The Best Starter Anime To Watch

If you have decided that it is finally time to get into anime - properly, then you’re not alone. But with so many out there - everything from webtoons to movies are there any that offer a better, cooler, and more enjoyable first experience? 

Photo by Gracia Dharma on Unsplash

What makes a good anime? 

Just like other types of movies, music, and TV - it is subjective. What makes for a good anime is a lot down to personal preference; that said, there are some features that will make them even more enjoyable. Where to watch anime will depend on your region and what streaming services you have, and you might find some of them online for free. 

The storyline line of an anime is usually pretty immersive, and they hinge on emotions, too. Writers of anime make sure that because their characters are so well-developed, you are invested in what they are doing, why, how, and with whom. 

And it’s not usually instant; the character will develop over time, and you will learn more about them, and each character will be distinct too. 

The music in anime is typically incredible and highly tuned to the emotion at the moment - in fact, some of the opening credit music becomes iconic pretty quickly. 

So, where should you start if you want to get into anime? 

Shaman King

The Shaman King series follows the exciting life (really, you could call this misadventures) of Yoh Asakura. He is a super laid-back guy who can talk to the dead. Spirits are a solid theme throughout the series, which ran from 2001-2005. With his gift, he decides he wants to become Shaman King. Of course, to reach this goal, he needs to put in the work - going on a difficult trip and training along the way. 

This one is main character-focused, and because of that, it is easy to fall in love with him and cheer him on as he grows. 

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

A show that ran for three years between 2006 and 2009, and it quickly became one of the most loved anime in Japan. Haruhi is one of the best characters for people who are just getting into anime because she is easy to relate to - and even easier to believe as a character. She makes friends with an eccentric schoolgirl who has a gift - Kyon, who has the ability to understand much of the supernatural world. 

They form a club, and before you know it, there is a world-ending problem in their path - of course, you’ll need to watch it to see what happens… 

Kakegurui

One thing that anime does so well is colliding worlds and exploring different premises. And this is certainly an example of that. Kakeguri follows a school student who has a gambling addiction. Of course, that isn’t exciting enough, so Yumeko Jabami is also in a highly prestigious school filled with rich students. 

What more could a gambling addict need? This show ran for two years between 2017 and 2019, and rather than just cash - the student that wins gets a ‘house pet’ - i.e., the loser. It is a little darker than some anime, but only because they explore the limits of psychological games in order to win, and the tension is high and turns up higher in every episode.

Sailor Moon 

Sailor Moon is one of the most iconic anime series ever, and it ran from 1992 to 1997. This series is almost like a right of passage because everyone who enjoys anime has likely watched this - and that is what makes it a great starting point. 

The characters are hype expressive, and that is part of what makes them so easy to fall in love with. It is fuelled by fantasy and encourages self-discovery and forming strong friendships. 

Bleach

Bleach is considered to be one of the Big Three Shonen and is a classic anime for those who want to enjoy both supernatural, action, and adventure. There are plenty of sword fights, and you’ll also hear a lot of riské language in this one too. Ichigo Kurosaki, a feisty, angsty teen, ‘somehow’ inherits the abilities of a Soul Reaper and needs to make sure to use these skills for good. 

One of the best things about Bleach is that it has 366 episodes that you can binge-watch, and while the series does cover a lot of ground in terms of heavy subject matter and a lot of graphic material too - it is still highly recommended for anyone who wants to get into anime. 

Castlevania

A twist on a vampire classic - Castlevania was one of the most popular anime in the last year (aside from OnePiece, which saw a huge increase in viewers thanks to the live-action remake). Set in Europe, we follow the only survivor of the Belmont line as he ferociously defends Eastern Europe from the clutches of the Vlad Dracula Tepes. 

So there you have it - a couple of great starting points!