So you’re finally ready to enter the world of anime? Welcome to a universe full of epic battles, heartbreaking drama, quirky humor, and mind-bending plots. But with literally thousands of titles to choose from, from where do you even start?
Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.
Here’s a list of the top 10 anime every beginner should watch first—shows that are easy to follow, super entertaining, and guaranteed to make you fall in love with anime.
Table of Content
Table of Contents
1. Attack on Titan
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners
Attack on Titan is usually the first name that comes up in any anime disccussion and with good reason. It’s gripping from episode one, with a strong hook that keeps you watching.
Think Game of Thrones meets zombies… but cooler and with giant man-eating creatures. It’s violent, emotional, and deeply philosophical – all wrapped up in stunning animation with unpredictable plot twists and foreshadowing.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Intense and complex storyline
- Compelling Characters
- Stunning Visuals and Animation By Wit Studio
- Mystery and World-Building
Genre, Themes & Vibes
- Genre: Action, Drama, Dark Fantasy
- Themes: Survival, War, Freedom
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Attack on Titan Season 1: 13 episodes
Attack on Titan Season 2: 12 episodes
Attack on Titan Season 3: 16 episodes
Attack on Titan Season 4: 32 episodes, including the final parts of the series
Attack on Titan Season 4 Movie 1: Episodes 88-90 (covering content from Season 4)
Attack on Titan Season 4 Movie 2: Episodes 91-94 (covering the final chapters of the series)
Overall: 94 episodes
Story Overview
Set in a world where humanity resides within colossal walled cities to protect themselves from mysterious humanoid creatures known as Titans, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager, whose life changes forever after a Titan destroys his hometown and kills his mother. He vows to exterminate every Titan and joins the military alongside his friends Mikasa and Armin.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
2. Demon Slayer
Brilliant Animation with Deep Emotions & Action
Looking for something visually gorgeous and emotionally rich? Demon Slayer ticks both boxes. The bond between Tanjiro and his demon-turned sister Nezuko is heart-melting.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Next-level animation by studio Ufotable
- Clear good vs evil storyline
- Great character development
- Intense Action
- Unique Designs/Abilities of Characters and Demon
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Demon Slayer Season 1: 26 episodes.
Demon Slayer: The Movie: Mugen Train (2020): 1 episode
Demon Slayer Season 2: 18 episodes.
Demon Slayer Season 3: 11 episodes.
Demon Slayer Season 4: 8 episodes
Demon Slayer Season 5: Coming Soon
Overall: 64 episodes
Story Overview
A young boy named Tanjiro Kamado turns into a demon slayer after his younger sister Nezuko is transformed into a demon and his family is killed. In order to take revenge for his family and figure out how to turn his sister back into a human, Tanjiro desires to become a Demon Slayer. The story follows Tanjiro’s development into an expert swordsman, his fights with demons, and his efforts to keep Nezuko safe.
Where to Watch
Available on Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix and crunchyroll.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen
Classic Shonen with a Dark Twist
This anime is what you’d get if Naruto grew up watching horror movies. Jujutsu Kaisen is fast-paced, stylish, and jam-packed with cursed spirits and magical battles.
Characters You’ll Love Instantly
- Yuji: The goofy but lovable hero
- Gojo: The overpowered, blindfolded sensei
- Nobara: Badass female lead
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Dark Fantasy
- Themes: Curses, Exorcism, Friendship
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Jujutsu Kaisen Movie 0 (prequel) : 1 episode
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1: 24 episodes
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2: 23 episodes
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: Coming Soon
Overall: 47 episodes
Story Overview
Yuji Itadori, a high school student, finds himself connected in a world of Jujutsu sorcerers and cursed spirits. Yuji gets dragged into this world after coming into contact with a powerful cursed object (Ryomen Sukuna’s finger), and he becomes the vessel for the ancient curse Ryomen Sukuna. He joins the Jujutsu Sorcerers to destroy Sukuna while also protecting his friends, which leads him down a path of violence and moral quandaries.
