By [Negar]
23 Best anime series of all kinds! As someone who’s been an otaku for a long time and a mangaka who lives and breathes anime and manga, I understand the magic that this medium holds. Anime is not just a form of entertainment; it’s a vibrant, multifaceted art form that tells stories in ways no other medium can. But for those new to anime, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you find that first best anime series that will hook you and draw you into this incredible world?
Whether you’re completely new to anime or just looking for that perfect entry point, I’ve curated a list of titles that will ignite your passion for anime. These are not just popular shows, but carefully selected works that represent the diversity, creativity, and emotional depth that anime is known for. As an otaku and a creator, I can say with confidence that these animes will leave a lasting impact on you, just as they did on me.
1. My Hero Academia
Contents
show
- Episodes/Seasons: 136 episodes across 6 seasons (ongoing as of 2024)
- Genre: Action, Superhero
- Release Year: 2016
- IMDb: 8.4/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: The series blends superhero action with heartfelt character development and accessible storytelling, making it easy for newcomers to connect with the characters and world. The blend of high-stakes battles and personal growth offers a perfect entry point into anime’s dynamic storytelling.
- Plot Overview: In a world where nearly everyone has superpowers known as “Quirks,” young Izuku Midoriya is one of the rare people born without one. Despite this, he dreams of becoming the greatest hero. His life changes dramatically when he inherits the power of the number one hero, All Might, and begins his journey at U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
2. Spirited Away
- Episodes/Seasons: Film (125 minutes)
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Release Year: 2001
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This critically acclaimed film introduces viewers to the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli, known for its imaginative and whimsical storytelling. It offers a visual feast and a captivating story that’s both accessible and deeply moving, making it a great starting point for exploring anime’s artistic and narrative possibilities.
- Plot Overview: Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl, stumbles into a mysterious and magical world while moving to a new town. Her parents are transformed into pigs, and she must navigate this strange realm filled with spirits and witches to save them and find a way back home. The film’s rich visual style and heartfelt story make it a timeless classic.
- Where to Watch: HBO Max | Disney+
3. Attack on Titan
- Episodes/Seasons: 88 episodes across 4 seasons (ongoing as of 2024)
- Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy
- Release Year: 2013
- IMDb: 8.9/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: The series offers a compelling mix of action, suspense, and intricate world-building. Its intense narrative and dramatic plot twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats, making it a gripping entry point into anime’s more complex and thrilling genres.
- Plot Overview: Humanity’s remnants live within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. Eren Yeager, along with his friends Mikasa and Armin, join the military to fight these Titans after their home is destroyed. As they uncover the truth about the Titans and their world, they face both external and internal conflicts.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Episodes/Seasons: 64 episodes across 1 season
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Release Year: 2009
- IMDb: 9.1/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This series is praised for its well-crafted narrative, memorable characters, and philosophical themes. It offers a rich story with emotional depth and moral complexity, making it an excellent choice for those new to anime who appreciate intricate plots and character development.
- Plot Overview: Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric use alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their deceased mother but suffer severe consequences. Edward loses an arm and a leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body, his soul bound to a suit of armor. They embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, which they believe can restore their bodies and rectify their mistakes.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
5. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
- Episodes/Seasons: Film (106 minutes)
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy
- Release Year: 2016
- IMDb: 8.9/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This film combines beautiful animation with a touching story that explores themes of love and destiny. Its universal appeal and stunning visuals make it an accessible and emotionally resonant introduction to anime.
- Plot Overview: High school students Mitsuha and Taki, who live in different parts of Japan, begin to mysteriously swap bodies. As they navigate each other’s lives and build a connection, they uncover a profound and emotional story that links their fates in unexpected ways.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Hulu
6. Naruto Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 220 episodes across 1 season; 500 episodes across 1 season for “Naruto Shippuden”
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Release Year: 2002 (Naruto), 2007 (Naruto Shippuden)
- IMDb: 8.3/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Known for its expansive world-building and character-driven stories, Naruto introduces viewers to a rich and imaginative universe with memorable characters and epic battles.
- Plot Overview: Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and leader of his village, faces many challenges. Throughout his journey, he confronts personal struggles and grows into a hero while uncovering secrets about his past and his village’s history.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
7. Death Note Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 37 episodes across 1 season
- Genre: Thriller, Psychological
- Release Year: 2006
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: With its intense psychological battles and dark themes, Death Note offers a gripping story that explores morality and justice. Its compelling narrative is perfect for viewers looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking anime.
