Looking to dive into the enchanting world of anime? For anime fans and those looking to start watching anime for the first time, the quest to find the perfect series is a thrilling and difficult experience. But, fear not, future anime fans! In this guide, we’re not just talking about the best; but curating a list from all genres and demographics.

Catering to new fans, we aim to make this journey seamless, ensuring that the popular anime series on this list resonate with you and all you crave. So, if you’re looking to get into anime or you’re a fan looking for new anime to watch, join us on this animated adventure – because the best is yet to unfold.

In no particular order, let’s have a quick run-through at the list.

Attack On Titan

Episodes: 94 | Completed
Genres: Action | Fantasy | Horror | Drama | Suspense
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.93

Also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, this is ultimately one of the most acclaimed and well known anime of all time. Attack on Titan is easily one anime every new viewer wants to see, as it’s even helped create an influx of new anime viewers since it first aired.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans (or what was left of them) live behind walls to avoid the Titans, beings that could wipe out all life on Earth. The story is about a young orphan who joins a special force that helps protect humans from the Titans.

This is one intensely captivating, thrilling, and interesting anime you want to watch. You get to see Levi Ackerman in action, Armin making battle strategies, and listen to awe-inspiring speeches that’ll make scared soldiers brazenly look death in the face. Almost every single moment you spend watching this anime keeps you on your toes or the edge of your seat.

Bleach

Episodes: 366 | Completed
Genres: Action | Supernatural | Adventure | Fantasy
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.93

Here is another classic anime that is recommended for beginners. Bleach is still a benchmark for Shonen anime. It has all the elements of a good story: lengthy fights, magical abilities, epic showdowns, and challenging paths to a lofty objective, all of which make it a perfect recommendation for newbie viewers.

Born with the ability to see ghosts, Kurosaki Ichigo meddles in the affairs of the Soul Society. He becomes a member, swearing to help protect humans from Hollows and become a soul reaper. Little did he know what was in store for him, as his new life presented a bag of troubles for him and his loved ones.

Btooom!

Episodes: 12 | Completed
Genres: Survival | Action | Suspense
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Seinen
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.28

For an anime with 12 episodes, Btooom! is an anime that offers a violent take on gaming culture that is a must-see. In this series, the protagonist, Ryota Sakamoto is a gamer who becomes ensnared in the virtual world of Btooom! To return home, Ryota must now survive in the actual game by engaging other confined players in combat with a variety of weapons.

In the pursuit of survival, players of Btooom! expose the utter brutality of survival games by sacrificing empathy and companionship. Stunning visuals and a solid soundtrack distinguish this action-packed psychological thriller, which is an underappreciated gem in the survival genre, and a perfect anime for beginners to see.

Cells At Work! – Hataraku Saibou

Episodes: 21 | Completed
Genres: Comedy | Educational | Action
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.55

Cells At Work is an anime classic that will take you on an educational journey through the human body. This anime turns the inner workings of the human body into a bustling metropolis, filled with various citizens, all of which are different organs, cells, and tissues in the body. While biology classes teach you that some antibodies help fight against antigens, this anime helps you see just how these two warring entities face each other.

The animation is a feast for the eyes, comedic, interesting, and so educational it might drive you to pursue a course in health science. It has two seasons of awesomeness and even a darker spinoff, Cells at Work: Code Black, for those who like a touch of grit.

Cowboy Bebop

Episodes: 26 | Completed
Genres: Sci-Fi | Adventure | Action | Drama
Manga: No
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.75

Cowboy Bebop stands out as one of the most beloved anime among international audiences and is a must-watch. This action-packed sci-fi series, spanning just one season with 26 episodes, effortlessly captivates viewers until the final episode.

Set in 2071, the anime follows bounty hunters like Spike Spiegel and Jet Black as they confront criminals. Offering a blend of genres including action, suspense, comedy, and cyberpunk, the show is complemented by an engaging soundtrack featuring jazz, blues, rock, and more.

Death Note

Episodes: 37 | Completed
Genres: Fantasy | Thriller | Supernatural
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.62

Disgusted by the rotten world he finds himself in, after finding a new ability to covertly exert justice on criminals, the ingenious Light Yagami goes on a rampage. He systematically kills criminals, thereby becoming a mystery for even the police and intelligence agencies. How does he do this?

