So you want to get into anime but have absolutely no idea where to start. Honestly, fair enough. There are thousands of shows out there and everyone online seems to have a very loud opinion about which one is the best. It is a lot.
But here is the good news. You do not need to watch everything. You just need to start with the right show for you — and that is exactly what this guide is for.
This is a proper, honest anime guide built for people who are completely new to Japanese animation. No gatekeeping. No snobbery. Just real recommendations that will actually get you hooked.
Quick Answer: Start with Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood for the best all-round experience. Try Demon Slayer for stunning animation. Pick Attack on Titan if you want something that will genuinely blow your mind. All three are available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.
Table of Contents
Why Anime Is Worth Your Time — Even If You Are Skeptical
A lot of people assume anime is just cartoons for kids. And then they watch one good show and suddenly they have cancelled three weekend plans and are researching the manga source material at 2am. It happens to almost everyone.
Japanese animation is not a genre — it is a medium. Just like how movies can be horror, comedy, or documentary, anime covers everything. There is action anime, romance anime, psychological thriller anime, sports anime, dark fantasy anime, coming of age anime, slice of life anime, cyberpunk anime, and about fifty other categories. The variety is genuinely insane.
The animation quality from studios like Studio Ghibli, Studio Bones, Studio MAPPA, and Ufotable is frequently breathtaking. The world building in many top anime series is more detailed than most Western fantasy novels. The character development makes you care about fictional people in ways that feel slightly embarrassing but completely worth it.
The cultural impact of anime on global entertainment is enormous and still growing. More streaming platforms are picking up anime than ever before. The anime genre is genuinely having its mainstream moment and this is the perfect time to jump in.
The Best All-Round Starting Points for Complete Beginners
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Shonen Anime 64 Episodes 9.1/10 MyAnimeList Crunchyroll Netflix Hulu
This is the answer almost every time. The best starter anime recommendation you will find on any list. Two brothers. A tragic mistake. A massive quest to fix what they broke. It sounds simple but it is genuinely one of the best stories ever told in any medium. It has action, humour, emotional depth, mature themes, and a complete satisfying ending. No filler episodes worth complaining about. No prior knowledge of anime tropes needed. Works for everyone from twelve-year-olds to adults in their forties. Just watch it.
Attack on Titan
Dark Fantasy Anime 88 Episodes 9.0/10 IMDb Crunchyroll Hulu
The other show that nearly always converts people into proper anime fans for life. Giant humanoid monsters outside the walls. Humanity on its last legs. A kid who swears revenge on everything. The first episode does something to you. The world building is dense but absorbing. The character progression through the seasons is genuinely impressive. The later seasons get complex but in a rewarding way. A must watch anime if you want to understand what anime can do at its absolute best. Clear your schedule before you start.
Spy x Family
Action Comedy Beginner Friendly Netflix Crunchyroll
Perfect if you want something relaxed and immediately accessible. A spy, an assassin, and a mind-reading child pretending to be a normal family. Nobody knows anybody else’s secret. It is hilarious, warm, action-packed, and genuinely charming. One of the most beginner friendly anime shows made in recent years because it does not require any prior anime knowledge to enjoy.
Frieren Beyond Journey’s End
Fantasy Adventur 28 Episode 9.2/10 MyAnimeList Crunchyroll
An elf mage outlives the hero party she adventured with and must reckon with what their journey meant. Slower-paced, beautiful, and deeply moving. The animation quality is stunning and the emotional depth hits in ways you do not see coming. Perfect if you prefer something thoughtful over action-heavy. One of the highest-rated anime series of recent years for good reason.
Best Anime for Beginners by Genre
Different people want different things. Here is the full breakdown by what kind of show you are actually looking for.
Shonen Anime — Action, Growth, and Friendship
Shonen anime is targeted at younger audiences but genuinely watched by everyone because the formulas are extremely good when done well. The underdog story, the power of friendship, the tournament arc, the redemption arc — these work because they tap into something universal. Here are the best shonen starter picks.
