What Makes a Beginner-Friendly Anime?
If an anime beginner is someone who’s never seen a full anime series from start to finish, then there are a few factors I’d consider when recommending a first anime series to them.
First, it can’t have too many episodes.For a beginner who doesn’t know if they’ll like anime, too many episodes can be daunting. That rules out a lot of the more popular options likeNaruto,One Piece,Gintama,Fairy Tail, etc. Between 12 to 24 episodes is ideal.
Second, it should be relatively recent.I thinkclassic anime series are still worth watching today, but only when you know you like anime and want to explore its history. Dated animations and conventions can be offputting for someone dipping their toes.
Third, it should be highly rated.It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should have an engrossing story with likable characters and a satisfying ending. The goal is to make a great first impression!
Here are the best anime series for beginners on Netflix who want to experience modern anime.For someone who’s never watched anime, these beginner-friendly series are great entry points.
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12. Sirius the Jaeger
Sirius the Jaegercenters on Yuliy, a werewolf (known as a Sirius) whose home was destroyed by Vampires. It’s 1930 and he’s part of the V Shipping Company—a group of vampire hunters called Jaegers—who are tracking down Vampires who fled China to Japan.
The Jaegers are at war with the Vampires as they both race to be the first to find and possess a sacred supernatural relic that grants power over all things. This war turns out to be bloodier and more difficult than they could’ve imagined.
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11. Kakegurui
Hyakkaou Private Academy is a prestigious school in Japan with one big quirk: the social hierarchy is determined by gambling.
Adapted from the manga of the same name,Kakeguruicenters on a transfer student named Yumeko Jabami, who happens to secretly be a compulsive gambler. Her arrival causes a stark shake-up as she overturns the hierarchy of the school.
It’s more than just gambling, as students owe contributions to the Student Council. Those who fail to gamble and fall into debt become slaves of the student body—and those who are unable to pay their debts must pay with their lives.
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10. Ajin: Demi-Human
InAjin: Demi-Human, a select few humans known as Ajin are blessed with regeneration and immortality, but it’s only triggered when they die. These Ajin can also create spectral projections called “black ghosts” that fight at their behest and can only be seen by other Ajin.
Of course, the public at large hates Ajin because they’re deemed dangerous and inhuman, leading to wide-scale government capture and experimentation. But when one Ajin escapes confinement and vows to exact revenge, conflicts comes to a head.
Ajin: Demi-Humanis an atypical anime series in that it uses 3D-generated animation, which can be offputting to established anime fans but shouldn’t be too unusual for anime beginners. The story more than makes up for its animation techniques!
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9. Hi Score Girl
It’s 1991 and coin-operated gaming arcades are all the rage. Haruo Yaguchi is a young boy gamer who’s into fighting games and wants to become a professional gamer one day. Akira Ono is a young girl gamer who’s quiet, smart, and capable.
When Akira effortlessly beats Haruo atStreet Fighter II, his pride is crushed and he loathes her. But a part of him also respects her—and possibly more, as young high school boys are wont to do.
Hi Score Girlis a lighthearted anime series with a unique art style that immediately sticks out. This romantic comedy is an easy watch, and the true-to-life gaming references are just the cherry on top.
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8. Castlevania
Based on the video game series,Castlevaniacenters on Trevor Belmont, Alucard, and Sypha Belnades as they defend Wallachia against Dracula.
Dracula is hell-bent on destroying the nation as vengeance for his wife, who was falsely accused and burned for being a witch.
Split into four seasons,Castlevaniais a quick but satisfying watch, making it an excellent first anime series for beginners.
Note:You might hear anime purists say thatCastlevaniaisn’t technically an anime because it wasn’t produced in Japan, but it checks every other box and it’s really good, so who cares?
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7. High-Rise Invasion
If you’re into survival stories, thenHigh-Rise Invasionis a solid anime to check out. The premise is pretty simple: a high school girl named Yuri Honjō is suddenly transported to a world of skyscrapers, where she’s hunted by people wearing masks.
This new world of hers is terrifyingly strange, andHigh-Rise Invasionends up being a pretty dark anime series that touches on subjects of murder, massacre, and suicide. Plus, lots of plot twists.
