Anime has quickly become a global phenomenon and has risen to the top of the animation world. Between intricate storylines, over-the-top animation, and mind-blowing world-building, anime has been the one place that guarantees that a short attention span is no problem.

For those new to the genre, getting comfortable reading subtitles is only one small barrier to unlocking an entirely new world. These anime series are great for people who are ready to take the first step into the genre but are still unsure of where to start. Ranging from the classics to more modern shows, there are a few critically acclaimed and best anime to watch for beginners. Fans who are looking for the next best show to binge-watch will be glad to know there's no shortage of popular anime for viewers to choose from. The best anime for beginners represent the aspects of the genre that fans know and love, without being too overwhelming.

45 'Vinland Saga' (2019 - )

Director: Shūhei Yabuta

Set in the Viking Age, Vinland Saga follows the transformative story of Thorfinn, a young warrior who is initially full of hatred and wanting revenge against his father’s killer. Over time, his arc changes as he learns to become a pacifist. At the same time as the protagonist’s journey, a dangerous power grows in the form of King Canute, whose villainous ways soon affect Thorfinn’s path.

Vinland Saga’s exploration of the historical period is unique in anime. This setting results in original and rich characterization, fascinating Viking lore, and, of course, fantastic battles and action sequences. That said, this period isn’t for everyone, and new anime fans may want to dive into something less specific in terms of historicity for their first series.

44 'Shaman King' (2001 - 2005)

Director: Seiji Mizushima

Shaman King follows the misadventures of Yoh Asakura, a laid-back and carefree young boy who possesses the ability to communicate with spirits. Yoh later decides to take on a challenging task – to become the next Shaman King. In order to do this, he must train and go on a perilous journey to compete in the Shaman Fight and prove himself to be the best.

Yoh’s growth as a powerful shaman and an endearing character is the focus of the series, which blends mysticism with a healthy dose of action. For those new to anime or seeking an exhilarating blend of supernatural powers and personal growth, Shaman King is predictable for seasoned anime fans, but likely to be exciting for newcomers.

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43 'The Future Diary' (2011 - 2012)

Director: Naoto Hosoda

Those looking for a psychologically thrilling anime will surely find solace in The Future Diary. In it, a lonesome teenager named Yukiteru Amano records his everyday life on his phone. Suddenly, he finds that the events he’s written down in his digital diary all come true.

Little does Yukiteru know that he’s entered a survival game against 11 more people who also have a prophetic diary. The winner will become the new god of time and space, with the ability to reshape reality as they see fit. The Future Diary is well-loved by anime fans for its intense twists and suspensefully dynamic fight sequences, so much so that some viewers compare the action sequences in The Future Diary with beloved horror anime shows. The Future Diary is a one-of-a-kind anime that will give viewers an introduction to how wild and exciting the world of Japanese anime is.

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42 'Crayon Shin-chan' (1992 - )

Directors: Mitsuru Hongo, Keiichi Hara, and Yuji Muto

Crayon Shin-chan is a humor-filled anime show that is well-loved by viewers largely due to its main character. The slice-of-life anime focuses on the daily life of Shinnosuke "Shin" Nohara, a mischievous five-year-old boy, and his interactions with his family, friends, and neighbors. Crayon Shin-chan’s unique humor is based on Shin’s inappropriate behavior and weird language.

Despite looking like a children’s show, Crayon Shin-chan is full of sids-splitting and absurd scenes ⁠— including his butt dance and the way he mimics adults ⁠— that may be considered risqué and nonsensical. Its episodic nature, with no fixed underlying story, makes it easy for viewers to jump into it without needing to know an underlying plot.

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41 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' (2023 - )

Director: Keiichirō Saitō

Set in a medieval world full of magic and demons, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an anime that follows an elf mage who is on a quest to find meaning in her life. Being a magical creature, Frieren has a considerably longer lifespan than her human friends. This causes her to confront the concept of mortality and go on a journey to explore the essence of living, which involves retrieving the Darkness Dragon Horns and taking on a war orphan as an apprentice.

