Anime has become a global phenomenon and if you’re new and don’t know where to start, this beginner’s guide to anime is here to help you. Whether you’re totally new to anime or just looking for a clear, simple guide to anime and manga, you’ve come to the right place. Anime can feel overwhelming to newcomers. Hundreds of shows, countless genres, unfamiliar art styles, even entire fan cultures, making it difficult to understand where to even begin.
So, in this article we will cover everything from where to watch anime, different genres, beginner-friendly anime recommendations, and some anime community terms to quickly make you feel home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents (Click to jump to the section)
What Is Anime?
Anime, at its core, refers to Japanese animated works — but it’s so much more than “just cartoons.” Unlike traditional Western animation, anime embraces a broader spectrum of themes and tones. You’ll find everything from intense psychological dramas to heartwarming slice-of-life stories, from magical adventures to grounded real-world romances.
Anime isn’t restricted to a “young audience” either — it tells stories for everyone, from children to adults.
How To Pick Your First Anime?
Starting our guide to anime, let’s talk about the various anime genre and some shows that exist within said genre to get your journey started. Here’s a quick guide to some popular genres and what you can expect from them:
Shonen
Shonen anime genre is known for its fast-paced plots with intense action sequences. Here, the “edge of the seat” is the name of the game. Series like Attack on Titan, One Punch Man, and Demon Slayer are great examples of this genre. Expect thrilling combat sequences and heroic moments.
Slice of Life
These anime focus on everyday life and character interactions, often with a more relaxed pace. Shows like Fruits Basket, Clannad, and March Comes in Like a Lion are great examples. These series often deal with personal growth, relationships, and emotional depth.
Romance
If you’re into love stories, anime has some of the best romance stories out there. Your Lie in April, Toradora!, and My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU are popular choices. These series explore relationships, heartache, and emotional growth.
Fantasy
For those who love magical worlds, epic quests, and supernatural elements, fantasy anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Re:Zero, and The Rising of the Shield Hero offer immersive worlds with complex plots and magical powers.
Comedy
If you want to start with something light-hearted and fun, comedy anime is a great choice. Shows like KonoSuba, One Punch Man, and My Hero Academia incorporate humor alongside action and adventure.
Sci-Fi
For fans of technology, space, or futuristic themes, sci-fi anime like Steins;Gate, Cowboy Bebop, and Psycho-Pass will take you on mind-bending adventures with complex plots.
Ecchi
This genre often features suggestive themes, fan service, and provocative content but typically without crossing into explicit material. If you’re looking for playful and sometimes humorous anime with a bit of fan service, shows like High School DxD, Food Wars!, and Monogatari fall into this category. It’s important to note that ecchi is more about teasing and light-heartedness rather than full-on explicit content.
Mecha
Mecha anime revolves around giant robots, often controlled by humans, and is known for its action-packed sequences and complex technological themes. If you enjoy futuristic battles and mechanical design, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gurren Lagann, and Code Geass are great starting points. Mecha anime often delves into philosophical and psychological themes, making it both action-heavy and thought-provoking.
Isekai
This genre focuses on characters who are transported from their normal world into a fantastical or alternate world, often with powers or abilities that give them an edge. Popular isekai anime with overpowered protagonists include Sword Art Online, Re:Zero, No Game No Life, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Isekai shows often blend fantasy, action, and adventure with the main character navigating the challenges of a new world.
Yuri (Girl’s Love)
Yuri anime, also known as “Girls’ Love” (GL), focuses on romantic and emotional relationships between female characters. These stories range from subtle emotional bonds to explicit romantic narratives and often explore themes of identity, acceptance, and personal growth. While some series are lighthearted and slice-of-life in tone, others dive into more dramatic or psychological territory. Popular examples include Bloom Into You, Strawberry Panic, Kase-san and Morning Glories, and Citrus.
