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.
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‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ (2024–2025)
Directed by Kenichi Shimizu
Despite only finishing recently, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth has already become a cult classic and one of the best historical anime series. It follows multiple protagonists throughout history as they fight to prove the theory of heliocentrism, which states that the Earth revolves around the sun.
Orb is a very mature series that handles its plot with care and doesn’t treat its audience like children. It is perfect for new fans who are hesitant about anime and all the typical baggage that comes with it. This is an astounding story that abandons common tropes to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience with some of the best-written characters in anime. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyc
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‘Dr. Stone’ (2019–)
Directed by Shinya Iino and Shuhei Matsushita
With the anime currently in its final seasons, now is the perfect time to get caught up on Dr. Stone, one of the most unique shōnen anime. After a green light petrified all of humanity, Senku is the only one to revive everyone after mysteriously waking up. He and his crew must now rebuild humanity and learn the truth behind the green light.
For new fans seeking a twist on the typical formula, Dr. Stone offers a unique blend of conventional shōnen and science drama, keeping viewers entertained. The scientific creations are surprisingly fascinating, adding another layer to this sci-fi mystery. Dr. Stone is a modern classic due to its innovative story, and is a fresh series that newer fans will appreciate. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
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‘Tamako Market’ (2013)
Directed by Naoko Yamada
Different fans have different preferences, and while action is the most popular genre for beginners, some newer fans opt for the wholesome side, including Tamako Market. When a talking bird finds itself in an eccentric street market, it befriends the titular protagonist and serves as her mochi store’s mascot, accompanying her on all her heartwarming adventures.
Tamako Market is an ideal feel-good anime, focusing on wholesome slice-of-life adventures to give fans a taste of the goofy street market Tamako calls home. With its blend of comedy, romance, and drama, this show is perfect for fans looking to unwind with a relaxing experience. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
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‘One Outs’ (2008)
Directed by Yuzo Sato
Sports anime are a great gateway into the medium, but One Outs provides fans with something a little different. A professional player is near the end of his career, and to get them out of a slump, he finds Toua, a mediocre gambling player who uses psychological manipulation to win.
Baseball is an aging sport that is more fun to play than to watch, but One Outs will quickly change everyone’s mind after providing a thrilling plot and psychological focus. Viewers never know what to expect, from the crafty manipulations to the unexpected developments and drama, this anime is a unique series, perfect for spicing up a dull viewing pattern. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
One Outs
- Release Date
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2008 – 2008
- Network
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Nippon TV
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Masato Hagiwara
Toua Tokuchi
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Kappei Yamaguchi
Satoshi Ideguchi
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Tsutomu Isobe
Hiromichi Kojima
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‘Blue Exorcist’ (2011–)
Directed by Tensai Okamura, Koichi Hatsumi, and Daisuke Yoshida
Blue Exorcist was once the most popular anime of the early 2010s, but a rushed ending and lengthy gaps between sequels diminished the hype surrounding the anime. As Satan’s son, Rin needs to learn to control his powers, which he does at the Exorcist Academy, where he vows to take down Satan.
Despite its waning popularity, Blue Exorcist is still a perfect anime for beginners to experience what anime was like in the early 2010s. It was many fans’ first anime years ago, making it a good show for modern fans to enjoy. Tastes may differ, but Blue Exorcist remains a captivating anime that combines traditional battle shōnen tropes with emotional moments and deep characters. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
Blue Exorcist
- Release Date
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2011 – 2011-00-00
- Directors
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Tensai Okamura, Koichi Hatsumi, Daisuke Yoshida
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‘Sugar Sugar Rune’ (2005–2006)
Directed by Yukihiro Matsushita
The whimsical shoujo anime Sugar Sugar Rune features a world filled with witches and magic. The show follows two young witches, Chocolat Meilleure and Vanilla Mieux, both of whom are in line to become the Queen of the Witch World. In order to gain the coveted title, they should collect as many human hearts as possible and turn them into crystals.
But this isn’t like typical magical competition—while Chocolat is fiery and bold, Vanilla is sweet and timid, creating a delightful contrast. Beyond its impressive world-building and colorful action sequences, Sugar Sugar Rune is a delightful show that sees the two witches grow together despite their differences, making it a must-watch anime for those who want something more meaningful out of the typical anime shown on TV.
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‘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.
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‘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.
Toradora!
- Release Date
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2008 – 2009
- Directors
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Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Writers
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Mari Okada
- Franchise(s)
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Toradora!
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‘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.
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‘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 in a 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.