Light Yagami isn’t a spy or a secret agent; he’s a student! One of the smartest you’d ever come across, in fact. Just as he was enjoying his new life, there came along a formidable foe named L. He is hell bent on proving to the police that Light was responsible for all the mysterious deaths.

But would L be able to achieve his goals in this case? And just how exactly does Light kill his victims? You can only answer these questions after you watch all 37 episodes of this anime, so, what are you still waiting for?

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Episodes: 55 | Ongoing
Genres: Action | Adventure | Comedy | Drama
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.48

As one of the top-grossing anime series of 2023 and with another season set to be released soon, Demon Slayer has etched its mark on the lips of almost every anime viewer. Just like you guessed, it’s primarily about people slaying demons and protecting humanity. But is that all they do?

Demon Slayer focuses on Tanjiro Kamado whose life suddenly changed when his family was killed by a demon and his little sister, Nezuko, became one. With the intent to kill the Demon King and hopefully find a way of transforming his sister back to being a human, Tanjiro trains hard and becomes a demon slayer. But is he able to finally achieve his dreams?

Dr. Stone

Episodes: 57 | Ongoing
Genres: Adventure | Comedy | Educational
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.28

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this cool anime tells the story of Senku Ishigami, a geek and mini-mad-scientist, who awakens thousands of years in the future. He finds out that all of humanity had been petrified when a beam of light struck the earth when he was in high school.

Having to start civilization afresh with the help of his childhood friend, Senku took it upon himself to revive all that’s been petrified back to life, paving the way to discoveries and adventures. But faced with the mystery of the petrification and antagonized by some others who don’t support his mission, Dr. Stone is a spectrum of comedy, information, thriller, and science.

Dragon Ball

Episodes: 153 | Ongoing
Genres: Fantasy | Comedy | Adventure | Action | Superpowers
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.17

Many anime enthusiasts consider Dragon Ball as the ideal starting point for diving into the world of Japanese action anime. Initially a renowned Weekly Shonen Jump manga penned by Akira Toriyama, the anime adaptation gained popularity in the late 1980s.

If you were a kid growing up in the late ‘90s or early ‘00s, chances are good that at least 50% of the people in your class were obsessed with this anime.

This globally acclaimed anime is categorized into various series, such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super, and more. The second part, Dragon Ball Z, stands out as the most widely embraced worldwide. Here, the narrative unfolds with the grown-up protagonist, Goku, engaging in powerful battles alongside a cast of unique characters, showcasing their formidable techniques like the Kamehameha.

Erased

Episodes: 12 | Completed
Genres: Suspense | Supernatural | Mystery | Drama | Thriller
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Seinen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.30

Losing a loved one may leave anybody reeling with grief and uncertainty, triggering self-blame and a desire to avert such a disaster. Fortunately, in Erased (Boku Dake Inai Machi), the protagonist, Satoru Fujinuma, has the power to time travel, allowing him to avoid such disasters. He is sent back in time to when a classmate died, showing a link between the girl's death and the mystery surrounding his own family.

Despite being a psychological mystery anime with a human drama theme, Erased has a lot of similarities with Tokyo Revengers. However, it is worth highlighting its excellent animation direction and fascinating first episodes, which attracted viewers to the series.

FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Episodes: 56 | Completed
Genres: Action | Drama | Adventure | Fantasy
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 9.09

There is widespread agreement that FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the all-time greats. It follows Edward and Alphonse, two brothers attempting to recover from the harm that a tragic ritual caused them.

FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is one of the most famous anime in the anime industry; with its devastating moments, engaging characters, well-timed comedy, and intense action. The 64 episode series is a great candidate for the title of "best first anime," thanks to its ambitious plot and superb storytelling.

Hunter X Hunter

Episodes: 148 | On hiatus
Genres: Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Drama
Manga: Yes | On hiatus
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.41

As much as hunters are respected, the hazardous nature of the job often makes some of them go missing in action. This is the case of Gon’s father, which drives the young boy to choose to become a hunter and go in search of his father. But becoming a hunter isn’t a small feat. As challenges are overcome, allies and sinister enemies begin to present themselves.

One of the more interesting aspects of this series is that Gon has an enemy that would rather watch him grow stronger so they could properly battle him, instead of just fighting him outright. While the trio of Gon, Killua, and Kurapika journey together with different motives, would can all achieve their goals?

