Starting your anime journey can feel overwhelming. With thousands of anime out there, choosing the right one to begin with is crucial. A bad pick might leave you uninterested, but the right one can open the door to a world of entertainment, life lessons, and unforgettable stories.
As someone who started watching anime in 2016, I’ve been through the struggle of finding the perfect starter anime. Now, with years of experience, I’m here to guide you through the Top 20 Anime for Beginners that will hook you from the very first episode. Let’s get started!
20. Black Clover
Episodes: 170
Release Date: October 3, 2017 – March 30, 2021
In a world where magic is everything, Asta is born without any magical powers. Despite this, he dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom. With his rare Anti-Magic Grimoire and the support of his team, the Black Bulls, Asta proves that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. This anime is packed with action, humor, and inspiring life lessons about teamwork and never giving up.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Packed with action, humor, and inspiring life lessons.
Teaches the importance of teamwork and never giving up.
19. No Game No Life
Episodes: 12
Release Date: April 9, 2014 – June 25, 2014
Sora and Shiro, genius siblings, are transported to a world where everything is decided by games. They use their intelligence to challenge powerful rulers, aiming to defeat the god of games. As they rise through the ranks, they face difficult opponents and must use strategy to win. With teamwork and clever tactics, they prove that intelligence can overcome even the strongest enemies in a world ruled by logic and chance.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A mix of strategy, humor, and mind-blowing twists.
Shows that intelligence and teamwork can solve any problem.
18. Aka Mi Ga Kill
Episodes: 24
Release Date: July 7, 2014 – December 15, 2014
Tatsumi joins a group of assassins called Night Raid to fight against a corrupt empire. He learns about the harsh reality of war and the sacrifices needed to bring justice. Each battle is deadly, and not everyone survives. Alongside powerful warriors, he fights to overthrow evil rulers while dealing with betrayal and loss. The anime is full of action, emotions, and unexpected twists as characters fight for freedom.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Keeps you hooked with its fast-paced action and emotional depth.
Teaches the importance of standing up for what’s right.
17. MY Hero Academi
Episodes: 138+ (ongoing)
Release Date: April 3, 2016 – Present
In a world where almost everyone has superpowers, Izuku Midoriya is born without one. However, he gets a chance to become a hero after inheriting a powerful ability from the greatest hero, All Might. He joins a hero school to train and fight villains while proving that even without powers, anyone can be a hero. His journey is full of action, friendship, and struggles to become the strongest hero.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A perfect blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Teaches lessons about perseverance, courage, and teamwork.
16. Daily Life Of Immortal King
Episodes: 15+ (ongoing)
Release Date: January 21, 2021 – Present
Wang Ling is a teenager with godlike powers who just wants a normal life. However, his quiet existence is constantly interrupted by challenges and dangerous foes. This anime combines humor, action, and heartfelt moments to deliver a unique story about balancing power and humility. It’s a lighthearted yet meaningful tale about finding genuine connections in a world full of chaos.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Lighthearted and fun, with a mix of action and comedy.
Teaches the importance of humility and genuine connections.
15. Bleach
Episodes: 366
Release Date: October 5, 2004 – March 27, 2012
Ichigo Kurosaki becomes a Soul Reaper after gaining the powers of Rukia Kuchiki. He protects the living world from evil spirits and guides lost souls to the afterlife. This anime is a classic with thrilling battles, deep themes of friendship, and the responsibility of protecting loved ones. It’s a must-watch for anyone looking for action-packed adventures with emotional depth.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A perfect introduction to shonen anime.
Teaches bravery and the importance of protecting loved ones.
14. Lookism
Episodes: 8+ (ongoing)
Release Date: November 4, 2022 – Present
Daniel, a bullied high school student, wakes up with two bodies—one is his real self, and the other is tall, strong, and handsome. He starts living two lives, experiencing both the struggles of his old self and the benefits of his new appearance. As he learns about society’s obsession with looks, he faces bullying, friendship, and self-discovery. Over time, he realizes true strength comes from within, not just appearance.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A mix of drama, humor, and action.
Teaches that true value comes from within.
13. Tokyo Revengers
Episodes: 37+ (ongoing)
Release Date: April 11, 2021 – Present
Takemichi Hanagaki travels back in time to his middle school years to save his childhood girlfriend, Hinata, from a tragic fate. He joins a gang and works to change the future, facing tough challenges and emotional twists along the way. This anime is a gripping story about redemption, friendship, and the impact of small actions on the future.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A gripping story with strong character development.
Shows how small actions can change the future.
12. One Peace
Episodes: 1000+ (ongoing)
Release Date: October 20, 1999 – Present
Monkey D. Luffy sets out to become the Pirate King by finding the legendary treasure, One Piece. Along the way, he gathers a diverse crew, fights powerful enemies, and explores mysterious islands. His journey is full of adventure, friendship, and battles against the world government and dangerous pirates. Luffy’s unbreakable spirit and loyalty to his crew make him one of the greatest pirates, inspiring everyone to chase their dreams.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A timeless story with endless adventures.
Teaches the importance of following your dreams.
