Anime Curated: Best Titles To Kick Of Your Viewing Journey With!

Anime has captivated audiences across the globe with its unique blend of storytelling, art, and emotion over the years. For beginners, the vast variety of genres, styles, and series might seem overwhelming. But don’t worry! Whether you’re drawn to action-packed adventures, heartfelt dramas, or comedic slices of life, there’s an anime out there for everyone. Whether you’re new to anime or curious about what makes it so special, diving into this vast world can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a little curated guide that will ease you into the realm of anime, offering recommendations that appeal to newcomers while providing an overview of genres, themes, and what to expect.

What Is ‘Anime’?

Simply put, anime refers to animated shows or movies originating from Japan. However, anime has grown beyond its roots to become a global phenomenon, influencing various forms of entertainment worldwide. What sets it apart from traditional cartoons is its diversity in genre, target audience, and narrative depth. While some anime is geared toward children, much of it is designed for adults, dealing with complex themes such as morality, society, love, and loss. From dramatic romances to psychological thrillers, there’s something for everyone.

Finding Your Genre

Anime, like any other medium, is divided into genres. Understanding these genres can help you pick shows based on your tastes. However, below are a few of the most popular genres and what to expect from them.

Shounen

Shounen anime, which aims especially the younger male populations, is popularly filled with actions, adventures and character evolution. Moreover, most of these series tend to have a young male character. The one who embarks on a hero’s journey where he learns to hone his skills, improves his abilities as well as his psyche. Whether it’s a 14-year-old or 40 years old. Either of them can happily enjoy Shounen and the wide palette of shows it offers. Many novice viewers tend to watch shounen series first since it is easy to understand given the simple storyline, has plenty of entertaining fight scenes, and has some of the common themes such as bonds, hard work, and good vs evil.

Some of the top 5 most recommended beginner friendly Shounen watched by the consumers are Naruto, One Piece, Full Metal Alchemist, Dragon Ball-Z and The Death Note.

Shoujo Anime

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Shoujo, a genre aimed at young girls. Shoujo tends to focus on relationships, romance, and personal growth. The characters are often more emotionally driven, and the plots can be lighthearted or deeply emotional. Beginners looking for something softer or more relationship-focused might find shoujo a great starting point.

Kimi No Todoke, Kaichou wa Maid Sama, Ouran High School Host Club, Fruit Basket and Sukitte Ii Na Yo are some of the most popular series in the Shoujo genre. These are also the series recommended to an Anime beginner.

Seinen

Seinen anime targets older male audiences, often with more mature themes and complex narratives. These shows delve into psychological drama, crime, politics, and darker topics. While they may not be the first stop for most beginners, those looking for thought-provoking content may find this genre appealing. These series often come with graphic violence, deep themes, and an exploration of human nature that makes them stand out from other anime genres.

Attack On Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Berserk, Made in Abyss and Erased always top the Seinen genre of anime. However, these series contain graphic violence and you may watch it at your own risk.

Josei Anime

Similar to shoujo but aimed at older women, josei focuses on more realistic and mature relationships. These series often explore the complexities of adult life, relationships, and love. If you’re a fan of romance but prefer something with a mature and grounded approach, consider checking out josei anime. These are more introspective, often dealing with career challenges, adult relationships, and emotional struggles.

Paradise Kiss, Princess Jellyfish, Kids On Slope, Bunny Drop and Chihayafuru are popular among the beginners for its mature and more realistic approach of concept.

Isekai Anime

Isekai, which means “another world,” involves a protagonist being transported from their everyday life into a fantastical world. These shows often blend elements of adventure, fantasy, and action. Isekai anime can be a lot of fun, with their imaginative settings and escapism, which makes them a hit among beginners. This genre provides an escapade from all the usual genres, making it standout from others.

Some of the top Isekai’s, such as KonoSuba, Re:Zero, Saga Of Tanya The Evil, The Vision Of Escaflowne, and Inuyasha, are not only popular but also beginner friendly.

Apart From The Genres

If you’re still not sure where to start, it might help to look at some classic or must-watch anime. Undoubtedly, fans worldwide love these shows, often using them as a gateway into the broader world of anime.

Naruto

Naruto is one of the most popular anime of all time and a perfect starting point for beginners. The story follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the strongest ninja in his village, the Hokage. Along the way, he makes friends, faces enemies, and discovers the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself.

Naruto has all the elements that make anime exciting; epic battles, emotional moments, and a storyline that keeps you hooked. Plus, if you like it, you have a long series ahead, with Naruto: Shippuden as a sequel.

Attack On Titan

For those who enjoy action with a darker, more intense plot, Attack on Titan offers a gripping narrative. Humanity is on the verge of extinction, living behind enormous walls to protect themselves from gigantic, man-eating Titans. The series is filled with mystery, plot twists, and nail-biting action. Additionally, it’s perfect for beginners who want to dive into something a bit more mature but still accessible.

Full Metal Alchemist

This series is an excellent introduction for anime beginners because it blends action, emotion, and philosophy seamlessly. The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in a desperate attempt to resurrect their deceased mother. The attempt goes horribly wrong, leading the brothers on a journey to restore their bodies while uncovering deep political and supernatural secrets.

The balance of humor, action, and moral complexity makes Fullmetal Alchemist a favorite among both beginners and seasoned anime fans alike.

My Hero Academia

Another fantastic entry into the world of anime, My Hero Academia takes place in a world where almost everyone has superpowers, known as “quirks.” Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist, dreams of becoming a hero despite being born quirkless. Through determination and hard work, he eventually earns the chance to enroll in the prestigious U.A. High School. Here future heroes are trained.

The series is a refreshing take on the superhero genre, with inspiring characters, exciting action scenes, and a touch of humor.

Spirited Away (Anime Movie)

If you prefer movies over series, Spirited Away by Studio Ghibli is a must-watch. This Oscar-winning film tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who stumbles into a magical world filled with spirits, witches, and strange creatures. To save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs, she must work in a mystical bathhouse.

Spirited Away is a beautiful, dreamlike adventure that offers a window into the whimsical and magical side of anime. It’s perfect for beginners because it’s a self-contained story that leaves a lasting impact.

Your Name (Anime Movie)

This modern classic is a touching love story with a unique twist. Your Name follows two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously begin swapping bodies, living each other’s lives for brief periods. The film blends romance, fantasy, and drama in a visually stunning package. Its universal themes of love and connection make it accessible even to viewers unfamiliar with anime.

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Starting your anime journey may feel overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly exciting. Additionally, with the wide variety of genres and stories, there’s an anime out there for everyone, no matter your taste. When you immerse yourself in the magical world of Spirited Away, when you become engrossed in the high-stakes battles of Attack on Titan, or when you laugh along with One Punch Man. You will find that the world of anime offers endless entertainment and profound storytelling.

As you watch more, you’ll discover your preferences and explore deeper into the genre. The key is to start with something that aligns with your interests and gradually branch out. Altogether, anime isn’t just about giant robots and magical girls—it’s a medium capable of telling some of the most moving, exciting, and unique stories in modern entertainment.