5 Best Anime for Beginners: Your Ultimate Starter Guide (2025 Edition)

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“If you’ve ever looked at a list of 1,000 anime titles and felt unsure about where to begin, you’re not alone.”

The Introduction

Entering the world of anime for the first time can feel overwhelming, much like diving into a vast, sparkling ocean without a map. With thousands of shows spanning many genres—from soaring fantasies and epic space operas to down-to-earth slice-of-life comedies—the big question is: where do you start? This realm is filled with decades of history and culture, making it both an exciting and intimidating experience.

That’s why we have put together this list. It serves as the perfect starting point, featuring a carefully curated selection of five essential anime series that showcase the very best the genre has to offer. These shows are beloved by millions for a reason: they feature compelling stories and unforgettable characters that are sure to captivate you.


From thrilling action-adventures to intriguing psychological dramas, this list offers something for everyone. So, get comfortable and prepare to immerse yourself in your new obsession!

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Official poster for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood showing Edward and Alphonse Elric back-to-back.
Poster of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood anime featuring Edward and Alphonse.

Quick Facts:

➤ Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
➤ Source: Manga
➤ Year: 2009-2010
➤ Type: TV
➤ Seasons: 1 Season
➤ Episodes: 64
➤Age Rating (MAL): R-17+ (violence & profanity)
➤ MyAnimeList Score: ⭐ 9.10 /10
➤ Crunchyroll Rating: ⭐ 4.9 / 5 Stars
➤IMDb Rating: ⭐9.1 / 10

Summary: In a world where alchemy is real, two brothers set out on a dangerous journey to regain their bodies after a forbidden experiment goes horribly wrong.

Why It’s a Great Start: Often regarded as one of the greatest anime series of all time, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood* is a masterclass in storytelling. It features an intriguing magic system based on the principle of “Equivalent Exchange,” a deeply emotional narrative centered on family and sacrifice, a diverse cast of unforgettable characters, and a well-paced plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

The bond between the Elric brothers is the emotional core of the story, but the world surrounding them is equally captivating. As they search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, they start to unravel a dark military conspiracy that penetrates deep into their nation’s foundations. This forces them to confront the true and terrifying cost of their quest.

Screenshots:

Edward and Alphonse Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, with Al in his suit of armor and Ed looking thoughtful.
The unbreakable bond between brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric is the emotional core of the entire series.
The Ishvalan warrior Scar, a complex antagonist, shown with his distinctive arm tattoos in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
Scar’s journey of revenge and redemption offers a poignant glimpse into the devastating consequences of war.
A tense and claustrophobic scene from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, showing the darker, more mysterious side of the story.
The series masterfully blends action with moments of suspense and horror.
Edward Elric in a serious confrontation with an enemy in a dark forest in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
Edward’s sharp intellect is often as important as his alchemical abilities in a fight.
A close-up shot of a determined Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, with golden light in the background.
The animation captures the intense emotion and unwavering determination of the characters.
The homunculus Greed, with his Ultimate Shield activated, showing his menacing grin in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood.
The homunculi serve as formidable and philosophically interesting villains throughout the series.

👉 Official Website: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

👉 Where to Watch: You can watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood on Crunchyroll (May be unavailable in your region.)

👉 Buy Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Blu-ray on Amazon

👉 The Books of Fullmetal Alchemist Series:

1. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1-3
2. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 4-6
3. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 7-9
4. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 10-12
5. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 13-15
6. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 16-18
7. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 19-21
8. Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 22-24

2. Death Note

Official poster for the Death Note anime featuring Light Yagami holding the Death Note, L, and the Shinigami Ryuk.
Death Note — The ultimate battle of genius minds: Light vs. L

Quick Facts:

➤ Genre: Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
➤ Source: Manga
➤ Type: TV
➤ Year: 2006-2007
➤ Seasons: 1 Season
➤ Episodes: 37
➤Age Rating (MAL): R-17+ (violence & profanity)
➤ MyAnimeList Score: 8.62
➤ Crunchyroll Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars}
➤IMDb Rating: 8.9 / 10

Summary: A talented high school student discovers a supernatural notebook that lets him kill anyone in the world by simply writing their name inside.

Why It’s a Great Start: Death Note is the ultimate gateway anime because it serves as a captivating psychological thriller that resembles a high-stakes detective show more than a typical fantasy. With very few anime-specific tropes, it is highly accessible to a global audience. The story unfolds as an intricate cat-and-mouse game between the genius protagonist, Light Yagami, who aspires to become the god of a new world, and the enigmatic yet equally brilliant detective, L, who is determined to stop him. Each episode presents a battle of wits that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The real question isn’t whether Light can create his perfect world, but rather how much of his own humanity he is willing to sacrifice to achieve it—and who truly stands on the side of justice.

