A Beginner’s Guide to Anime: Where to Start?
Anime – Japanese animation – is more than just cartoons. It’s a medium that explores everything from childhood dreams to complex political struggles, all while offering captivating visuals and deeply emotional narratives. For newcomers, this variety can be exciting, but also a bit intimidating. Where do you start when there are thousands of titles spanning every imaginable genre?
The good news is that there are several shows perfectly suited for beginners. These series offer compelling stories, memorable characters, and accessible pacing that won’t leave you confused or overwhelmed. Whether you’re drawn to action-packed adventures, heartfelt friendships, or thrilling mysteries, there’s a perfect first anime out there for you.
Let’s explore the top 10 anime recommendations for newcomers — starting with the first five series that have introduced millions of fans around the world to this incredible art form.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – A Story of Loss, Loyalty, and Redemption
Widely regarded as one of the best anime of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a stunning gateway into the medium. It follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in an attempt to bring their mother back to life — but suffer tragic consequences in the process. Their journey to restore what was lost takes them across a beautifully crafted world, full of dark secrets and philosophical dilemmas.
What makes this series perfect for beginners is its strong plot structure, fast-paced storytelling, and emotional depth. Themes like the price of ambition, the nature of humanity, and the pain of loss are all explored in a way that is accessible yet profound. It balances thrilling action with quiet, touching moments, giving new viewers a taste of anime’s full emotional range.
My Hero Academia – Superpowers, Struggles, and Shonen Spirit
If you love superhero stories, My Hero Academia is the anime that bridges Western comic book themes with the energy of Japanese storytelling. Set in a world where most people are born with a “quirk” — a unique superpower — the series centers on Izuku Midoriya, a boy born powerless in a world where strength matters most.
His dream of becoming the greatest hero leads him to a chance encounter with All Might, the world’s most powerful hero, and from there begins his journey through U.A. High School, where students train to become professional heroes.
The show shines through its themes of perseverance, rivalry, and growth. It’s filled with inspiring characters, intense training arcs, and battles that are as emotionally charged as they are explosive. It’s also an ideal introduction to the popular shonen genre — action-driven anime typically targeted at a younger male audience but loved by all ages.
Death Note – The Intellectual Showdown Between Justice and Power
For viewers who prefer suspense, mystery, and a darker tone, Death Note is the perfect entry point. The story revolves around Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone simply by writing their name in it.
What begins as a seemingly noble crusade to rid the world of criminals quickly spirals into a complex moral struggle, as Light becomes consumed by his god-like power. He’s soon pursued by a detective known only as “L,” leading to a gripping cat-and-mouse game filled with tension, psychological warfare, and clever twists.
This series is short, smart, and packed with suspense — ideal for those who enjoy thrillers and ethical dilemmas. It asks big questions: What is justice? Who decides who deserves to live or die? And how far can someone go before becoming what they once opposed?
Demon Slayer – Beauty, Tragedy, and the Fight for Family
Visually stunning and emotionally powerful, Demon Slayer (or Kimetsu no Yaiba) tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a gentle-hearted boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is massacred and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into a demon. Driven by love and the hope of saving her, Tanjiro enters a brutal world of supernatural battles.
What makes Demon Slayer stand out — especially for new viewers — is its breathtaking animation, which uses flowing sword techniques and vibrant effects to turn every fight into a visual spectacle. But beneath the action lies a story grounded in empathy, compassion, and family bonds.
Tanjiro’s unwavering kindness, even toward enemies, gives the show a unique emotional tone that separates it from typical combat-driven anime. It’s easy to follow, rich in cultural elements, and incredibly engaging from the very first episode.
Haikyuu!! – The Passion of Sports and the Power of Teamwork
Even if you’re not a sports fan, Haikyuu!! will likely win you over. This high-energy series follows Shoyo Hinata, a determined teenager who dreams of becoming a volleyball star despite his short height. His boundless enthusiasm leads him to join a competitive high school team, where he forms intense rivalries and deep friendships.
The strength of Haikyuu!! lies in its relentless positivity, fast-paced storytelling, and character-driven matches that make every point feel like a victory. It’s not just about winning or losing — it’s about hard work, resilience, and believing in yourself even when the odds are stacked against you.
Newcomers will appreciate how accessible the series is, especially as it teaches volleyball rules naturally through the characters’ learning process. It’s one of the most uplifting anime experiences available — and a great introduction to the sports genre.
And those are the first five anime to get you started… but the list doesn’t end there. In Part 2, we’ll explore five more essential titles that offer fantasy, romance, iconic characters, and unforgettable stories that continue to shape the world of anime.
One Punch Man – Comedy, Satire, and Limitless Strength
Anime isn’t all seriousness and drama — sometimes, it’s pure entertainment. One Punch Man proves that with style. This series follows Saitama, a bald-headed hero who has become so powerful he can defeat any enemy with a single punch. While that might sound like a dream come true, it leads to unexpected problems: mainly boredom.