My Hero Academia
Superhero Adventur 138 Episodes Ongoing Crunchyroll Netflix Hulu
One of the best starter anime in the shonen category. A world full of superpowers and one kid born without any. He meets the world’s greatest hero and gets a shot at his dream. The character development across the seasons is excellent and the cast is genuinely lovable. Studio Bones delivers consistently strong animation quality throughout. A global phenomenon and one of the most popular anime streaming titles worldwide.
Demon Slayer
Historical Dark Fantasy 55 Episodes Manga Adaptation Crunchyroll Netflix Hulu
Made by Ufotable, the animation quality alone makes it worth watching. A boy’s family is killed by demons and his sister is turned into one. He trains to become a demon slayer and find a cure. Emotional, brutal, and gorgeous to look at. A legitimate masterpiece of modern Japanese animation that has broken box office records and earned its place as essential viewing for any beginner.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Dark Fantasy Anime 33 Episodes Ongoing Crunchyroll Netflix
From Studio MAPPA, this is the one people currently cannot stop talking about. Cursed spirits, sorcerers, and a high schooler who swallows a cursed finger and becomes a host for the most dangerous entity in existence. Dark fantasy anime at its best with stunning animation and genuine plot twists that will leave you floored. Watch it on Crunchyroll.
Naruto Shippuden
Coming of Age AnimeLong Run Crunchyroll Hulu
The coming of age anime that defined a generation. A kid who nobody believed in becomes one of the most powerful people in the world. Huge cast, amazing fight sequences, and loads of emotional payoff for patient viewers. Be warned — there are filler episodes you can skip. But the good parts deliver genuine emotional depth and one of the best redemption arc storylines in anime history.
Dragon Ball Z
Classic ShonenCultural Impact Crunchyroll
Where a huge portion of the world discovered anime. Goku, Saiyans, power levels, and transformation sequences. Not subtle but iconic. The cultural impact of this show on global anime fandom cannot be overstated. A genuine gateway anime for millions of people worldwide and one of the most recognised anime series in history.
Hunter x Hunter
Shonen AdventureDeep World Building Crunchyroll Netflix
Often called one of the best written shonen anime ever made. A boy looking for his absent father discovers a world of professional hunters. The plot twists in later arcs are genuinely shocking and the character depth rivals anything in prestige television. Strong recommendation for anyone who wants something smarter than the average shonen anime with truly exceptional world building.
One Piece
Epic Adventure 1000+ Episodes Crunchyroll Netflix
Incredible world building and extraordinary character development over hundreds of episodes. The manga adaptation is extraordinarily faithful. But it has over a thousand episodes. If you want to commit to one long binge watching journey that will dominate your life for months, this is it. If not, start somewhere shorter and come back to One Piece when you are ready for the full commitment.
Psychological Thriller Anime — For the Dark Side
Death Note
Psychological Thriller Anime 37 Episodes Netflix Hulu
The gateway anime for people who want their anime sharp, dark, and morally complicated. A bored genius finds a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to use it to create a new world. The psychological warfare between him and the detective hunting him is some of the most tense television ever made. Full of plot twists, moral dilemmas, and mature themes that will have you questioning everything.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Psychological Mecha Drama 26 Episodes Netflix
Older but still one of the most discussed anime ever made. Giant robots, an apocalypse, and a teenager with serious psychological trauma piloting a biomechanical weapon. It explores themes of identity, depression, and human connection in ways that feel genuinely ahead of their time. A cultural impact piece that every anime fan should eventually see. Best saved for after you have watched a few other shows first.
Sports Anime — Yes, Really
If you have never seen a sports anime before, you probably think it sounds boring. You are wrong and Haikyuu will prove that to you in approximately three episodes.
Haikyuu
Sports Anime 85 Episodes Crunchyroll
A short high school volleyball player determined to be the best despite his height. His rival becomes his teammate. A sports anime that somehow turns volleyball into pure cinema. The character development is exceptional and the match sequences are genuinely thrilling regardless of whether you care about volleyball at all. Prepare to become irrationally invested in fictional volleyball.
