Anime has become a popular form of entertainment, leading many to wonder what the best anime for beginners are. Despite its history, some anime may be difficult for new viewers due to cultural differences and uniqueness. However, the best anime for beginners cover universal themes and range from action to romance, thrillers, and comedy. Japanese animation offers a wide range of genres, including unofficial genres that have grown in popularity. To get the full scope of anime, new fans should try one or two short anime series of each major genre. This list of the best anime to watch is a gateway to diverse genres, exciting stories, and unforgettable characters, introducing viewers to the magic of this vibrant medium. Now have a look on the list of Best 10 Beginner-Friendly Anime Recommendations by Genre.
Table of Contents
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is a popular anime series that has become iconic among the female demographic. It follows Usagi Tsukino, a middle-school student who befriends Luna, a talking cat, who empowers her to transform into Sailor Moon, a guardian destined to save Earth from evil forces. The series follows the Sailor Guardians as they battle the Dark Kingdom, the Dark Millennium, and the Black Moon Clan.
In the second arc, the Sailor Guardians meet Chibiusa, a future daughter of Sailor Pluto, who is brainwashed by the enemy and awakens as Sailor Chibi Moon. The third arc introduces characters in a romantic relationship, Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, who guard the Solar System against external threats. Setsuna Meioh, Sailor Pluto’s reincarnation, joins them in a mission to kill Hotaru Tomoe, the Guardian of Destruction.
The fourth arc explores the Sailor Guardians’ dreams and nightmares when the villainous group Dead Moon Circus invades Elysion and captures its high priest Helios. Mamoru, the Earth’s Golden Kingdom’s owner, transforms into Eternal Sailor Moon and defeats Dead Moon’s leader, Queen Nehelenia.
In the final arc, the Sailor Starlights, Princess Kakyuu, and Chibi-Chibi join Usagi in her fight against Shadow Galactica, a group of corrupted and false Sailor Guardians. After Mamoru and all the main Solar System Guardians are killed, Usagi travels to the Galaxy Cauldron to revive her loved ones and confront Chaos.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is a Japanese manga series set in a world where superpowers have become commonplace. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a Quirk but still dreams of becoming a superhero. After an encounter with All Might, who grants him his Quirk, Midoriya is scouted by the world’s greatest hero and helps enroll him in U.A. High School.
In this series, eighty percent of the world possesses a supernatural power. Some individuals step up to the plate and devote their lives to becoming heroes. Izuku is chosen by All Might to inherit his Quirk “One For All,” which gives him the ability to stockpile his raw power and pass it on to others. He passes the entrance exam to U.A. High School, where he meets the League of Villains, led by Tomura Shigaraki.
Midoriya and his classmates defeat Stain, who believes most heroes only desire fame. They join the League of Villains, including Dabi and Himiko Toga, who are later defeated and imprisoned. Midoriya begins an internship with All Might’s former sidekick Sir Nighteye and continues his internship under Todoroki’s estranged father Endeavor.
The League of Villains defeats and merges with another villain group, the Meta Liberation Army, forming the Paranormal Liberation Front. Most of its top members escape, including Shigaraki, who now inherits All For One’s Quirk and is possessed by him. Uraraka develops sympathy for Toga after witnessing the latter cry.
Midoriya leaves U.A. to hunt for All For One with Japan’s top heroes, but his single-minded focus drives him to physical ruin. His classmate Yuga Aoyama reveals himself to be a spy for All For One, but uses that connection to lure the Paranormal Liberation Front into a trap.
All For One battles many heroes, including All Might using a powered suit, and his body is eventually destroyed by Bakugo.
Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Ken Wakui. In 2017, Takemichi Hanagaki learns that his middle school ex-girlfriend Hinata Tachibana and her younger brother Naoto have been killed by the Tokyo Manji Gang. He is transported back in time to 2005, twelve years ago, where he finds that the Tokyo Manji Gang is declaring war on Moebius, a rival gang. Takemichi defeats Kiyomasa and Draken, but the group is attacked by Moebius members led by Shūji Hanma.
Takemichi returns to the present, only to find that Hinata and his friends still die. He learns that Tetta Kisaki transformed the Tokyo Manji Gang into a violent organization and that Mikey has a grudge against Kazutora for killing his older brother, Shinichiro. After preventing Baji’s death, Takemichi convinces Hakkai Shiba to join the Black Dragons, which defeats the Tokyo Manji Gang.
Tenjiku absorbed the Tokyo Manji Gang after an event known as the “Kanto incident,” leaving Mikey demoralized and killing all his friends. When Takemichi returns to the past, he finds that Tenjiku, a Yokohama gang led by violent delinquents known as the S-62 generation, has declared war on the Tokyo Manji Gang. Takemichi and Naoto investigate Tenjiku, and they are fatally wounded.