10. Vinland Saga
Episodes: 48+ (ongoing)
Release Date: July 7, 2019 – Present
Thorfinn, a young Viking, seeks revenge against the man who killed his father. Raised by his enemy, he becomes a skilled warrior but starts questioning the true meaning of war and revenge. As he grows, he learns about honor, leadership, and survival in a brutal world. His journey takes him across lands filled with violence and betrayal, pushing him to discover what truly matters in life beyond vengeance.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- A historical epic with intense battles and emotional depth.
- Teaches the value of finding purpose beyond revenge.
9. One Punch Man
Episodes: 24+ (ongoing)
Release Date: October 5, 2015 – Present
Saitama is a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. Despite his overwhelming power, he struggles with boredom and finding meaning in life. This anime is a hilarious take on superhero tropes, blending comedy with stunning action scenes. It’s a unique story about the search for purpose and the true meaning of strength.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A hilarious take on superhero tropes with stunning action scenes.
Teaches that true strength comes from within.
8. Blue Lock
Episodes: 24+ (ongoing)
Release Date: October 9, 2022 – Present
Japan wants to create the world’s best soccer striker, so they build a strict training camp called Blue Lock. Yoichi Isagi, a talented but unsure player, joins the program to prove himself. Competing against hundreds of others, he learns that only the strongest and most selfish striker will survive. As he battles rivals and faces intense training, he must develop the mindset of a true champion or be eliminated forever.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
High-energy and intense, perfect for sports fans.
Teaches the importance of ambition and self-belief.
7. Tokyo Ghoul
Episodes: 48
Release Date: July 4, 2014 – December 25, 2018
Kaneki, a college student, becomes a half-ghoul after a tragic encounter. He struggles to find his place in a world where humans and ghouls are at odds. This anime is a dark, emotional story about identity, survival, and the moral dilemmas of coexisting with those who are different. It’s a gripping tale of self-discovery and acceptance.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A dark, emotional story with themes of identity and survival.
Keeps you hooked with its intense action and moral dilemmas.
6. Dragon Ball Z
Episodes: 291
Release Date: April 26, 1989 – January 31, 1996
Goku, a Saiyan warrior, protects Earth from powerful enemies who threaten peace. As he trains and fights, he discovers new abilities, meets strong allies, and faces villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. With each battle, Goku pushes his limits, unlocking legendary transformations. His adventures take him across planets, fighting to protect his loved ones. Through fierce battles and powerful friendships, he proves that true strength comes from determination and heart.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A classic that defines the shonen genre.
Teaches the value of hard work, courage, and friendship.
5. Demon Slayer
Episodes: 55+ (ongoing)
Release Date: April 6, 2019 – Present
Demon Slayer is about Tanjiro, a boy whose family is killed by demons. His sister, Nezuko, becomes a demon but still cares for him. Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer to protect people and find a way to turn his sister back to normal. The story is full of exciting battles and strong friendships. It teaches never to give up, be kind even in hard times, and fight for what’s right. Demon Slayer is about love, courage, and hope, showing that no matter how tough life gets, you can always keep going
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Stunning animation and a heartfelt story.
Teaches perseverance, kindness, and the importance of family.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen.
Episodes: 47+ (ongoing)
Release Date: October 3, 2020 – Present
Yuji Itadori, a kind but strong teenager, eats a cursed object that grants him immense power but also puts him in danger. He joins a school for sorcerers to fight monstrous curses and control his newfound abilities. With powerful allies and deadly enemies, Yuji learns about the dark world of jujutsu and the sacrifices needed to protect others. As he battles stronger foes, he must find his own path in this brutal world.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A modern shonen with incredible animation and storytelling.
Teaches the importance of protecting others and finding purpose.
3. Naruto
Episodes: 720 (including Naruto Shippuden)
Release Date: October 3, 2002 – March 23, 2017
Naruto Uzumaki is a loud, energetic ninja who dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village. However, he is shunned because he carries a powerful demon inside him. Through hard work and friendships, he overcomes challenges, fights dangerous enemies, and discovers his true potential. Along the way, he learns the value of teamwork, love, and perseverance while facing powerful villains and uncovering deep secrets about his past.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A timeless story with relatable characters and life lessons.
Teaches perseverance, self-belief, and the power of friendship.
2. Attack On Titan
Episodes: 94
Release Date: April 7, 2013 – November 5, 2023
Humanity hides behind giant walls to escape monstrous creatures called Titans. After seeing his mother killed by a Titan, Eren Yeager joins the military to fight back. Along with his friends, he uncovers shocking secrets about the Titans and the world they live in. As the truth unfolds, Eren’s goal shifts from revenge to something much greater, forcing him to make choices that will change humanity’s future forever.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A gripping story with deep themes of survival and freedom.
Keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intense plot.
1. Death Note
Episodes: 37
Release Date: October 4, 2006 – June 27, 2007
A high school student, Light Yagami, finds a notebook that lets him kill anyone by writing their name. He wants to create a perfect world free of criminals, but a genius detective, L, starts chasing him. As Light plays god, he faces mind games, betrayals, and dangerous consequences. The battle between justice and power grows intense, making Light question if he’s truly the hero or the villain of his own story.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
A mind-bending story with clever twists.
Keeps you thinking about right and wrong.
Conclusion
Anime is more than just entertainment—it’s a medium that teaches life lessons, inspires creativity, and connects people worldwide. Whether you’re looking for action, drama, or thought-provoking stories, this list has something for everyone.
So, grab some popcorn, pick an anime from this list, and start your journey today!