Blue Lock
Sports AnimePsychological Drama Crunchyroll
Newer and takes a totally different approach to the sports anime genre. The most intense soccer series ever made, focused on ego, competition, and becoming the best striker in the world. Intense in the best possible way and absolutely gripping from the opening episode.
Shoujo Anime — Emotion, Relationships, Growth
Fruits Basket
Shoujo AnimeRomance Anime 63 Episodes Crunchyroll
The definitive shoujo anime recommendation for beginners. An orphan girl moves in with a family cursed to transform into zodiac animals. It sounds strange. It is actually one of the most emotionally resonant anime ever made. Themes of trauma, healing, and acceptance handled beautifully with real emotional depth. The manga adaptation is faithful and complete. A perfect starter anime for anyone interested in romance anime with genuine substance.
Slice of Life Anime — Quiet and Real
Not everything needs to be epic battles and world-ending stakes. Slice of life anime focuses on everyday human experiences and done well it is deeply satisfying.
Mob Psycho 100
Supernatural Comedy 37 Episodes Crunchyroll
From Studio Bones, one of the most underrated starter anime recommendations out there. A kid with immense psychic powers trying to live a normal life with a con-man boss. Unique animation style, brilliant comedy, and surprising emotional depth that sneaks up on you completely. Manga adaptation done with real craft and creativity. Watch it on Crunchyroll and enjoy one of anime’s most original shows.
Anime Movies — Perfect for a Single Evening
If you want to test the waters without committing to a full series, anime movies are the perfect entry point.
Studio Ghibli Films
Anime MoviesAll Ages Netflix
Studio Ghibli films are the most universally beloved entry point into anime movies. Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro — any of these will show you what Japanese animation can do at its most beautiful and emotionally powerful. They work for children and adults equally and have a genuine magical quality that no other anime movies quite replicate. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, these are essential viewing for any beginner.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Cyberpunk Anime 10 Episodes Netflix
A complete 10-episode anime that tells a full story in roughly four hours. Set in Night City, based on the Cyberpunk universe, animated by Trigger Studio. Stunning animation quality, emotional depth, and genuinely great storytelling even if you have never played the game. One of the best anime for beginners who want something short, complete, and breathtakingly well-made. Won multiple anime awards including Crunchyroll’s Best Anime.
Cowboy Bebop
Space Western Neo-Noir 26 Episodes 8.9/10 IMDb Crunchyroll
One of the most important anime ever made and it still holds up completely. Bounty hunters in space. Jazz soundtrack. Film noir vibes. Wild west energy blended with sci-fi perfection. It blends anime genre categories in a way nothing else does. Episodic enough that you can watch casually without needing to binge. Iconic. Essential. A genuine masterpiece of Japanese animation that defined what anime could be.
Vinland Saga
Historical Anime 48 Episodes Netflix
A historical dark fantasy following a young Viking boy who swears revenge for his father’s death. Two seasons of extraordinary storytelling with some of the best redemption arc work in anime. The emotional depth and mature themes in the second season in particular are genuinely stunning. One of the most underrated starter anime series for anyone who wants something epic, human, and deeply moving.
English Subtitles or English Dub — What Should Beginners Choose?
This is one of the most debated questions in anime and the answer is: whatever you actually enjoy. Both are perfectly valid choices.
English dub quality has improved enormously in recent years. For shows like Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer, the English voice cast is genuinely excellent. If you find reading English subtitles distracting when you are just starting out with anime, the English dub is completely fine.
English subtitles with Japanese audio is the preferred option for many longtime fans because the original performances are often more nuanced. But for beginners the most important thing is that you actually enjoy watching. Pick what keeps you coming back for more episodes.
