Anime is becoming more and more popular as the days go by. You must have heard some basic layman definition of what Anime is all about – its cartoons made by Japan or so on, and I’m pretty sure your weeb friends must have snapped and given you a lecture about it. (Trust me, do not ever tell a weeb anime is cartoons; it will lead to the worst possible outcome)
To check it out, you are now wondering where I should begin from; the anime community is massive, and it becomes pretty difficult for newbies to enter the otaku world because they don’t know where to start. This article intends to help you how to get on and enter the land of paradise.
If you have seen Dragon Ball Z, Conan, Naruto in childhood, Congrats, you have already entered the world. The Millenials and early Gen Z population grew up watching these shows in Dub versions, and even if you have not, no worries, let’s explore through this article.
Watching anime does not require a certain age or race! Anyone can start watching anime right now on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, Funimation, etc. In fact, it’ll be one of the best things you do. Naruto, My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, Haikyu!! and Assassination Classroom are the five best starter anime you can start with.
Here are some steps on how to start anime.
A. Step 1: Discover your Genre
The most common mistake that every newbie makes is to start an anime just because it’s popular. And if they do start it and later do not like it, they tend to refrain from watching anything at all.
Firstly keep an open mind before watching any anime. Second, discover your genre; it’s important to know what you like and do not like. Later, when you’re used to the idea of watching anime, then proceed to watch something out of your regular genre to keep things interesting.
It’s good to start with anime with fewer episodes than anime with episodes in three digits because you’re still in the trial period.
1) Shounen/ Action
Shounen is the type of Anime genre that targets the young male audience. Basically, you will find action, crime, thriller, and fantasy in this genre. You should give it a try if you’re into Marvel, DC, and action in general.
I. Kimitsu No Yaiba
This anime follows a story in an alternate universe where demons and magic exist. The demon slayers kill the demons and save the humans. The protagonist wants to save his sister, who has recently been turned into a demon.
II. One Punch Man
If you like superhero stuff, this anime is just for you. Saitama is a superhero who is bored of his mundane life of consistently winning against the villains. He hopes to find a new exhilarating challenge.
III. Shokugeki no Souma
This masterpiece was made especially for food lovers.You might want to check it out if you love food aesthetics. But I will warn you it will make you hungry.
IV. Boku no Hero Academia
Superhero fanatics, this is just for you. You can find action, comedy, fantasy, and slice of life all together like a package combo in this anime.
V. Dr. Stone
Science geeks this anime might be your heaven. From the evolution of mankind to miscellaneous discoveries you will find it all in Dr. Stone. In a post-apocalyptic scenario, Senku, our mad scientist builds everything from scratch. Watch him make impossible things in the Stone World.
2) Shoujo/RomCom
Shoujo is a genre generally targeted at girls. It may or may not revolve around school life. Sometimes the central theme won’t be romance but the person’s journey in life.
I. Kaichou wa maid-sama!
It will introduce you to a strong-headed yet soft School President, Misaki, who works at a maid cafe. But she wants to keep it a secret because it doesn’t suit the image that she has created in front of her school. However, Usui, her annoying classmate, finds out her secret. How will she deal with Usui? (The anime is hilarious and you will not regret watching it)
II. Skip Beat
Kyoko is a naive little thing who works like a slave for her childhood crush Sho, a douchebag. Kyoko, realizing the truth, ventures on a mission to become an actor along with her voodoo dolls and excellent acting skills. The plot is not romance; it’s more about how Kyoko grows as a person and recognizes her dreams.
III. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun is a bizarre yet hilarious series that shows the budding relationship of smarty pants, Shizuku, and low-key delinquent, Haru. It focuses on Shizuku, a cold, no-nonsense person slowly blooming into a friendly and empathetic person.
IV. Akatsuki no Yona
If you like historical dramas, this anime might interest you. Yona is the kingdom’s sheltered Princess. She believes that her father is a perfect king, but when he is assassinated, which leads her to flee the kingdom with her aide Haq, she learns that her father wasn’t a good king after all.
V. Watakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
If you are looking for office romance, this might be your jam. It deals with how otaku’s (fanatics) fall in love. It’s heartwarming and full of fluff; you might enjoy it since it deals with many mature themes.
VI. Kamisama Hajimemashita
When Shoujo and fantasy come together, it results in Kamisama Hajimemashita. A scheming God dupes Nanami to take his place and become God of his shrine. Will Nanami be able to convince the hostile and rude Tomoe to become her familiar?
3) Comedy
I. Gintama
Gintoki, a samurai who is your neighborhood handy dandy man is here to entertain and make your stomachs rolling. It’s so bizarre that after watching a few episodes, you will not be surprised by anything; we have aliens, mafia, superheroes.
II. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Every day, Kaguya and Miyuki will wage war on each other, but this war is for love; who will confess their love for the other first, to be precise.
III. Nichijou
Nichijou is one of the classic comedy anime that you can find. It follows the daily life of three high school girls.
