Entering the otaku universe knowing which are the best anime for beginners can transform your experience. With an almost infinite variety of genres and styles, it's common for those who are just starting out to feel lost when it comes to deciding what to watch. What's more, with each new season, more titles are released, making choosing the ideal anime an even greater challenge.
But don't worry, we're here to help you find the best titles to take your first steps into this incredible world! We've prepared a list especially for you based on the accessibility of the stories and the diversity of genres, without neglecting the quality of the productions. Ready to discover the next title you're going to marathon? Then let's go!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Considered one of the best anime for beginners, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood chronicles the emotional journey of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who pay a high price when they try to use alchemy to bring their mother back to life. While Edward loses an arm and a leg, Alphonse has his soul sealed in armor. In search of the legendary Philosopher's Stone, they end up involved in a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the entire country.
Released in 2009, the 64-episode drama combines themes of friendship, sacrifice and justice. Its captivating characters and impeccable animation make it a classic of the shounen genre, which generally focuses more on action and adventure. You can watch it on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Prime Video and Apple TV.
Death Note
Death Note is not only considered one of the best anime for beginners in the otaku scene, but also an excellent anime for non-otaku. Released in 2006, it deals with complex and reflective subjects such as the construction of the individual in society and even questions the moral standards of society itself. It's a well-constructed plot full of mystery and suspense.
The plot revolves around Light Yagami, a student who discovers the Death NoteL, a mysterious notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages. Initially skeptical, he soon realizes the object's power and decides to use it to eliminate criminals, but his actions attract the attention of L, a brilliant detective. With only 37 episodes and one season, the anime is available on platforms such as Netflix, Crunchyroll and HBO Max.
Attack on Titan
Another title that shouldn't be missing from our list of the best anime for beginners is Attack on Titan, or Shingeki no Kyojin as it's known in Japan. It's perfect for those looking for action, adventure and explicit scenes worthy of arms and legs flying off the screen. At first the story is much more focused on fighting, but over time a political arc is inserted and various social questions begin to be raised.
The story takes place in a world where humanity lives behind giant walls to protect itself from the Titans, huge creatures that devour people. Everything changes when the Colossal Titan destroys one of the walls, forcing Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert to fight for humanity's survival and freedom. This anime, released in 2013, has 4 seasons and is available on Crunchyroll.
Spy X Family
With two seasons out so far, Spy x Family, released in 2022, is a perfect example of the best anime for beginners. It's a light comedy that the whole family can watch together, with its moments of action, adventure and even a dash of romance! Practically all tastes are catered for here, which is why the title has been so well received by the otaku public and even those who aren't.
This Shounen series, created by Tatsuya Endo, revolves around Twilight, a spy tasked with creating a fictional family to fulfill a mission. To achieve this, he adopts Anya, a girl with the ability to read minds, and marries Yor, a skilled assassin, all while they remain unaware of each other's hidden truths. Together, they experience hilarious and exciting situations while trying to keep up appearances. The anime is available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Sakura Card Captors
Among the best anime for beginners, Sakura Card Captors is an excellent choice for those looking for adventure and nostalgia. Released in 1998, the anime follows Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl who accidentally releases magic cards and starts hunting them down, facing challenges and powerful creatures with the help of her best friend and her guardian, Kero.
With 70 episodes spread over three seasons, the show is animated by renowned studio Madhouse and is available on Prime Video and Crunchyroll. Although aimed at a younger audience, the charismatic characters and charming plot make Sakura Card Captors a timeless work that continues to captivate fans of all ages.
Yuri!!! on Ice
For lovers of romance and sports. Yuri!!! on Ice stands out among the best anime for beginners. The story follows Yuri Katsuki, a young Japanese skater who, after a series of defeats, returns to his hometown to rethink his career. A video of him performing the choreography of Victor Nikiforov, a famous Russian skater, goes viral, prompting Victor to offer to coach him.
With only 12 episodes and one season, the anime released in 2016 conquers both for the quality of its animation and the sensitivity with which it explores the relationship between Yuri and Victor. Available on Prime Video and Crunchyroll, Yuri!!! on Ice works as an emotional journey of overcoming and self-discovery that goes far beyond ice competitions.
