5 Must-Watch Anime for Beginners: 

Anime has surged in popularity worldwide over the past few decades. Whether you are new to the genre or looking to dive deeper, knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. With thousands of series spanning across various genres, themes, and styles, it’s difficult to pick the right anime for someone just starting their journey. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of five anime that are perfect for beginners. These titles are accessible, entertaining, and offer a good mix of action, mystery, and psychological depth. The five anime that we’ll explore today are explained below:

Introduction: Why These Anime Are Perfect for Beginners

If you’re new to anime, the sheer number of shows out there can feel intimidating. From magical girl series to sci-fi epics, the diversity within the anime world ensures that there’s something for everyone. However, some shows are more approachable for newcomers due to their engaging storylines, relatable characters, and relatively straightforward plots. For beginners, it’s crucial to choose anime that isn’t overwhelming and provides a balance between entertainment and easy-to-follow narratives.

The anime we’re recommending in this blog have proven to be excellent starting points for newcomers. They are all relatively short in terms of episodes (except for One Punch Man, which is long-running but not daunting) and do an excellent job of introducing viewers to the genre while still being captivating enough for seasoned fans. Let’s dive into these five anime series that will serve as your perfect gateway into the world of anime.

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1. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological
Episodes: 12
Aired: 2016

Overview:

“Erased“ is a gripping, emotional thriller that blends time travel with a compelling murder mystery. The protagonist, Satoru Fujinuma, is an ordinary manga artist who has the ability to travel back in time just moments before a life-threatening event happens. When his mother is murdered, he unexpectedly finds himself sent back 18 years to his childhood days, just before a series of child kidnappings and murders took place. Satoru realizes that he needs to prevent these tragic events from occurring, all while dealing with the complexities of his own past and the challenges of his younger self.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

Erased offers a perfect balance between suspense, mystery, and character development, which makes it accessible even for people who are not familiar with anime conventions. Its storyline is relatively simple to follow, with a clear and emotionally driven plot. The animation style is smooth, the voice acting is top-notch, and the episodes are short and easy to digest. Moreover, the supernatural element of time travel is introduced in a way that makes it feel grounded and believable, which helps beginners ease into more complex or fantastical stories.

The deep emotional stakes and the mix of investigative and personal drama create an experience that keeps viewers engaged without overwhelming them. It’s an ideal entry point for beginners because it combines elements of mystery, drama, and fantasy in a cohesive and understandable manner.

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2. Death Note

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural, Crime
Episodes: 37
Aired: 2006-2007

Overview:

“Death Note“ is one of the most iconic and highly praised anime of all time. The story follows Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name they write in it, as long as they know the person’s face. Light, who becomes disillusioned with the state of the world, takes it upon himself to rid society of criminals using the Death Note. However, his actions attract the attention of L, a genius detective who is determined to stop him. What follows is an intense, psychological battle of wits between two brilliant minds.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

Death Note is a great starting point for anime beginners because of its thrilling, fast-paced narrative and deeply engaging characters. The premise is easy to understand, and the show quickly establishes a cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, which keeps the audience hooked from episode to episode. The philosophical themes, such as justice, morality, and the corrupting influence of power, are explored in a way that feels accessible without becoming overly complex or abstract.

The characters are extremely well-developed, particularly Light and L, whose contrasting personalities and intellectual rivalry drive much of the plot. Beginners who are new to anime will appreciate how Death Note skillfully mixes suspense, psychology, and supernatural elements while staying grounded in a believable world.

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3. Dororo

Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical, Supernatural
Episodes: 24
Aired: 2019

Overview:

“Dororo” is a reimagining of the classic 1960s manga by Osamu Tezuka. The series follows a young ronin named Hyakkimaru, who was born with no limbs, eyes, ears, or skin after his father made a pact with demons to gain power. As a child, he was abandoned by his father, but he miraculously survives and embarks on a journey to reclaim his lost body parts from the demons who possess them. Along the way, he is joined by a young thief named Dororo, and the two form an unlikely partnership as they fight their way through a world plagued by corruption, war, and dark magic.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

Dororo is an excellent choice for newcomers because of its accessible storytelling and well-paced action. Despite being set in feudal Japan, the series blends historical elements with supernatural themes in a way that is easy to follow. The dynamic between Hyakkimaru and Dororo adds an emotional layer to the series, with their bond growing over the course of their journey.

The anime’s animation is stunning, particularly during its action scenes, which are fluid and exhilarating to watch. It doesn’t rely too heavily on complex lore or jargon, making it easy for beginners to understand the story. Additionally, the characters’ personal growth, especially Hyakkimaru’s quest for his humanity, provides emotional depth to the narrative, making it compelling and relatable.

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4. Hell’s Paradise (Jigokuroku)

Genre: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy, Adventure
Episodes: 13
Aired: 2023

Overview:

“Jigokuroku“ or “Hell’s Paradise“ is a dark fantasy anime that follows the story of Gabimaru, a skilled assassin who is sentenced to death but is given a chance for redemption. The government sends him and a group of criminals to a mysterious island, where they must retrieve a legendary elixir of life from a dangerous and unknown civilization. The island is filled with terrifying creatures, supernatural forces, and deadly traps, and the characters must fight for survival while uncovering the island’s dark secrets.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

Hell’s Paradise offers a unique mix of action, horror, and psychological drama, all within a relatively short 13-episode arc. The series is easy to follow, with the premise of a survival expedition driving the plot forward. The anime does an excellent job of building tension, creating suspense, and providing visually captivating scenes without overwhelming the viewer with too much information or complexity.

Beginners will appreciate the simplicity of the narrative and the focus on character development, particularly Gabimaru’s transformation from a cold assassin to someone who seeks redemption. The supernatural elements, while present, don’t require a deep understanding of lore, making it easy for beginners to enjoy the series without feeling lost.

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5. One Punch Man

Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero, Parody
Episodes: 24 (Season 1,2)
Aired: 2015-2016

Overview:

“One Punch Man“ is a hilarious and action-packed anime that follows Saitama, an ordinary man who becomes so powerful that he can defeat any opponent with a single punch. This overwhelming strength leaves him feeling bored and unsatisfied, as he struggles to find a worthy adversary. The show follows Saitama as he joins the Hero Association, meets a variety of colorful characters, and faces an array of bizarre enemies, all while providing a satirical take on superhero tropes and the action genre as a whole.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

One Punch Man is a fantastic anime for beginners because it offers a perfect balance of comedy, action, and character development. The concept of an overpowered protagonist is both amusing and refreshing, as it pokes fun at typical superhero and shonen tropes. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it easy to enjoy without any complex plotlines or heavy emotional themes.

The animation is top-notch, especially during the action scenes, which are fluid and well-choreographed. The humor is lighthearted and accessible, and the characters are diverse and quirky, making the series a fun and enjoyable watch for newcomers to anime.

After watching One Punch Man, I draw the character of Saitama. I’m not so good in drawing sketches but still I tried to draw his sketch. I hope you’ll like it.

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Conclusion: A Gateway to the World of Anime

Starting your anime journey can feel overwhelming, but these five shows—Erased, Death Note, Dororo, Hell’s Paradise, and One Punch Man—are the perfect introduction. They each offer something unique, from thrilling mysteries to high-octane action, with well-crafted characters and easy-to-follow plots that won’t overwhelm new viewers. These series provide a solid foundation for exploring the vast world of anime, whether you’re in the mood for something deep and introspective or light and entertaining.

As you dive into these anime, you’ll likely find yourself inspired to explore even more series across a variety of of genres. The world of anime is diverse and expansive, and starting with these titles is a great way to ease yourself into it. Happy watching!