Light Yagami walking in his schoolyard with the Shinigami Ryuk floating behind him in the Death Note anime.
The bored Shinigami Ryuk observes the human world, setting the stage for Light Yagami’s dark path.
A tense scene from Death Note showing Light Yagami and the detective L sitting side-by-side, with Ryuk visible only to Light.
The intellectual rivals Light (Kira) and L meet face-to-face, unaware of the Shinigami watching over them.
The Shinigami Rem standing protectively behind Misa Amane, who is restrained, in the Death Note anime.
Shinigami like Rem demonstrate complex motivations beyond simple boredom, often tied to the humans they follow.
The detective L crouching characteristically on a chair while eating dessert and working with Light Yagami and the Kira task force in Death Note
L’s eccentric habits often belie his incredible deductive reasoning and sharp intellect during the Kira investigation.
An intense close-up of a character's face contorted in anger or madness from the Death Note anime.
Death Note masterfully uses dramatic close-ups and shadows to heighten psychological tension.
Death Note masterfully uses dramatic close-ups and shadows to heighten psychological tension.
The investigation into Kira involves meticulous forensic analysis and constant intellectual scrutiny.

Official Website: Death Note

Where to Watch: You can watch Death Note on Prime Video / Netflix / Crunchyroll. (May be unavailable in your region.)

Death Note: Complete Series Standard Edition (Blu-ray)

Death Note (All-in-One Edition) – Manga Book

3. Attack on Titan

Official poster for Attack on Titan Season 1, showing Eren Yeager leaping towards a Colossal Titan above the walled city.
The dramatic key visual for Attack on Titan depicts humanity’s desperate struggle against the overwhelming Titan threat.

Quick Facts:

➤Genre: Action, Drama, Suspense, Adventure
➤Source: Manga
➤Year: 2013-2023
➤ Seasons: 4 Seasons
➤Episodes: 94 (across all seasons)
➤Age Rating (MAL): R-17+ (violence & profanity)
➤MyAnimeList Score: 8.54 (for Season 1)
➤Crunchyroll Rating: 4.9 / 5 Stars
➤IMDb Rating: 9.1 / 10 (This is for the overall series)

Summary: In a world where humanity resides within walled cities to protect themselves from giant, man-eating titans, a young boy swears to exterminate the monsters after one destroys his hometown.

Why It’s a Great Start: If you’re looking for a show that captivates you from start to finish, look no further than “Attack on Titan.” This series has become a global phenomenon for a reason. Its first season is a relentless, action-packed thrill ride filled with shocking plot twists and high-stakes survival horror. The animation is cinematic, particularly during the exhilarating high-speed combat featuring the “Vertical Maneuvering Equipment.” The sense of dread and desperation is unparalleled, creating an intense fight for survival where anyone can die at any moment. The biggest mysteries aren’t just about what the Titans are or where they came from, but also the dark secrets concealed within the walls that shelter the last remnants of humanity.

The Smiling Titan eating Carla Yeager during the fall of Shiganshina in Attack on Titan.
The horrifying moment that sets Eren Yeager on his path of vengeance against the Titans.
Aerial view of a walled city under attack with smoke rising, from the anime Attack on Titan.
The Titan menace constantly threatens humanity’s fragile existence within the walls.
The Colossal Titan peering over Wall Maria at Eren and Armin in Attack on Titan.
The sudden and terrifying appearance of the Colossal Titan breaches humanity’s defenses.
Jean Kirstein standing beside his horse in a forest, wearing the Survey Corps uniform in Attack on Titan.
Jean Kirstein, a key member of the Survey Corps, is known for his leadership and realistic perspective.
Members of the 104th Training Corps, including Jean, Reiner, Bertolt, Annie, Armin, and Historia, in Attack on Titan.
The young soldiers of the 104th face the brutal reality of fighting Titans.
Close-up of the Female Titan's face during the forest chase sequence in Attack on Titan Season 1.
The intelligent and deadly Female Titan poses a unique and terrifying threat to the Survey Corps.

Official Website: Attack on Titan

Where to Watch: You can watch Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll / Prime Video. (May be unavailable in your region.)

Attack on Titan: Complete Season One [Blu-ray]
Attack on Titan: Complete Season Two [Blu-ray]
Attack on Titan – Complete Season Three [Blu-ray]
Attack on Titan – Final Season Complete [Ble=ray]

Attack on Titan Season 1 Manga Box Set – Part 1
Attack on Titan Season 1 Manga Box Set – Part 2
Attack on Titan Season 2 Manga Box Set 

4. My Hero Academia

Quick Facts:

➤Genre: Action, Comedy
➤Source: Manga
➤Year: 2016-Present
➤Seasons: 7 Seasons (Ongoing)
➤Episodes: 159+ (Ongoing)
➤Age Rating (MAL): PG-13 – (Teens 13 or Older)
➤MyAnimeList Score: 7.91 (for Season 1)
➤Crunchyroll Rating: 4.8 / 5 Stars
➤IMDb Rating: 8.3 / 10

Summary:In a world where 80% of the population is born with a superpower, known as a “Quirk,” a boy born without one inherits the power of the world’s greatest hero and enrolls in a prestigious hero academy.

