Anime is a diverse and rich medium of storytelling that originated in Japan after World War II. It’s a mode of visual storytelling inspired by the cartoons of early America. Today it has evolved to cover many genres, themes, and styles, appealing to a wide range of audiences. If you’re new to anime, you might want to start with some popular and acclaimed series that are easy to follow and highlight the strengths of anime as a storytelling medium. Here are our top 10 anime for beginners, in no particular order.
- Also Read: New Anime Releases in February 2024
Demon Slayer
A dark fantasy anime that follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by a demon. He also seeks a way to cure his sister Nezuko, who was turned into a demon in the attack.
The plot and story of this one is simple and emotional. It’s easy to understand and relate to. The breathtaking animation also heightens the narrative and action of the show.
Naruto
A shounen anime that tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. He also harbors a dark past which alienates him from his village and makes everyone fear him- thus making his dreams even harder to accomplish.
For those who want to start with the classics and get in on the conversations of veteran anime fans, Naruto is a perfect pick. It’s a mature story with child-like elements that appeal to a wide audience. It’s also a great pick for those who want to binge a show because this one is the longest anime on this list.
One Punch Man
A comedy anime that parodies the superhero genre. It features Saitama, a bald hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. He is bored by his lack of challenge and seeks a worthy opponent.
A simple premise that hides a deeply human issue- One Punch Man appeals to both casual watchers and those who are looking for something deep underneath to dive into and dissect. The comedic tone only serves to heighten its premise and increase its enjoyment.
Death Note
A psychological thriller anime that revolves around Light Yagami, a genius student who finds a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to use it to create a new world without crime or criminals but is opposed by L, a mysterious detective who tries to catch him from the shadows.
Death Note has been the gateway anime for many fans as it proves outsiders to anime that it is not just children’s cartoon that people watch to pass the time. Within 12 episodes alone this anime accentuates the medium for mature storytelling.
Cowboy Bebop
A classic sci-fi anime that follows the adventures of a group of bounty hunters in the year 2071. They travel across the solar system in their spaceship, the Bebop, and encounter various criminals, mysteries, and existential dilemmas.
This space thriller is a classic of the industry that brings together all of the elements that make up the anime culture. It’s weird, funny, and chill when it needs to be but watch out for when it gets serious and emotional in a flash.
Violet Evergarden
A post-war drama anime that depicts the life of Violet Evergarden, a former child soldier who becomes an Auto Memory Doll- a person who writes letters for others. The story is just her journey trying to understand the meaning of the words “I love you”, which were said to her by her mentor before he died in the previous war.
The story of this one is simple but emotionally rich and brings out the best of anime as a medium of meaningful storytelling. The breathtaking butter-smooth animation enraptures viewers and draws them further into the world of its protagonist- Violet.
Horimiya
A simple romance anime that explores the relationship between Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura- two high school students who have different personas at school and home. They discover each other’s secrets and develop a close bond not only with each other but also with their peers around them in school.
This one makes it to the list for just being a simple, poignant watch that doesn’t require keen attention to detail or serious thought. You can just put this on and calm yourself before you sleep for the night.
Reincarnated as a Slime
A fantasy isekai anime that follows the adventures of Rimuru Tempest, a human who is reincarnated as a slime in another world. He gains the ability to absorb and mimic other creatures and becomes the leader of a diverse community of monsters.
An isekai is any story where the protagonist is transferred to another world, generally of the magical fantasy genre, where they get a second chance at life or a chance to escape from their reality. It’s one of the most popular genres of anime and this one highlights one of the best in that genre that is both easy-to-understand, simple, and well-executed.
Spy x Family
A comedy anime that centers on Twilight, a master spy who has to create a fake family for a mission. He adopts a daughter who is a telepath and marries a woman who is an assassin, without knowing their true identities. The story is about this dysfunctional family, each with their dark secrets, trying to live a daily life while also fulfilling their duties.
One of the most popular animes in recent history, this one is a family-friendly comedic riot. It’s a simple premise and story with a dash of poignant depth that makes the story all the more touching.
Mob Psycho 100
A supernatural anime that focuses on Shigeo Kageyama, a middle school boy who has powerful psychic abilities. He tries to live a normal life but is often dragged into conflicts involving other espers, spirits, and cults. His story is about trying to survive as a normal person in a world of madness.
- Also Read: Solo Leveling: Characters to Watch Out For
Perhaps the most jarring pick in this list, Mob Psycho 100 is an eccentric story with an unconventional protagonist and characters. But because of this very reason, it brings out the pinnacle of what the medium of anime is able to convey. It’s also got a healthy balance of comedy, depth, and action which makes it widely appealing if you can get past the unique look of the show.