Jujutsu Kaisen

Episodes: 47 | Ongoing
Genres: Action | Horror | Supernatural | Fantasy
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.62

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the best modern anime and makes for a compelling starting point for all anime newcomers. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who gets pulled into a secret society of sorcerers who fight off cursed spirits and protect the human populace.

This anime easily rubs shoulders with the likes of My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer. With jaw-dropping fights and colorful animation that’ll make your eyes pop, Jujutsu Kaisen is like the golden ticket for all new anime enthusiasts. Do you want a great anime series to begin with? Then you definitely can’t go wrong with this one.

Kakegurui

Episodes: 24 | In limbo
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Psychological | Gambling
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Shounen | Ecchi
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.24

Hyakkaou Private School prepares its students for life better than other schools and it is unique since many of its students are children of the world’s wealthiest. While it boasts of a standard school curriculum during the day, the school is also a betting den, where students gamble in a bid to gain more influence and affluence.

While these students learn a lot about money management and human nature, they also showcase various levels of manipulation and sinister plots. Then along came Yumeko Jabami, a pretty but naïve transfer student who ended up adding more cards to the table.

Kuroko no Basket

Episodes: 75 | Completed
Genres: School | Sports
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.06

This is an awesome sports anime series that every beginner should see. Rated one of the top best sports anime, this masterpiece has a particular magical flair that makes you want to skip a basketball match and see how it ends, but still crave to see how the underdogs beat the reigning champions.

Popularly known as Kuroko’s Basketball, this anime series tells the story of how Kuroko and Kagami act as the light and shadow of a basketball team, using and honing their different skills and aiming to become the best in the Japan High School Basketball league.

Mob Psycho 100

Episodes: 37 | Completed
Genres: Action | Supernatural | Comedy | Drama
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.49

Mob Psycho 100 is not only one of the best anime series of all time, but it also serves as a great starter anime. The story follows Mob, a young guy with psychic abilities so powerful that he must cut off his emotions to prevent triggering them. Mob fights psychics and demonic spirits bent on global dominance alongside his conman tutor Reigan.

Mob Psycho 100, more than any other anime series, strikes a balance between action, comedy, and emotion. The friendship between Reigen and Mob is genuine and is guaranteed to appeal to new anime viewers. It’s also from the same mangaka who did One Punch Man!

My Hero Academia

Episodes: 113 | Ongoing
Genres: Action | Drama | Comedy | Super Power
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.87

Created by Kohei Horikoshi, the Boku no Hero Academia manga and anime series has earned widespread acclaim as one of the anime that introduced a whole new generation to anime. The world of My Hero Academia is full of characters with superpowers called quirks. Unlike more than 80% of those born in his generation, Izuku Midoriya was born without a quirk. This didn’t stop the young boy from yearning to become a hero.

Since luck shines on those who never relent, the number one hero in Japan, All Might, notices Izuku and chooses him to be his successor. Being a hero is more than flying around in capes and performing daring feats, a truth that Izuku has yet to uncover.

No Game No Life

Episodes: 12 | Completed
Genres: Adventure | Fantasy | Comedy | High Stakes Game | OP Main Character
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographics: Ecchi | Isekai | Light Novel Series
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.07

This short anime series tells the story of an urban legend, where highly skilled gamers are transported to an alternate realm. The story then introduces Shiro and Sora, two extremely antisocial gamers who accept the invitation to play this game, through which their successes determine the fate of nations and the lives of citizens.

Seeing how perfectly No Game No Life blends Isekai’s magic touch with comedy and Ecchi makes this anime stand out. This would be a very good recommendation for everyone, irrespective of how conversant you are with anime.

Odd Taxi

Episodes: 13 | Completed
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Psychological
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Seinen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.67

An exceptionally unique anime series, Odd Taxi tells the story of a Walrus taxi driver as he gets entangled in a criminal plot that might disrupt his generally laid-back personality. The series is widely considered to be the best anime of 2021 thanks to its likable characters and lively animation, which won over critics and viewers.

Odd Taxi is a great choice for those interested in anime who are seeking a series with numerous interconnected storylines that resemble films like Pulp Fiction. Despite the charming character designs, viewers should be aware that the series covers heavy subjects.

