Are you curious about anime but not sure where to start? You’re not alone! Anime has exploded in popularity worldwide, and with thousands of series out there, it can feel overwhelming for newcomers. Whether you’re interested in action, romance, comedy, or fantasy, there’s an anime out there for you.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the best anime series for beginners — shows that are accessible, highly rated, and perfect for first-time viewers.
🎯 Why Anime is Worth Watching
Before we dive into recommendations, here’s why anime is worth your time:
- Diverse genres: From thrillers to slice-of-life to supernatural fantasy.
- Emotional storytelling: Deep character development and unique plots.
- Stunning visuals: Anime often pushes the boundaries of animation art.
- Short and bingeable: Many anime series have 12–25 episodes, ideal for starters.
Now let’s get into the top anime for beginners!
🏆 Top 12 Best Anime Series for Beginners (2025 Edition)
1. Death Note
🗂 Genre: Thriller, Supernatural, Mystery
📺 Episodes: 37
Why it’s great for beginners:
A gripping psychological thriller that pits a genius high schooler with a deadly notebook against a brilliant detective. No prior anime knowledge required — just sit back and enjoy the suspense.
🔑 Keywords: best thriller anime, starter anime, supernatural anime for beginners
2. My Hero Academia
🗂 Genre: Action, Superhero, School Life
📺 Episodes: 6 seasons (ongoing)
Why it’s great for beginners:
A superhero world where almost everyone has powers (called Quirks). It’s relatable, emotional, and full of heroic moments that are easy to follow even if you’re new to anime.
3. Attack on Titan
🗂 Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Post-apocalyptic
📺 Episodes: 4 parts (complete)
Why it’s great for beginners:
With intense action and a gripping storyline, this anime hooks you from episode one. It’s become one of the most iconic anime of the decade.
📌 Note: It gets dark, so it’s best for teens and adults.
4. One Punch Man
🗂 Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
📺 Episodes: 2 seasons (ongoing)
Why it’s great for beginners:
A superhero who defeats enemies with a single punch? Sounds silly, but it’s a clever parody of action anime and a great intro to anime humor and tropes.
5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
🗂 Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
📺 Episodes: 64
Why it’s great for beginners:
An epic tale of two brothers searching for the Philosopher’s Stone. It’s often ranked among the best anime of all time for its balance of emotion, humor, and action.
6. Spirited Away (Movie)
🗂 Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
🎬 Studio Ghibli Film
Why it’s great for beginners:
Not a series, but one of the best anime movies to start with. Magical visuals, universal themes, and emotional depth make it a perfect entry point into anime culture.
7. Naruto
🗂 Genre: Action, Coming-of-Age, Adventure
📺 Episodes: 220 (Naruto) + 500 (Shippuden)
Why it’s great for beginners:
A story about an underdog ninja with big dreams. It’s long, but packed with motivation, growth, and iconic fights that make it a fan-favorite.
💡 Tip: Try “Naruto Kai” fan edits if you want a shortened version.
8. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
🗂 Genre: Action, Supernatural, Historical
📺 Episodes: 3+ seasons (ongoing)
Why it’s great for beginners:
Stunning animation, a simple premise (slaying demons to save his sister), and emotionally driven storytelling make this a modern hit with newcomers.
9. Your Lie in April
🗂 Genre: Romance, Drama, Music
📺 Episodes: 22
Why it’s great for beginners:
This touching series about music, love, and loss is a perfect choice if you’re more into emotion and drama than action. Prepare for some tears!
10. Haikyuu!!
🗂 Genre: Sports, Comedy, School Life
📺 Episodes: 4 seasons (ongoing final movie in 2025)
Why it’s great for beginners:
A high-energy volleyball anime full of motivation and teamwork. Even if you don’t like sports, you’ll love the characters and their growth.
11. Tokyo Revengers
🗂 Genre: Action, Time Travel, Drama
📺 Episodes: 3 seasons (ongoing)
Why it’s great for beginners:
A blend of time-travel suspense and gang drama with an easy-to-follow storyline. It’s intense, emotional, and popular with new anime fans.
12. Pokémon (Indigo League or Journeys)
🗂 Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Kids
📺 Episodes: Hundreds across generations
Why it’s great for beginners:
If you’re completely new to anime or introducing it to kids, Pokémon is nostalgic and endlessly entertaining. Simple, familiar, and fun for all ages.
🧠 What to Look for as a New Anime Watcher
Here are some tips to make your anime journey enjoyable:
✔️ Start with English Dub (If Subtitles Feel Overwhelming)
Most popular anime are available in English dubbed versions on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.
✔️ Choose Short Series First
12- or 24-episode series are ideal so you don’t feel overwhelmed by hundreds of episodes.
✔️ Explore Different Genres
Don’t just stick to action. Try romance, slice-of-life, or comedy to see what you like best.
📺 Where to Watch Anime Online (2025 Platforms)
Looking to stream anime legally? Here are the best platforms for beginners:
| Platform | Pros | Free Trial? |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Huge library, simulcasts, subs/dubs | Yes (14-day trial) |
| Netflix | Great for mainstream anime | No |
| Hulu | Wide selection + other content | Yes (30-day trial) |
| Amazon Prime | Some exclusives | Yes (30-day trial) |
| HiDive | Niche gems | Yes (7-day trial) |
| YouTube | Official free episodes from some studios | Yes (limited) |
📌 Final Thoughts
Starting your anime journey doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right series, you’ll quickly see why anime has such a passionate global fanbase. Whether you’re into thrilling action (Attack on Titan), heartwarming drama (Your Lie in April), or feel-good comedy (One Punch Man), there’s something here for everyone.
The best part? Many of these shows are available on major streaming platforms right now. So grab your popcorn, pick a title, and start your anime adventure today!