Must Watch Anime for Beginners

So you’ve decided to dip your toes into anime, but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. With thousands of shows ranging from epic action adventures to quiet slice-of-life comedies, the anime world can feel overwhelming for first-timers. The good news is that there are plenty of beginner-friendly anime that are easy to follow, highly entertaining, and don’t require you to have any background knowledge.

In this list, we’ve gathered the best anime for beginners, complete with IMDb ratings, episode counts, and where to watch. From heartwarming comedies like Spy x Family to legendary classics like Death Note and Attack on Titan, these picks will help you explore different genres and discover what type of anime you enjoy most.

1. Spy x Family

• Genre: Comedy, Action, Slice of Life
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Episodes: 37 (2 seasons + 1 movie, Season 3 on the way)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

If you’re saying, “I don’t want anything too complex or action-heavy,” then Spy x Family is a perfect choice for beginners who enjoy lighthearted comedy with a wholesome touch. The story follows a spy, an assassin, and a telepathic child who unexpectedly become a family—each hiding their own secret identity. The fun lies in watching how they juggle their double lives while slowly learning to care for one another.

Based on Tatsuya Endo’s hit manga, the anime adaptation arrived in 2022 and instantly won fans worldwide with its hilarious plot, lovable characters, and heartwarming moments. Animated by WIT Studio and CloverWorks, the show looks stunning and continues to draw new viewers every day. With two seasons and a movie already out—and a third season on the way you’re in for an entertaining and delightful ride if Spy x Family is your first anime.

2. Death Note

• Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Supernatural
• IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
• Episodes: 37
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu

If you want a gripping anime that will have you on the edge of your seat, then Death Note is the perfect starting point. The story follows Light Yagami, a genius high schooler who finds a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. What follows is a cat-and-mouse battle of wits between Light and a brilliant detective known only as “L.”

This anime doesn’t overwhelm you with a huge cast or long arcs—it’s sharp, fast-paced, and keeps you hooked from episode one. With only 37 episodes, it’s short enough for beginners but intense enough to show you how deep and thrilling anime storytelling can be.

3. Attack on Titan

• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
• Episodes: 87 (4 seasons, completed in 2023)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

If you’re saying, “I want an epic adventure with jaw-dropping action,” then Attack on Titan should be your pick. Set in a world where humanity hides behind giant walls to protect themselves from terrifying Titans, the story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the fight for survival.

While it sounds heavy, beginners love this anime because it blends mystery, action, and deep emotional storytelling. The stunning animation and plot twists will keep you binge-watching, and since the series is now complete, you can enjoy the full ride from start to finish without waiting for new episodes.

4. One Punch Man

• Genre: Action, Comedy, Superhero
• IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
• Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
• Where to Watch: Hulu, Netflix, Crunchyroll

If you’re saying, “I don’t want long, complicated stories, just fun and action,” then One Punch Man is perfect. The plot is simple: Saitama is a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch—but that makes life kind of boring. The comedy comes from his frustration with his own unbeatable strength and the quirky heroes and villains he meets.

The mix of hilarious moments, over-the-top action scenes, and amazing animation make this one of the easiest anime to get into. At just 24 episodes, it’s short, fun, and endlessly entertaining.

5. My Hero Academia

• Genre: Action, Superhero, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
• Episodes: 138+ (7 seasons ongoing)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

If you love superhero stories like Marvel or DC, then My Hero Academia is your gateway anime. It takes place in a world where almost everyone has superpowers, known as “quirks.” The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a powerless boy who dreams of becoming a hero and finally gets his chance after meeting the world’s greatest superhero.

For beginners, it’s a perfect blend of comedy, action, and emotional character arcs. Kids, teens, and adults alike love watching Deku and his classmates train, grow, and fight villains. With its uplifting themes about courage, friendship, and never giving up, this anime is a must-try.

6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
• Episodes: 64
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix

If you want an anime that balances action, heart, and storytelling perfectly, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered one of the best of all time. It follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in search of a way to restore their bodies after a tragic accident.

This show is beginner-friendly despite its fantasy setting, because the themes of sacrifice, family, and morality are universal. With only 64 episodes, it’s long enough to dive deep into its world but not overwhelming. Many anime fans say this is the series that truly made them fall in love with anime.

7. Your Name (Movie)

• Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Episodes: 1 movie (1h 46m)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix

If you’re saying, “I don’t want to commit to a long series, I just want a beautiful movie,” then Your Name is perfect. This film tells the story of two teenagers who mysteriously begin swapping bodies and slowly develop a deep connection across space and time.

With breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling, and a mix of romance and fantasy, Your Name is one of the best anime movies for beginners. It’s easy to watch in one sitting and leaves a lasting impression, making it a fantastic way to experience anime without a big time investment.

Tips for Beginners: How to Start Watching Anime

1. Pick Shorter Series First: Try shows under 40 episodes so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
2. Choose Based on Mood: Comedy, action, or drama—start with what excites you most.
3. Don’t Overthink Sub vs. Dub: Beginners can watch in English dub or Japanese sub, whichever feels comfortable.
4. Start with Popular Picks: Widely loved shows like Spy x Family or Death Note are great because they’re accessible and easy to follow.
5. Use Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have large beginner-friendly libraries.

Starting your anime journey doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you prefer the hilarious family chaos of Spy x Family, the intense battles of Attack on Titan, or the emotional beauty of Your Name, there’s an anime here that will draw you in and keep you hooked. Each pick is beginner-friendly, easy to follow, and showcases just how diverse and creative the world of anime can be. So grab your popcorn, pick one of these titles, and let your anime adventure begin!