Top 10 Anime You Must Watch as a Beginner - Japanese Anime Info Bureau

1. Introduction
2. Criteria for Selection
3. Top 10 Anime List for Beginners
4. Conclusion
5. Call to Action

1. Introduction

For those new to anime, choosing what to watch can be overwhelming with so many captivating options available.

To help, we’ve selected 10 anime that are easy for beginners to enjoy, considering a variety of genres and tones.

Each of these shows has a straightforward story, memorable characters, and is ideal for those who are just starting to dive into the world of anime.

2. Criteria for Selection

These anime were chosen based on the following beginner-friendly criteria:

Simple, engaging stories: Not overly complex, making them easy to follow.
Appealing characters: Likable and relatable characters that draw you in.
Stunning visuals and music: Beautiful animation and soundtracks that enhance the experience.
Diverse genres: A variety of genres, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

3. Top 10 Anime List for Beginners

1. ReLIFE

Genre: Slice of Life, School, Comedy
Year: 2016 (13 episodes)
Plot: Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old man who feels like he’s hit rock bottom, gets a second chance at life through a special program called ReLIFE, which lets him relive his high school days. Through new friendships, he begins to rediscover himself.
Highlights: The relatable theme of second chances and personal growth resonates with many. The lighthearted interactions and friendships are also a key strength of the show.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: It’s a heartfelt journey that blends comedy and touching moments, perfect for those looking for a refreshing start to anime.

2. SHIROBAKO

Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Work
Year: 2014 (24 episodes)
Plot: The anime follows five friends who enter the world of anime production. As they chase their dreams, they face real-world struggles while working at an animation studio.
Highlights: SHIROBAKO offers a behind-the-scenes look at the anime industry, making it fascinating for fans who want to learn about how anime is made.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The relatable challenges of balancing dreams and reality will resonate with many viewers. The show’s unique focus on the industry gives beginners a fresh perspective.

3. Hyouka

Genre: Mystery, School
Year: 2012 (22 episodes)
Plot: Oreki Houtarou is a high schooler who prefers to conserve his energy, but after joining the school’s Classic Literature Club, he begins solving everyday mysteries at the request of the curious Eru Chitanda.
Highlights: The charm lies in the slow unraveling of seemingly simple mysteries, paired with gorgeous animation and deep character interactions.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling keeps it engaging without being overwhelming.

4. Baka and Test – Summon the Beasts

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, School
Year: 2010 (13 episodes)
Plot: At Fumizuki Academy, students can summon creatures to battle based on their academic scores. The story follows Akihisa Yoshii and his F-Class as they fight for better classroom privileges.
Highlights: The quirky humor and fast-paced antics are balanced with fun, action-packed battles.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: Its lighthearted, comical nature combined with fantasy elements makes it a perfect entry point for those seeking something entertaining and easy to follow.

5. Asobi Asobase

Genre: Comedy, School
Year: 2018 (12 episodes)
Plot: Three middle school girls, Olivia, Hanako, and Kasumi, spend their days engaging in unpredictable and often bizarre games, with hilarious results.
Highlights: The series’ absurd and sometimes dark humor contrasts with the cute character designs, creating a fresh and unexpected viewing experience.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The quick-witted, surprising humor keeps viewers on their toes, making it an enjoyable watch for those looking to laugh out loud.

6. Non Non Biyori

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy
Year: 2013 (12 episodes)
Plot: In a rural town where the local school has only five students, city girl Hotaru transfers in and experiences the peaceful, slow-paced life of the countryside.
Highlights: The beautiful rural scenery and heartwarming everyday moments bring a sense of calm and serenity to the viewer.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: It’s a soothing, gentle introduction to anime that highlights the beauty of simple, everyday life.

7. No Game No Life

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Isekai
Year: 2014 (12 episodes)
Plot: Genius gamer siblings Sora and Shiro are transported to a world where everything is decided through games. They aim to conquer this new world using their unmatched gaming skills.
Highlights: The vibrant, colorful visuals and intense strategic battles make this a visually stunning and intellectually engaging series.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The easy-to-follow, game-based story structure offers a fun and immersive experience for newcomers.

8. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Year: 2023 (28 episodes planned)
Plot: After defeating the demon lord, Frieren, an immortal elf, embarks on a new journey to learn more about humanity and the friends she once traveled with.
Highlights: The introspective narrative, focusing on the meaning of life and time, creates a thoughtful, emotionally rich viewing experience.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The slow-paced, reflective storytelling combined with a beautiful fantasy world makes it easy for beginners to get drawn into the deeper themes.

9. Chainsaw Man

Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy
Year: 2022 (12 episodes)
Plot: Denji, a poor young man, merges with a devil named Pochita, gaining the power to transform into Chainsaw Man. He joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, facing brutal battles in pursuit of a better life.
Highlights: The show’s intense action scenes and dark, often humorous tone make it stand out, while its deep character development adds emotional weight.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The fast-paced action and unique characters keep the story engaging, making it a great choice for those looking for a more mature, thrilling anime.

10. School-Live!

Genre: Survival, Horror, Slice of Life
Year: 2015 (12 episodes)
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, a group of high school girls form the “School Living Club” and attempt to survive while keeping up a facade of normal school life.
Highlights: The stark contrast between cute, schoolgirl aesthetics and the harrowing zombie apocalypse gives this show a unique charm and emotional depth.
Why Beginners Will Enjoy It: The blend of horror and heartwarming moments provides a fresh take on both genres, making it an intriguing watch for newcomers.

4. Conclusion

These 10 anime represent a diverse range of genres and styles, making them perfect for beginners.

With relatable characters, compelling visuals, and engaging stories, these series offer something for everyone.

Whether you’re into comedy, fantasy, or drama, you’re sure to find a new favorite among these picks. Happy watching!

5. Call to Action

Did any of these shows catch your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what your favorite anime is, or which one you plan to watch next!