Perfect balance of action, comedy, and story.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix and crunchyroll.
4. Chainsaw Man
When Action Meets Absurdity
Chainsaw Man is weird- and that’s the point. If you’re okay with blood, guts, and dark humor, this one will stick with you with chaos in the best possible way.
Mature Themes and Humor
- Contains adult humor and graphic violence
- Features devils, chainsaws, and a lot of trauma
- Surprisingly deep character arcs
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Action, Horror, Dark Fantasy
- Themes: Devils, Survival, Sacrifice
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Chainsaw Man Season 1: 12 episodes
Chainsaw Man Season 2: Coming Soon
Overall: 12 episodes
Story Overview
“Chainsaw Man” follows Denji, a young man in debt, who enters into a contract with a devil-dog named Pochita, gaining the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws. He then joins a government organization that hunts devils, transforming into Chainsaw Man, a powerful devil-human hybrid.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll.
5. Solo Leveling
The Ultimate Power Fantasy
Based on a hit Korean web novel, Solo Leveling is for those who love seeing an underdog become a god. The protagonist named Sung Jin-Woo, goes from weakling to world-destroyer—and it’s insanely fun to watch.
Is It Truly Beginner-Friendly?
Absolutely. It’s action-heavy, simple to follow, and incredibly binge-worthy. The stakes keep rising, and so does your adrenaline.
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
- Themes: Power Progression, Dungeons, Hunters
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Solo Leveling Season 1: 12 episodes
Solo Leveling Season 2: 13 episodes
Solo Leveling Season 3: Coming Soon
Overall: 25 episodes
Story Overview
In a world where hunters fight monsters from mysterious gates, Sung Jinwoo is the weakest E-rank hunter in mankind. After a near-death experience, he gains the ability to level up independently through a mysterious system, becoming one of the strongest hunters and fighting against dangerous monsters and human threats.
Where to Watch
Available on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime.
6. Death Note
Intellect Over Action
Want something smart and edgy? Death Note serves as an entry drug to the psychological thrillers. It’s about a genius high-schooler who finds a notebook that can kill people. If you like chess-like mind battles, this anime is for you.
The Psychological Thriller Staple
- Cat and mouse game between the best two characters Light and L
- Themes of justice, morality, and power
- Minimal action, maximum tension
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Supernatural, Thriller, Psychological
- Themes: Justice, Morality, Power
Episode Count
Death Note Season 1: 37 episodes
Overall: 37 episodes
Story Overview
Light Yagami, a genius high school student, discovers the Death Note, a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to use it to create a crime-free world, becoming the vigilante “Kira.” L, a brilliant detective, emerges to stop him, leading to a psychological battle of wits and a moral exploration of justice.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll.
7. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
A Slow, Reflective Fantasy
Frieren isn’t your typical fantasy anime. It starts after the hero’s journey ends, exploring what comes next. It’s melancholic, beautiful, and full of quiet introspection.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
- Gorgeous world-building
- Themes of grief, time, and memory
- Deep character exploration
It’s like a poetic farewell song- peaceful, but powerful.
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
- Themes: Legacy, Time, ReflectionNetflix
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 1: 28 episodes
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2: Coming Soon
Overall: 28 episodes
Story Overview
The story of Frieren, an elven mage who, after defeating the Demon King, sets out on a new journey to better understand humanity. Frieren, who is over a thousand years old, has seen the Hero Party’s victory as well as the deaths of her comrades, including Himmel, whom she regrets not being closer to. Driven by her realization that she cannot fully understand human emotions and social norms, she travels with a human apprentice, Fern, and then with Stark, revisiting places from her past and reflecting on the meaning of life and relationships.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll
8. Summertime Rendering
Mystery, Time Loops, and Suspense
Love plot twists? Summertime Rendering will have you scratching your head—in a good way. Think Erased meets Re:Zero, with suspense so thick it’ll keep you bingeing late into the night
Hidden Underrated Gem Alert!