Yaoi (Boy’s Love)
Yaoi, or “Boys’ Love” (BL), centers around romantic and often intense emotional relationships between male characters. Originating primarily as a subgenre created by and for women, Yaoi spans a broad range, from sweet high school romances to mature, dramatic storylines. The genre frequently explores themes such as forbidden love, emotional vulnerability, and social stigma. Notable titles include Given, Junjou Romantica, and Banana Fish.
10 Beginner Anime Recommendations To Get You Started
The best way to start your anime journey is by choosing a series that captures your interests. If you’re new to anime, here’s a beginner-friendly anime watching guide to help you find the perfect mix of action, heart, humor, and breathtaking animation:
- Attack on Titan: A gripping, high-stakes survival story set in a world ruled by giant monsters.
- Dan Da Dan: A fun, supernatural series blending sci-fi, spirits, and quirky characters with energetic storytelling.
- Solo Leveling: A modern action fantasy about a weak hunter who rises to unimaginable power.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: A beautifully animated tale of a boy fighting demons to save his sister.
- One Punch Man: A hilarious and action-packed satire of superhero tropes, starring a hero too powerful for his own good.
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: A touching, slow-burn fantasy that explores life, memory, and what it means to move forward after a grand adventure.
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Fast-paced supernatural battles filled with dark curses, charismatic characters, and stylish animation.
- Violet Evergarden — A visually stunning, emotional drama about a former soldier learning to understand human emotions.
- My Hero Academia: A feel-good series set in a world where nearly everyone has superpowers, focusing on heroism and growth.
- Spy x Family: A delightful mix of espionage, action, and family comedy with a fake family hiding secret identities.
Each of these anime series brings something unique to the table — whether it’s powerful fight scenes, heartfelt storytelling, or unforgettable characters. They’re a good starting point in our opinion. Short and crisp.
A Quick Tip:
While all of these are beginner-friendly, do check the content rating or synopsis if you prefer lighter or more intense themes, especially since some anime like Attack on Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen) can be darker and more mature.
Best Streaming Services To Watch Anime
Now after watching the list above, you must be wondering: Where can I actually watch anime?
Fortunately, anime streaming websites make anime more accessible than ever. Here are some recommendations to get you started.
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is widely considered the top destination for anime enthusiasts. Unlike general streaming platforms, Crunchyroll is focused entirely on anime and offers one of the largest legal libraries in the world. You’ll find legendary titles like Attack on Titan, Naruto, One Piece, and newer hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling. One of Crunchyroll’s biggest advantages is simulcasting — you can watch new episodes just hours after they air in Japan.
Netflix
While Netflix is not dedicated solely to anime, it has built an impressive anime library over the past few years. Popular series like Demon Slayer, Violet Evergarden, Spy x Family, and even Netflix Originals such as Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Castlevania are available. Netflix also produces its own anime adaptations, some of which, like the One Piece live-action series, have received worldwide acclaim.
Hulu
Although better known for mainstream TV shows and movies, Hulu offers a surprisingly rich collection of anime titles. Popular shows like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, One Punch Man, and Bleach are available on the platform, making it an excellent choice for anime beginners who might already subscribe for general entertainment.
YouTube (Free Legal Channels)
Believe it or not, YouTube is another viable platform for watching anime — legally and for free. Channels like Muse Asia and Ani-One stream popular anime series with English subtitles, available at no cost. While the selection might be smaller and can vary based on your region, it’s a fantastic way to start exploring anime without committing to any subscription.
For those who want to dip their toes into anime without paying upfront, these free legal options are absolutely worth checking out.
Amazon Prime Video and HiDive
Amazon Prime Video occasionally carries popular anime titles, though its library is more scattered compared to specialized services. Shows like Vinland Saga and Made in Abyss have been featured in the past, but anime is not Amazon’s main focus.
Meanwhile, HiDive offers a curated selection of niche, classic, and exclusive anime. It’s a hidden gem for those who want to dig deeper into the medium later on. Prime Video’s subscription starts at around $8.99 per month, while HiDive is priced more affordably at about $4.99 per month.
Overall, for a complete and fully immersive anime experience, Crunchyroll stands out as the best choice. However, if you already have Netflix or Hulu, those platforms are perfectly good places to begin your anime journey without extra hassle.