What makes One Punch Man so refreshing for beginners is its unique twist on the superhero formula. It takes common tropes — such as last-minute power-ups, dramatic monologues, and impossible odds — and turns them on their head. Saitama’s unshakable calm, total disinterest, and overpowered nature provide hilarious contrasts to the overly dramatic characters around him.
But beneath the humor is a clever commentary on identity, ambition, and the purpose of power. The animation is top-tier, and even if you’re watching just for fun, you’ll find yourself drawn into a surprisingly thoughtful story. It’s easy to follow and outrageously entertaining — perfect for those who enjoy satire and big laughs.
Naruto – The Iconic Underdog Story That Inspired a Generation
No anime list would be complete without Naruto. With over 700 episodes between the original and its sequel Naruto: Shippuden, this series is a massive journey — but don’t let the length scare you. It’s one of the most influential and beloved anime series ever created, and many fans’ first introduction to the medium.
The story centers around Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who’s treated as an outcast by his village because of a powerful demon sealed inside him. His dream? To become the greatest ninja of all time and earn everyone’s respect. Along the way, he faces brutal training, dangerous missions, heart-wrenching losses, and friendships that define who he becomes.
Naruto is the embodiment of growth, perseverance, and loyalty. It combines explosive fight scenes with deep emotional arcs, philosophical themes, and a world rich in history. For beginners who are ready for a long ride filled with action, adventure, and life lessons, this anime is a rite of passage.
Your Name – A Beautiful Fusion of Romance and Fantasy
While anime series are fantastic, movies also offer unforgettable experiences — and Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) is one of the best. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this breathtaking film tells the story of two teenagers — Mitsuha, a girl in rural Japan, and Taki, a boy in bustling Tokyo — who mysteriously begin switching bodies.
What begins as a light-hearted body-swap comedy quickly evolves into a tender, emotionally gripping tale that blends romance, destiny, and time travel. The visuals are stunning, the music is powerful, and the narrative is both accessible and deeply moving.
Your Name resonates with viewers of all backgrounds, even those who’ve never watched anime before. It captures the magic of youthful connection and longing in a way that’s universal, making it a perfect standalone film for newcomers.
Attack on Titan – Dark Themes and Epic Storytelling
If you’re looking for something that blends post-apocalyptic dread with jaw-dropping action and grand storytelling, Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) is unmissable. The series opens with humanity under siege by monstrous Titans who have forced the last survivors behind massive protective walls. The terrifying scale and brutality of the Titans sets the tone for what at first seems like a survival-based action anime.
But Attack on Titan evolves far beyond that. With each new season, the story becomes more complex, revealing dark political conspiracies, shifting moral lines, and a world where truth is more dangerous than the monsters themselves. The show constantly reinvents itself, pushing its characters — and its viewers — to question what it means to be free.
With powerful music, fluid animation, and emotional stakes that rise with every episode, this anime is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thrillers, war dramas, or complex world-building. It’s one of the most discussed series in recent years, and a landmark in modern anime history.
Spirited Away – A Timeless Fantasy Adventure
To finish this beginner’s guide, we return to a timeless classic: Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli. Unlike long series or fast-paced action, this film offers a more meditative and magical experience. The story follows Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl who wanders into a mysterious spirit world while moving to a new town. When her parents are transformed into pigs, she must navigate a surreal bathhouse filled with gods, spirits, and strange creatures to rescue them.
This film is a cultural touchstone — it won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time. It blends Japanese folklore with universal themes like courage, growth, and resilience. Every scene is meticulously hand-drawn, with fluid animation and unforgettable imagery.
Spirited Away is ideal for viewers who want to be swept into another world without committing to a full series. Its emotional resonance, creative visuals, and dreamlike atmosphere make it a perfect final entry in your anime introduction.
Moving Forward: Your Anime Journey Begins Now
Now that you’ve been introduced to 10 outstanding anime titles, your adventure is just beginning. These shows and films cover a wide range of genres, tones, and styles — from the epic to the intimate, the philosophical to the hilarious. Each one has helped spark a lifelong passion for countless viewers around the world.
As a newcomer, you don’t have to follow any particular order. Start with what interests you most. If emotional stories speak to you, begin with Your Name or Demon Slayer. If you enjoy superheroes and personal growth, My Hero Academia and Naruto are excellent choices. If you’re drawn to mystery and suspense, dive into Death Note or Attack on Titan.
And remember: anime is more than entertainment. It’s a gateway to Japanese culture, art, language, and ideas. The characters you meet will inspire you, the worlds you visit will stay with you, and the stories you hear will challenge and comfort you in ways you never expected.
So grab your headphones, pick a title, and press play — your anime journey starts now.