Ngl, I was that person who would say, “I wouldn’t watch any anime in a million years!” I have grown and matured since those days. It all changed when I started watching The Spy Family last summer. I was instantly hooked. Now that I am deep in the anime rabbit hole and cannot be saved, here are the 11 best anime for all the beginners like myself.
Note: There are various genres, so Keep an open mind because you never know if you’ll like them if you don’t try them.
1) Death Note
Watch if you like: Mystery Psychological thriller, Supernatural thriller
A teen boy discovers a mysterious notebook that can kill people by writing their names. The captivating storytelling instantly pulls you into its dark world like a moth to a flame. This is anime at its best with its slick, clever, and witty death note is a refreshing change of pace. Click play. You won’t regret it.
2) The Garden of Words
Watch if you like: Romance/Animation
Thoughtful and touching, this movie is a marvel to watch. An unlikely friendship strikes between a 27-year-old teacher and a 15-year-old student one rainy afternoon in a garden. This movie will pull at your heartstrings and is a real tear-jerker. Anime fan or not, it’s a must-watch.
3) Attack on Titan
Watch if you like: Action Fiction
An anime masterpiece!! It gives you everything you want: spectacular action scenes, stellar character development, unforgettable animation and a captivating storyline full of suspense and mystery that puts you on edge. A highly recommended series indeed.
4) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Watch if you like: Action Fiction
After losing their mother to a terminal illness, two brothers try to resurrect her using alchemy. But they must pay the price. One loses an arm and a leg; the other loses his whole body. Now, the duo embarks on an incredible and dangerous adventure to recover their whole bodies. Without a doubt, the most incredible TV show of all time, not just for anime.
5) Fruits Basket
Watch if you like: Romantic comedy, Slice of life, Supernatural fiction
This anime will work as your therapy if you feel down or lost. Get ready to go for a ride on an emotional roller coaster, and it travels deep into your heart, making you cry with laughter, joy and sadness. Why are you still reading this!? WATCH IT!!
6) Your Lie in April
Watch if you like: Romance, Drama
A life-changing beautiful story about a talented pianist musical prodigy who has not played the piano in years due to trauma from an abused childhood. And then, one day, he meets this girl under full-bloomed cherry blossoms and his dull and monotonous days turn colourful. The story, characters, animation, and music all blend to create a wonderful symphony.
7) Black Butler
Watch if you like: Action, Mystery, Comedy
A young boy who’s also the last surviving member of an aristocratic family sells his soul to his demon butler in exchange for the ability to take revenge on his parents’ murderers. A perfect mixture of dark themes balanced with good humour, this anime simply cannot be skipped.
8) Nana
Watch if you like: Comedy, Drama, Animation
With compelling characters and a heart-piercing soundtrack, NANA is an anime series that everyone should watch at least once. Two opposite women, both named Nana, meet coincidentally in Tokyo only to become roommates and grow inseparable while chasing their dreams. Touching, addictive, and heartbreaking. Do not miss it!!
9) Sailor Moon
Watch if you like: Girl Power, Action Fiction, Adventure
The story centers around Usagi, an ordinary teenage girl who discovers her destiny is to be the legendary warrior Sailor Moon. The series follows the magical action adventures of Usagi and her fellow Sailor Scouts to defend the Earth and Galaxy.
We watch the girls mature into young adults as they deal with friendships, school, romance, and family matters and develop their bond with one another.
10) Yu Yu Hakusho
Watch if you like: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
It’s the story of a 14-year-old boy who suddenly finds himself dead after he saved a child. His sacrifice was acknowledged by the spirit world. As a gesture of gratitude, the boy is appointed as a spirit detective, one assigned to protect all three worlds from evil. Before he knows it, he is swept up into being a spirit detective. The story, the characters, the plot, and just everything about this anime are masterpieces.
11) Spy Family
Watch if you like: Action, Comedy
Last but not least, one of my favourites. This is such a cute, funny and wholesome anime, and I recommend it to everyone. It’s such a different and unique concept. Since the first episode, I have been hooked and couldn’t stop watching it.
Have you ever watched anime? Would you add anything else to the list? I’d love to know!
xo
Yachna A
P.S.
11 best K-Dramas that’ll get you in your feels <3