Why Is Anime Getting So Popular?
- Deep storytelling: Anime series often explore complex topics — identity, loss, love, ambition — with a depth that rivals movies and literature.
- Unique art and music: The vibrant colors, striking animation styles, and unforgettable soundtracks create powerful emotional experiences.
- Diverse genres: Whether you like action, fantasy, romance, horror, or philosophical thrillers — there’s an anime for you.
- Global community: Anime has transcended borders. Today, conventions, online forums, fan art, cosplay, and discussions are massive parts of pop culture worldwide.
- Cultural richness: Anime offers a glimpse into Japanese culture, traditions, and values, making it a bridge to another world.
How to Pick Anime Based on Your Interests?
When choosing your first anime, it’s helpful to think about what kind of shows, books, or movies you already enjoy. Are you a fan of superheroes? If so, My Hero Academia or One Punch Man might be the perfect start. Do you prefer heartfelt drama or romance? Violet Evergarden or Your Lie in April could be great picks.
Also, consider the tone of the series. Do you like dark and intense plots, or do you prefer lighter, more comedic stories? If you’re not sure, starting with something that blends both, like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (which combines action, fantasy, and deep character development), might be a good idea.
Another factor to consider is whether you enjoy stories with supernatural or fantastical elements, or if you’re more interested in realistic, slice-of-life stories. If you lean more toward grounded stories with emotional depth, anime like Clannad or March Comes in Like a Lion might appeal to you more than fantasy-heavy series.
Subbed vs. Dubbed: What’s the Difference? Which Should You Watch First?
One of the most common questions for anime beginners is whether to watch a series subbed (with subtitles) or dubbed (with voiceovers in your native language). Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and your choice often depends on your preferences and comfort level.
What’s the Difference?
- Subbed: In a subtitled anime, the original Japanese audio is kept intact, and English (or other language) subtitles are provided at the bottom of the screen. This is often considered the “authentic” way to experience anime because it preserves the original voice acting, tone, and emotion conveyed by the Japanese cast. For fans who want to experience the anime exactly as it was intended, subbed anime is typically the go-to option.
- Dubbed: In a dubbed anime, the original Japanese audio is replaced with voiceovers in another language, such as English. Dubbing allows viewers to watch the anime without having to read subtitles, making it more accessible, especially for those who find reading subtitles distracting. However, dubbing sometimes loses the nuances of the original Japanese voice acting, and not all dubs are created equally. Some may have voice actors that don’t match the characters’ personalities or emotions as well as the original cast.
Sub or Dub: Which Should You Watch First?
For beginners, it largely depends on your personal preference and experience with reading subtitles. If you’re comfortable reading subtitles and want to experience the anime as closely as possible to its original version, watching subbed anime is the way to go. Subbed anime allows you to appreciate the unique tone and delivery of the Japanese voice actors, which is often a key part of the anime experience.
On the other hand, if you’re new to reading subtitles or find them distracting, you might prefer watching dubbed anime first. Many popular series, such as My Hero Academia and One Punch Man, have excellent English dubs that capture the spirit of the original. Dubbing can be a good introduction for those who want to focus on the visuals and storytelling without having to constantly read.
As you become more familiar with anime, you may find that you prefer one over the other. Many anime fans eventually enjoy both subtitled and dubbed versions, depending on the situation. For example, when watching a new episode of a series, you might opt for the subbed version to keep up with the latest release, but for a relaxed binge session, you may prefer the dubbed version for convenience.
In the end, there’s no wrong way to watch anime. It’s about finding what makes your viewing experience the most enjoyable!
Short vs. Long Series: What to Begin With?
When you’re new to anime, deciding between a short or long series can be tricky. If you’re unsure about committing to a long series, starting with something shorter single or two-cour anime (around 12-24 episodes) might be a good way to dip your toes into the medium. These shorter series often have a more concise and satisfying plot, making them easier to finish without feeling overwhelmed. Examples include One Punch Man, Death Note, or Violet Evergarden.