As one of the best animes released in 2023, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a prime choice for those who have just started watching anime thanks to its poignant and moving storyline coupled with familiar fantasy landscapes. Unlike typical fantasy anime that leans a lot on action scenes, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End captivates with its focus on character-driven storytelling and thought-provoking dialogue, exploring what it truly means to be alive.

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40 'Monster Rancher' (1999 - 2000)

Director: Hiroyuki Yano

While it may be overshadowed by similar shows like Pokémon and Digimon: Digital Monsters, Monster Rancher is an essential creature/monster anime that viewers should be aware of. In Monster Rancher, a young boy named Genki is transported into a video game full of monsters. With friendly monsters as his companions, Genki goes on a mission to restore peace and defeat the evil Moo in the video game world.

What makes Monster Rancher stand out is its fearlessness to take a deep dive into the backgrounds of its characters, especially in well-loved episodes like “Tiger of the Wind” where former adversaries transform into reliable allies. Without a doubt, Monster Rancher is a great entry point for new anime viewers looking for a character-focused show packed with action and fun.

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39 'Akazukin Chacha' (1994 - 1995)

Director: Hatsuki Tsuji

Akazukin Chacha is a magical girl shoujo anime that revolves around Chacha, a sorcerer’s apprentice who has the power to transform into a powerful magical princess. Along with her friends, the loyal were-puppy Riiya and the chivalrous mage Shiine, Chacha fights various enemies such as the demon king Daimaou and other dark beings.

The humor and characters in Akazukin Chacha are what draws its audience the most, especially since Chacha, Riiya, and Shiine's interactions and reactions to various situations provide a significant part of the show's comedic value. While it’s not the most visually impressive anime out there, Akazukin Chacha has a light-hearted and whimsical story that’s more than enough to provide an entertaining experience.

Akazukin Chacha is currently not available to stream, rent, or purchase.

38 'Gurren Lagann' (2007)

Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi

Gurren Lagann is a mecha anime that takes the genre to the next level. The story begins with Simon and Kamina, two friends living in an underground village who are dreaming of a life on the surface. Their adventure starts when they find a small mecha known as Lagann, leading them to the surface world and a conflict with the oppressive Beastmen.

With its over-the-top action, epic mecha battles, and narrative that evolves from a simple rebellion to a cosmic-scale war, Gurren Lagann is a must-watch feature for new anime fans. Apart from that, Gurren Lagann’s visually stunning and exaggerated animation makes it a compelling watch. For fans who want more Gurren Lagann action, they can watch the 2009 film Gurren Lagann the Movie: The Lights in the Sky Are Stars, which is considered one of the best animated movies of the 2000s.

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37 'Berserk' (1997)

Director: Naohito Takahashi

In the dark fantasy 90s anime Berserk, a mercenary named Guts wants to get revenge on a former friend-turned-demon named Griffith. In his adventure, Guts battles powerful supernatural forces to get to Griffith. However, as the show progresses, Guts’ goal becomes more complicated with him trying to look for his own purpose and grappling with the darkness he holds within himself.

Berserk is a great anime for beginners because of its thrilling story about vengeance, complex but fleshed-out characters, and fun battle sequences. While its animation is not as advanced as modern anime shows, Berserk convinces viewers to keep their eyes on Guts as he goes on adventures such as becoming a formidable swordsman and fighting against his armor for his sanity.

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36 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' (1997)

Director: Kunihiko Ikuhara

Revolutionary Girl Utena is a groundbreaking anime that follows Utena Tenjou, a girl who vows to become a prince after being inspired by one in her childhood. As a student at Ohtori Academy, Utena finds herself in a series of duels for the hand of Anthy Himemiya, the enigmatic "Rose Bride.”

What makes Revolutionary Girl Utena a standout show against other shoes of its time is the anime's exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and storylines. This is seen in the deep bond between Utena and Anthy that goes beyond friendship, with Utena often acting as Anthy's protector and savior. For those who want to start their anime journey with something fun and inclusive, Revolutionary Girl Utena is a solid choice.