Takemichi travels to the past to 2008, where he learns about a power struggle between Rokuhara Tandai, Brahman, and Mikey’s new gang, the Kanto Manji Gang. They save Senju’s death, and Mikey’s death is fatally wounded by Sanzu’s katana. They time-leap further back in time to 1998, and they swear to change the timeline to prevent the “bad ending.” They establish Toman together, prevent Baji and Kazutora from accidentally killing Shinichiro, and successfully prevent the deaths of Baji, Draken, Emma, and Kisaki.
Mikey welcomes Black Dragon and Tenjiku into Toman, disbands it in 2008, and eleven years later, Takemichi and Hinata marry, ending the story.
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball is a Japanese media franchise created by Akira Toriyama in 1984. The manga, written and illustrated by Toriyama, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995. Inspired by the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West and Hong Kong martial arts films, Dragon Ball follows protagonist Son Goku’s journey to find the Dragon Balls, which summon a wish-granting dragon when gathered. The series has been adapted into two anime series by Toei Animation, Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, broadcast in Japan from 1986 to 1996.
The manga has sold over 160 million copies in Japan and 260 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Dragon Ball has had a significant impact on global popular culture, inspiring artists, athletes, celebrities, filmmakers, musicians, and writers.
Dragon Ball is a series set on Earth, known as the Dragon World, and is inhabited by Earthlings, including humans, anthropomorphic beings, and monsters. From the Dragon Ball Z series, extraterrestrial species like Saiyans and Namekians have played a more prominent role in the franchise. The narrative follows the adventures of Saiyan Son Goku, who embarks on an adventure to gather the seven Dragon Balls. Goku receives martial arts training from Kame-Sen’nin, meets his friend Kuririn, and enters the Tenkaichi Budōkai to fight the world’s strongest warriors.
Goku sacrifices his life to save the planet from his estranged brother Raditz, but is revived to combat the other incoming Saiyans, Nappa, and Vegeta. He becomes a Super Saiyan and defeats the powerful alien tyrant Freeza, setting the tone for the rest of the series. Dragon Ball Super establishes the franchise in a multiverse composed of twelve numbered universes, with most taking place in Universe 7.
Death Note
Death Note is a popular anime series that follows the genius high school student Light Yagami, who discovers a mysterious notebook called the “Death Note” belonging to the shinigami Ryuk. The notebook grants the user the supernatural ability to kill anyone whose name is written in its pages. Light attempts to use the Death Note to carry out a worldwide massacre of individuals he deems immoral and create a crime-free society using the alias of a god-like vigilante named “Kira”.
Interpol requests the assistance of enigmatic detective L to assist in their investigation. L deduces that Kira has inside knowledge of the Japanese police investigation led by Light’s father, Soichiro Yagami. L assigns a team of FBI agents to monitor the families of those connected with the investigation and designates Light as the prime suspect.
Actor-model Misa Amane obtains a second Death Note from a shinigami named Rem and makes a deal for shinigami eyes, which reveal the names of anyone whose face she sees. Light uses her love for him to his advantage, intending to use Misa’s shinigami eyes to discern L’s true name. L deduces that Misa is likely the second Kira and detains her.
L’s potential successors are introduced: Near and Mello. Mello joins the mafia while Near joins forces with the US government. Mello kidnaps Director Takimura, who is killed by Light. Light uses the notebook to kill almost all of Near’s team.
Near, now functioning as the new L, receives word that a new Kira has appeared. He denounces the new Kira as “boring” and not worth catching. Ryuk tells Midora that no human would ever surpass Light as the new Kira.
Another ten years later, Ryuk returns to Earth and gives the Death Note to Minoru Tanaka, hoping he will follow in Light Yagami’s footsteps. He plans to auction the notebook off to governments of the world, with Ryuk’s help.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a Japanese manga series by Hajime Isayama, set in a world surrounded by Titans. Eren Yeager, a man, vows to exterminate them after their destruction and death. The series was serialized in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine from 2009 to 2021.
The story follows Eren Yeager, a boy living in Shiganshina, is a member of the Special Operations Squad and a member of the Survey Corps. After Shiganshina’s fall, two new Titans, the Colossal and Armored Titans, breach the first wall, Wall Maria. Eren, along with his childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, enlist in the military to defend the city of Trost. They encounter a sentient Female Titan, Annie Leonhart, who reveals herself as a member of the royal family. The Survey Corps, led by Erwin Smith, attempt to reclaim Wall Maria and reach the Yeagers’ basement.
In Wall Rose, Pure Titans appear, accompanied by the Beast Titan. Ymir, one of the new Survey Corps graduates, reveals her ability to transform into the Jaw Titan, while Krista Lenz reveals herself as Historia Reiss, a member of the royal family. The Survey Corps successfully recaptures Shiganshina, fighting the Beast, Colossal, Armored, and Cart Titans but suffering massive casualties.
Three years later, the Survey Corps launch an attack against the Marleyan capital of Liberio, orchestrated by Eren and his half-brother Zeke. Eren kills Willy Tybur and gains ownership of the War Hammer Titan after eating its previous owner, Lara. Eren is imprisoned for acting against orders but escapes with the Yeagerists.