High-Rise Invasionis based on the seinen manga series of the same name, which was written by Tsuina Miura and illustrated by Takahiro Oba.
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6. Komi Can’t Communicate
Komi Can’t Communicateis a uniquely stirring anime series filled with exciting teen romance. Despite it being categorized as shōnen (often heavy on action and adventure), it feels more like a slice-of-life series.
The series centers on Shoko Komi, who has a communication disorder that makes it difficult for her to socialize. Unfortunately, on her first day at Itan Private High School, everyone flocks around her beauty.
But the good news is that she meets Hitohito Tadano, an extremely average boy who becomes her first friend and resolves to help her reach her goal of making 100 friends.
Other characters make appearances, butKomi Can’t Communicateis primarily about the blossoming romance between Komi and Tadano, and it’s a great romance anime series for beginners.
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5. Lookism
There are many webtoon-based anime series nowadays, but the latest one that’s been turning heads isLookism.
As the title suggests,Lookismis an exploration of topics touching on physical discrimination, personal and societal standards, and the differences between perfection and imperfection.
Daniel Park is a high school student who’s often bullied because he’s obese. However, when he switches schools, he also gains a new body that’s fit and handsome. When he’s in one body, the other is asleep—when he swaps, that body wakes up.
As he lives life between both bodies, he experiences just how differently the world treats him based on his physical appearance. Few anime series are this on-the-nose with their commentary, butLookismremains an easy-to-watch, beginner-friendly anime.
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4. Romantic Killer
Based on the manga of the same name, which was written and illustrated by Wataru Momose,Romantic Killerisn’t your typical rom-com anime.
Romantic Killerfollows the story of Anzu Hoshino, a high school girl who’s perfectly content living her life without any romance whatsoever. She loves playing video games, eating chocolate, and petting her cat.
Unfortunately for her, a “love wizard” named Riri appears one day and starts orchestrating rom-com-type scenarios in the hopes that Anzu will fall in love and form a romantic relationship.
It’s pretty silly at first glance, butRomantic Killerexecutes well. The fun, romantic, lighthearted plot is perfect for anime newbies who are tired of the usual rom-com stories and want something subversive.
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3. One Punch Man
One Punch Manis an action-heavy series with a strong dose of comedy that lightens the tone of the plot, which is full of world-shattering battles and end-of-the-world themes.
Unlike most beginner-friendly anime series that have small casts of characters,One Punch Manhas tons of characters, from major characters to supporting ones, including the recurring characters.
What makes this a pretty good addition to this list is its straightforward story, which centers on the character of Saitama and his struggles in a world of heroes and monsters. When you’re so strong that you can defeat anything with a single punch, how do you stave off boredom?
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2. Dota: Dragon’s Blood
Dota: Dragon’s Bloodfollows Davion the Dragon Knight, who lives to hunt dragons. But when one elder dragon ends up tricking him, Davion’s soul becomes fused with the elder dragon’s soul—and he becomes capable of turning into a dragon himself.
This turns out to be a huge problem as the demonic Terrorblade is also hunting dragons in order to collect their souls. Now Davion and his companion Mirana must stop Terrorblade at all costs, while learning more about what has happened to Davion.
If you’ve ever played theDota 2video game, then these characters should sound familiar! It’s an anime adaptation of the game’s lore, and a surprisingly good one at that. But even if you’ve never played,Dragon’s Bloodis certainly worth a watch.
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1. Death Note
Light Yagami is a high school genius who one day stumbles across the “Death Note”—a mysterious book that grants its user the power to kill anyone by writing their name in its pages. He uses the Death Note to massacre criminals in pursuit of a better world.
In response, an elite task force led by an enigmatic detective named L is put together to uncover the identity of the vigilante who’s been massacring criminals and bring him to justice. A thrilling cat-and-mouse game ensues between two mentally gifted individuals.
Death Noteis the longest anime series on this list, but it’s still short enough that it shouldn’t deter first-timers. This is a modern classic anime series that’s so well-crafted, you’ll be hooked by the very first episode.
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