- Plot Overview: Light Yagami discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. As he uses the Death Note to rid the world of criminals, he faces off against a brilliant detective known only as “L.” The series delves into themes of power, justice, and the consequences of playing god.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
8. One Punch Man
- Episodes/Seasons: 24 episodes across 2 seasons
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Release Year: 2015
- IMDb: 8.8/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This anime offers a fresh take on the superhero genre with a unique blend of humor and action. Its satire on typical superhero tropes and the focus on overpowered hero Saitama makes it entertaining and accessible.
- Plot Overview: Saitama is a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Bored and frustrated by the lack of challenging fights, he struggles to find purpose and recognition in a world full of villains and heroes. The series cleverly combines comedic elements with thrilling action.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
9. Cowboy Bebop
- Episodes/Seasons: 26 episodes across 1 season
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
- Release Year: 1998
- IMDb: 8.9/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: With its unique blend of genres and jazz soundtrack, Cowboy Bebop provides a stylish and engaging introduction to anime. Its episodic nature and diverse themes make it accessible for viewers new to the medium.
- Plot Overview: The series follows a group of bounty hunters traveling through space in their ship, the Bebop. Each member of the crew has a troubled past, and their adventures through the galaxy are filled with action, drama, and memorable music. The series blends futuristic elements with classic noir influences.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
10. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Episodes/Seasons: 26 episodes across 1 season; 11 episodes in “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc”
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Release Year: 2019
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Known for its breathtaking animation and emotionally charged story, Demon Slayer offers a compelling introduction to the fantasy genre with a focus on family and resilience.
- Plot Overview: Tanjiro Kamado’s life changes when his family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. Determined to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer and faces numerous challenges and enemies.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
11. Haikyuu!!
- Episodes/Seasons: 85 episodes across 4 seasons (ongoing as of 2024)
- Genre: Sports, Drama
- Release Year: 2014
- IMDb: 8.7/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This series offers a high-energy and inspiring look at high school volleyball. Its focus on teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth makes it an uplifting and easy-to-follow entry into sports anime.
- Plot Overview: Shoyo Hinata, inspired by a volleyball player known as the “Small Giant,” joins his high school volleyball team. Despite his short stature, he faces numerous challenges and develops his skills alongside his teammates. The series captures the excitement of volleyball and the bonds formed through teamwork.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
12. Toradora!
- Episodes/Seasons: 25 episodes across 1 season
- Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
- Release Year: 2008
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Toradora! combines romance with humor and heartfelt drama, making it an accessible and engaging series for those new to anime’s slice-of-life genre.
- Plot Overview: Ryuuji, a high school student with a tough appearance, and Taiga, a tiny but fierce girl, end up living next door to each other. Despite their contrasting personalities, they form an unlikely alliance to help each other with their respective crushes, leading to unexpected romantic developments and personal growth.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
13. Sword Art Online Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 96 episodes across 4 seasons
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Release Year: 2012
- IMDb: 7.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: The series’ premise of virtual reality games and its blend of action and romance make it an engaging introduction to anime. Its high-concept setting and adventure-filled story appeal to fans of sci-fi and fantasy.
- Plot Overview: Players of a virtual reality MMORPG find themselves trapped in the game, with death in the game meaning death in real life. Kirito, one of the players, must navigate the game’s challenges and fight to escape, all while forming relationships and uncovering the game’s mysteries.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
14. Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Episodes/Seasons: 26 episodes across 1 season; 4 films (Rebuild series)
- Genre: Mecha, Psychological
- Release Year: 1995
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This series is renowned for its deep psychological themes and innovative storytelling. It challenges conventional anime tropes and offers a complex narrative that can captivate viewers interested in more thought-provoking content.
- Plot Overview: In a post-apocalyptic world, teenage pilots are recruited to control giant mechs called Evas to combat mysterious beings known as Angels. As they battle these threats, the series delves into themes of identity, depression, and human existence, presenting a unique and often challenging narrative.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
15. Clannad Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 47 episodes across 2 seasons
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Release Year: 2007
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Known for its emotional storytelling and character development, Clannad offers a touching experience that showcases anime’s capacity to evoke deep emotions. It’s a perfect choice for viewers interested in drama and romance.
- Plot Overview: Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent high school student, meets several people who help him rediscover the joys and struggles of life. The series explores themes of family, friendship, and love, and its follow-up, “Clannad: After Story,” further expands on these themes with a deeply moving narrative.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Hulu
16. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- Episodes/Seasons: 50 episodes across 2 seasons
- Genre: Mecha, Political
- Release Year: 2006
- IMDb: 8.7/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This anime’s complex political intrigue and moral dilemmas make it an engaging watch for those interested in strategic and philosophical narratives. Its combination of mecha action and dramatic storytelling provides a gripping introduction to anime’s range of themes.