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35 'Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters' (2000 - 2004)

Director: Kunihisa Sugishima

In Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters, a shy boy named Yugi Mutou becomes a skilled duelist after solving the ancient Egyptian Millennium Puzzle. Hosting the spirit of a pharaoh named Yami Yugi, Yugi goes on a journey to find his lost memories and explore the pharaoh’s past ⁠— all while battling powerful duelers along the way.

For beginners, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is an excellent start, especially for those interested in strategic games and Egyptian mythology. Its narrative and duel sequences are fluid and exciting, as well as give viewers a chance to familiarize themselves with the strategic depth of the namesake card game. What’s more, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters has plenty of charismatic characters, like the white-haired boy Bakura Ryou and the persevering Joey Wheeler, both of whom are formidable duelers that the viewers will want to for.

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34 'Mobile Suit Gundam' (1979 - 1980)

Director: Yoshiyuki Tomino

Mobile Suit Gundam redefined the mecha anime genre when it debuted in 1979. The anime is set in a futuristic universe that sees a war between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. Powerful mobile suit Gundam piloted by a teenage civilian named Amuro Ray. Initially reluctant in his role, Amuro soon becomes a key figure in the war effort, bravely defending the planet against the Zeon forces.

Apart from the mecha animation that was ahead of its time, Mobile Suit Gundam is also well known for its developed characters. From Amuro Ray to the enigmatic Char Aznable, each character is multi-dimensional as they undergo significant development throughout the series. This allows viewers to get emotionally invested and attached to its story. Mobile Suit Gundam is a timeless classic that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned anime fans, due in part to its thrilling mecha battles and engrossing tale of conflict in space.

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33 'Code Geass' (2006 - 2008)

Director: Gorō Taniguchi

Introducing fan-favorite characters from the 2000s, Code Geass is set in a world where the black prince Lelouch strives to create a new reality using the power of the Glass. Despite the oppressive Holy Britannian Empire’s destructive weapons helping maintain control, he still dares to go against the tyrannical leadership.

Full of political intrigue and mechanics battles, Code Geass is a thrilling series. It depicts Lelouch's dual identity as a brilliant student and a masked rebel leader called Zero, as well as his morally ambiguous decisions that can challenge viewers’ perspectives. It’s not clear-cut or black-and-white, which some audiences may not appreciate.

32 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995 - 1996)

Director: Hideaki Anno

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a legendary anime show that takes place in a world ruined by the cataclysmic Second Impact. Zooming in on Tokyo-3, it depicts Shinji Ikari’s journey after he’s recruited to an organization that uses mechanics called Evangelion – his objective is to fight beings called Angels. The show follows these pilots as they battle more and more Angels to prevent another cataclysm.

Known as a deconstruction of the mecha subgenre, Neon Genesis Evangelion has an unconventional narrative and also blends surreal dream sequences with philosophical monologues to deliver hard-hitting quotations about existence and power. It’s a gorgeous and complex story that has achieved wide renown, but it may also be too heavy and vague for those who are new to anime, especially its controversial convoluted ending (which had to be re-explained in a series of films).

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31 'The Melancholy of Harumi Suzumiya' (2006 - 2009)

Directors: Tatsuya Ishihara and Yutaka Yamamoto

One of the most popular anime in Japan, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a must-watch for anime beginners. It tells the unlikely bond that forms between the seemingly ordinary high school student, Kyon, and the eccentric girl with an affinity for the supernatural, Haruhi Suzumiya. Together, they form a club called "SOS Brigade," short for "Spreading excitement all Over the world with Haruhi Suzumiya Brigade" and investigate paranormal and supernatural events.

As the series progresses, their small club grows into a formidable group, and it’s as if Haruhi Suzumiya will be about their fun adventures and deepening connections. However, the discovery of the nature of one of their powers soon threatens to destroy the very fabric of reality, and it’s up to them to protect the world. Things get even more wild from there – it’s a see-it-to-believe-it type of remarkable narrative.

