The Best Anime for Beginners: Where to Start
Dipping your toes into anime can feel like stepping into a colorful whirlwind of epic battles and emotional rollercoasters — these picks make it a smooth ride. Short, engaging, and packed with what makes anime shine, without the “wait, what’s a shonen?” confusion.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009 - 2010)
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric pay a terrible price after a forbidden alchemy ritual goes wrong, then set out to restore their bodies — and uncover a conspiracy that runs the country.
Why it works for beginners: a tight, complete story (64 eps), clear stakes, memorable cast, and balanced tone (action, humor, and feels).
Watch on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Crunchyroll.
Death Note (2006 - 2007)
A genius teen finds a notebook that kills anyone whose name he writes, triggering a tense chess match with a world-class detective.
Why it works for beginners: lean, bingeable thriller (37 eps) with moral dilemmas and constant twists — zero homework required.
Watch on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu.
Attack on Titan (2013 - 2023)
Humanity hides behind walls from towering man-eaters; a single attack sets Eren Yeager on a path that unravels his world’s darkest secrets.
Why it works for beginners: gripping mystery, escalating stakes, and visceral action. Even with multiple seasons, the plot signposts are clear.
Watch on Hulu, Crunchyroll, or Netflix.
Cowboy Bebop (1998 - 1999)
A crew of down-on-their-luck bounty hunters — Spike, Jet, Faye, and Ed — chase crooks across a smoky, jazz-soaked solar system while outrunning their pasts.
Why it works for beginners: episodic (26 eps), stylish, and instantly readable — part western, part noir, all vibe.
Watch on Hulu, Crunchyroll, or Netflix.
One Punch Man (2015 - Ongoing)
World’s strongest hero Saitama defeats every enemy in a single punch…and is bored out of his mind.
Why it works for beginners: hilarious superhero send-up with crisp action and short seasons — easy to sample, hard to stop.
Watch on Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Netflix.
Demon Slayer (2019 - Ongoing)
Kind-hearted Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer to save his cursed sister, cutting through monsters with breathtaking sword arts.
Why it works for beginners: simple quest structure, stunning animation, and emotional core that clicks immediately.
Watch on Netflix, Crunchyroll, or Hulu.
Naruto “Original Series” (2002 - 2007)
Orphaned prankster Naruto Uzumaki dreams of becoming his village’s leader while facing threats that test his friendships and resolve.
Why it works for beginners: the ultimate underdog story; start with early arcs to get the flavor before diving deeper.
Watch on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu.
My Hero Academia (2016 - Ongoing)
In a world where almost everyone has superpowers, quirkless Izuku Midoriya trains to become the hero he idolizes.
Why it works for beginners: school-setting clarity, lovable ensemble, and clean, seasonal arcs that are easy to follow.
Watch on Crunchyroll, Hulu, or Netflix.
Spirited Away (2001 film)
Young Chihiro stumbles into a spirit bathhouse and must outwit witches and gods to save her parents in a beautiful tale that’s widely regarded as one of the best animated films of all time.
Why it works for beginners: a standalone, two-hour masterpiece — pure Studio Ghibli magic with universal appeal.
Watch on services carrying Ghibli (availability varies by region).
Jujutsu Kaisen (2020 - Ongoing)
After a fateful choice, Yuji Itadori joins sorcerers who exorcise cursed spirits — with a legendary evil lodged inside him.
Why it works for beginners: modern pacing, slick fights, and a tight core trio that grounds the supernatural rules.
Watch on Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Hulu.
