8 anime perfect for newcomers to the medium
A collection of shows worth checking out for the uncertain and uninitiated.
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| Image: Shounen Jump |
Diving into the world of anime can be daunting for those unfamiliar with foreign media in general. As platforms like Netflix and Hulu continue to develop their repertoire of anime, it isn't easy to figure out where to start.
Japan produces close to 200 anime series each year, and in a sea of content with no way to gauge quality outside of aggregate scoring and reviews hosted on dedicated websites like MyAnimeList, it's not easy to find the right show to start with.
8. Death Note
A classic, and rightfully so. "Death Note" tells the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who comes into possession of a mysterious notebook that's labeled "Death Note." The Death Note lists its rules for how to use it and what it's capable of.
Light quickly becomes obsessed with writing down names in the Death Note, seeking to rid the world of criminal filth. This attracts the attention of L, a legendary British detective, who vows to hunt Light down.
"Death Note" is the perfect starting anime. It introduces the viewer to complex themes and characters almost immediately, keeping the viewer invested in the story, characters and philosophies presented by the anime.
The cat-and-mouse game played by L and Light is unimaginably entertaining as well, and will leave viewers anxious and thrilled simultaneously.
"Death Note" is engaging from the get-go, since the show's pacing kicks off at a breakneck speed, with the games beginning within the first three episodes.
Available on Netflix.
7. Cowboy Bebop
"Cowboy Bebop" transcends the genre of anime. It's rare that someone will be familiar with anime and unfamiliar with "Cowboy Bebop" at the same time. Put simply, "Bebop" is a legendary collection of stories following a couple of bounty hunters in space.
Centered around Spike Spiegel and Jet Black, "Bebop" takes place all throughout the solar system. Spike and Jet work together to collect bounties put out on wanted criminals. Throughout their misadventures, they meet Faye Valentine, a woman with a mysterious past who recently awoke from cryogenic sleep, and Edward, a genius hacker who tags along for fun.
Though the series is episodic in its presentation, there is noticeable momentum that carries through each individual episode, weaving together an intricate sequence of events that carry profound meaning in the context of the show's themes.
Backed by an absolutely stellar soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno, "Cowboy Bebop" is a legendary merging of traditional Japanese animation and strong Western influence. You'll fall in love with the characters and you won't be able to stop watching.
Official Funimation trailer for "Cowboy Bebop"
Available on Netflix.
6. Attack on Titan
"Attack on Titan" has a legendary reputation. Captivating audiences back in 2013 with the release of its first season, it introduced viewers to a dystopian world ravaged by the threat of massive humanoid beasts whose solitary goal seemed to be devouring the denizens the world.
Though it was all flash and no substance back when it first released, four additional seasons have since been released, covering more of the source material.
It's exciting, it's horrifying and it's even heartbreaking at times. "Attack on Titan" understands the core fundamentals of storytelling in such a deep way, and it tells a compelling tale spanning several years within the world.
Available on Netflix and Hulu.
5. My Hero Academia
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| Image: Funimation |
Exceedingly popular since it's initial release in 2016, "My Hero Academia" is essentially Marvel meets anime. People are occasionally born with abilities known as "quirks." Quirks are basically superpowers, though not all of these quirks are created equal, with some being borderline useless.
"My Hero Academia" focuses on the story of a young hero enthusiast named Izuku Midoriya and his unflinching desire to become a superhero. Despite not being born with a quirk, Izuku still fawns over the superhero culture, hoping to join their ranks one day.
"My Hero Academia" is the very essence of dumb fun. The characters can have deep arcs, but the show often focuses more on creating hype and spectacle rather than innovating new ways to tell a story. Lack of innovation aside, the plot for this show is incredibly grabbing. Off the bat, the viewer is exposed to immediate action and plot development, leaving them wanting more.
It's easy to binge, and a ton of fun to watch. Definitely check this show out if you enjoy comic books or other super hero TV shows and movies!
Available on Hulu.
4. A Silent Voice
Unlike the other entries on this list, "A Silent Voice" is a movie. Released in 2016 by Kyoto Animation, "A Silent Voice" is a heartwarming story about a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya. Shoko first meets the other main character, Shoya Ishida, in grade school. Shoya and Shoko did not get along, resulting in Shoya often bullying Shoko for attention from his friends.
Eventually the bullying progresses to a point where Shoko is forced to transfer schools. After a brutal barrage of insults from his teachers and classmates, Shoya becomes ostracized from his peers. Carrying the burden of regret with him, Shoya only has one goal he wants to accomplish before the end of his life: apologizing to Shoko.
"A Silent Voice" is not only a gorgeous film with an equally beautiful tale of romance and redemption, but also a relatively quick watch, with the final runtime for the film clocking in at a mere 130 minutes.
Official trailer for "A Silent Voice"
Available on Netflix.
3. One Punch Man
"One Punch Man" is as simple as the title suggests. Saitama, a wannabe superhero, trains for a year straight, sticking to an intense exercise regiment and diet, in hopes of being able to achieve his dreams of being a superhero.
Saitama's wish comes true, but in a monkey's paw sort of way. Saitama has the strength to literally defeat anything in one punch, speed that is unmatched by any and all rivals, and complete invulnerability to most attacks. The problem? He's bored. No enemy poses a threat to him, and fights are over before they begin.
"One Punch Man" goes on to follow Saitama as he joins the Hero Association and meets other heroes, both strong and weak.
The animation is great, the voice acting is fitting, and the pacing of this show makes it easy to binge in a day or two. It's chock full of comedy, cool moments, and great characters.
Season 1 is available on Netflix.
2. Erased
"Erased" doesn't get enough love, and it's a perfect show to start at any time. Satoru Fujinuma lives an average life. Working at a pizza shop and writing manga on the side, Satoru has more or less accepted his place in the world.
However, every so often, Satoru will be given the opportunity to go back in time a couple minutes, in order to alter the past and prevent something major. This is what guides the plot and creates the conflict in the story. No spoilers, but the first episode will have you hooked!
The animation isn't anything remarkable, but the voice acting sells the performances of the cast, adding a quality that makes them feel believable.
Available on Netflix.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
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| Image: HBO |
The highest rated anime on MyAnimeList and an undisputed hit. "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" follows the Elric brothers, two alchemists haunted by the past, on their quest to regain the body parts they lost in a horrific experiment.
On their journey, they discover the horrific underbelly of the alchemy world, coming face-to-face with homunculi, which are humans created through alchemy.
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is an odyssey to say the least, as its story spans a whopping 64 episodes. But the journey is so enthralling that it'll be over in an instant, and you'll be left wanting more.
FMA:B has some of the most fluid and clean fights you'll ever see in an anime, and the plot build up to each fight will leave you breathless.
Trailer for "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood"
Available on Netflix.
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