The beginner’s guide to anime: What to watch first (and why it matters) 

It is difficult to find the best beginner’s guide to anime because the world of anime is so vast that it can feel overwhelming to choose a particular series to watch. With thousands of titles across countless genres, where do you start?

This guide is good for those who want to start watching anime but are stuck on choosing a title and have spent a lot of time researching it. Moreover, this article will focus on spotlighting 10 beginner-friendly series, each with unique storytelling, emotion, style, and length.

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List of 10 best anime for beginners

1) Spirited Away

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Supernatural

Episodes: 1 movie (125 minutes)

Studio: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away is a Studio Ghibli movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows a young girl, Chihiro, who stumbled across a spirit world after her parents were transformed into pigs. She needs to find a solution to save them and escape. But fate has other plans as Chihiro is forced to work in a bathhouse run by the sorceress Yubaba. Now she must navigate through this situation and free herself and her parents from this world.

This movie is considered to be the best anime for beginners because, for one, it is of shorter duration than the rest of the series in this list. Additionally, this movie can be enjoyed by every age group as it resonates across ages and cultures.

2) Naruto

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age

Episodes: 220 (Naruto) + 500 (Naruto Shippuden)

Studio: Studio Pierrot

Naruto is one of the best anime series for beginners. It has been relevant and iconic for generations. It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of being the Hokage, a title given to the leader of the village. He is also the host of a nine-tailed beast who was once the reason for destroying his village. Naruto’s story is about an epic tale of perseverance, identity, and finding the true meaning of strength.

The large number of episodes may feel overwhelming, but if given a chance, this series has the potential to change one's life. It is highly inspiring, and the masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impact. This is also a good series to enjoy stories of growth, loyalty, and never giving up. Naruto is a foundational anime one shouldn’t miss.

3) Attack On Titan

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Action, Mystery

Episodes: 87 episodes (across 4 seasons)

Studio: Wit Studio (Seasons 1–3), MAPPA (Final Season)

Attack on Titan is set in a dystopian world where humanity resides behind giant walls to protect itself from Titans. The story centers around Eren Yeager and his friends Mikasa and Armin as they join the army to fight against man-eating Titans. What seemed like a survival horror story eventually takes a sharp turn into a complex tale of political intrigue, war, and freedom.

This is the best anime for beginners who enjoy mature themes, and is ideal for fans who enjoyed series like Game of Thrones. Attack on Titan is a phenomenal series that has everything to offer. From intense battles to betrayals, plot twists, and foreshadowing that has never been experienced before. This series could also be seen as an introduction to anime’s storytelling potential.

4) Cowboy Bebop

Genre: Sci-Fi, Neo-Noir, Action, Space Western

Episodes: 26 episodes

Studio: Sunrise

Cowboy Bebop is the finest form of storytelling. The story introduced Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Edward, and Ein the dog as the main cast and their journey of catching criminals and traveling through space. Each episode blends action, philosophy, and jazz into a style unlike any other. Spike Spiegel is the protagonist, and the series unfolds how he is haunted by his past and needs to face the consequences of his actions.

This is the best anime for beginners who wish to enjoy a series without wanting to commit to a longer series. Cowboy Bebop caters to fans of westerns, noir, and sci-fi, or generally anyone who enjoys a good story.

5) One Punch Man

Genre: Action, Comedy, Parody, Superhero

Episodes: 24 episodes (2 seasons)

Studio: Madhouse (Season 1), J.C. Staff (Season 2)

One Punch Man is a popular series because of its unserious nature and for newcomers who love fast-paced action. The series is about Saitama, who can defeat any enemy with just a single punch. While this sounds amazing, he is a hero just for a hobby. Most of the time, he is bored because there is no one strong enough to challenge him.

This series is great because it does not ask for commitment; fans can just sit back and enjoy watching villains be defeated. One Punch Man has done a great job of introducing themes of identity, purpose, and heroism and, amidst of all the action, it also makes the audience think.

