Hello anime fans, welcome back to AniWorldTV! Today, we’re going to explore some of the best anime for beginners that you can suggest to anyone who’s just starting their anime journey. You can also recommend these shows to people who’ve only watched a few anime and are looking for something truly worth their time.
As you know, it’s really important to start with good anime when you first enter the anime world. In the beginning, we all look for excitement and thrills, and if beginners don’t start with something great, they might end up disliking anime altogether and never give it another chance.
To make sure that doesn’t happen, we at AniWorldTV present to you the best anime for beginners!
So without further ado, let’s dive into the list!
Universal Gateway Anime (The Must-Haves)
If you’re new to anime or have only watched a few shows, you must start with these two classics. These anime are so universally loved that even veteran fans rarely have anything negative to say about them. They perfectly represent what makes anime such a unique medium.
1. Full metal alchemist
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy.
Why it works for beginners and all anime fans:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often considered the perfect starting point for anyone new to anime because it offers everything that makes the medium special, and it does it flawlessly. With a complete and cohesive story, it balances action, comedy, and drama in a way that feels natural and emotionally powerful. The pacing is nearly perfect, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish. Beyond its exciting battles and alchemy-based world, the series explores deep themes like loss, sacrifice, morality, and the value of human life. For newcomers, it’s easy to follow and incredibly rewarding; for long-time fans, it sets a high standard for storytelling and world-building that few shows can match.
2. Death note
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery.
Why it works for beginners and all anime fans:
Death Note is one of those rare anime that can hook anyone, even those who’ve never watched anime before. It’s a gripping psychological thriller centered on an intense cat-and-mouse game between two geniuses, Light Yagami and L. What makes it beginner-friendly is that it doesn’t rely on typical anime tropes like exaggerated humor or over-the-top action. Instead, it focuses on smart writing, moral dilemmas, and tension that builds with every episode. With just 37 episodes, it’s short, easy to follow, and filled with twists that keep you thinking long after it ends. For newcomers, it’s a perfect example of anime’s storytelling depth; for veterans, it remains one of the most iconic series ever made.
And if you’ve already watched these classics, let’s explore some of the best anime for beginners by genre to help you find what suits your taste.
Recommendations by Genre (Find Your Niche)
1. Genre: Action/Adventure (Shonen)
- Watch anime: Attack on Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen
- Why It Is a Good Starting Point: If you’re new to anime, Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen are two perfect series to begin with. Attack on Titan delivers high-quality animation, intense suspense, and a story that evolves in shocking and unpredictable ways, making it impossible to stop watching. On the other hand, Jujutsu Kaisen is modern, stylish, and full of energy, offering some of the best action sequences in recent years. Both series capture what makes anime so exciting: stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters. They’re not just entertaining — they’ll pull you deep into the anime world from the very first episode.
2. Genre: Slice of Life/Comedy
- Watch anime: The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. or Spy x Family
- Why It Is a Good Starting Point: If you’re looking for something light, funny, and easy to follow, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. and Spy x Family are great picks. Saiki K. is a non-stop comedy that doesn’t require keeping up with a complex story, every episode is a fun, standalone experience filled with quirky humor and lovable characters. Meanwhile, Spy x Family perfectly blends action, comedy, and wholesome family moments, making it enjoyable for all kinds of viewers. Both are easy to get into, entertaining from the start, and ideal for anyone beginning their anime journey.
3. Genre: Sci-Fi/Classic
- Watch anime: Cowboy Bebop
- Why It Is a Good Starting Point: Cowboy Bebop is a timeless classic and one of the best anime for beginners. With just 26 episodes, it’s short, stylish, and emotionally rich. Its episodic storytelling makes each episode feel like a mini-movie, allowing you to enjoy it at your own pace. The jazz-inspired soundtrack, cinematic direction, and deep character writing create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, Cowboy Bebop is a must-watch that shows just how artistic and emotional anime can be.
4. Genre: Sports
- Watch anime: Haikyu!!
- Why It Is a Good Starting Point: You don’t need to love volleyball to fall in love with Haikyu!! This anime is filled with passion, teamwork, and determination that will inspire anyone who watches it. It beautifully captures the thrill of competition and the power of friendship. The incredible animation, intense matches, and heartfelt moments make it more than just a sports story, it’s about growth, effort, and chasing your dreams. Haikyu!! is one of the most motivating anime for beginners to start with.
5. Genre: Romance/Drama
- Watch anime: Your Lie in April or Kaguya-sama: Love is War
- Why It Is a Good Starting Point: If you want to start your anime journey with something emotional yet lighthearted, Your Lie in April and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War are perfect choices. Your Lie in April is a touching coming-of-age story centered on music, youth, and self-discovery. Its emotional storytelling and breathtaking soundtrack make it unforgettable. Meanwhile, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a clever and hilarious romantic comedy where love is treated like a psychological battle. Both shows highlight the creativity and emotional range that make anime so special.
3. Key Points to Remember When Starting Anime
1. Sub vs. Dub
One of the first choices every new anime fan faces is whether to watch in Sub or Dub.
“Sub” means watching in Japanese with subtitles, while “Dub” means the dialogue is translated into English.
For beginners, starting with a good English dub can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable, especially when you’re getting used to anime’s style and pacing. Shows like Death Note and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood have excellent dubs that match the original’s emotion and tone. Once you’re comfortable, try watching in sub to experience the authentic voice acting and cultural depth.
Personally, I prefer watching most anime in sub. The Japanese voice acting is incredible, it really brings the characters to life. Plus, subbed episodes release faster, and not all anime get an English dub. However, if you’re just starting out, dub is a great way to ease into anime without worrying about subtitles.
2. The “3-Episode Rule”
This is my personal rule, but it works really well for beginners too.
If an anime has around 12 to 13 episodes, try watching at least 3 episodes before deciding to drop it.
If it has more than 20 episodes, give it around 6 episodes, or even up to 8 to 10 if you can.
If you still don’t like it after that, no problem! Don’t be too hard on yourself. Many anime start slow, and some use the first season just to build up the story and world. Patience often pays off.
And remember, you don’t have to like every popular anime. Just because a show is hyped or everyone recommends it doesn’t mean it fits your taste. Enjoy what you like and follow your own preferences.
3. Where to Watch
Now, the main question, where to watch these anime?
I recommend platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix, as they’re safe, legal, and offer high-quality streaming. Avoid pirate sites since they often contain viruses and unsafe ads. Of course, not every anime is available in one place, but it’s better to stay safe and support the creators when you can.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for reading this entire article!
If you found it helpful, please share it with your friends who are also planning to start their journey into the world of anime.
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Now it’s your turn! Comment below which anime you started with or which one you’re planning to watch next — we’d love to hear your story!
