Many people often express the sentiment, “I just don’t like anime.” This aversion can stem from various factors—perhaps the exaggerated artistic styles or high-pitched voices just don’t resonate with you. You might feel overwhelmed by the enormous array of shows and genres available, or maybe you haven’t ventured into anime because previous encounters felt too outlandish or disconnected from reality.
It’s important to recognize that anime encompasses a wide array of genres and storytelling styles. Within this vibrant medium lie captivating narratives that are emotionally profound and thematically intricate, appealing to audiences regardless of their prior experience with anime.
This curated list aims to engage those who are skeptical about anime. Whether you’re simply curious or keen to explore without diving headfirst into something too eccentric, here are twelve anime series that are relatable and accessible, making them perfect introductions for newcomers.
12 Demon Slayer
The Show That Made Even Non-Anime Fans Buy Katanas
Since its debut in 2019, Demon Slayer has made an indelible mark on popular culture. Developed by Ufotable, this series rapidly transformed from a promising shonen title into a cultural juggernaut. Notably, Episode 19 gained viral fame, compelling even those unfamiliar with anime to investigate what all the excitement was about.
Following the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a compassionate young boy whose family is brutally killed by demons—save for his sister Nezuko, who is transformed into one—the anime’s core revolves around Tanjiro’s determination to save her. This emotional focus is preserved throughout the thrilling action sequences.
The animation quality is exceptional, seamlessly blending 2D and 3D elements, particularly in the breathtaking fight scenes showcasing Tanjiro’s Water Breathing techniques. With several arcs adapted across multiple seasons and a feature film, Mugen Train, new viewers can easily catch up.
11 Haikyuu!
The Kind of Teamwork You Wish You Had in High School
You don’t need to be a volleyball enthusiast, or even a sports fan, to enjoy Haikyuu!!. What begins as an energetic high school sports anime develops into one of the most satisfying underdog narratives in the medium.
This series unfolds the life of Shoyo Hinata, a determined, short-statured boy whose aspiration is to excel in volleyball. Joining the Karasuno High team, he initially butts heads with the genius setter Tobio Kageyama, only to later foster a powerful bond. What distinguishes Haikyuu!! for new audiences is its emphasis on character development and teamwork over melodrama, neatly illustrating real-world volleyball strategies.
Each match is depicted with near-documentary precision, providing insights into actual volleyball rules and dynamics. Characters from rival teams are also well-developed, ensuring that the stakes remain high and engaging. The series, produced by Production I. G., has spanned four seasons, with two sequel films in the works to conclude the story.
10 Banana Fish
The 80s Crime Thriller You Didn’t Know You Needed
Diving into the gritty underbelly of gang-controlled New York, Banana Fish feels more akin to a Western crime drama than a conventional anime series. Adapted by MAPPA in 2018 from Akimi Yoshida’s 1985 manga, the story has undergone updates, transitioning to a more contemporary age while maintaining its intense and emotionally charged nature.
Focusing on Ash Lynx, a teenage gang leader whose life spirals as he learns of the enigmatic phrase “Banana Fish” linked to his brother’s demise, the plot thickens when he teams up with Eiji Okumura, a timid photographer’s assistant from Japan. Their growing relationship serves as the emotional backbone of the narrative.
While the series confronts themes of graphic violence and systemic corruption, it never revels in shock value. With a brisk 24-episode run featuring no filler, it offers a gripping yet emotionally intense experience that challenges the stereotype of anime being solely about magical adventures or schoolgirls.
9 Freeze: Beyond Journey’s End
What Happens After You Defeat the Demon King?
Unlike most fantasy tales that conclude post-defeat of the final villain, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End picks up the narrative after that climactic event. It explores the introspective journey of Frieren, an elven mage who outlives her heroic companions in a world where they have already vanquished the demon king.
This anime offers a distinctively mellow, contemplative atmosphere as Frieren revisits familiar locales and encounters the descendants of her lost friends, gradually coming to terms with emotions she previously overlooked. Given that elves typically live for millennia, Frieren starts to genuinely appreciate her past connections.
Debuting in 2023, this adaptation by Madhouse is derived from the celebrated manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe. It places a premium on emotional resonance and nostalgia rather than action-packed sequences, making it an ideal choice for fans of Studio Ghibli who prefer slower-paced storytelling.
8 Psycho-Pass
Big Brother Is Watching… and It’s Got a Gun
Psycho-Pass melds elements from dystopian narratives like Minority Report and Blade Runner, presenting a chilling examination of a future governed by the Sibyl System—an AI that predicts criminal behavior through psychological profiling.
