Top Anime Series for Newbies
Anime has grown into a global phenomenon. From emotional storytelling to thrilling action and heartwarming slice-of-life narratives, anime offers something for everyone. If you’re new to this world, starting with the right series makes all the difference.
With hundreds of shows released every year, choosing where to begin feels overwhelming. To help, we’ve curated a list of top anime series for newbies—a mix of genres, styles, and storytelling that introduce the best of what anime can offer.
1. Death Note (2006)
Why You Should Watch It First:
Death Note introduces anime’s dramatic tension and psychological depth without requiring knowledge of anime tropes. The story follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it.
The intellectual battle between Light and the mysterious detective “L” keeps you hooked from episode one. The pacing remains fast, the plot keeps you guessing, and the themes explore justice, morality, and power.
Total Episodes: 37
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Psychological
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
2. My Hero Academia (2016–present)
Why It Works for Beginners:
My Hero Academia feels like a mix of Marvel superhero vibes with classic anime storytelling. The story centers on Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without powers in a world where most people have them, and his journey to becoming a top hero.
With vibrant visuals, engaging characters, and strong emotional arcs, the series offers thrilling action and relatable growth. It balances comedy, action, and emotion well—making it perfect for a wide audience.
Total Episodes: 140+ (still ongoing)
Genre: Action, Superhero, Coming-of-Age
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix
3. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) (2019–present)
Why Beginners Love It:
Demon Slayer delivers jaw-dropping animation and heart-tugging emotion. Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy, becomes a demon slayer after demons kill his family and turn his sister into one.
The storyline remains simple, yet emotionally rich. Every fight feels like a visual spectacle. Ufotable Studio uses animation that even long-time fans consider a masterpiece. Beginners find the show accessible and unforgettable.
Total Episodes: 50+ (new seasons ongoing)
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Historical
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
4. Spy x Family (2022–present)
Why It Stands Out:
Spy x Family blends action, comedy, and heartwarming family moments. It follows Twilight, a spy who must “build” a fake family for a mission—unaware that his adopted daughter reads minds and his wife moonlights as an assassin.
The series mixes light-hearted humor with clever storytelling. New viewers enjoy the playful tone, charming characters, and stylish animation without needing prior anime knowledge.
Total Episodes: 37+ (new seasons in development)
Genre: Comedy, Action, Slice of Life
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
5. One Punch Man (2015–2019)
Why It’s a Great Entry Point:
One Punch Man parodies superhero and shonen anime genres in the most entertaining way. Saitama, the bald hero, defeats every enemy with a single punch—and this absurd concept leads to endless comedy and surprisingly deep themes.
Its smooth animation, epic soundtrack, and hilarious tone keep first-time viewers entertained. The show never gets too complex and works well as a stress-buster.
Total Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Satire
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
Why It Deserves a Spot:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood defines storytelling in anime. The series follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers who search for the Philosopher’s Stone after an alchemy experiment fails and costs them dearly.
The story offers adventure, emotion, philosophy, and deep world-building. Each episode builds toward a meaningful, emotional climax. First-time viewers often fall in love with anime because of this show.
Total Episodes: 64
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
7. Haikyuu!! (2014–2023)
Why Non-Anime Fans Connect Easily:
Haikyuu!! brings sports anime to life with high energy and excellent character development. It follows Shoyo Hinata, a short but determined volleyball player aiming to prove himself.
The show highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and passion. With zero supernatural elements, it feels grounded and real. Non-anime watchers relate quickly to its pace and emotional momentum.
Total Episodes: 85+
Genre: Sports, Drama, Slice of Life
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
8. Attack on Titan (2013–2023)
Why It Became a Global Hit:
Attack on Titan combines mystery, intense action, and deep political undertones. Eren Yeager and his friends fight monstrous Titans that threaten humanity inside walled cities.
The gripping narrative evolves with every season. Twists, mature themes, and spectacular animation make this a compelling binge-watch. Newbies get instantly hooked thanks to the cinematic scale and emotional highs.
Total Episodes: 90+
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
9. Your Name (Movie – 2016)
Why Beginners Must Watch It:
Not a series, but Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name stands as one of the best ways to experience anime’s emotional depth and visual poetry. It follows two teenagers who begin to swap bodies mysteriously and gradually form a deep connection.
The movie blends romance, time travel, and heartache with stunning animation and a beautiful soundtrack.
Runtime: 106 minutes
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Drama
Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
10. Naruto (2002–2017)
Why It’s a Classic Start:
Naruto tells the story of a boy ninja who dreams of becoming the strongest leader in his village. Along the way, he faces prejudice, loneliness, and powerful enemies.
Naruto became a gateway anime for millions. Beginners love its blend of action, emotional storytelling, and memorable characters. The series includes hundreds of episodes, but fans stay loyal for the journey.
Total Episodes:
- Naruto: 220
- Naruto Shippuden: 500
Genre: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Tips for First-Time Anime Watchers
1. Start with Dubbed or Subtitled Versions
If you feel uncomfortable with reading subtitles, begin with dubbed versions. Several anime now come with high-quality English dubs on platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll.
2. Choose Shorter Series First
Select series with fewer episodes to get used to anime storytelling. Start with shows like Death Note, Spy x Family, or One Punch Man.
3. Explore Multiple Genres
Anime covers genres from horror and romance to mecha and slice-of-life. Explore beyond action to understand the breadth of content.
4. Avoid Jumping into Extremely Niche Series
Shows with too much lore or complex cultural references may feel confusing. Begin with shows designed for broad appeal.
Final Thoughts
Anime offers a rich and diverse world full of heart, emotion, and creativity. For beginners, the shows listed above provide the perfect entry into different aspects of anime storytelling. Whether you enjoy action, humor, drama, or inspiration, anime has a series that speaks to you.
Start with one show, let the characters grow on you, and soon you’ll find yourself exploring new genres and stories. Every anime fan begins somewhere—these series make that first step unforgettable.
