7 Best First Anime To Watch That You Should Know Update 04/2024

There is a lot of work involved in starting a career in anime. If you’re looking for a new show to watch, there are so many options. Fan preferences range from shonen (aimed at young men) to shoujo (targeted at young women) and seinen (targeted at both young and adult males). While long-running series like One Piece or Naruto may seem intimidating to newcomers, there are plenty of other shows to choose from if you’re searching for something that uses the anime medium to its fullest potential. While every anime fan’s journey is unique, the following series offer a diverse range of genres and styles, including action, drama, and even romance. So use this as a quick reference guide if you’re thinking about going into anime.

1. Fate/Zero

Fate-Zero (2011)

The Holy Grail War pits seven sorcerers against one another in Fate/Zero, a visual novel based on Type-visual Moon’s novel. Winner of the battle gets to make a wish of their own. Rather of fighting alone, these sorcerers can enlist their allies to aid them in battle. These servants are based on a variety of mythical characters, from demigods to famous knights. This series has many facets, and the stunning battle sequences are just one of them. In addition to the dynamic and rapport they share with their servants, each summoner has their own motives for participating in the Holy Grail War.

Fate Zero, a 25-episode fantasy series produced by Ufotable (the studio behind the critically acclaimed Demon Slayer), is an excellent place to start if you’re searching for a series that goes deeper than just amazing battles. Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu are just a few of the streaming services that carry the show.

2. Ancient Magus Bride

My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, two of Studio Ghibli’s best-known productions, are likely familiar to newcomers to the world of anime. Ancient Magus Bride isn’t a Ghibli film, but its stunning animation and intriguing plot make it feel like one. Elias Ainsworth, a strange character with a big skull for a head, purchases Chise Hatori, a young girl who has been rejected by her family and society and is put up for auction. For her to learn about the magical world and how to overcome her own challenges, Alias takes Chise away to live with him in Great Britain.

With the help of magic, Studio Wit has created the animated series Ancient Magus Bride, in which the focus is firmly on the characters. All the characters’ thoughts and motivations are explored in depth in this show. For Chise, who struggles with her own sense of value and worth, this is especially true. Viewers will fall in love with magic as the show progresses and Chise meets different characters during the 24-episode duration. On Crunchyroll, you may watch the show.

3. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo (2004-2005)

Cowboy Bebop is a popular anime series. Do you enjoy listening to music with a hip-hop influence? If you’re a fan of action and want a fresh touch on a samurai film series, Samurai Champloo is a good place to start.

It takes place in Edo-era Japan (1608-1868) and is directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (who previously helmed the critically acclaimed Cowboy Bebop). Fuu, a 15-year-old girl, hires Mugen and Jin, two roaming ninjas, to help her search for a Samurai who “smells like sunflowers.” Mugen, a 19-year-old vagabond, is an outspoken and boisterous young man. At the time, Jin was 20 years old and had no instructor or dojo to follow in the footsteps of his forefathers.

It’s an episodic show, with each episode serving as a stand-alone adventure for the three characters as they journey through Japan. However, their primary objective remains the location of the sunflower samurai.

Unlike any other series, Samurai Champloo successfully incorporates features of Edo-period Japan with contemporary elements of hip-hop and society, including both the music and martial arts prowess of its characters. Even historical aspects of Japan’s Edo period are incorporated (at least to a certain extent). Hulu and Funimation are two of the many streaming services that carry the show.

4. Vinland Saga

Have you seen the great show Vikings on TV? Are you a fan of Beowulf’s epic poem or the film version of it? Fans of either or those wanting for a character-driven story set in a Norse saga timeline that is loosely based on actual figures may enjoy watching Vinland Saga. Thorfinn is the protagonist of this story, which follows him as he grows from a youngster to a troubled adolescent bent on vengeance. It’s only a matter of time before Thorfinn emerges as one of the most dangerous warriors in warfare. While the Vikings and the English are at war, other characters off the battlefield are making decisions that will have an impact on Thorfinn’s destiny.

There are countless ways to describe Vinland Saga. Even though the program has its share of dramatic, action-packed scenes, the calm moments and character dialogue are what really make it stand out. Even though Thorfinn is the show’s main character, the show’s supporting cast has a lot to say on the show’s story. Amazon Prime subscribers can watch all 24 episodes of the series. Season two has also recently been confirmed and is now in the development phase.

5. Megalo Box

Megalobox

Megalo Box is an homage to the popular boxing anime Ashita no Joe, which takes place in a future where boxers don unique motorized gear known as Gears. Boxers’ upper-back and arm Gear increases the ferocity of their punches and their ability to inflict greater harm. To become the best Megalo boxer, a young man known only as ‘Junk Dog’ must rise above the squalor of underground competitions. As a result, he decides to go by the alias “Joe” in order to advance his career.

Megalo Box is more than just a tale of triumph over adversity in the world of boxing. The series covers on a wide range of topics related to self-determination and overcoming one’s circumstances. Sports fans who appreciate the deeper stories behind the climb to the top of athletes will enjoy Megalo Box, but it also has a place for people who value excellent central storylines that go beyond the fighting ring. A total of 26 episodes of the series, which aired on Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu and Funimation, are available for streaming (the second season is streamed exclusively on Funimation and Hulu).

6. Parasyte the Maxim

Parasyte the Maxim is a good choice for those who enjoy dark supernatural or horror components. In the series, Shinichi Izumi, a high school student, becomes attached to an unusual monster known as a parasite, a creature that feeds on humans. In spite of the fact that the parasite was locked in Shinichi’s arm, it has its own intellect and can act independently of Izumi. It’s up to Migi to assist Shinichi fight off other parasites that are out for his blood, which he names Migi (meaning “right” in Japanese).

Parayste the Maxim is a show for those who enjoy a mixture of horror and psychological intrigue. The 24 episodes of Parasyte cover a wide range of psychological topics. In the midst of a strong horror backdrop, Parasyte manages to weave together numerous themes, from the idea of what it means to be human to the aspect of morality amongst species. Fans who enjoy a good plot and want to be kept on their toes should give it a shot. Streaming options for the series include Netflix and Crunchyroll.

7. Great Pretender

Great Pretender

Anyone here a fan of the acclaimed Ocean’s trilogy of films? Fans of comparable movies or television shows may want to check out Great Pretender. Makoto Edumura is a small-time Japanese con artist who attracts the attention of an expert gang of colleagues who specialize in carrying off huge heists. The series is an anime-original film available to Netflix. Edumura finds himself working with a gang of con-artists led by Laurent Thierry, who are able to pull off huge heists on wealthy and powerful individuals.

A strong foundation is laid by the jazz aesthetic and sense of style in Great Pretender. The 23-episode series is filled with bright locales, characters, and a fantastic soundtrack.. Great Pretender is a great series for fans of heist movies who enjoy the suspense and surprises that come with each episode.