The protagonist, Akane Tsunemori, embarks on her journey as a novice recruit questioning the system’s ethical complexities after witnessing its ruthless enforcement. Initially, the series comprised three seasons, several films, and spin-offs, but the original season, crafted by Naoyoshi Shiotani (known for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), establishes a standalone narrative that endures.
With its philosophical inquiries and noir influences, Psycho-Pass is particularly appealing to enthusiasts of Western sci-fi thrillers.
7 Monster
The Cost Of Doing The Right Thing
Monster, created by Naoki Urasawa, challenges the conventions of anime with its methodical and psychological narrative, echoing the vibe of a suspenseful HBO drama. Airing from 2004 to 2005, the series consists of 74 gripping episodes sourced from Urasawa’s acclaimed manga.
The storyline trails Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented neurosurgeon in Germany who makes a life-altering decision by saving a young boy rather than a prominent political figure. This boy eventually turns out to be Johan Liebert, a charismatic yet sociopathic individual who ultimately becomes a haunting antagonist.
The narrative implores profound ethical questions about morality and the consequences of one’s actions while dissecting the complexities of fate and choice. Absent of superpowers and flashy scenes, it relies on stellar character development and an atmosphere of psychological tension, akin to acclaimed Western television dramas.
6 Death Note
One Notebook, Infinite Consequences
If you summarize Death Note to someone unfamiliar with anime, it readily captures their interest: what if you had the power to eliminate anyone merely by inscribing their name in a notebook?
This series, consisting of 37 gripping episodes, traces the life of Light Yagami, a prodigious high school student who acquires the Death Note and employs it to eradicate criminals, seeking to create a utopian society. This action sets him against L, a uniquely insightful detective, spiraling into a thrilling game of wits.
Launched in 2006 by writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata, Death Note has risen to prominence as a universally engaging anime. Its structure often parallels legal thrillers or cerebral crime dramas, striking a chord with fans of series like Breaking Bad or Sherlock.
The overarching themes of justice, power, morality, and identity resonate broadly, ensuring its enduring popularity and relevance even after nearly two decades.
5 Cowboy Bebop
Jazz, Guns, and Existentialism in Space
Cowboy Bebop is frequently the first recommendation for those hesitant about anime, and rightfully so. This 1998 series, directed by Shinichiro Watanabe and featuring a memorable score by Yoko Kanno, exudes an undeniable style and charisma.
Set in 2071, it follows a band of bounty hunters—Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and Ed, accompanied by an intelligent corgi named Ein—as they navigate the solar system in pursuit of fugitives. Beneath its entertaining sci-fi escapades lies a deep emotional narrative, particularly surrounding Spike’s history and his quest for resolution.
Spanning just 26 episodes without any filler, Cowboy Bebop masterfully weaves various genre conventions, flawlessly transitioning from noir to western to space opera. Its iconic jazz-infused soundtrack continues to define its remarkable identity.
4 Samurai Champloo
An Unlikely Trio That Stuck Together
Imagine a world where Edo-period Japan intertwines with hip-hop culture; that’s the essence of Samurai Champloo, another esteemed creation of Shinichiro Watanabe that aired in 2004. This series juxtaposes traditional samurai lore with contemporary beats from artists like Nujabes.
The narrative centers on Fuu, a waitress who enlists the aid of two free-spirited swordsmen, Mugen—a dynamic fighter with breakdance-like combat abilities—and the reserved ronin Jin. Together, they embark on a quest to find a mysterious “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” This series adeptly interweaves episodic storytelling with rich historical nuances and innovative pacing.
The animation is stylish, featuring striking anachronisms and inventive fight choreography, making it appealing to both anime newcomers and fans of films like Kill Bill and Afro Samurai.
3 Attack on Titan
Humanity’s Last Stand Behind The Walls
Attack on Titan has reshaped the global discourse surrounding anime since its inception. Spanning from 2013 to 2023, the series, penned and illustrated by Hajime Isayama, captivated audiences across four seasons with pivotal episodes that prompted widespread discussion.
The narrative kicks off with Eren Yeager witnessing the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan, igniting a relentless pursuit to eradicate these monstrous beings. However, as the plot unfolds, it blossoms into a complex exploration of nationalism, historical cycles, and the very essence of humanity.
The thematic evolution is striking, with Season 4 redefining enemies from mere creatures to deeply rooted ideologies. Enhanced by the remarkable animation from Wit Studio and MAPPA, Attack on Titan has engineered a gripping, divisive, yet unforgettable viewing experience.
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