A Beginner's Guide to Anime: 25 Must-Watch Shows
Anime, with its vibrant visuals, captivating storylines, and diverse characters, has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. But for those new to this enchanting world, choosing a starting point can be overwhelming. Fear not, anime newcomers! This guide is your passport to an unforgettable journey through the realm of Japanese animation.
We’ll explore a variety of genres, from heart-pounding action to heartwarming slice-of-life tales, ensuring there’s something for everyone. So, grab your favorite snacks, get comfortable, and let’s embark on this anime adventure together!
Action and Adventure
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- My Hero Academia
- One Punch Man
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Attack on Titan
Comedy and Slice of Life
- K-On!
- Toradora!
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Spy x Family
- Hinamatsuri
Fantasy and Sci-Fi
- Sword Art Online
- Death Note
- Steins;Gate
- Violet Evergarden
- Cowboy Bebop
Other Genres
- Naruto
- Pokémon
- Haikyuu!!
- Mob Psycho 100
- Jujutsu Kaisen
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer is a gripping tale of a young boy named Tanjiro Kamado whose peaceful life is shattered when his family is brutally murdered by a demon, leaving his younger sister Nezuko the sole survivor, but transformed into one herself. Driven by a profound sense of loss and a promise to protect his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to hunting down and killing demons.
This action-packed series combines stunning animation, heart-wrenching moments, and intense battles, making it a fan favorite. As Tanjiro embarks on his perilous journey, he uncovers dark secrets about demons and develops incredible swordsmanship skills.
My Hero Academia
In a world where superpowers called "Quirks" are the norm, My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy born without one. Despite his Quirklessness, Izuku dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. His unwavering determination catches the attention of All Might, who sees potential in him and passes on his powerful Quirk.
Izuku enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School, a renowned hero academy, to train and hone his abilities. As he navigates the challenges of hero life, he forms deep bonds with his classmates, each with their own unique Quirks. With heart-pounding action, inspiring messages, and a cast of lovable characters, My Hero Academia is a superhero story that will leave you cheering for the underdog.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man is a hilarious and action-packed anime that defies superhero tropes. The story revolves around Saitama, an incredibly powerful hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. His overwhelming strength has led to a rather mundane existence, as he yearns for a challenging fight.
Despite his overpowered abilities, Saitama is a relatable and down-to-earth character who often finds himself in absurd situations. The anime's unique blend of comedy, action, and satire makes it a refreshing take on the superhero genre.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a critically acclaimed anime that follows the adventures of two alchemist brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. In a desperate attempt to bring their mother back to life, they commit the ultimate taboo in alchemy, resulting in a horrific consequence: Edward loses his left arm and leg, while Alphonse's entire body is lost, his soul bound to a suit of armor.
Driven by their unwavering bond and a thirst for redemption, the Elric brothers embark on a perilous journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary artifact with the power to restore what they've lost. Along the way, they encounter a complex world filled with political intrigue, military secrets, and philosophical questions about the nature of existence. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and stunning animation, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered a masterpiece of the anime genre.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a dark and intense anime set in a world surrounded by colossal walls protecting humanity from monstrous humanoids called Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager, a young boy whose life is irrevocably changed when his hometown is invaded by Titans, resulting in the tragic loss of his mother. Fueled by rage and a thirst for revenge, Eren vows to exterminate all Titans.
This gripping series explores themes of survival, freedom, and the complexities of human nature. With its stunning animation, mind-boggling plot twists, and morally ambiguous characters, Attack on Titan is a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.
K-On!
K-On! is a delightful slice-of-life anime that follows the adventures of five high school girls who form a light music club. With no prior musical experience, they embark on a journey to learn their instruments and perform together. The series is filled with heartwarming moments, comedic situations, and a strong emphasis on friendship.
K-On! is known for its charming characters, beautiful visuals, and relaxing atmosphere. It's a perfect anime to unwind and enjoy the company of these endearing high school girls as they navigate their musical aspirations and everyday life.
Toradora!
