Summary
For those who are venturing intothe world ofanimefor the first time, it can be thrilling, yet at the same time nerve-wrecking. With thousands of titles in hundreds of genres, it is easy to feel confused, not knowing where to start. This could mean the difference between loving the medium and completely dropping it after giving it just one chance. Anime can range from adrenaline-rush epics to tender drama, and has a distinct storytelling format that sets it apart from Western television, which frequently combines deep ideas, imaginative worlds, and unforgettable characters in a truly unique way.
For anime newcomers, the choice to start off with an approachable, influential but unrushed series makes all the difference.This curated list includes a wide variety ofanime series for anime beginnersthat finds the happymedium between gripping stories and approachability, a taste of everything the medium can offer, with no pre-existing knowledge and expertise of the genre necessary.
Set in Prohibition-era America,91 Daystells the story of Angelo Lagusa, a young man out to get revenge against the mafia family that killed his own. Under the guise of “Avilio Bruno,” he gets into the Vanetti family, plotting his revenge with a perfect plan. The series goes deep into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cyclicity of violence, all of which are presented with a noir style that reflects the grim mood of the period.
91 Daysis a self-contained storythat runs for just 12 episodes, so it is a reasonable investment for newcomers. Its captivating plot, well-drawn characters, and realistic setting serve as a great introduction to anime’s ability to tell a story without the prerequisite of knowing the genre.
Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist who is having a hard time, has an involuntary power called “Revival” that sends him back in time a few moments before a life-threatening event, giving him a chance to stop it.When a tragedy happensin his life related to his past, Satoru is taken back in time 18 years, occupying his 11-year-old body, but still possessing his consciousness from the present. He understands that whatever tragedy occurred in his present is associated with a chain of child abductions and murders in his childhood, and he has to change the course of events to save his family and friends.
Erasedskillfully combines the ingredients of suspense, drama, and supernatural phenomena into a compact 12-episode package. Its emotionally gripping story and realistic characters make it an interesting watch for newcomers to anime, a glimpse of what the medium can do with stories.
InParasyte -the maxim-, aliens, in the form of Parasites, arrive on Earth and invade human bodies by entering their brains. High school student Shinichi Izumi is infected by a Parasite that does not succeed in getting to his brain and is forced to settle in his right hand, thus leading to an unusual coexistence. With his new reality, Shinichi is sucked into a war against other Parasites that are determined to destroy mankind.
Inits battle with the otherparasites that threaten humanity, the series explores profound issues of identity, coexistence, and what it is to be human. Its combination of high action and philosophical inquiry gives food for thought, and for novices, it is an exciting introduction to anime’s capacityto integrate action with more existential questions.
Haikyu!!is a story of a high school student, Shoyo Hinata, who is very passionate about playing volleyball despite his short stature. Motivated by a legendary player who was nicknamed “Little Giant,” Hinata enrolls with the Karasuno High School volleyball team where he forms an unlikely partnership with a brilliant but hot-headed setter, Tobio Kageyama. As a team, they aim to take their team to the national championships and experience personal and team challenges along the way.
With its colorful animation, realistic characters, andemphasis on teamwork and perseverance,Haikyu!!is an inspiring and fun sports story. The series has completed its main story, and the latest release,Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battlemovie in 2024 is an excellent continuation for the fans. A sequel film,Haikyu!! vs. The Little Giant, has been announced, and it is the perfect time to start watching the series to get caught up.
Cowboy Bebopis a story about the adventures of the bounty-hunting crew residing on the spaceship Bebop in a futuristic world where humanity has colonized the solar system. The group, consisting of the laid-back Spike Spiegel, the pragmatic Jet Black, the femme fatale Faye Valentine, hacker prodigy Ed, and the intelligent dog Ein, goes out on different missions and attempts to work through their disturbed pasts.
Famous for combining different genres of storytelling, including elements of science fiction, western, and noir, with jazz music,Cowboy Bebophasbecome a full-fledged phenomenon. Its episodic characters allow viewers to watch it at their convenience, as each episode is a story of its own. Still, the philosophic undertones and flashy animation make it a timeless classic, not only for newcomers to anime but also for veterans.
Light Yagami, a high school student, finds a mysterious notebookin which he can kill anybody whose name he writes. He uses this ability to rid the world of bad people and create a utopian society. However, he draws the attention of a brilliant detective, L, who will bring him back to his senses and remind him that he is not as smart as he assumed himself to be,creatinga high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Death Noteis a gripping psychological thrillerthat covers themes such as morality, justice, and power corruption. The fast plot and complex characters, as well as the context and pace, makeDeath Notea good watch for anyone new to anime and prove that anime can tellsophisticated stories quite well.
Set in a world where humanity lives behind gigantic walls in order to protect themselves from huge human-shaped monsters known as Titans,Attack on Titanfollows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, who join the military and fight against this titanic threat. As the series continues,they discover deep conspiraciesabout the nature of their world, and the anime is regarded as having one of the best plot twists in television history.
Earning international recognition because of its fast-paced action scenes, complicated plot, and grappling with themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the human condition,Attack on Titanhas been of particular interest for many years now. Its engrossing story and production quality make it an easy recommendation for anyone new to anime interested in an epic story brimming with heart.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodexplores the intriguing story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, brothers, after their disastrous attempt to resurrect their mother through alchemy.Edward loses his limbs as punishment, and Alphonse has his soul trapped in a suit of armor. They start a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, with which they can regenerate their bodies. The series starts off strong, but with a simple premise.However, as they continue their journey, the Elric brothers find themselves in the middle of a conspiracy that will cause the demise of their world.
This series is praised for the flow of its plot and its rich world-building elements, which emphasize sacrifice, morality, and family bonds. Its combination of action, humor, and emotional richness, topped with a fitting and satisfying ending, makes it a classic anime that’s perfect for newcomers.