On the other hand, long-running anime like Naruto, Bleach, or One Piece can be a fantastic choice if you enjoy becoming deeply immersed in an ongoing story and character development over time. While these series might seem like a large commitment, they’re also some of the most rewarding, with rich world-building and evolving characters. Just keep in mind that these series often have hundreds of episodes, so be prepared for a longer journey!
Anime vs. Cartoon: What’s the Difference?
One of the first things many people wonder when they’re new to anime is, “Isn’t anime just Japanese cartoons?”
The answer is both yes and no, depending on who you ask.
In Japan, the word “anime” (アニメ) is simply short for “animation,” and it refers to all animated works — whether they’re Japanese, American, or from anywhere else. So in Japan, Frozen, Tom and Jerry, and Naruto would all fall under the same broad category: anime.
Outside of Japan, however, “anime” specifically refers to Japanese-style animation, recognized for its distinct visual styles, storytelling techniques, and cultural depth. It’s become a genre and art form of its own in the global consciousness — separate from what most people in the West would casually call “cartoons.”
Anime vs Cartoon: TL;DR
- All anime can technically be called cartoons, but not all cartoons are anime.
- Anime is a medium, not a genre — it can be action, romance, fantasy, horror, or even philosophical.
- While cartoons often prioritize humor and light storytelling, anime dives into complex emotional, social, and psychological narratives.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Anime Experience?
Watching anime is not just about the story or the characters; it’s about immersing yourself in a rich and vibrant world. To truly appreciate the medium, it’s essential to approach it with an open mind and a bit of understanding of its unique features. This chapter offers tips and insights that will help you enhance your anime experience, from watching with subtitles to understanding cultural nuances and joining the global community of anime fans.
Appreciating Animation, Music, and Storytelling of Anime
One of the unique aspects of anime is how it blends animation, music, and storytelling to create something truly special. As you begin watching, it’s important to appreciate each of these elements, as they are integral to the anime experience.
Animation
Anime is known for its distinct art styles, which can range from beautifully detailed and realistic to exaggerated and whimsical. Take the time to notice the attention to detail in the animation, such as how characters’ facial expressions change with emotions, or how the environment enhances the atmosphere. Shows like Studio Ghibli films or Attack on Titan are prime examples of how animation adds layers to the story.
Anime Music
Music plays a massive role in anime, often setting the tone for scenes and amplifying emotions. Pay attention to how opening and closing theme songs fit with the anime’s mood. Iconic anime soundtracks like those in Cowboy Bebop and Your Name are well worth exploring. Notice how music shifts during climactic moments or emotional scenes—it helps build tension, excitement, or sadness.
Storytelling
Anime often tells stories in a unique way compared to Western media. The pacing, plot structure, and character development might be different from what you’re used to. Pay attention to the way the narrative unfolds and how characters evolve over time. Series like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Death Note are known for their complex and well-crafted plots, showcasing how storytelling can be elevated in anime.
What does Otaku, Waifu, Husbando, Chibi, Weeb, OVA, Cour, Seiyuu, and Filler mean?
The anime community is rich with its own terminology, and understanding some of these terms can deepen your connection to the fandom. Here are a few key terms to know:
- Otaku/Weeb: A term used to describe someone with an intense or obsessive interest in anime and manga. While it can have a negative connotation in Japan, outside of Japan, it’s often used by anime fans proudly to denote their love for the medium.
- Waifu/Husbando: These terms refer to fictional characters that fans develop strong emotional attachments to, often treating them as ideal partners. A waifu is a female character, while a husbando refers to a male character. Fans may often discuss their “waifus” or “husbandos” in forums or fan spaces.
- Chibi: A style of drawing characters in a small, cute, and exaggerated way, often with large heads and eyes. Chibi characters are often used for humorous or adorable moments in anime.
- OVA: Stands for “Original Video Animation.” These are anime episodes or series released directly to video, often with high-quality animation and sometimes alternate storylines or side stories not included in the main series.
