21 Must See Anime for Beginners

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Anime is a megalithic art form encompassing all genres. It has inspired countless works of entertainment and continues to influence popular culture. However, figuring out where to start can seem impossible for those new to the genre.

That’s why we have cultivated this list of fantastic anime for you. This list has something for everyone, from mega-superhero battles to bleak and unsettling fantasy series. So settle in. It’s going to take a while to get through all of these.

1. Pokémon

This anime has spawned generations of anime fans. Pokémon is one of the most successful anime franchises of all time. The series follows Ash Ketchum as he travels the world catching and training Pokémon to become the greatest Pokémon Master of all time.

This series has an easy-to-follow and engaging storyline, making it a great entry point for all anime fans. Pokémon has over 900 episodes, 23 movies, and over 100 playable games. With this amount of content, it’s easy to see why people are obsessed with the Pokémon franchise.

2. One Piece

One Piece is one of the longest-running anime ever produced. It offers new anime fans a wealth of unforgettable characters and a breathtaking world to explore. The series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they sail around looking for legendary treasure.

One Piece is an action-packed show offering almost 400 hours of entertainment to new viewers. Netflix recently created a live-action version of the show, which became one of the streaming giant’s highest-viewed series.

3. Dr. Stone

This anime is both entertaining and educational. Dr. Stone is set in a futuristic world where everyone has turned to stone. However, the genius inventor Senku uses science and technology to end this phenomenon.

Dr. Stone is filled with scientific concepts and emphasizes the importance of education. The series is also praised for its diverse cast and inclusivity. Dr. Stone is a solid anime that thinks outside the box to create a unique experience for its viewers.

4. Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop brings a surprising amount of depth to a show about space bounty hunters. Cowboy Bebop is one of the most well-received anime ever produced. Its fantastic soundtrack and impressive character development have inspired anime fans for generations.

Cowboy Bebop lures you in with its cool space themes and jazzy soundtrack before laying on the heavy emotional impact of its story. It also received live-action treatment a while back, but many fans still prefer the original anime.

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5. One Punch Man

This satirical series highlights the sillier aspects of anime. One Punch Man follows Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. This complete power imbalance leads to our hero becoming bored as he searches for a worthy opponent.

One Punch Man takes a shot at the overpowered superhero trope that is common in many action anime. Despite the show’s title, One Punch Man doesn’t skimp out on the fight sequences. The series is as fight-focused as its competitors, but One Punch Man approaches its action more lightheartedly.

6. Attack on Titan

This series made horror anime mainstream again. Attack on Titan is a horrific anime set in a world where gigantic humanoid creatures eat humans. The story follows Eren Yeager, a young boy who vows to destroy the Titans after witnessing the destruction of his hometown.

Attack on Titan is a gore-covered masterpiece meant for mature viewers. The series offers a bleak look at how humanity can fall when its back is to the wall. This anime is the perfect starting point for people who like their anime on the darker side.

7. Death Note

This anime warns viewers about the dangers of power. Death Note follows Light after he finds a mysterious notebook. He soon discovers that the notebook can kill anyone whose name is placed inside of it. Although he uses these new powers for good at first, this god-like power soon gets the better of him.

Death Note is an extremely popular anime that offers a great starting point in the psychological thriller genre. The series explores themes of good and evil, power, corruption, and justice. It asks viewers to examine how they would change the world and whether it would be for the better.

8. My Hero Academia

This anime shows how heroes are made. My Hero Academia is set in an alternate world where people are born with superpowers. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, hasn’t received any. That doesn’t stop him from trying to become the greatest hero the world has ever known.

My Hero Academia is a series about following your heart. The series features a great cast of characters and offers an inspiring message about hope. My Hero Academia is a great entry point for people interested in modern anime.

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9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

This anime asks what it means to be a person. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows two brothers who must work together to reclaim their physical bodies following a botched experiment to bring their mother back to life.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a dark fantasy series popularizing steampunk aesthetics. It is the perfect entry point for fans who want a bleaker anime. The series explores themes of grief, loss, and morality.

10. Monster Rancher

This is a near-perfect monster-hunting series. Monster Rancher follows a young boy named Genki who is transported into a video game world filled with monsters. Setting off with a group of friends, he must defeat the evil Moo and restore peace to the world.

Monster Rancher is a lighthearted anime that is an excellent intro to the monster-hunting genre. The series features a beautiful animation style, wonderful characters, and an easy-to-digest storyline.