Kamisama Hajimemashita
Among the best anime for beginners, Kamisama Hajimemashita, released in 2012, secures its place by mixing comedy, romance and fantasy. The story follows Nanami Momozono, a student who, after losing her home due to her father's debts, meets Mikage, a mysterious man who offers her shelter. To her surprise, the place is a shrine, and Nanami discovers that she has been chosen as the new goddess in charge of the place.
With two seasons totaling 25 episodes, the anime features charismatic characters such as Tomoe, the guardian spirit with whom Nanami forms a partnership full of ups and downs, and the protagonist herself. This series is available on Prime Video and Crunchyroll and is an excellent introduction to the shoujo genre, which focuses more on romance, and to the universe of Japanese traditions.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the titles of the moment and also serves as one of the best anime for beginners if you want to get into the otaku scene on the right foot! This is a work that follows the shounen recipe perfectly, containing adventure and action as it tells the story of a protagonist who is totally dedicated to fulfilling his greatest goal and saving the people around him.
Released in 2020, it follows the journey of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who, after swallowing a cursed finger to save his friends, becomes the host of Sukuna, a powerful Curse. With two seasons released so far, Jujutsu Kaisen has 47 episodes and is available on Crunchyroll.
Chainsaw Man
With one season out so far, Chainsaw Man is another title that couldn't be left off the list of the best anime for beginners. This one is for those who like a lot of action and fisticuffs combined with a fair amount of black humor. The battles in this anime are usually very heavy, so it's best suited to viewers with a strong stomach.
Here we follow Denji, a young man who merges with his demon dog, Pochita, after being betrayed by the yakuza. Transformed into a human-demon hybrid with the ability to chainsaw, Denji joins a government organization of demon hunters. With 12 episodes, the series is available on Crunchyroll.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is also one of the best anime for beginners. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who loses his family to the onis, with his sister Nezuko turning into one. Determined to reverse her transformation, Tanjiro becomes an oni hunter, facing great challenges.
Released in 2019, the anime stands out for its impressive animation, especially in the fight scenes, and for its engaging storyline. Available on Crunchyroll and Netflix, it has 63 episodes and 4 seasons, making it a great choice for those who want to get started in the world of anime.
Erased
Erased is one of the best anime for beginners who like mystery and suspense. The story follows Satoru Fujinuma, a man with the ability to go back in time, who has to solve a murder involving his mother and a schoolmate, going back to his childhood.
Released in 2016, Erased has one season of 12 episodes and can be watched on Prime Video. Its engaging, fast-paced plot makes this anime a great choice for those just starting to explore the world of anime, with an easy-to-understand narrative and good character development.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is considered a classic among otaku and also one of the best anime for beginners, as it manages to deliver a plot that captivates from the very first episode and offers just the right amount of adventure for those who like the genre. It was the gateway for many older otaku, by the way, and is still fondly remembered by them and also by more recent fans.
It was released in 1999 and follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers that his missing father, Ging, is alive and has become one of the most renowned Hunters. Determined to find him, Gon takes part in the rigorous Hunter Exam, where he makes friends with Kurapika, Leorio and Killua, each with their own goals.
The anime is not divided into seasons, totaling 148 episodes. It is available to watch on Netflix and Prime Video, offering a plot full of adventure, mystery and action, ideal for those who want to start watching anime.
Frieren
Frieren is an anime released in September 2023, which follows the journey of Frieren, a mage who misses her former adventure companions. After the passing of her leader, Himmel, she decides to travel the world, seeking to learn more about what he represented to her and her other friends. Along the way, she forms a new partnership with Fern, her young apprentice.
With a single season consisting of 28 episodes, Frieren is an excellent choice among the best anime for beginners, especially for those looking for a deep and exciting story. O anime a chance can be watched on Crunchyroll, offering quality animation and a plot that mixes action and reflection on time and relationships.
With all the titles presented here, you already have your hands on the best anime for beginners released so far! All you have to do now is decide which of them best suits your vibe and decide which one to marathon!
Of course, don't forget to let us know in the comments which one caught your eye the most and why! Your opinion is very important to us! Take the opportunity to also check out our article on the main characters of the anime Tokyo Revengers and the video we've put together especially for you below!