Toradora! is a heartwarming romantic comedy that delves into the complexities of high school life and relationships. The story revolves around Ryuji Takasu, a kind-hearted boy with an intimidating appearance, and Taiga Aisaka, a petite girl with a fiery temper known as the "Palm Tiger."
Despite their contrasting personalities, Ryuji and Taiga form an unlikely alliance to help each other confess their love to their respective crushes. As they navigate the challenges of friendship, love, and self-discovery, they develop a deep bond and learn valuable lessons about life. Toradora! is a delightful blend of humor, drama, and romance that will leave you rooting for its lovable characters.
Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a delightfully comedic and charming anime set in the prestigious Ouran Academy. Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student with a tomboyish appearance, accidentally stumbles upon the exclusive Ouran Host Club, a group of six handsome boys who entertain female students. After breaking an expensive vase, Haruhi is forced to join the club to repay her debt.
Despite being a girl, Haruhi is mistaken for a boy and becomes an unexpected hit with the female clientele. As she navigates the world of tea parties, elaborate costumes, and the eccentric personalities of the host club members, Haruhi's genuine and down-to-earth nature brings a refreshing change to their extravagant lifestyle. This anime is a perfect blend of humor, friendship, and lighthearted fun.
Spy x Family
Spy x Family is a hilarious and heartwarming anime that follows the adventures of a spy, an assassin, and a telepathic child who pretend to be a family to accomplish their respective goals. Loid Forger, a brilliant spy, adopts Anya, a young girl with the ability to read minds, as part of his mission to infiltrate an elite school. Unbeknownst to him, his "wife," Yor Briar, is a deadly assassin.
Despite their hidden identities, the Forger family forms a genuine bond and experiences the joys and challenges of everyday life together. With its perfect blend of comedy, action, and heartwarming moments, Spy x Family has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri is a unique blend of comedy, slice-of-life, and supernatural elements. The story revolves around Yoshifumi Nitta, a low-level yakuza member who leads a relatively peaceful life until a mysterious girl named Hina crashes into his apartment. Hina possesses powerful telekinetic abilities and her arrival turns Nitta's world upside down.
Despite their unconventional living arrangement, a heartwarming bond develops between the two as Nitta takes on the role of Hina's guardian. The anime is filled with hilarious and absurd situations, as Hina's unpredictable powers often lead to chaotic consequences. Hinamatsuri offers a refreshing and lighthearted escape with a touch of unexpected warmth.
Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online (SAO) is a groundbreaking anime that catapulted the virtual reality genre into the mainstream. The story revolves around a group of players trapped in a deadly online game, where death in the game equates to death in reality. Kirito, a skilled player, emerges as a beacon of hope for those trapped in this terrifying world.
SAO is more than just a thrilling adventure. It delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of survival, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and the virtual world. As players struggle to overcome the game's challenges and confront their own fears, the series offers a poignant commentary on the human condition.
Death Note
Death Note is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story revolves around Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who comes into possession of a supernatural notebook. This eerie notebook grants him the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages. Believing himself to be a god, Light embarks on a mission to cleanse the world of criminals, taking on the alias "Kira."
However, his plans are thwarted by the enigmatic detective L, a brilliant mind known for solving seemingly impossible cases. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game between Light and L is a battle of wits that will leave you questioning the very nature of morality and justice. Death Note is a thought-provoking anime that explores the dark side of human nature and the consequences of absolute power.
Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a time-bending masterpiece that will leave you questioning the nature of reality. This thought-provoking anime follows a group of eccentric college students who accidentally invent a device capable of sending text messages to the past. Their experiments with this technology, dubbed the "Phone Microwave," lead to a series of mind-boggling consequences as they inadvertently alter the course of history.
The series masterfully blends science fiction, drama, and comedy to create a truly immersive experience. With its complex plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, Steins;Gate is a must-watch for fans of intelligent storytelling. Prepare to have your mind blown as you delve into the world of time travel and its profound implications.
Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and human connection. The story follows Violet, a former child soldier with artificial arms, as she transitions into a new life as an "Auto Memory Doll" - a profession dedicated to writing letters for those who struggle to express their emotions.