11. Berserk

This is the best anime of the 90s. Berserk is a dark fantasy anime that follows Guts as he battles it with mythical creatures. While that may sound like a generic anime plot, Berserk is anything but typical. The series is a dark departure into a fantastical, bleak world.

Berserk is the inspiration for many fantasy anime that have come after it. It is also one of the main inspirations for the Dark Souls series. This series is a dark and complicated exploration of the human condition.

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12. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters

This is a slightly dark, monster-catching anime. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters doesn’t involve monster-catching per se. Instead, it focuses on mythical cards containing these wondrous creatures’ essence. The series still follows many of the same tropes as its more literal competition.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is a great entry into anime that is appropriate for all ages. The series features a wonderful list of characters and a deep lore for viewers to explore.

13. Mobile Suit Gundam

This series reinvigorated the mecha suit genre. Mobile Suit Gundam is one of the oldest anime that is still popular today. Debuting in 1979, the series follows Amuro Ray as he headlines the war effort against the Zeon forces.

Mobile Suit Gundam features detailed character arcs that newcomers and veterans can appreciate. Although the series may be a bit dated, it still provides excellent entertainment and a valuable lesson about how far the art form has come.

14. Digimon: Digital Monsters

This series is all about the power of friendship. Although Digimon: Digital Monsters is similar in theme to anime like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, the series focuses more on the connection we make than battle monsters.

Digimon: Digital Monsters is a delightful anime that is the perfect entry point for younger viewers. The series follows a group of children transported to a mythical world where they must work together with Digimon to save the world.

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15. Sailor Moon

This anime character is a feminist icon. Sailor Moon follows a teenage girl who transforms into a superhero and battles against the forces of evil. While this may seem like a standard trope by today’s standards, women were not often granted superhero status in the 1990s.

Sailor Moon is a groundbreaking anime about the power of friendship. It is a great entry point for children as its themes are entertaining and easy to digest. Sailor Moon is still applauded for showing once and for all that anime is not just a boys’ club.

16. Inuyasha

This anime takes us back to feudal Japan. Inuyasha follows a young girl who travels back in time and befriends a half-man, half-demon. The two join forces to search for the Shikon Jewel, which will grant them any wish their heart desires.

Inuyasha is a darker anime series with a surprisingly romantic storyline. It is a great starting point for those who like dark but not bleak anime.

17. Bleach

This anime features teenage angst on full display. Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki after he inherits the abilities of a soul reaper. He must use these new powers to protect the world from evil spirits.

Bleach is considered required viewing by many. It features epic battles, well-developed characters, and far too many sexual puns. However, it is an essential example of how the art form has evolved.

18. Castlevania

This anime is based on one of the most iconic video games ever produced. Castlevania follows Trevor Belmont as he attempts to track down and kill the ultimate evil lord, Dracula. However, as the series progresses, the line between good and evil begins to blur.

Castlevania is a big-budget anime that provides a great entry point for the genre. The series features epic battles, a brilliant animation style, and complex characters. Castlevania is applauded for its unique take on the classic vampire tale.

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19. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

This is definitely the strangest anime around. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows the descendants of the Joestar family as they battle the forces of evil. The series follows different generations of the family as they continue to get into absurd and hilarious encounters.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is unlike any other anime on the market. But its over-the-top narration, epic battles, and convoluted storyline make it a fun ride that everyone can enjoy.

20. Naruto: Shippuden

This is the best ninja anime of all time. Naruto: Shippuden follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young man who wishes to master his ninja skills and become the leader of his village. This pivotal anime helped popularize the genre globally.

Naruto: Shippuden features some of the greatest heroes and fight sequences the genre has ever seen. The series is known for exploring themes of self-improvement, perseverance, and the importance of community. Naruto: Shippuden is full of heart and makes a great starting point for any anime fan.

21. Dragon Ball Z

This is the ultimate superhero anime. Dragon Ball Z follows Goku and his group of adventures as they try to protect Earth from all manner of terrifying life forms. Each season of the series provides increasingly difficult challenges for the heroes to rise to.

Dragon Ball Z is among the most iconic and pop culture-defining animes ever produced. It features a cast of unforgettable characters, genuinely moving storylines, and some of the most epic battles ever to grace the small screen. This anime is a must-watch for all entertainment fans.

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