- Filler: In long-running anime, filler refers to episodes that are not part of the original manga or source material but are added to extend the series. While some filler episodes can be enjoyable, others may feel like they don’t contribute much to the main story.
- Seiyuu: This refers to the Japanese voice actors who provide the voices for anime characters. Seiyuu often become stars in their own right, with fans following their work in other anime or media.
- Cour: This is a term used in the anime industry to describe the length of a season or series. It is a unit of time, typically corresponding to a 12-episode block (which usually airs over about 3 months). 1 cour = 12 episodes, 2 cour = 24 episodes, 3 cour = 36 episodes, and so on.
What is Manga?
Manga refers to Japanese comic books or graphic novels. It has a long and rich history, often considered one of Japan’s most influential cultural exports. Manga serves as the inspiration for a large majority of anime, with many popular series adapted from manga to anime. In fact, for many anime fans, reading the manga is a way to dive deeper into the story, especially when the anime adaptation doesn’t cover the entire plot or is released before the manga concludes.
Manga has a unique art style, with black-and-white illustrations dominating the pages, often with striking character designs and expressive facial expressions. The storytelling style can be more expansive compared to Western comics, with long, multi-arc plots and deep character development. Manga is also highly serialized, meaning new chapters are released regularly, creating a consistent flow of content for readers. Some manga like Berserk are better off experienced in the manga format than the anime.
Manga chapters are published in magazines like Weekly Shonen Jump, Monthly Shonen Magazine, and Big Comic Spirits, and then compiled into tankobon (volumes) for readers to purchase. Some manga runs for a few volumes, while others can stretch across hundreds of chapters, forming entire series that keep fans engaged for years.
What Are Light Novels?
Light novels are a form of written fiction that blends elements of both novels and manga. While they are primarily prose, light novels feature occasional illustrations throughout the book, often depicting key characters or important scenes. These illustrations help visualize the world of the story, but the majority of the narrative is text-based. Light novels are typically shorter and more accessible than full-length novels, often having 100-200 pages per volume.
Light novels are often targeted at younger audiences, particularly teenagers and young adults. They are typically serialized and, much like manga, can cover a wide range of genres, though fantasy, adventure, romance, and isekai tend to dominate. Some of the most popular anime series, such as Sword Art Online, Re:Zero, and The Rising of the Shield Hero, are adapted from light novels. These adaptations can expand the world beyond the original source material and often provide more context and depth to the anime.
One thing that sets light novels apart from manga is that they usually have more focus on dialogue, internal thoughts, and detailed world-building, allowing for a more narrative-driven experience. Light novels have become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of the booming isekai genre.
How Manga and Light Novels Complement Anime?
Manga and light novels play a crucial role in the anime industry, serving as the source material for many series. Anime adaptations often start as manga or light novels, which are then serialized and adapted for television or film. However, not all anime follows its original manga or light novel story closely. Some anime are even adapted in a way that condenses or alters the plot to fit within a season’s timeframe, leaving fans of the original manga or light novel to explore the full, unabridged story.
- Manga Adaptations: If you’re watching an anime that was adapted from a manga, you might find that the anime only covers part of the story. Manga often continues long after the anime ends, so many fans of the anime will turn to the manga to see how the story unfolds. For example, the anime Attack on Titan covers only a portion of the plot, with much more content in the manga for those who want to go beyond the anime.
- Light Novel Adaptations: Light novels tend to provide a richer experience in the world-building and character development aspects. Since they are primarily text-based, the anime adaptation often condenses many details. However, light novels typically offer deeper character exploration, backstory, and dialogue that the anime can’t fully represent. Popular light novels such as Re:Zero and Sword Art Online give fans a chance to explore the world and characters even further through the original books.
Introduction to Anime-Related Hobbies
Anime is more than just a form of entertainment—it’s a gateway into a rich and diverse cultural experience that extends beyond the screen. For many anime fans, engaging with Japanese culture goes hand in hand with embracing various hobbies that have become an integral part of the community. These hobbies allow fans to immerse themselves more deeply in the anime world, express their creativity, and connect with others who share similar interests. Here are some popular Japanese culture-related hobbies that anime fans often enjoy:
Cosplay
Cosplay, short for “costume play,” is one of the most well-known hobbies among anime fans. This involves dressing up as a character from anime, manga, or video games, often replicating the character’s outfit, appearance, and personality. Cosplay allows fans to physically embody their favorite characters, and for many, it’s a way to celebrate their love for a particular series or character.