IV. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Saiki wants a normal life free of hassle and pain, but his psychic powers won’t let him. His odd superpowers always make him the center of attention.
V. Sakamoto Desu ga?
Be itany crisis, Sakamoto will never lose his cool. He stands on the epitome of the cool meter and refuses to go down even a little. Watch him flex his skills and amaze your sanity out of you.
4) Slice of Life
Slice of Life is full of heartwarming, overwhelming, and fluffy content. It is perfect for people who are looking for some wholesome quality content.
I. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a bittersweet tale of young Violet, a former soldier who has recently lost all her comrades. Now she works as a typewriter and learns how to be human and not the killing machine she was trained to be.
II. Himouto! Umaru-chan
This anime’s primary aim is to make us remember that all of us are couch potatoes, but Umaru is the best couch potato of them all.
IV. Your Lie in April
Music is something that connects all of us as well as the characters in this anime. Its focus is on Kousei, who meets Kaori and falls in love with music again.
V. Anohana
Jinta meets his old friend Menma who demands that her wish is still unfulfilled and must be granted, but he cannot possibly fathom the idea that she is back because she died ages ago.
VI. Natsume Yuujinchou
Natsume is constantly tormented by spirits and Yokai. He later discovers a book containing the names of these Yokai. Will this book finally solve his problems?
5) Psychological
If you need something which will blow your mind or probably play mind games with you, Psychological anime will be the thing you are looking for.
I. Mirai Nikki
Brace yourself before watching this. You will find your perfect Yandere girlfriend right here. She is one hysterical chick you wouldn’t never want to mess around with.
II. Death Note
Death note is crazy widespread, and it doesn’t need an introduction. But in simple terms, just imagine if you had a book where you can write names of the people you want to die, what sort of chaos will it erupt? This anime will answer your question.
III. The Promised Neverland
In the middle of a dark, dense forest exists an orphanage that daily runs health tests on the children; the adopted children disappear from the earth as if they never existed, suspicious right? Watch to find out more.
IV. Kakegurui
Hyakkaou Private Academy nurtures its students to become the best baddy of them all. Let it be any underhanded method this school will teach you how to do it.
V. Tokyo Ghoul
The metropolitan citizens live in constant fear of flesh-eating ghouls that will slurp you up like a good smoothie. This anime is pretty grotesque, so watch only if you are comfortable with gore.
6) Sports
Yep, anime has its separate sports genre that you can enjoy. We get more behind-the-scenes work in this type.
I. Haikyu!!
We cannot have sports anime without talking about Haikyu. It’s one of the best out there. The anime is based on volleyball. You’re sure to enjoy this even if you’re not into sports.
II. Diamond no Ace
Baseball fans, Diamond no Ace was made just for you. Join Sawamura’s journey as he becomes the ace of his high school.
III. Baby Steps
If you love Tennis you will surely love Baby Steps. Eiichiro who has no prior knowledge and experience in Tennis is lured to a tennis club. Gradually he comes up with innovative strategies and tactics to beat his opponent.
IV. Megalo Box
Boxing is the type of sport which makes its viewer bite their nails off because everything can change in one second. Megalo Box takes this excitement to the next level by introducing illegal fights in a futuristic Japan.
V. Yuri!!! ON ICE
Yuri On Ice’s fanbase is crazy and it totally makes sense because the anime is a gem. It’s a playground for all the shippers. Ice skating, in general, is extremely beautiful and this anime is definitely worth your time, once you get into it you cannot take your eyes off it.
7) Seinen
The Seinen genre is targeted towards adult audiences. Generally it covers the male demography and deals with mature themes.
I. Attack On Titan
In a prison-like world where people are running away from man-eating Titan, Eren wishes to kill every Titan plaguing his life and saving humanity.
II. Kingdom
The story is set in ancient China. People who like stories centering around war and nation building, you should give this anime a go.
III. Prison School
Prison School is a dark comedy by Akira Hiramoto. A school majorly populated by beauties will surely be a heaven but that’s not the case in Hachimitsu Academy. Even minor mistakes can send you to prison.
IV. Monster
Monster deals with serious issues that are relevant to real life. It embarks on Dr. Tenma’s journey with how he deals with the hospital’s dirty politics and saves someone who should have never been saved.
V. Mushishi
It is based on the adventures of Mushi master, Ginko who is a lone traveler. He helps people throughout his journey from their sufferings, problems and superstitions caused by supernatural beings called Mushi.
B. Step 2: Where to Watch
Here are some official streaming sites that will help you find the anime that you’re looking for
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Crunchyroll
- Funimation
- Amazon Prime
C. Some Classics to Watch Over Time
Now that you’re into anime and have fallen in love with it. You must check these classics out.
- Naruto
- Fairy Tail
- One Piece
- Black Clover
- Sailor Moon
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- Seven Deadly Sins
- Hunter X Hunter
- Inuyasha
- Dr. Stone
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