Anime’s officially taken over: streaming platforms are full of it, conventions are blowing up, and odds are even your non-anime friends have asked you about “that show with the giant naked people.” But getting into anime for the first time can be overwhelming-it’s a wild mix of giant robots, pirates, schoolkids with psychic powers, and emotional breakdowns that hit way too close to home. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered. Here’s a countdown of the 10 best anime for beginners, from shows that are easy to follow, full of heart, and just the right amount of weird to get you hooked:
10. Delicious in Dungeon
Ever wonder what it would be like to cook and eat the monsters that you fight in an RPG? Delicious in Dungeon answers just that. It follows Laios and his quirky team of explorers navigating through a monster-filled labyrinth, surviving by whipping up culinary creations with whatever beasts they slay. Think Dungeons & Dragons meets Iron Chef. Funny, charming, and surprisingly wholesome, it’s perfect for fantasy lovers looking for a cozy, creative twist on the adventure genre.
9. Tamako Market
But if heartwarming comfort shows are more your speed, then Tamako Market is a real treat. Centered around Tamako, a bubbly mochi shop girl whose simple life gets flipped upside down when she meets a talking bird, together they navigate friendship, family, and community life within the cutest street market you’ve ever laid your eyes on. It’s basically the anime equivalent of a warm blanket: sweet, sincere, and perfect for newcomers just wanting to get into something mellow and joyful.
8. Dr. Stone
When a strange phenomenon turns all of humanity into stone, one science-loving teen suddenly wakes up thousands of years later to make a plan to rebuild from scratch. Enter Dr. Stone, an action-packed adventure and science mixture where inventing soap and light bulbs is epic. With its clever storyline and brainy hero, this is one of the most entertaining and original anime for beginners; think science class turned into an adrenaline rush.
7. Mob Psycho 100
Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama looks like an ordinary middle schooler, but he’s actually a psychic powerhouse who can’t seem to keep his emotions – and powers – in check. His mentor? A self-proclaimed exorcist who’s more scam artist than sensei. Mob Psycho 100 is a wild ride that’s full of stunning animation, hilarious moments, and a heart that even catches you off guard. It’s that perfect mix of humor, action, and heart that showcases just how imaginative anime can be.
6. Samurai Champloo
Mix samurai sword fights, hip-hop beats, and a road trip through Edo-era Japan, and what do you get? Samurai Champloo. This stylish adventure follows three misfits on a chaotic journey that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and full of action. Visually striking, easy to follow, and effortlessly cool, it’s a perfect gateway for anyone looking to get a feel of anime’s creative flair.
5. Hunter x Hunter
If you want a taste of what makes shonen anime addictive, Hunter x Hunter is a must. It follows Gon, a cheerful kid searching for his missing father, as he trains to become a professional “Hunter” and meets friends (and enemies) along the way. An easy-to-follow start and one of the smartest battle systems in anime make this series an adventure classic, perfectly balancing heart, strategy, and growth.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
If you’ve seen people talking about cursed spirits and pink-haired teens online-yeah, this is that show. Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, an average high schooler who accidentally ingests a cursed object and gets thrown into the world of exorcists and monsters. Beautiful animation, complete with heart-stopping battles and an incredibly emotional story. But best of all, it’s modern and accessible-a perfect gateway into today’s anime scene.
3. One Piece
A thousand episodes might sound daunting, but let me assure you, One Piece is well worth it. This legendary pirate saga follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew on an adventure to find the world’s greatest treasure. It’s full of humor, adventure, and deeper emotional storytelling than you might imagine. You don’t have to watch it all in one sitting; just start sailing and see where it takes you.
2. Pokémon
You know the song, you’ve seen the cards, but Pokémon is more than nostalgia: it’s one of the easiest and most fun entry points into anime. The world is so easy to understand; every episode has a clear goal, and the charm is universal. The newest Pokémon Horizons series is very beginner-friendly, offering a fresh start with new characters and stories. Whether you’re 8 or 80, this one’s timeless.
1. Bleach
If you want a definitive anime experience—cool powers, slick fights, and a story that keeps on escalating—Bleach is your go-to. It follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally turns into a Soul Reaper and, well, finds himself battling evil spirits while protecting his loved ones. With its memorable characters, epic soundtrack, and classic hero’s journey, Bleach embodies all that makes anime exciting for those new to the genre.
And there you have it—ten anime that’ll turn any newbie into a fan. Want to laugh? Cry? Or escape into something completely new? There’s something here waiting for you. So grab a snack, fire up your streaming service, and start your anime adventure-you’ll be shouting “one more episode” before you know it.