50 Best Anime Series for Beginners to Watch (2024)

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.

50 'Samurai Champloo' (2004 - 2005)

Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe

Set in the Edo era of Japan, Samurai Champloo throws together three unlikely heroes: Mugen, a wild and unpredictable swordsman; Jin, a stoic and skilled ronin; and Fuu, a determined waitress on a bizarre quest. Despite their conflicting personalities, a genuine bond grows to form between them.

Samurai Champloo blends classic samurai themes with a modern twist, making it an unforgettable anime for beginners. The colorful cast of characters that the trio meets on their journey, from dangerous bounty hunters to strange artists, are a highlight of the show. It’s also exciting to watch Mugen's breakdancing-inspired fights and intense duels with Jin. Samurai Champloo is a must-watch anime as it offers a story of redemption, finding one’s place, and the importance of forging strong friendships that will help one move forward.

Watch on Hulu

49 'Toradora!' (2008 - 2009)

Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai

Toradora! is a slice-of-life romantic comedy that tells the love story of Ryuuji Takasu, a kind-hearted high schooler with an intimidating face, and Taiga Aisaka, a fierce but tiny girl nicknamed the "Palmtop Tiger." Both have crushes on different people and in an unlikely partnership, they join forces to help each other win over their desired partners. As they navigate the ups and downs of high school life, their bond deepens, leading to unexpected romantic feelings for each other.

The anime expertly blends laugh-out-loud humor with genuine emotional moments, creating a truly unforgettable rom-com experience. Critics praise it for its focus on character development, especially in the unlikely friendship between Ryuuji and Taiga. Viewers will see how their initial reluctance transforms into something more than friendship, with scenes that’ll tug at one’s heartstrings, like the school festival performance and the Christmas Eve confession.

Watch on Netflix

48 'Mob Psycho 100' (2016 - 2022)

Directed by Takahiro Hasui

Considered by many anime fans as one of the best anime shows of the last decade, Mob Psycho 100 is an anime about a powerful esper who just wants to live a normal life. The protagonist of the show is Shigeo Kageyama, a seemingly ordinary middle schooler with extraordinary psychic powers. He keeps his emotions bottled up to control his powers, which can be explosive when unleashed.

As Mob confronts rogue spirits, rival psychics, and inner turmoil, he learns to manage his emotions and the weight of his incredible power. Mob Psycho 100 charms viewers as it is all about finding oneself and handling strong emotions, making it a fantastic choice for those who want to watch something relatable. Viewers are in for a treat as they get to see thrilling fight scenes thanks to Mob’s powerful psychic abilities, as well as emotional scenes that will make them more invested in the characters. All of this makes the show the perfect gateway to anime.

Mob Psycho 100

TV-14

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Release Date

July 12, 2016

Creator(s)

ONE

Cast

Kyle McCarley , Jason Liebrecht , Chris Niosi , Michael Sorich , Max Mittelman , Erik Scott , Kimerer , Casey Mongillo , Cherami Leigh

Seasons

3

47 'Delicious in Dungeon' (2024)

Directed by Masato Jinbo

Anime fans who’ve always wondered what it was like to cook and taste the weird monsters in fantasy shows will find Delicious in Dungeon to be an enlightening experience. An anime series released in the winter of 2024, Delicious in Dungeon sees a group of heroes must explore a mysterious dungeon that promises great riches to those brave enough to explore its secrets. But in order to survive in the dungeon, they must do what they can to pull through — including eating the dungeon’s edible monster.

Delicious in Dungeon is a good anime for beginners to watch as it dares reveal how characters can realistically thrive monster-filled world. In fact, the way the characters prepare the monsters for consumption is comparable to the mouth-watering scene in Studio Ghibli movies. What’s more, it has a light-hearted and humorous tone that makes it a delightful watch for anime fans of every genre.

Watch on Netflix

46 'Ouran High School Host Club' (2006)

Directed by Takuya Igarashi

Ouran High School Host Club puts an interesting spin on the classic romance anime story. In it, a scholarship student named Haruhi Fujioka joins a Host Club to pay off her debts. She then assumes the role of a handsome boy and joins the group who are tasked with entertaining female students for their fun and pleasure.

