Anime Starter Pack: 10 Beginner-Friendly Anime Series

So, you’re curious about anime? Awesome! There’s a whole world of cool animated stories waiting for you. And don’t you don’t worry about getting lost in the shuffle; I’ve picked out the top 10 beginner-friendly series to kick things off. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales, there’s something here for you. So, grab your snacks and let’s jump right in!

1. Death Note

1 season | 37 episodes
Watch on: Hulu, Peacock, Tubi TV, Pluto TV

When high school prodigy Light Yagami stumbles upon a peculiar notebook titled “Death Note”, he discovers its dark power: write anyone’s name while picturing their face, and they die! How’s that for an ultimate teen power trip? But with great power comes… a relentless detective named “L”.

Why is Death Note the anime equivalent of an entrance ticket for rookies? First off, the plot is tighter than a drum—think Sherlock vs. Moriarty with a paranormal twist! Perfect for newbies, it trims away all the typical anime frills, giving you a rollercoaster ride from episode one. And hey, who hasn’t wondered about having a smidge of god-like power?

2. One Punch Man

2 seasons | 24 episodes
Watch on: Crunchyroll, Hulu

Meet Saitama, a bald guy in a cape who defeats any opponent with just… you guessed it, one punch! Sounds epic, right? But what’s a hero to do when every battle ends before it begins? Cue an existential crisis and a search for a worthy opponent. Throw in a cyborg sidekick, and you’ve got yourself a plot!

One Punch Man is an anime comedy twist on the superhero trope we all know and love. Think Superman, but bored out of his skull! It mocks, it rocks, and it introduces anime with a wink and a nudge. Ideal for first-timers, it’s a breezy blast before you plunge into massive anime sagas. And FYI, season two is a tad meh—but hey, not a deal-breaker!

3. Attack on Titan

4 seasons | 88 episodes
Watch on: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu

Imagine living within massive walls—your only protection against giant humanoid creatures with an appetite for humans. Yikes! In a world infested with Titans, that’s daily life for Eren Yeager and his friends. But when the walls come crumbling down (literally), it’s time for a counterattack!

Why start your anime adventure with Attack on Titan? It’s like The Walking Dead, but with bigger, badder foes and way more vertical maneuvering! The stakes? Astronomical. The action? Heart-palpitating. Perfect for those new to anime, it’s epic, raw, and dives deep without getting too caught up in cultural nuances. Just a heads-up before you dive in: this one is in the dark anime territory for the R-17+ crowd.

4. My Hero Academia

6 seasons | 138 episodes
Watch on: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu

In a world where almost everyone flaunts superpowers (or “Quirks”), poor Izuku Midoriya stands out for not having one. Ouch, right? But dreams don’t die easily! With grit and a chance encounter with his idol, he’s soon enrolled at U.A. High School, the top academy for budding heroes. Drama, friendships, and epic showdowns ahead!

My Hero Academia seamlessly weaves Western superhero motifs into a classic coming-of-age anime narrative. A dash of teenage angst, heart-pounding battles, and the age-old question—what does it take to be a hero? Is it beginner-friendly? Absolutely! A delightful mash-up of X-Men meets school drama, it’s the perfect leap into the animeverse.

5. Cowboy Bebop

1 season | 26 episodes
Watch on: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Tubi TV

Space is the place to be when you’re a bounty hunter! In Cowboy Bebop, Spike Spiegel and his ragtag crew chase the galaxy’s most wanted and wrestle past demons, all to a killer soundtrack. It’s the wild west out in space, and every episode’s a new adventure. Cash, chaos, and… a corgi?

If you ever wished Firefly had an animated, jazzy cousin, here’s your golden ticket. Cowboy Bebop is the beginner’s guide to space fun, with an episodic format that won’t tie your brain in knots and classic themes like love and loss (plus some seriously wild adventures). A timeless anime classic and a perfect bridge between Western and Eastern storytelling.

6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

1 season | 64 episodes
Watch on: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Prime Video

Alchemy: the mystical art of transmutation, bound by one taboo—no human transmutation. When the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, ignore this warning, it costs Ed an arm and a leg and Al his entire body. Now, they’re on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, the ultimate alchemical cheat code, to fix their mistakes.

New to anime? No sweat! Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood brilliantly combines Western settings, rich lore, and epic showdowns into an easily digestible Shounen masterpiece. It’s all about the universal themes of ambition and sacrifice and that good ol’ redemption journey. So, tune in, and soon you’ll be shouting “Equivalent Exchange!” with the rest of us.

7. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

1 season | 11 episodes
Watch on: Funimation, Crunchyroll

Childhood friendships, heart-tugging memories, and… a ghostly return? When Menma, a young girl who tragically died years ago, reappears in front of her old friend Jinta, it’s not just for a casual hello. She’s got a wish, but there’s a tiny snag: she can’t remember what it is!

Okay, Anohana serves up feels that could challenge tearjerker champ John Green! It beautifully captures the big themes—childhood nostalgia, grief, and the bittersweet pangs of growing up—without overwhelming you with typical anime extravagance. And with only 11 episodes, it’s like a snack-sized intro to anime greatness. Just keep those tissues nearby.

SEE ALSO: The Quick Binge: Best Short Anime Series on Netflix

8. Sword Art Online

3 seasons | 96 episodes
Watch on: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

Kirito and a bunch of gamers become trapped in their favorite game, but it’s no playground. You can’t just peace out; you have to win to log out. Dying in-game? You’re toast in real life too. Mix in some romance, backstabbing, and MMORPG action, and we’ve got ourselves a digital guilty pleasure!

Sword Art Online combines global gaming culture with high-stakes action. For beginners, it’s like merging the thrill of World of Warcraft with the survivalist drama of The Hunger Games. Engaging plots, first-love jitters, and epic sword fights? Check, check, and check! A virtual thrill ride that’s your gateway drug into anime. Ready, player one?

9. Gurren Lagann

1 season | 27 episodes
Watch on: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Hulu

In a world where humans dwell underground, young Simon and fiery Kamina dream of the sky. But dreamers beware: once they snag a mecha (that’s a giant robot for the uninitiated), reality skyrockets, quite literally! Here begins an adventure that scales dimensions and drills through expectations!

Gurren Lagann is an exhilarating crash course into the world of anime action. It will teach you the golden rule: Go big or go home! And this sci-fi anime never goes home. The camaraderie, the ludicrous battles, and the life lessons make it an unforgettable starter. And, while its theatrics can be a tad extra, isn’t diving headfirst what first experiences are all about?

10. Your Lie in April

1 season | 22 episodes
Watch on: Crunchyroll, Hulu

Kousei Arima, once a piano prodigy, lost his ability to hear piano notes after his mom’s passing. Enter free-spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who, with a violin’s screech and a whirlwind of charm, pushes him back into the music world. But every melody has its secrets…

Why pick Your Lie in April for your anime initiation? This isn’t your usual boy-meets-girl tale; it’s a deep dive into love, loss, and all those tricky bits of life. For fresh-eyed viewers, it’s an authentic peek into anime’s heartstring-tugging power and a reminder that stories (and theme songs!), no matter their zip code, can resonate universally. Ready to feel the music?

Disclaimer: The Rockle has no affiliation with the streaming services mentioned in this article. Our opinions are based on our research and experience, and we do not receive any commission or compensation for promoting these services.

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