Where to Stream Anime as a Beginner
| Platform | Best For | Top Anime Available |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Largest dedicated anime library, simulcasts | Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Haikyuu, One Piece |
| Netflix | Anime originals, movies, casual viewers | Cyberpunk Edgerunners, Demon Slayer, Studio Ghibli films |
| Hulu | Classic and current titles | Death Note, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan |
| Prime Video | Some exclusives and classics | Vinland Saga, Hunter x Hunter |
For most beginners, starting with whatever anime streaming platform you already have access to is perfectly fine. Most of the top anime series in this guide are available across multiple platforms. Crunchyroll is the dedicated anime home if you want the widest selection.
Practical Tips for Getting Into Anime
Do This
- Start with one show that matches your taste. Commit to it fully.
- Give every show at least three episodes before deciding it is not for you.
- Use Crunchyroll for the widest selection of anime streaming titles.
- Try both English subtitles and English dub to see which you prefer.
- Read nothing about a show before you watch it — the plot twists are worth experiencing fresh.
Avoid This
- Do not start with One Piece or Dragon Ball Z unless you are ready for hundreds of episodes.
- Do not start with Neon Genesis Evangelion as your very first anime — save it for later.
- Do not try to watch five shows at once when you are starting out.
- Do not let anyone tell you that your preference for English dub makes you less of an anime fan.
- Do not skip filler episodes out of order without checking a filler guide first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which anime is best for beginners?
Honestly if you ask ten different anime fans this question you will get ten different passionate arguments. But the one answer that comes up more consistently than any other is Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. It is the most recommended starter anime across every community, every platform, and every anime guide on the internet — and for very good reason. Two brothers, a catastrophic mistake, and a massive quest across a beautifully built world. It has action, emotional depth, mature themes, brilliant character development, and a complete satisfying ending. No filler episodes to wade through. No need to understand anime tropes before watching. It works for literally everyone. Available on Crunchyroll and Netflix. If you want something more modern and visually stunning, Demon Slayer from Ufotable is the other top answer. The animation quality alone makes it worth watching and the story of a boy trying to save his demon-turned sister is emotionally gripping from the very first episode. For dark psychological thriller fans, Death Note is the perfect gateway anime — sharp, tense, and morally complicated in ways that genuinely mess with your head. And if you want something lighter and more relaxed, Spy x Family is the most beginner friendly anime made in recent years and will make you laugh out loud while also somehow giving you genuine feelings about a fake family.
Why are Gen Z obsessed with anime?
This is actually a really interesting question and the answer has several layers. Gen Z grew up with anime more accessible than any previous generation. Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, and other anime streaming platforms brought Japanese animation directly into bedrooms and phones without the barriers that older generations faced. Watching anime used to mean finding specific channels or hunting down DVDs — Gen Z just opens an app. But accessibility alone does not explain the obsession. The deeper reason is that anime does things that Western media often does not. The emotional depth in shows like Your Lie in April or Vinland Saga, the complex moral storytelling in Death Note or Attack on Titan, the genuine coming of age anime themes in My Hero Academia and Naruto Shippuden — these narratives connect with young people in ways that feel real and unfiltered. Anime also does not talk down to its audience. Shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion explore depression, identity, and trauma in ways that many Gen Z viewers say felt more honest about their experiences than anything else they were watching. The cultural impact of anime on Gen Z fashion, music, social media, gaming, and language is enormous and still growing. Add the binge watching culture that Gen Z practically invented, the community building around anime streaming and fan art, and the fact that anime tropes and references have become a shared language between young people globally — and the obsession makes complete sense. Anime is not a niche interest for Gen Z. It is mainstream culture.
Which is the world’s number 1 anime?
