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Starting anything can feel extremely overwhelming, and people often feel pressured about it. Anime is one such thing that can be overwhelming for beginners, especially since there are multiple genres to choose from, and each genre has hundreds of titles. While a few anime series may require a great commitment, there are also a few that are perfect for first-time viewers. These anime have great stories, exciting characters, a perfect balance of emotions, and intense action sequences. To reduce the pressure of getting into anime, here is a list of the top 10 anime that will be perfect for beginners.
1. Naruto/Naruto Shippuden
- Creator: Masashi Kishimoto
- Episodes: 720
- Animation Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
Naruto is one of the best anime for beginners, since it is one of the Big Three of anime. The story revolves around an orphaned shinobi named Naruto Uzumaki, who is treated as an outcast by his village because of a Demon Fox sealed within him. He is always greeted with anger and hatred, and does shenanigans to get everyone’s attention. Amidst all the struggles, Naruto desires to become the Hokage (the strongest shinobi and village leader) and earn everyone’s respect.
Naruto is one of the longest-running anime with over 700 episodes, providing beginners with the perfect show to slowly delve into. The Shounen genre, with tons of action and humour in between, is the perfect watch. Naruto beautifully explores all the characters, with backstories that will leave the viewers with teary eyes. The anime also has tons of fillers showcasing side-stories to give it a fresher look amidst all the ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu.
2. Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z
- Creator: Akira Toriyama
- Episodes: 444
- Animation Studio: Toei Animation
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
When Grandpa Gohan is strolling through the jungle, he finds an infant with a tail. Despite his mysterious origins, Gohan names the infant Son Goku and looks after him as his grandson. Goku grows up to be a powerful martial artist, first saving the planet, and then the universe from evil beings along with his friends, while growing strong exponentially.
Dragon Ball paved the way so that modern-day anime could enjoy their successes. Even though it was released almost four decades ago, its popularity has always been on the rise. Not only is it one of the most influential anime ever, but it also has a great plot with a mixture of genres. There is adventure, humour, action sequences, grief, and most importantly, transformations that have helped it earn an iconic status. Dragon Ball is a great choice for beginners, and they will feel an immediate connection with late Akira Toriyama’s art style.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Creator: Hiromu Arakawa
- Episodes: 64
- Animation Studio: Bones
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
Edward and Alphonse Elric’s experimentation with bringing back their mother from the dead using Alchemy goes horribly wrong and results in the former losing one of his hands and legs, while the latter loses his physical body. They barely escaped the adversity, and upon recovering, they learnt about the Philosopher’s Stone, which might bring back their mother. As a result, they left their home to become Alchemists and search for the Philosopher’s Stone.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the best ever anime, following a philosophical narrative with emotional depth. The anime is beautifully paced, giving off a polished vibe. Edward and Alphonse Elric’s journey will take them through multiple adversities, often providing revelations that will leave the viewers shocked. The side characters are well-explored, and there is a surprise at the end.
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Creator: Koyoharu Gotouge
- Episodes: 61 (Ongoing)
- Animation Studio: Ufotable
- Where To Watch: Netflix
One day, after returning from work, Tanjiro Kamado finds his family has been brutally murdered, with his sister being transformed into a demon. When a member of the Demon Slayer Corps passes by, Tanjiro begs him to spare his sister. After much consideration, his sister is spared, and Tanjiro sets out on a journey to become a Demon Slayer and find the man behind the murder of his family.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is one of the modern-day greats with a great plot and an even better animation. Taking place in the Taisho era, the anime is true to its core, with great worldbuilding. The characters are well-written, and the emotional stakes in every scene make it more approachable. Demon Slayer is especially known for its flashy fights, which can make the viewers feel an adrenaline rush.
5. Spy x Family
- Creator: Tatsuya Endo
- Episodes: 37 (Ongoing)
- Animation Studio: Wit Studio, CloverWorks
- Where To Watch: Netflix
Twilight’s new mission requires him to arrange a fake family to get closer to his target. He takes the alias of Loid Forger, recruits a woman, Yor, as his wife, and adopts a child named Anya. Unknown to him, Yor is a deadly assassin, and Anya is a psychic. Anya knows both her parents’ real identities but is afraid to reveal them. On the other hand, Loid and Yor slowly start to develop feelings for each other, but the former needs to stay focused on his mission.
Spy x Family is an anime that is perfect for the weekend. It is exciting and entertaining, bringing laughs at every alternate scene. The Forger family makes a mistake at every step, with the situation turning into a hilarious setup. Similar to the comedy, the action sequences are well-choreographed. The slice-of-life’s heartwarming narrative will leave every beginner hooked on anime.
