline so, so it’s a good show to start developing your taste in anime. Plus, it is one of the ‘Big Three’ Shonen Animes, it is typically cut from the same fabric as Naruto and One Piece (which are two highly acclaimed anime series). However, it’s quite distinct hence a must-watch.
Assassination Classroom
- Category: Comedy full of action
Assassination Classroom is a gem. The story follows the day-to-day life of a powerful octopus-like creature who works as a homeroom teacher at a junior high school. It also covers his students, who are hell-bent on assassinating him in order to save the planet from destruction.
The anime is an emotional drama and a thriller. It starts off as a lighthearted comedy, but it grows into something genuinely magnificent over the course of two seasons. I must warn you; you might develop sympathy for the teacher who destroyed the moon and appears to be planning to do the same to the Earth.
Hunter x Hunter
- Category: Long-running shounen
Hunter x Hunter follows the story of Gon Freecss as he embarks on his quest to become a Hunter. He is your typical shounen hero, driven not only by the desire to become a Hunter but also by the need to find his father, who left him at a young age. Gon’s dedication to others drives the plot, and his determination to see the best in people becomes a hallmark of the series. Along the way, he befriends a young child from an assassin family, and their contrasting dynamic forges a bond that propels the story forward.
You will be captivated by the emotional bond between these two young characters. Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator, highlights their youth and inexperience by placing them against older, more skilled opponents, while also introducing strong mentors who guide them. He effectively matches the characters’ abilities with their personalities, showing that everyone gains strength from their determination. The amazing acts of willpower shown in this anime will leave a lasting impact on you. Therefore, I highly recommend this show to all anime newcomers.
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