Through her interactions with diverse clients, Violet embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning the nuances of human emotion and the power of words. The anime is visually stunning, with a delicate and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the story. It's a touching portrayal of healing, growth, and the enduring power of human connection.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop is a neo-noir space western that redefined the anime genre. Set in the year 2071, the series follows a ragtag crew of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop. Led by the enigmatic Spike Spiegel, they travel through space chasing criminals for a reward.
This iconic anime seamlessly blends action, comedy, drama, and jazz music to create a unique and unforgettable experience. With its complex characters, philosophical undertones, and visually stunning animation, Cowboy Bebop has earned its status as a cult classic. The series delves into themes of loneliness, redemption, and the search for belonging, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Naruto
Naruto Uzumaki is a spirited and determined ninja from the Hidden Leaf Village. Despite being an outcast due to the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed within him, Naruto dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader, to gain the recognition he craves.
The series follows Naruto's journey as he trains alongside his friends, Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, under the guidance of their mentor, Kakashi Hatake. As Naruto grows stronger, he uncovers the dark secrets of his village and the world of ninja.
With its blend of action, comedy, and heart-warming moments, Naruto has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of perseverance.
Pokémon
Pokémon is a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. In this universe, humans coexist with fascinating creatures called Pokémon. These creatures come in countless shapes, sizes, and abilities, each with unique characteristics.
The core concept involves trainers catching Pokémon in Poké Balls and raising them to become battle-ready companions. The journey of a Pokémon trainer is filled with adventure as they explore different regions, challenge gym leaders, and strive to become the very best.
Beyond the battling aspect, Pokémon promotes themes of friendship, teamwork, and respect for all living creatures. It's a world filled with wonder, where every corner holds the potential for a new discovery.
Haikyuu!!
Haikyuu!! is a sports anime that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its intense matches and relatable characters. The story revolves around Shoyo Hinata, a small but determined boy who falls in love with volleyball after watching a legendary player nicknamed "Little Giant."
Hinata joins his high school's volleyball team, only to find himself reunited with his rival, the talented setter Kageyama Tobio. Together, they form an unlikely duo as they strive to lead their team, Karasuno High, to victory.
Haikyuu!! is more than just a sports anime; it's a coming-of-age story that explores themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. The series beautifully captures the passion and dedication of its characters, inspiring viewers to chase their own dreams.
Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is a unique anime that blends comedy, action, and coming-of-age themes into a captivating story. At its core, it's about Shigeo Kageyama, a seemingly ordinary middle school boy with extraordinary psychic powers. Despite his immense abilities, Mob is a gentle and introverted individual who struggles to find his place in the world.
Under the guidance of his eccentric mentor, Reigen Arataka, Mob works as a part-time psychic, dealing with ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural entities. However, Mob's true journey lies in understanding his emotions and finding his own path.
With its distinctive animation style and memorable characters, Mob Psycho 100 offers a refreshing take on the superhero genre. It's a show that explores the complexities of adolescence, the importance of friendship, and the power of self-discovery.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a thrilling dark fantasy anime that blends action, horror, and comedy. The story centers around Yuji Itadori, an ordinary high school student who unwittingly swallows a cursed finger to save his friends. As a result, he becomes the vessel for the powerful and evil King of Curses, Sukuna.
To exorcise Sukuna and prevent him from taking over, Yuji enrolls in Tokyo Jujutsu High School, a hidden academy dedicated to training sorcerers to fight curses. Alongside his classmates, Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, Yuji embarks on dangerous missions to eliminate curses and protect innocent lives.
Jujutsu Kaisen is known for its intense battles, complex characters, and stylish animation. It delves into the darker side of human nature and explores the consequences of wielding immense power.
I personally don't recommend Jujutsu Kaisen as a first watch for anime beginners. The series contains some mature themes and intense violence that might not be suitable for everyone. If you're determined to start with Jujutsu Kaisen, it's advisable to watch Season 1 first and then explore other anime before diving into the subsequent seasons.
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