10 perfect anime for first-time watchers

A guide to the perfect anime for first-time watchers is a lifesaver for both anime virgins and old-school veterans trying to get their anime-shy friend to finally give it a shot. It is difficult, however, as anime can come in a number of genres, forms, and styles of storytelling.

To help with this, we have created a list of the best anime to watch if you are new to anime. All of these anime are approachable, moving, gorgeous, and overflowing with good storytelling.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

---

Death Note, Attack on Titan, and 8 other perfect anime for first-time watchers

1) Death Note

Ryuk and Light (Image via Madhouse)

Death Note is a perfect anime for first-time watchers and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys criminal dramas or psychological thrillers. The narrative centers on Light Yagami, a gifted high school student who acquires a notebook that turns anyone into a murderer simply by writing their name.

What follows is a heated, intellectual conflict between Light and the enigmatic investigator only referred to as L. This anime runs quickly and is highly engrossing, with 37 well-written episodes in a single season. It's a great option for beginners who enjoy challenging mental games and ethically complicated characters.

---

2) Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan (Image via MAPPA)

Attack on Titan swiftly delves into a tale of mystery, survival, and political intrigue in a dystopian future where titans that eat humans are encroaching on civilization. It's the perfect anime for first-time watchers seeking an adrenaline rush because of its explosive opening and unrelenting speed.

The program transitions from simple action to a multi-layered plot with enormous twists throughout the course of its four seasons and 87 episodes. From the first to the final episode, fans are captivated by its captivating animation and intricate plot.

---

3) Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

Demon Slayer is a must-see for anyone who enjoys both an emotional storyline and stunning cinematography. It centers on Tanjiro Kamado, a good-hearted young man who, after his sister is transformed into a demon and his family is massacred, turns into a demon slayer.

It's still running strong, with more than 55 episodes spread over four seasons (and more are coming), yet it's very simple to get into. Thanks to its clear plot, well-developed characters, and some of the most visually stunning animation in modern anime, it’s a perfect anime for first-time watchers seeking a compelling hero’s journey.

---

4) One Punch Man

One Punch Man (Image via Madhouase)

For both comedic and Western superhero enthusiasts, One Punch Man is a perfect anime for first-time watchers. The protagonist of the tale is Saitama, a bald, emotionless hero who is humorously bored with life and can defeat any opponent with a single blow.

The series, which spans two seasons and twenty-four episodes, offers incisive humor, stunning battle scenes, and a novel take on the superhero genre. For new viewers who appreciate action with a sarcastic twist, its brief duration and snappy pacing make it the ideal anime.

---

5) Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 (Image via Bones)

Mob Psycho 100, which was made by the same person who created One Punch Man, combines strange humor, emotional depth, and otherworldly warfare. The narrative tracks Mob, a socially awkward teenager with strong psychic abilities, as he attempts to control his emotions and abilities while navigating puberty.

The show, which has 37 episodes spread across three seasons, stands out for its distinctive character development and artistic appeal. With a poignant core and unique presentation, it's a perfect anime for first-time watchers interested in supernatural themes.

---

6) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (Image via Bones)

My Hero Academia's well-known premise, a universe in which people are born with superpowers, or quirks, makes it the perfect anime for first-time watchers who enjoy superhero stories. Izuku Midoriya, a helpless youngster who is granted the chance to become the greatest hero, is the subject of the show.

It combines action, emotion, and character-driven storytelling in a structure that will be thrilling and relevant to Western audiences, spanning seven seasons and more than 138 episodes (with the series still in progress). It is inspirational, approachable, and gradually becomes a deep, moving story.

---

7) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a timeless classic, is a masterfully written story about two brothers who attempt to resuscitate their mother through alchemy but end up with disastrous results. The epic trip that follows delves into the human condition, family, ethics, and war.

The tale is comprehensive and well-paced, even though there is only one season with 64 episodes. For new viewers who enjoy intricate storytelling, world-building, and themes of sacrifice, all encapsulated in a storyline that never wastes a second, this is a perfect anime for first-time watchers.

---

8) Your Name

Your Name (Image via CoMix Wave Films)

Your Name is an epic, gorgeous entry point into anime if you’re more of a film buff than a TV show aficionado. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the 110-minute feature tells the story of two high schoolers who mysteriously begin to swap bodies and eventually grow a friendship that knows no bounds of time and space.

It’s a perfect anime for first time watchers, especially for those who love romantic dramas with a supernatural edge, thanks to its moving beats, time-traveling twist, and gorgeously rendered settings.

---

9) A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice (Image via Kyoto Animation)

A Silent Voice, a 129-minute film that addresses profoundly human issues including bullying, handicap, social anxiety, and redemption, is another excellent choice. Years after their school days, the plot revolves around a former bully pleading with the deaf girl he previously tormented for forgiveness.

This movie is a perfect anime for first-time watchers who may be dubious about the emotional depth of anime because of its mature emotional content and realistic narrative. It demonstrates that animated narratives may have an effect and weight comparable to that of live-action drama.

---

10) Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop (Image via Sunrise)

Cowboy Bebop, a chic space western that combines noir narrative, jazzy soundtrack, and episodic adventures, is widely regarded as a masterpiece. Each of the 26 episodes, which follow a group of bounty hunters on board the spacecraft Bebop, presents a separate story that progressively develops character arcs and emotional depth.

It's quite rich but easily digested in just one season. It is the perfect anime for first-time watchers looking for something stylish, sophisticated, and memorable because of its Western elements, universal themes, and legendary soundtrack.

---

Final Thoughts

It doesn't have to be intimidating to start watching anime for the first time. With a variety of genres, styles, and formats to accommodate all tastes, the anime on this list is the perfect anime for first-time watchers.

Anime has a lot to offer, regardless of your preferences for exciting mysteries, touching dramas, heroic action, or beautiful romances. You'll quickly see why millions of people worldwide have fallen in love with this potent storytelling medium if you start with just one or two of these selections.

---