Anime has rightfully earned a massive following far beyond Japan, but it can still be a tricky medium for mainstream audiences to break into. Some series tackle challenging subject matter, lean heavily on Japanese cultural references, or even assume viewers are familiar with anime tropes and conventions, all of which can make it somewhat difficult for newcomers. If you’re completely new to anime — or trying to convert a skeptical friend — starting with the right series makes all the difference. We’ve rounded up a list of accessible shows that give us everything the medium has to offer without throwing viewers too far into the deep end. Here are the best anime for beginners.
Best anime for beginners in 2026
It wasn’t all that long ago that anime was considered niche, or even a little taboo. We remember when finding merchandise was nearly impossible and official releases were few and far between. Then came Cartoon Network’s Toonami block, which helped introduce an entire generation of Western audiences to series like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, and other now-iconic shows.
Over the last decade, anime has gone from a subculture to a full-blown mainstream phenomenon. Even so, plenty of people still haven’t taken the plunge. If that’s you (or someone you’re trying to convert) there’s a very good chance the series below will change your mind.
Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Cowboy Bebop exemplifies anime as an art form while rejecting its typical conventions. It makes an excellent entry point because it lacks the “weirdness” of many anime series and minimizes the Japanese references that can be overwhelming for new viewers. It blends sci-fi, noir, and Westerns with a grace that few other multi-genre works can, and seemed to predict its own success with the stylistic text in the title sequence that reads, “The work, which becomes a new genre itself, will be called… COWBOY BEBOP.”
The show is a lean 26 episodes (compared to its contemporaries) that takes viewers on a Jazz-fueled trip through the adventures of three bounty hunters, a genius hacker, and a dog aboard the spaceship Bebop. We see tales of revenge, loneliness, and desperation in our journey with the not-so-valiant crew. Although the series is fantastic, there is one drawback. Introducing someone to anime with a series that many have argued is the best means the only way to go from there is down.
Death Note (2005)
This 37-episode series from Madhouse tells the story of Light Yagami, an intelligent, high-achieving high schooler. As chance would have it, Light finds a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone simply by writing their name in it. There are some rules associated with the notebook, the primary being that only kills can be ordered if Light knows their face. After testing its power, Light begins using the notebook to eliminate criminals, believing he can create a more just world under his control. Of course, his actions soon attract the attention of law enforcement, along with a brilliant detective known only as L, who quickly gets on his trail.
The writing here is exceptionally clever, the characters are engaging, and there aren’t too many anime tropes you need to be familiar with to follow along. This is one where you can sit back and let things unfold. It’s also a great pick for anyone drawn to psychological thrillers of any kind.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)
In terms of anime schooling, you can’t get too far without coming across Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. We included it on this list because it’s essential for your anime education! And it’s easy to see why it’s a classic.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who try to bring their mother back to life using alchemy. As you might expect, things go horribly wrong. Edward loses an arm and a leg, which is already pretty bad, but Alphonse loses his entire body with his soul bound to a suit of armor. To restore what they’ve lost, the brothers set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone, facing dangerous enemies, uncovering dark secrets, and learning some heavy lessons along the way.
The story comes from a hugely popular manga. It has been adapted into two anime series: the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist and 2009’s Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which follows the manga faithfully. There are also two movies. Conqueror of Shambhalla (2005) and The Sacred Star of Milos (2011), as well as a live-action adaptation. While much of the content came from the original manga, Brotherhood is generally considered the most definitive version and the best starting point for beginners to the anime.
Attack on Titan (2013)
One of the more recent series, published in 2013, is Attack on Titan. Adapted from Hajime Isayama’s hugely popular manga that ran from 2009 to 2021, this dark fantasy series is also relatively manageable for beginners, spanning four seasons rather than hundreds of episodes.
We’re starting with a heavy one, though. In a world where humanity has retreated behind enormous walls to protect itself from Titans — giant humanoid creatures with a taste for human flesh — disaster strikes when the outer wall is breached. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, as they join the fight against the Titans and uncover the disturbing truths behind their existence.
This is a great choice for newcomers, as it largely avoids the stylistic choices people often associate with the medium. There are no exaggerated reaction shots or jokes undercutting every tense moment. There’s absolutely a place for anime’s lighter side, but Attack on Titan is unapologetically bleak. Fair warning, though: it might set the bar a little too high for everything that comes after it.
Your Lie in April (2014)
We’ve had action, we’ve had suspense, we’ve had superheroes. Now it’s time for an anime that will absolutely wreck you in the best way possible. Your Lie in April, which ran from 2014 to 2015, is the kind of series that will leave you crying in the shower and probably feeling some sort of urge to pick up a musical instrument. The story follows Kosei Arima, a piano prodigy who can no longer hear music after his mother dies. Bereaved by grief, Kosei is barely afloat and drifting through life until he meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist who refuses to let him give up on music.
