25 Best Anime for People Looking to Get Into Anime
Getting into anime can be surprisingly difficult for a lot of people out there. There are literally thousands of options available covering every imaginable genre and art style. Some you may have heard of due to their massive popularity, and others are only known by niche groups due to their very specific flavor. Either way, choosing what to start with when you’re just getting into anime is hard.
To make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of 25 great anime to start out with. These range from action-drama, with sci-fi, fantasy, and some more grounded stuff sprinkled in. Whether you’re looking for a short 13 episode series just to wet your feet, or a long 750 episode epic to pull you in and hold your attention, we’re sure that you’ll find something here worth watching.
We would definitely recommend giving more than one series here a try. If you’re really interesting in breaking into the genre, you may need more than one attempt to find what type really speaks to you. Heck, it’s completely possible to find something you like in each and every entry so why not sit back and enjoy the entertainment?
If you see something here that ended up helping you make your decision on where to start, feel free to share in the comments below. If you have some other suggestions for your fellow fans, share those too.
There’s nothing like a good underdog story. Naruto (split between the original and the Shippuden series) is a great one full of huge fights, tons of ninja, and powerful enemies.
This look into the life of Satan as a human (and possibly a hero) is an interesting anime. It’s full of fantasy, comedy, and plenty of action.
Sailor Moon is a pretty easy anime to follow. A group of high-school girls become super heroes to stop the powers of evil. Crystal is an updated version of the anime that is much more enjoyable than the original run. That said, you should give the original series a watch at least once just for the opening theme song.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped inside of your favorite RPG? If that thought has crossed your mind even once, then Sword Art Online may be right up your alley.
Vash the Stampede’s journey to save lives without killing, all while trying to remember his past, is both deep and oddly funny. The poor guy just can’t catch a break. The superb animation and excellent gunfights make for a nice starting point for newcomers.
Death Note is all about story and atmosphere. If you’re looking to get into anime but aren’t into all of the intense action that many series boast, this psychological thriller may be just what the doctor ordered.
Enjoy the world of reaping souls with some over-the-top combat and a heavy dose of comedy.
Attack on Titan has taken the world by storm with its nightmarish world and brutal animation. If your’e going to get into anime now, might as well start with the one that has everyone in a frenzy.
Recommended Videos
Naruto
There's nothing like a good underdog story. Naruto (split between the original and the Shippuden series) is a great one full of huge fights, tons of ninja, and powerful enemies.
The Devil is a Part-Timer!
This look into the life of Satan as a human (and possibly a hero) is an interesting anime. It's full of fantasy, comedy, and plenty of action.
Sailor Moon Crystal
Sailor Moon is a pretty easy anime to follow. A group of high-school girls become super heroes to stop the powers of evil. Crystal is an updated version of the anime that is much more enjoyable than the original run. That said, you should give the original series a watch at least once just for the opening theme song.
Sword Art Online
Ever wondered what it would be like to be trapped inside of your favorite RPG? If that thought has crossed your mind even once, then Sword Art Online may be right up your alley.
Trigun
Vash the Stampede's journey to save lives without killing, all while trying to remember his past, is both deep and oddly funny. The poor guy just can't catch a break. The superb animation and excellent gunfights make for a nice starting point for newcomers.
Death Note
Death Note is all about story and atmosphere. If you're looking to get into anime but aren't into all of the intense action that many series boast, this psychological thriller may be just what the doctor ordered.
Soul Eater
Enjoy the world of reaping souls with some over-the-top combat and a heavy dose of comedy.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan has taken the world by storm with its nightmarish world and brutal animation. If your'e going to get into anime now, might as well start with the one that has everyone in a frenzy.
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
FMA: Brotherhood is deep, maybe too deep depending on how you want to start your dive into anime. But there aren't many stories that rival this one, nor are there many series with better fight scenes.
Samurai Champloo
What starts as an act to save a waitress becomes a huge fight that leads to an unexpected adventure. There's no sci-fi or high fantasy here, but that doesn't mean it can't stand up with the best that anime has to offer. The series is only 26 episodes long, perfect for an anime newcomer to digest over a short period and see if the genre is for them.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop follows a band of bounty hunters through space as they catch criminals and deal with deadly rivals. It's a bit darker than other available series, but definitely not one to be missed.
Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is less about fighting and more about making the viewer think. It isn't big on action, so it's perfect for those looking for a new kind of story.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Beautifully drawn mechs, a deep political plot, and a stunning futuristic Tokyo make this anime a much watch for newcomers. After this series you'll find a new appreciation for anime.
Birdy the Mighty: Decode
An interesting story about a space agent and an accidental death that ties two unassuming characters together on a quest to stop evil. Deep story with plenty of humor and solid sci-fi action.
Assassination Classroom
A class that must learn how to kill its teacher before the deadline comes. This anime really needs no more explanation.
Dragon Ball
Literally any of the series (Dragon Ball, Z, GT, or Super) is perfect for those looking to get into anime. Huge fights with amazing abilities, solid animation, and some of anime's most iconic heroes all in one place.
The Seven Deadly Sins
What would the world be like if the embodiment of each of the Seven Deadly Sins were its only hope? This Netflix exclusive anime answers that question while providing a simple, easy to follow story for newcomers.
FLCL
FLCL (pronounced Fooly Cooly) is easily one of the best anime out there, and it is a great starting point for anyone looking to see what all the fuss revolving around anime is about. After getting whacked in the head with an electric bass, Naota's head becomes a portal to another world. The investigation and battles that follow over the short, 6 episode season are chaotic but at the same time inspiring.
Mobile Fighter G Gundam
Gundam provides many different great series. But, if you're just starting out, the easiest to follow is Mobile Fighter G Gundam. Big fights with awesome mechs, what's not to like?
Kill la Kill
Kill la Kill is the very embodiment of over-the-top. Huge, fast-paced fights, questionable costume design, and a hectic mix of hilarity provide the best taste of the wild side of anime.
One Piece
One Piece is a very long anime. But the fun nature, huge battles, and interesting characters provide a little taste of everything that anime has to offer.
Angel Beats
Great music, solid animation, and breathtaking action scenes. The 13-episode series is great for those looking for something bite-size to whet their appetites.
Lupin III
Lupin the Third follows a master thief through some seriously hilarious situations. It's noticeably older animation-wise, but definitely a great entry point.
Code Geass
While not as simple as other anime, Code Geass offers the same solid quality as other series on this list. It presents a bit more story so viewers can get a glimpse of the more serious side of anime.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi is a fun, lighthearted anime with plenty of magical action. The story is easy to follow and the action is bright and colorful, perfect for those trying to ease into anime.
About the author
Ishmael Romero
Just a wandering character from Brooklyn, NY. Fan of horrible Spider-Man games, anime, and corny jokes.