6) Fruits Basket

Genre: Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Slice of Life

Episodes: 63 episodes (3 seasons)

Studio: TMS Entertainment

Fruits Basket is about Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted high school girl, who lives with members of the Soma family. It is soon revealed that members of the Soma family have a curse; each member transforms into a zodiac animal when hugged by someone of the opposite gender. It might seem like a usual anime, but it is deeply grounded in themes of trauma, abuse, forgiveness, and love.

It is the best series for those who love series that have relationship-driven narratives or want to experience the range of emotions that anime portrays. Additionally, it is a perfect pick for all ages because of how it shows the journey of healing and breaking the cycle of abuse. This anime does not have any flashy battles, but just characters who are trying to find peace.

7) Death Note

Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Psychological

Episodes: 37 episodes

Studio: Madhouse

Death Note is the ideal anime for beginners as it is the perfect psychological cat-and-mouse thriller in anime form. It is about Light Yagami, who has the power of the Death Note, a notebook with the power of anyone whose name is written in it will die. Light wants to use this power to get rid of all the evil in the world and becomes 'Kira.' A mysterious detective known only as 'L' races to uncover his identity and bring him for being unlawful, and stop him from causing further human casualties.

This series is perfect because it is short and fast-paced. It will be an interesting watch for those who want something intellectually stimulating rather than action and gore. Death Note is an essential watch for those who love crime dramas and thrillers.

8) Your Lie in April

Genre: Drama, Romance, Music, Coming-of-Age

Episodes: 22 episodes

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Your Lie in April is a bittersweet tale of love, loss, and music. The protagonist is Arima Kousei, a piano prodigy who stops playing it and becomes tone deaf after his mother's death. His life changes when Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited and energetic girl who forces him back into the world of music. The visuals of his anime are stunning, and the classical music elevates the viewing experience.

It is the best series for beginners, interested in romance or emotional storytelling. Your Lie in April proves that anime can rival any other drama series in terms of the plot and how it manages to hold the string of emotions of its viewers and definitely leaves a lasting impact to the audience.

9) Vinland Saga

Genre: Historical, Action, Drama

Episodes: 48 episodes (2 seasons)

Studio: Wit Studio (Season 1), MAPPA (Season 2)

Set during the height of the Viking era, Vinland Saga is the story of Thorfinn, who seeks vengeance for most of his life. However, as the series progresses, it shifts from revenge to redemption, as the protagonist tries to live a meaningful life and atone for his actions. This anime is perfect for those who want to experience intense action, politics, and a slice of life.

While Season 1 focuses on action and Thorfinn’s bloodlust, Season 2 emphasizes more about forgiveness and breaking the cycle of violence. This is the best anime for beginners who enjoy historical dramas like Gladiator or The Last Kingdom. It is beautifully written and proves that anime is a great medium to portray powerful, slow-burning narratives just as well as live-action dramas. Vinland Saga is a must-watch for those who love seeking depth and transformation.

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10) Violet Evergarden

Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Fantasy

Episodes: 13 episodes + 2 movies

Studio: Kyoto Animation

Violet Evergarden is a visual and emotional marvel and the best anime for beginners. Especially for those who enjoy stunning animations. It is about Violet, who was a child soldier and is now a ghostwriter. She helps others express their feelings by writing them letters, but unfortunately, those words make no sense to her. One day, she decides to go on a journey to understand the meaning of human emotions.

Each episode is a short story that deals with themes of grief, love, healing, and human connection. Beginners who appreciate beautiful storytelling and emotional depth will find this series unforgettable.

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To sum it up, whether you're into heart-pounding action, drama, or mind-bending thrillers, this list offers the perfect jumping-off point. These are the best anime for beginners that are critically acclaimed, emotionally resonant, and beginner-friendly. Start with what appeals most — and who knows, this might just be the beginning of becoming a lifetime fan.