One Punch Man

Episodes: 24 | Ongoing
Genres: Action | Comedy | Sci-Fi
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Seinen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.50

Yeah, you read that right! Just as you might guess, he’s so strong that he displaces his opponents with only a single punch. While this might sound like it’s rather predictable, think again! While Saitama might be the most boring and overpowered superhero in anime (or human) history, the characters in this anime give it the spice that keeps you intrigued and laughing your insides out.

As far as ratings go, One Punch Man has a rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.7/10 on IMDb, easily making it one of the top-ranked comedy anime. It’s a perfect anime to start with. Aside from the superhero actions that you’d see, it offers a lot of humor and heart and leaves an indelible mark on those who have seen it.

Parasyte: The Maxim

Episodes: 24 | Completed
Genres: Action | Drama | Horror | Sci-Fi
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Seinen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.33

This is another sci-fi anime you can easily binge-watch. In its few episodes, it tells the story of how an alien parasite fails to take control of Izumi Shinichi’s head and ends up becoming one of his arms. Apparently, there is an influx of alien parasites who aim to eat the brains of humans, keep their hosts alive, and thrive.

But seeing the symbiotic relationship between Shinichi and the parasite in his arm, other parasites feel threatened by their existence and try to put them down. With his few allies, Migi’s strength, and intelligence, just how far can Shinichi go to stop these parasites in their mission of global domination?

The Promised Neverland

Episodes: 23 | Completed
Genres: Fantasy | Horror | Mystery | Thriller
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.50

The Promised Neverland is like the rookie sensation you never saw coming. It all starts warm and fuzzy, then the story reels you knee-deep into dark fantasy and thriller land. The series follows Emma, Ray, and Norman who live in an isolated orphanage. They hatch a plan to escape and seek greener pastures, but this only leads to them uncovering harsh, secret realities.

Season one? A suspenseful masterpiece. And the second season? The story takes a detour that’ll blow your mind away. If mind games and thrillers float your boat, then this is a VIP pass. It’ll be a wild ride, for while The Promised Neverland might have children as the main characters, the story alone could throw an adult off the edge.

This is another extremely heavy series with mature themes that apply to children as young as six, so proceed with caution.

Spy X Family

Episodes: 37 | Ongoing
Genres: Action | Comedy
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Shounen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.56

Some anime excel at providing comic relief, some excel at action. Others seamlessly combine action and comedy, and this is one of the best to do it. Code named Twilight, a spy is required to pose as a family man for his new and biggest mission yet. To make that happen, he became Loid Forger; adopted Anya, a little girl who can hear people’s thoughts; and married Yor, a seemingly normal woman who is secretly an assassin.

While their real identities remain hidden from each other, only little Anya knows the real secrets of both husband and wife. But beyond the complexity of the family and its members, there’s a whole lot to uncover and see about the Forgers.

Sword Art Online

Episodes: 96 | On hiatus
Genres: Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Romance
Manga: Yes | Completed
Demographic: Isekai | Light Novel Series
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.20

This is one of the top-ranked MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) and sci-fi anime series. Don’t be taken aback by the number of episodes, this is easily a 7 out of 10 and one that’s highly interesting and informative.

Set in a VRMMO (Virtual Reality Massively Multiplayer Online) game, SAO tells the story of thousands of online gamers trapped in the game. They are tasked with completing all hundred levels of the game… or die. You die in the game? You die in real life.

The intricacies of the story being told here, the suspense, action, and thrilling edge-of-your-seat moments make Sword Art Online a good starter anime.

Vinland Saga

Episodes: 48 | Ongoing
Genres: Action | Drama | Adventure
Manga: Yes | Ongoing
Demographic: Seinen
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.75

If you like or would love to see some raw Viking action, then you need to watch Vinland Saga. While we wait for the third season, there are 48 episodes to watch over two seasons.

You might’ve heard that Vikings are more like barbarians, but that’s only a half-truth. While this series does lean into that stereotype, it also tells the story of Thorfinn. He’s a young Viking who harbors great hatred for the man who killed his father. He starts working for Askeladd, the one who killed his father, until he was strong enough to enact his revenge. However, the story is about more than revenge; it tells of a young Viking’s sojourn to poetic justice and going back to his little paradise.

Top 25 Best Anime For Beginners | Outro

And there you have it! a list of the top 20 anime for new fans to see. Moving from thriller anime like Death Note to the action-packed Demon Slayer, or seeing the hilarious story of Saitama in One-Punch Man, you can be certain that you’re into one of the best anime to watch and have a great time.