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30 'Yuri!!! On Ice' (2016)

Directors: Sayo Yamamoto and Jun Shishido

Arguably the sports anime to watch if newcomers had to pick just one, Yuri!!! On Ice is a delightful show centered on the competitive world of figure skating. There, Japanese figure skater Yuuri Katsuki, who is struggling to find his confidence after a series of defeats teams up with Russian skater Viktor Nikiforov, who coaches him in preparation for an upcoming Grand Prix.

Aside from showcasing the dazzling world of competitive figure skating, Yuri!!! On Ice captures fans’ attention with its portrayal of the evolving and often heartwarming bond between Yuuri and Viktor. A seamless combination of figure skating and romance, it’s a great choice for those already interested in the sport to begin with.

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29 'Kakegurui' (2017 - 2019)

Director: Yuichiro Hayashi

Kakegurui is an anime series with an intriguing premise. It revolves around a student with a gambling addiction, Yumeko Jabami, who’s transferred to the prestigious school Hyakkaou Private Academy. It’s a match made in heaven, as to advance socially in that school, students have to be gambling masters.

The series depicts high-stakes gambling matches between students, where the outcome determines who will act as subservient “house pets” to the winners. Yumeko disturbs established social norms in the school, as she fearlessly challenges the top gamblers, seeking bigger thrills and higher stakes each time. While its unique premise admittedly isn’t for everyone, those who watch Kakegurui can expect intensity in every episode, as well as fascinating and increasingly complex psychological mind games as the students do whatever’s necessary to come out on top.

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28 'Gintama' (2005 - 2021)

Directors: Shinji Takamatsu and Yōichi Fujita

One anime that will surely pique the interest of those new to the genre is Gintama. Set in an alternate history where humans have been invaded by aliens called Amanto, Gintama is a fun show that perfectly blends science fiction with some wicked samurai action fun. Following a lazy yet skilled samurai named Gintoki, the show sees a world where swords have been made illegal and aliens have ruled supreme. In order to survive and make ends meet, Gintoki and his group of friends take on eccentric jobs such as becoming bodyguards, barbers, and a stand-in for other people.

What makes the underrated Crunchyroll show great for beginners is its episodic structure, with each episode offering a self-contained story. This allows them to learn more about Gintoki and his antics without having to commit to understanding a complicated overarching plot. So despite its incredible length spanning over 367 episodes and a few OVAs, it’s easy to get lured into watching Gintama, no matter what season or episode you start with.

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27 'Slam Dunk' (1993 -1996)

Director: Nobutaka Nishizawa

Slam Dunk is a sports anime that follows a high schooler named Hanamichi Sakuragi. Known for being a delinquent and belligerent student, Sakuragi was initially aversive to joining the Shohoku High School basketball team since he was previously rejected by a girl for a basketball player. Eventually, Sakuragi finds his passion for the sport and turns his life for the better with the help of his comrades.

Apart from its thrilling storyline and comedic moments, Slam Dunk has captivated audiences with its fierce basketball matches and exciting quest to qualify for the national championships. Slam Dunk has set the tone for modern sports anime, due to its realistic portrayal of basketball games, well-developed characters, and spirited animation. Slam Dunk is a gateway to the exhilarating world of sports anime, which makes it a must-watch for newcomers to the genre.

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26 'Digimon: Digital Monsters' (1999 - 2007)

Director: Hiroyuki Kakudō

A series that likely has a spot in many viewers’ childhoods and holds a special place in their hearts today, Digimon: Digital Monsters is a collection of six Digimon series that share the same basic premise. The show revolves around a group of children who are transported to another world where they befriend digital creatures called Digimon.

The anime chronicles how these children bond and work with the Digimon to save both their worlds from evil forces that seek to destroy them. As Digimon progresses, it achieves a surprising level of emotional depth that makes it more about the friendships they forge instead of just the action-packed battles (which are fantastic, too). With such a rich world and a vibrant franchise to back it, Digimon is an excellent starting point and one of the best anime series to watch for complete beginners.

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