Through their performances and growing connection, Kosei slowly rediscovers not only his love for music but also the complicated beauty of joy and grief. The animation in this heartbreaking, heartwarming coming-of-age story is stunning. And being a story about music and art, the score is unforgettable. For those looking for an anime that tells a story of love and loss with a focus on grief, Your Lie in April is a great place to start.
One Punch Man (2015)
If you want something that plays with the idea of superheroes without taking itself too seriously, One Punch Man is an easy win. The premise is almost stupidly simple — Saitama can defeat any enemy with a single punch. But despite that simplicity, there’s a lot here that’s made the series a fan favorite.
Fast, self-aware, and bitingly funny, One Punch Man shows up on plenty of “best anime for beginners” lists. That said, some of its appeal comes from satire, as it’s poking at the tropes of superhero and action anime. Without some familiarity with those, a bit of the charm might be lost. Still, those conventions have very much made their way into the mainstream, so chances are you’ll still be in on the comedy. We’ve got no problem recommending this to beginners, especially if it’s not your very first anime on the list.
My Hero Academia (2016)
My Hero Academia, which first came out in 2016, is one of the most popular modern anime and a great starting point if you like superheroes. The story is set in a world where nearly everyone has a “quirk,” or superpower, except for our main character, Izuku Midoriya. Despite being born powerless, Izuku dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. His life changes when he inherits All Might’s legendary quirk, “One For All,” and gets the chance to attend a high school that’s a training ground for rising superheroes.
With its animation, story, characters, and even soundtrack, My Hero Academia makes for a great entry point for beginners. It’s also another shonen series (one of the most popular anime subgenres alongside shojo, seinen, and josei). So by watching MHA and Attack on Titan, you’ll already start to get a feel for what shonen is all about. If you like this and want something similar but with fewer teenagers, check out One Punch Man.
Little Witch Academia (2017)
If you’re someone who finds themselves drawn to magical worlds, Little Witch Academia is a fun place to start and is only 25 episodes, making for an easy watch. Set at a witch academy, the story follows Akko, who enrolls in a prestigious school determined to become a great witch. She’s a bit of an underdog and finds herself constantly outmatched. Still, she’s got faith in herself and remains optimistic in the face of challenges.
There’s so much heart packed into this series that we couldn’t leave it off the list. If you’ve seen Kiki’s Delivery Service, you’ll find a similar sense of warmth and charm here. It’s got that bright, accessible tone that makes it easy for beginners to click with. The animation is colorful and engaging, but nothing gets too wildly complicated in terms of storytelling, which makes it especially approachable if you’re new to anime.
Hormiya (2021)
For those fans looking for a little romance in their life, we’ll point you to Hormiya, which is one of our favorites in the genre. Kyoko Hori is the popular girl at school who, at first glance, seems completely out of Izumi Miyamura’s league. At least in terms of the typical social structures of high school. However, as fate (and some genuinely good storytelling) would have it, a chance encounter outside of school reveals they’re not who they appear to be, and it brings them closer together.
This couple is about as endearing as they come, and despite whatever cheesiness you might pick up from a short blurb like this, you’ll have to trust us when we say it’s a great time. It may not be the most complex or deeply layered entry in the romance genre, but it nails the emotional beats so well that we really have no complaints.
Spy x Family (2022)
Spy x Family is kind of the perfect middle ground if you want something light but still engaging. This slice-of-life comedy follows a spy who builds a fake family for a mission. He marries and adopts a child as part of his cover, but his new family has secrets of its own. Namely, his “wife” is an assassin and his “daughter” is a telepath. Only the five-year-old knows what’s really going on, and she’s adorably chaotic about it.
This anime series has such a unique feel; we can’t help but recommend it to newcomers. It’s one that’s great to return to over time, which is a bonus, especially since there are multiple seasons to enjoy.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)
If you’re a beginner to anime, you’ll start getting acquainted with the different studios worth knowing about. And here we’ve got one of the best — Studio Trigger. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is set in the world of the video game Cyberpunk 2077, but prior experience with it isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying this series.
The story follows a street kid named David in Night City, a futuristic, gang-ridden metropolis in present-day California. David gets pulled into the underground world of mercenaries called “edgerunners” after a tragedy changes his life. There’s a lot packed into this 10-episode series, available to watch on Netflix. If you’ve ever had that memory of running home from class to catch your favorite TV show, this series gives the same feeling. And we won’t judge whatever excuse you tell your boss to clock out early to binge on it.
How we chose the best anime for beginners
There’s really no easy way to pick the “best” anime, since there are just too many genres and fan favorites out there. We tried to narrow it down to some of the most well-known series that are also easy to jump into, plus a few best-of picks that give you a taste of the whole anime world. If you’re looking for more of our favorite anime, check out the best Dragon Ball movies.