The more she bonds with her newfound tribe, the more she learns about their quirks and develops deep relationships with her fellow hosts. It’s a romance anime that makes sure the viewers are satisfied with its charming interactions, subversion of typical anime tropes, and wholesome take on the reverse harem genre. Ouran High School Host Club is a feel-good show that anime beginners will surely find delightful and fun.

Watch on Hulu

45 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' (2018)

Directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi

A man named Satoru Mikami is the protagonist of the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. As the title suggests, Satoru wakes up as a slime monster in a fantasy land after dying. While he still has his memories and intellect, Satoru strives to get to the bottom of his reincarnation while making his mark in the new world he’s in.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is an easygoing anime that anime fans will like due to its fun adventures and characters. It's an underrated fantasy show that has a simple premise that is easy to digest and follow but still has plenty of lore for fans to get lost in. Its well-developed world-building and heartwarming moments make it a fun isekai anime to show, especially as fans watch Satoru become more powerful and take on the name Rimuru Tempest.

Watch on Hulu

44 'K-ON!' (2009 - 2010)

Directed by Naoko Yamada

Many anime fans find slice-of-life animes harder to love, but despite its non-fantasy setting, there are shows like K-ON! that are as addictive and thrilling as popular shoujo and shonen animes. K-ON! follows a girl named Yui Hirasawa, who joins a high school music club despite not knowing how to play any musical instruments.

Yui’s relationship with her bandmates deepens and together, they figure out the ins and outs of high school life, while bonding with their shared love of music. K-ON! is a feel-good anime that has plenty of relatable and heartwarming scenes, especially for those who are nostalgic about their high school life. It also has plenty of catchy earworms that’ll infect both hardcore anime fans and casual viewers.

Watch on Amazon Prime

43 'Assassination Classroom' (2013 - 2016)

Directed by Seiji Kishi

What’s great with anime is some shows balance a very outlandish and dark narrative and combine it with comedy elements to create an easy-to-watch thriller anime. In Assassination Classroom, an alien named Koro-sensei terrorizes the planet and threatens to destroy all human life in a year. In order to put a stop to Koro-sensei’s plans, Class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Junior High School must do everything they can to train and learn how to assassinate the alien.

However, it is then revealed that Koro-sensei is tasked to be their homeroom teacher, with the class plotting and enacting schemes to kill their teacher. Don’t be fooled by its quirky premise, Assassination Classroom is an anime full of laughs and heart-melting scenes, as it is revealed that Koro-sensei is actually a nurturing and dedicated teacher who wants the best for his students. As the students train to become as skilled as some of the most dangerous movie assassins, they also grow to love their dangerous teacher.

Watch on Crunchyroll

42 'Vinland Saga' (2019 - )

Directed by 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.

Vinland Saga

TV-MA

Where to Watch

*Availability in US

• stream
• rent
• buy

Not available

Release Date

July 6, 2019

Cast

Yûto Uemura , Mike Haimoto , Shinya Takahashi , Alejandro Saab , Hiroki Gotô , Aleks Le , Kaiji Tang , Michael C. Pizzuto

Seasons

2

41 'Shaman King' (2001 - 2005)

Directed by 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.

Watch on Tubi

40 'The Future Diary' (2011 - 2012)

Directed by 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.

Watch on Hulu

39 'Crayon Shin-chan' (1992 - )

Directed by 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.

Crayon Shin-chan is not available to stream, rent, or purchase in the U.S.

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

Directed by 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.

Watch on Crunchyroll

37 'Monster Rancher' (1999 - 2000)

Directed by 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.

Watch on Amazon Prime

36 'Akazukin Chacha' (1994 - 1995)

Directed by 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 in the U.S.

35 'Gurren Lagann' (2007)

Directed by 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.

Watch on Hulu

34 'Berserk' (1997)

Directed by 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.

Buy on Amazon

33 'Revolutionary Girl Utena' (1997)

Directed by 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.

Watch on Crunchyroll

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

Directed by 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.

Watch on Amazon Prime

31 'Mobile Suit Gundam' (1979 - 1980)

Directed by 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.

Watch on Crunchyroll