This depends entirely on how you measure it and who you ask — and everyone will argue about it forever, which is part of the charm. By pure ratings and critical consensus, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood holds a 9.1 out of 10 on MyAnimeList making it consistently the highest rated anime of all time by community vote. Frieren Beyond Journey’s End has a 9.2 on MyAnimeList which technically puts it above Brotherhood by numbers alone. By cultural impact and global reach, Dragon Ball Z and Naruto Shippuden are arguably the most influential anime ever made — they introduced Japanese animation to hundreds of millions of people worldwide and shaped multiple generations of storytelling. By popularity at any specific moment, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen have all been the most talked-about top anime series on the planet during their peak seasons. By artistic achievement, many critics point to Cowboy Bebop, Ghost in the Shell, or Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away as the pinnacle of Japanese animation as an art form. So the honest answer is that there is no single world number one anime — it depends on whether you are measuring ratings, cultural impact, animation quality, global sales, manga adaptation success, or simply how passionately its fans will fight for it online. All of the above are genuinely extraordinary. Start with whichever sounds most interesting to you.
Which is the easiest anime to watch as a beginner?
Easy anime for beginners means a few specific things — short episode count, no confusing lore to catch up on, no filler episodes cluttering the story, and a premise that hooks you without needing prior knowledge of anime tropes. By those measures, the easiest anime to start with are Spy x Family — completely self-contained, hilarious, and immediately accessible with no background knowledge required at all. Death Note is also deceptively easy to get into despite its mature themes — the premise is instantly understandable and each episode pulls you forward naturally. Cyberpunk Edgerunners on Netflix is only ten episodes long making it one of the most manageable starter anime options available — you can finish the entire thing in one afternoon and it tells a complete satisfying story. Cowboy Bebop is structured episodically meaning each episode largely stands alone so you can watch casually without needing to binge the whole thing. Demon Slayer has a very clear and emotionally straightforward story that requires no prior anime knowledge to follow and the animation quality makes it visually stunning from the first episode. For anime movies as a starting point, any Studio Ghibli film is essentially impossible to find difficult — Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbour Totoro are all universally accessible regardless of age or background. The main thing to avoid as a pure beginner is starting with One Piece at over a thousand episodes or Naruto Shippuden with its significant filler episodes commitment — save those for when you are already properly hooked.
What are the top 10 must watch anime of all time?
Every anime fan has their own version of this list and will defend it aggressively. But based on consistent community ratings, cultural impact, and the frequency with which these shows appear on recommendation lists, here are the ten anime that virtually every fan agrees belong on any must watch list. First, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood — the highest rated anime on MyAnimeList and the most recommended gateway anime for beginners worldwide. Second, Attack on Titan — dark fantasy anime at its most intense and rewarding with some of the best world building ever put to screen. Third, Death Note — the psychological thriller anime that converted millions of people into anime fans through sheer narrative tension and moral complexity. Fourth, Cowboy Bebop — the cultural impact of this show on anime and Western media is enormous and it remains one of the most stylistically unique top anime series ever made. Fifth, Demon Slayer — animation quality from Ufotable that set a new visual standard for Japanese animation combined with genuinely emotional storytelling. Sixth, Jujutsu Kaisen — Studio MAPPA’s masterpiece of action anime with stunning fight sequences and deeply interesting characters. Seventh, Neon Genesis Evangelion — psychological mecha anime that reshaped the entire medium and whose influence can still be seen in everything made after it. Eighth, Vinland Saga — historical dark fantasy with the best redemption arc in anime and extraordinary emotional depth across two seasons. Ninth, My Hero Academia — the best modern shonen anime for beginners with a charming cast and genuinely exciting superhero action. Tenth, Frieren Beyond Journey’s End — the most recent entry on this list but one that has already achieved a higher MyAnimeList rating than almost everything above it and deserves every bit of the praise it receives.
Final Thoughts — Just Pick One and Start
The best anime for beginners is ultimately the one you actually watch. All the research and lists in the world mean nothing if you never press play.
If you are completely lost, start with Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. If you want something more modern, start with Demon Slayer or Spy x Family. If you want something that will genuinely challenge you, try Death Note or Attack on Titan. And if you want something beautiful and gentle, pick any Studio Ghibli film and let it do what it does.
Whatever you choose, you are about to discover one of the most creative, emotional, and genuinely incredible storytelling mediums in the world. Welcome to anime. You are going to love it here.