6. Haikyu!!
- Creator: Haruichi Furudate
- Episodes: 85 + 1 (Movie) – (Ongoing)
- Animation Studio: Production I.G
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
Hinata Shouyo is hooked on volleyball after experiencing Karasuno High’s Little Giant. Unfortunately, Hinata Shouyo is pretty small compared to an average volleyball player. However, he does not let it demotivate him, and a few years later, he joined Karasuno High School and became a regular starter on their volleyball team. Amidst all the shortcomings, he partners up with Kageyama Tobio, and together they become an unstoppable duo.
Haikyu!! is a great way to get hooked on anime for sports lovers. It speaks about all the struggles a player has to go through, but has to keep themselves motivated to become successful. There are likable as well as annoying characters, who are equally crucial to the narrative. The volleyball matches are pretty interesting, and the tricks are portrayed quite magnificently. The anime is easy to follow, inspiring, and tells that failure does not mean the end.
7. My Hero Academia
- Creator: Kouhei Horikoshi
- Episodes: 170
- Animation Studio: Bones
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
Izuku Midoriya’s dream of becoming a Pro-Hero like All Might takes a hit when he learns that he is quirkless in a world where 80% have quirks. However, following some incidents, All Might chooses Izuku to become the inheritor of his quirk, which is unheard of. Thanks to the Pro-Hero, Izuku gets admission to UA, pursuing his journey to become a Pro-Hero. Unfortunately, his journey is not smooth as All Might’s rival, All for One, targets Izuku since he is the successor of the quirk, One for All.
My Hero Academia is often considered one of the Big Three anime of the modern generation. The anime gives a modern twist to the concept of heroes, making them more fascinating. For that reason, it will be a great watch for beginners who are Marvel/DC fans. There are fun tournaments, serious villain fights, comic reliefs, and emotions at stake, signifying the greatness of My Hero Academia. As the story progresses, the narrative becomes darker, helping the viewers to become a pro at anime and widening their library.
8. Gintama
- Creator: Hideaki Sorachi
- Episodes: 201
- Animation Studio: Sunrise
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
When aliens have taken over Japan during the Edo period, freelancer Gintoki Sakata, Shinpachi Shimura, and an alien girl, Kagura, form a group taking on odd jobs. These jobs often turn out to be bizarre, questioning reality and providing absurd comedy. Oftentimes, the trio does a parody of other popular anime, breaking the fourth wall.
Gintama is one of the most highly rated anime when it comes to the comedy genre. There are only a few anime that come close to it. It does comedy unconventionally and in the weirdest way, but people have always loved it. Even serious situations can make people burst out laughing. On top of that, the constant fourth wall breaking is something no one has ever pulled off. One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Dragon Ball, etc., almost all the big names have a Gintama parody.
9. Hunter x Hunter
- Creator: Yoshihiro Togashi
- Episodes: 148
- Animation Studio: Madhouse
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
Gon Freecs wants to become a Hunter like his father Ging Freecs, who left him with his aunt when Gon was a kid. Gon takes the Hunter Exam, passes, and makes new friends in the process. His real journey began after becoming a Hunter, as the darker side of the Hunter world was opened to him. Gon has to deal with multiple emotions, while putting his life in danger, to fulfil his missions.
Hunter x Hunter is a shounen anime with seinen vibes. The initial lightheartedness slowly vanishes as the story progresses. Fans can experience it as the backgrounds take darker shades from light ones, creating beautiful tonal and contrast shifts. The world-building and character growth complement the narrative, bringing the best experience to beginners.
10. Hajime no Ippo
- Creator: George Morikawa
- Episodes: 76
- Animation Studio: Madhouse
- Where To Watch: Netflix
When a group of bullies left Ippo Makunouchi seriously wounded, he was taken in by a former boxer. After treating his wounds, he boxer asks Ippo to use a sandbag to vent out his anger. During his venting, the former boxer discovered Ippo’s talent for boxing and started training him. Thus began Ippo Makunouchi’s journey to become a champion boxer.
Hajime no Ippo is a fantastic sports anime focusing on self-belief, rivalry, and perseverance. The minute details about boxing are showcased pretty well, and the matches are true to real-life boxing. Amidst all the action, the creator did not forget to include comedy so that it does not become monotonous. Hajime no Ippo provides a perfectly balanced watch for beginners who are sports lovers.
Also Read: Unmatched Anime Trios That Redefined Bonds and Battles
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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