The Survey Corps ally with remaining Marleyan forces to stop Eren, defeating the Yeagerists before confronting him. Levi kills Zeke and Mikasa, causing the mysterious creature that is the source of all Titans’ powers to die and the power of the Titans to vanish. This frees all Eldians from the curse, and Eren’s death releases memory blocks revealing his plan to spare twenty percent of humanity.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is a popular shonen action series set in Taishō era Japan. It is a short but must watch series. The series follows the Demon Slayer Corps, a secret organization that has been fighting demons for centuries. Demons are former humans with supernatural abilities, and they can only be killed through direct sunlight, decapitated weapons, or poison. The Corps uses specialized breathing techniques called “Breathing Styles” to fight demons effectively. The most formidable Demon Slayers are known as “Hashira” and gain this title through advancements in the Corps’ ranks.
Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted and intelligent boy, learns the “Water Breathing” style and becomes a member of the Corps. They face Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of all demons, and their sister Nezuko. They ally to develop a cure for Nezuko, requiring blood samples from the Twelve Kizuki. Along the way, they meet fellow Demon Slayers Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, who help them defeat the family of Lower Five Rui. Tanjiro is put on trial by the Hashira, who believe they should be allowed to live. However, the Corps’ leader Kagaya Ubuyashiki convinces them to accept Nezuko and see Tanjiro’s importance, believing it is with their help that Muzan can be defeated.
Muzan kills the Lower Ranks due to their failures, and he spares Lower One Enmu. Tanjiro kills him with Kyojuro’s support, and the group faces off against Upper Six siblings Gyutaro and Daki. They discover Nezuko is immune to sunlight and Muzan’s prime target. Tanjiro learns his Hinokami Kagura descends from “Sun Breathing” to fight Muzan. The Corps prepares for the conflict, and Tamayo develops a serum to cure Nezuko. Muzan appears and Kagaya triggers a suicide attack. The Hashira ambush Muzan, but he traps them in the Infinity Castle. Tamayo injects Muzan with a poison, and Akaza betrays him. Shinobu sacrifices herself to poison Doma, and Kokushibo kills Muichiro and Genya. Muzan kills Tamayo and Nakime, but the Corps forces him above ground. The Corps unleashes a battle of attrition, and Muzan is fatally wounded.
Dr. Stone
Dr. Stone is a Japanese manga series by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi, published in Weekly Shōnen Jump from March 2017 to March 2022. The story follows Senku Ishigami, a scientific genius who plans to rebuild civilization after humanity was mysteriously petrified for 3,700 years. Senku breaks free from the stone age and aims to leave Earth in a rocket he created and visit the moon.
In 2019, a mysterious flash petrifies all humans, and Senku is revived to find himself in a world where all traces of human civilization have been eroded. They study the petrified humans and develop a compound that allows them to instantly revive others. They revive a famous martial artist named Tsukasa Shishio and their classmate Yuzuriha Ogawa with the goal of rebuilding civilization with a focus on science.
Tsukasa opposes Senku’s idea of forming a new scientific civilization and instead desires a new world order based on power and strength. After extorting the formula for the revival compound from Senku, Tsukasa attempts to murder him, but Senku recovers and discovers a tribe of people living on the planet. They learn the benefits of science for their survival and become more trusted by the tribe.
Senku’s Kingdom of Science engages in a war with the Tsukasa Empire, emerging victorious and affirming themselves as a force to be reckoned with. They discover that Senku’s adopted father left precious metals to mass-produce revival fluid on an island inhabited by the Petrification Kingdom.
Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a Japanese anime television series that faithfully adapts the original manga series by Hiromu Arakawa. Produced by Bones, the series is directed by Yasuhiro Irie, written by Hiroshi Ōnogi, and composed by Akira Senju. The series follows the story of brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are raised by their mother Trisha Elric in the remote village of Resembool, Amestris. After Trisha’s death, they are cared for by Winry Rockbell and her grandmother Pinako.
The brothers decide to bring their mother back to life through alchemy, but human transmutation is taboo. In a failed transmutation, Al’s body is obliterated, and Ed sacrifices his right arm to bring his soul back. After receiving prosthetics, the brothers burn down their house and become government-sanctioned State Alchemists. After passing an exam, Edward is dubbed the “Fullmetal Alchemist” by the State Military. They embark on a quest to regain their full bodies through the fabled Philosopher’s Stone, discovering a deep government conspiracy to hide the true nature of the Stone. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered one of the best anime of all time and is an excellent introduction to the medium for beginners.
Final Thoughts
Anime can be intimidating for beginners, but there are many great series that can be enjoyable without much outside knowledge. With a rich history and diverse fan base, anime offers a broad appeal for fans of any literary or cinema genre. It has even invented its own unofficial genres, which have grown in popularity. Anime is a vast and exciting world, offering something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. The ten recommendations provided an excellent starting point for beginners, allowing them to explore different genres and discover what resonates with them the most. Anime is not just entertainment; it’s a gateway to diverse cultures, creative storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Grab your popcorn, dive into these beginner-friendly titles, and embark on a journey filled with excitement, emotion, and inspiration.
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