- Plot Overview: Lelouch vi Britannia, a prince exiled from the ruling empire, gains the power of Geass, which allows him to command anyone to obey his will. Using this power, he leads a revolution against the tyrannical Britannian Empire, unraveling a tale of power, betrayal, and personal sacrifice.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
17. Steins;Gate Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 24 episodes across 1 season
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Release Year: 2011
- IMDb: 8.8/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: Steins;Gate offers a captivating mix of time travel, science fiction, and suspense. Its intricate plot and character-driven story are perfect for those new to anime who enjoy complex narratives and thought-provoking themes.
- Plot Overview: Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his friends accidentally discover time travel. As they experiment with this newfound ability, they become entangled in a series of events that could change the course of history and threaten their lives.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Hulu
18. One Piece Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: Over 1,070 episodes across 1 season (ongoing as of 2024)
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Release Year: 1999
- IMDb: 8.7/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: As one of the most popular and long-running anime series, One Piece introduces viewers to a vast world of adventure and camaraderie. Its engaging story, diverse characters, and exciting action sequences make it a great entry point for newcomers.
- Plot Overview: Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch his body like rubber, sets out to find the legendary One Piece, the greatest treasure in the world, and become the Pirate King. Along with his diverse crew, he faces numerous challenges and uncovers secrets of the world.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
19. Fairy Tail Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 328 episodes across 9 seasons
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- Release Year: 2009
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: With its action-packed adventures and strong sense of camaraderie, Fairy Tail offers a fun and accessible introduction to anime’s fantasy genre. Its engaging story and character dynamics are perfect for those new to anime.
- Plot Overview: Lucy Heartfilia, a young mage, joins the Fairy Tail guild and teams up with Natsu Dragneel, a wizard searching for the dragon Igneel. The guild embarks on various missions, battles powerful foes, and uncovers the secrets of the magical world they live in.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
20. My Neighbor Totoro
- Episodes/Seasons: Film (86 minutes)
- Genre: Fantasy, Family
- Release Year: 1988
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This heartwarming film by Studio Ghibli introduces viewers to the magic of anime through a gentle and imaginative story. Its beautiful animation and charming characters make it an ideal choice for newcomers of all ages.
- Plot Overview: Two young sisters move to the countryside and discover magical creatures, including the gentle forest spirit Totoro. The film portrays their adventures and the bond they form with Totoro in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant way.
- Where to Watch: HBO Max | Disney+
21. Jujutsu Kaisen Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 24 episodes across 1 season; 12 episodes in “Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident Arc”
- Genre: Action, Supernatural
- Release Year: 2020
- IMDb: 8.7/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: With its exciting fight scenes and engaging supernatural elements, Jujutsu Kaisen offers a thrilling introduction to action-packed anime. Its fast-paced story and well-developed characters make it an easy and enjoyable series for newcomers.
- Plot Overview: Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical abilities, becomes entangled in the world of curses after swallowing a powerful cursed object. He joins a secret organization of jujutsu sorcerers to combat malevolent spirits and uncover the mysteries surrounding the curses.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
22. Spy x Family Anime
- Episodes/Seasons: 24 episodes across 2 seasons
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Release Year: 2022
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: This series combines espionage with humor and family dynamics, making it a fun and accessible introduction to anime. Its engaging characters and light-hearted plot offer a refreshing and entertaining experience for new viewers.
- Plot Overview: Master spy Twilight is tasked with a secret mission that requires him to create a fake family. He adopts a girl with psychic abilities and marries an assassin, unaware of their true identities. As they navigate their roles and develop genuine relationships, the series blends comedy, action, and heartwarming moments.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
23. Dragon Ball anime
- Episodes/Seasons: Over 500 episodes across multiple series (Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super)
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Release Year: 1986
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Why It’s Great for Beginners: As a cornerstone of the anime genre, Dragon Ball introduces viewers to iconic characters and epic battles. Its influence on modern anime and its engaging story make it a must-watch for those new to the medium.
- Plot Overview: The series follows the adventures of Goku, a powerful martial artist with a monkey tail, as he searches for the Dragon Balls, which grant wishes when gathered. Along with his friends, he faces powerful foes and becomes a legendary hero through his battles and adventures.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll | Funimation | Netflix
By starting with these anime, you’ll gain a broad understanding of different genres and styles within the medium. Whether you’re drawn to action-packed adventures, emotional dramas, or fantastical worlds, this list provides a well-rounded introduction to anime that will leave you eager for more.
For further reading on the evolution of animation styles, check out Traditional vs. Digital Animation.
Happy watching!