Cosplay isn’t just about wearing costumes—it’s about crafting detailed outfits, getting into character, and sometimes even performing in front of an audience. It’s a way for fans to show their appreciation for the art, craftsmanship, and storytelling of anime. In addition to costumes, cosplayers often engage in makeup and props to make their appearance as accurate as possible. Whether attending conventions or creating content online, cosplay offers an outlet for creativity and community.
Anime Conventions
Anime conventions are events where fans of anime, manga, and Japanese culture come together to celebrate their passions. These conventions often feature cosplay competitions, merchandise booths, panels with voice actors and creators, screenings of anime movies, and much more. Conventions are a space for anime fans to interact, make friends, and celebrate their shared love for Japanese media.
Some of the largest and most famous anime conventions around the world include Anime Expo (USA), Comic Market (Comiket) (Japan), and MCM Comic Con (UK). While these events are physical, there has also been a growing trend of virtual conventions where fans from all over the world can attend remotely.
V-Tubing
In VTubing, content creators use anime-style avatars to produce livestreams, music, gaming content, and more. Fueled by Japanese internet culture and agencies like Hololive and Nijisanji, VTubers blend anime aesthetics with real-time interactivity.
You can easily set up and start V-Tubing with ease. All you need is an avatar, a camera, and a streaming setup. Whether you’re into gaming, music, or just virtual personalities, VTubing offers a distinctly modern anime-adjacent experience.
Merchandise
Anime merchandise is a huge industry, and for many fans, collecting anime-related items is a fun and fulfilling hobby. From figurines and posters to clothing and accessories, anime merchandise allows fans to bring a piece of their favorite series into their everyday lives. Collectors often focus on specific items, such as limited edition figures, plush toys, or even rare manga prints.
Embracing the world of Anime
Anime is a world brimming with diverse stories, colorful characters, and endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you’re new to anime or have been a fan for years, the journey through its vast landscapes is always exciting. The beauty of anime is that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy it. Everyone’s path is unique, and what matters most is that you’re having fun, exploring new stories, and connecting with others who share your interests.
Remember, the anime community is full of people who have started from all different points, and no one’s experience is the same. Some people fall in love with anime because of a specific genre, others through a character they resonate with, and some may even stumble upon it by chance. Wherever you are in your anime journey, know that it’s just the beginning of a lifelong adventure.
Final Tips to Make Anime a Fun, Lifelong Hobby
To ensure that your anime journey remains fun and rewarding, here are a few final tips:
- Stay Open-Minded: Anime is a diverse medium with a wide array of genres and styles. Don’t hesitate to try something different from your usual picks. You may discover a new favorite genre or series you never expected to enjoy.
- Join the Community: Online forums, social media groups, and conventions are great places to connect with fellow fans. Sharing opinions, recommendations, and discussing anime can deepen your appreciation of it.
- Pace Yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in binge-watching, but take time to savor each series. Enjoying anime at a slower pace allows you to appreciate the animation, story, and character development.
- Support the Industry: Buying official merchandise, supporting creators, or subscribing to legal streaming platforms helps ensure that the anime industry continues to thrive. It’s a great way to give back to the creators who bring these incredible stories to life.
- Explore Beyond Anime: Once you’re comfortable with anime, you can expand your horizons to manga, light novels, and even learning the Japanese language. These can further enhance your experience and bring you closer to the culture behind the medium.
We’d love to hear about your anime journey! What was the first anime you ever watched, and how did it spark your love for the medium? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—whether it was a classic like Naruto or something less mainstream, your first anime is always a memorable one! Let’s continue this conversation and share recommendations for newcomers to the world of anime.
Happy watching!