- Insanely well-written time-travel plot
- Lots of foreshadowing and “aha” moments
- Doesn’t drag—tight pacing and strong finish
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Thriller
- Themes: Time Loops, Identity, Secrets
Episode Count
Summertime Rendering Season 1: 25 episodes
Overall: 25 episodes
Story Overview
Shinpei Ajiro returns to his hometown of Hitogashima to attend his childhood friend Ushio Kofune’s funeral. Shinpei, with the help of Ushio’s sister Mio, investigates the island’s strange happenings and faces a dark enigma, including a supernatural phenomenon known as “Shadow Sickness”. The plot revolves around a mystery involving time loops and a battle against a shadowy force.
Criminally underrated, but unforgettable.
Where to Watch
Available on Disney+ Hotstar and Hulu.
9. Dandadan
Weird, Wild, and Wonderful
Aliens? Ghosts? High school hormones? psychic powers—Dandadan is like a supernatural fever dream that somehow makes total sense. It’s throws everything at you like chaotic, hilarious, and full of ‘what did I just watch’ moments—in the best way possible
Sci-Fi Meets the Supernatural
- Chaotic energy from episode one
- Witty, rapid-fire humor
- Surprisingly heartfelt friendships
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
- Themes: Aliens, Spirits, Adolescence
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Dandadan Season 1: 25 episodes
Dandadan Season 2: Coming Soon
Overall: 25 episodes
Story Overview
Momo, a high school girl from a family of spirit mediums, and Ken “Okarun” Takakura, a classmate who believes in aliens, team up to prove the existence of each other’s supernatural realms. Momo believes in ghosts but denies aliens, whereas Okarun believes in aliens and denies ghosts. Their journey takes them on a series of surreal adventures, where they encounter both spirits and alien threats and develop a romantic connection along the way.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
10. Blue Box
Romance Meets Sports
Need a break from action? Blue Box is a slice-of-life romance that’s light yet captivating. It’s about a badminton player crushing on a senior girl, with soft moments and sincere emotion.
When Sports meets slice-of-life romance
- Mixes sports and love drama perfectly
- Gorgeous art and relatable characters
- A sweet, feel-good vibe
Genre & Themes
- Genre: Romance, Sports, Slice of Life
- Themes: Love, Determination, Youth
Episode Count in Chronological Order
Blue Box Season 1: 25 episodes
Blue Box Season 2: Coming Soon
Overall: 25 episodes
Story Overview
Taiki Inomata, a badminton player, and his feelings for the basketball star Chinatsu Kano. The story unfolds at Eimei Academy, a school with a strong sports program, where Taiki and Chinatsu both aspire to reach the Nationals. A surprising twist brings Chinatsu to live with Taiki, deepening their connection and making Taiki strive to become a worthy match for her.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix.
Conclusion
There you have it, the top 10 best anime for beginners that will instantly hook you. Whether you enjoy mind games, sword fights, fantasy adventures, or teen romance, this list has something for everyone. Don’t stress about understanding all the tropes right away. Just pick one that catches your eye and press play.
FAQs
1. Which anime should I start first if I’m totally new?
Start with Demon Slayer or Death Note. They’re easy to follow, addictive, and very beginner-friendly.
2. Are these anime suitable for all age groups?
Not all. Titles like Chainsaw Man and Death Note are better for older teens and adults due to mature content.
3. Can I watch these anime in English dub?
Absolutely! Most of these are available dubbed and subbed. Choose whatever you’re comfortable with.
4. Do I need to watch anime in a specific order?
Nope. Each show here stands on its own. Just pick what interests you.
5. How long are these series?
Some are short (Death Note ~37 episodes), others are ongoing (Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen), so you can choose based on your commitment level.