Why It’s a Great Start: This is the perfect introduction to the world of modern shonen anime, which is action-oriented and aimed at young men. “My Hero Academia” is pure, concentrated fun. It features an incredibly optimistic and exciting superhero story, complete with a large cast of lovable characters, each possessing unique powers and personalities. The journey of the main character, Izuku Midoriya, is truly inspiring, and the spectacular fight scenes rank among the best in modern anime. It’s an uplifting adventure that constantly poses a thought-provoking question: Does having power make you a hero, or is it the courage to act even when you feel powerless?

Izuku Midoriya (Deku) watching a giant villain attack in a city street lined with cherry blossoms in My Hero Academia.
Even before gaining powers, Midoriya’s intense observation of heroes and villains showcased his analytical mind.
Several Class 1-A students including Bakugo, Uraraka, and Tsuyu in their hero costumes looking determined in My Hero Academia.
The diverse and colorful cast of aspiring heroes in Class 1-A, each with their unique Quirk.
Close-up of Izuku Midoriya, Tenya Iida, and Ochaco Uraraka in their U.A. gym uniforms looking serious in My Hero Academia.
The core trio of friends—Midoriya, Iida, and Uraraka—face challenges together at U.A. High.
Eijiro Kirishima using his Hardening Quirk against multiple low-level villains during the USJ incident in My Hero Academia.
Kirishima’s unbreakable spirit and defensive Quirk shine even against overwhelming odds.
The monstrous Nomu violently pinning down Shota Aizawa (Eraser Head) during the USJ attack in My Hero Academia.
The League of Villains’ attack on the USJ introduced terrifying threats like the Nomu.
Tomura Shigaraki lying injured on the floor of a bar with Kurogiri standing nearby in My Hero Academia.
The aftermath of the USJ incident highlights the dangerous potential of the League of Villains.

Official Website: My Hero Academia

Where to Watch: You can watch My Hero Academia on Prime Video / Netflix and Crunchyroll. (May be unavailable in your region.)

My Hero Academia (42 Book Series)

My Hero Academia: Season One [Blu-ray]

5. Spirited Away

Quick Facts:

➤Genre: Adventure, Supernatural, Award Winning
➤Source: 
➤OriginalYear: 2001
➤Type: Movie
➤Age Rating (MAL): PG – Children
➤MyAnimeList Score: 8.77
➤IMDb Rating: 8.6 / 10

Summary: A young girl stumbles into a mysterious, magical world of spirits, gods, and monsters. To save her parents and return to the human world, she must work in a bathhouse for the spirits.

Why It’s a Great Start: Sometimes, the best way to start is with a movie, and *Spirited Away* is truly a cinematic masterpiece. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, this film is an enchanting fairy tale that won an Academy Award. It beautifully showcases the breathtaking artistry and boundless creativity that anime can offer, filled with unforgettable spirits and stunningly detailed environments. The film captures the feeling of being lost in a strange, beautiful, and sometimes dangerous new world, where every corner holds another secret, and a young girl must find her inner strength to survive.

Chihiro looking uncertain next to a mossy stone statue near her parents' car at the entrance to the spirit world in Spirited Away.
The moment Chihiro’s ordinary world begins to intersect with the mysterious and magical.
Chihiro and Lin looking surprised by frog-like spirits carrying lanterns at night in the world of Spirited Away.
Navigating the strange and wondrous spirit world requires courage and caution.
Chihiro Ogino standing nervously before the imposing witch Yubaba, the bathhouse proprietor in Spirited Away.
Chihiro must confront the formidable Yubaba to secure work and find a way to save her parents.
The bustling interior of Yubaba's bathhouse, filled with various spirits and workers, from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away.
The bathhouse is a vibrant, chaotic, and beautifully detailed microcosm of the spirit world.
Chihiro hiding and comforting Yubaba's giant baby, Boh, in a close-up scene from Spirited Away.
Even in a strange world, Chihiro shows kindness and bravery, forming unexpected bonds.
Chihiro standing under a gate at night while the enigmatic spirit No-Face watches from the shadows in Spirited Away.
The mysterious No-Face becomes a significant and complex figure in Chihiro’s journey.

Official Website: Spirited Away

Where to Watch: You can watch Spirited Away on Prime Video / Netflix. (May be unavailable in your region.)

Spirited Away – Blu-ray + DVD

Spirited Away Film Comic: All-in-One Edition

The Conclusion

Here you have it—five incredible shows that serve as a perfect introduction to the amazing world of anime. Each one offers a unique and unforgettable experience, representing the best the medium has to offer. This list is just the beginning of a long and rewarding journey. Now, I want to hear from you! What was the first anime that captivated you? Did I miss any great starter shows that you would recommend to other newcomers? Let me know in the comments below!

Final Thoughts

Starting your anime journey can feel overwhelming, but remember—there’s no wrong way to begin. Each series you watch opens a new door to Japan’s incredible storytelling universe. Explore, enjoy, and find what resonates with you. Welcome to the Otaku Oasis.

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