10 Top Anime for Beginners and Where to Stream it

Anime has become a lot more popular over the years, but it’s an intimidating world to jump into. Thankfully, there are some top anime for beginners looking to dive into the world of Japanese media. From romantic comedies to action filled battles, there is something for all fans.

It’s also incredibly easy to access these shows anymore. Fans used to scour the internet trying to find popular titles, but thankfully, these iconic shows are popping up on streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and even Prime, with the help of Crunchyroll as well. Now, fans everywhere can check out these top anime for beginners.

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10. Sword Art Online

For fans of video games in general, especially RPGs, this might be the perfect selection for a beginner anime as it explores what it would be like if you actually went inside a video game. The show premiered in 2012 but was set in 2022 when a popular MMORPG, Sword Art Online, released to the world.

When Kirito, the main character, boots up the game, he realizes that there is no way to log out. The only way to get back to his physical body is by defeating the 100-level tower’s final boss, and if you die in the game, you’ll die in real life.

9. Cowboy Bebop

For fans of sci-fi or westerns might get a kick out of Cowboy Bebop. While it aired in 1998, this show still holds up to one of the most iconic shows, making it a great beginner anime.

This show follows Spike and Jet as they live amongst the stars, as Earth is now uninhabitable. Humanity is surviving on rocky planets and moons, and crime rate has grown substantially. The duo are bounty-hunters, also known as Cowboys, who find criminals and bring them in for rewards. When the two come across Faye Valentine, a con artist, Edward, a skilled hacker, and Ein, a loveable Welsh Corgi with human-like intelligence, their adventures get a whole lot more interesting.

8. One Punch Man

Another top anime for beginners is One Punch Man, a show that follows Saitama. In a world where there are several superhuman beings, Saitama is a unique character, as he can defeat enemies with one single punch.

But while this might sound like an incredibly pure action show, it’s far from it. Saitama is powerful, but his personality brings a lot of comedy out. He’s laid back, receives barely any recognition and finds his life pointless, creating for a funny dynamic.

7. Chainsaw Man

Another recent, action-packed beginner anime is Chainsaw Man. In this world, Devils ravage the world and feed on the fears of others, or team up against these humans and allow them to have unique powers.

Denji is just a normal human with a unique Devil dog, Ponchita, that has chainsaw powers. These powers are incredibly useful as he does odd jobs to get by. But when he’s killed, Denji is reborn through the help of Ponchita, leaving him with a weird hybrid.

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6. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is one of the best anime around right now, making it a top anime for beginners. In this title, humans were at near extinction due to Titans, which are giants that stand several stories tall.

But now, humans have survived by building tall walls and fending off monsters, and thankfully no one has seen a Titan in a century. However, one day, a Titan returns, taking down the city walls the hold monsters at bay, wreaking havoc on the citizens.

5. My Hero Academia

Another popular superhero title, My Hero Academia is a great beginner anime for fans. Superhero-loving Izuku Midoriya doesn’t have powers, but still dreams about becoming one.

Thankfully, when Izuku inherits his own powers from the world’s best superhero, All Might, his hope of becoming a superhero is now possible. As he enrolls in the superhero school, he discovers that there is a lot more to being a superhero than he first thought.

4. Death Note

Death Note is one of those anime that every fan can reference, and everyone will know what they mean. It’s what a lot of fans believe is the introduction to anime, making it one of the top anime for beginners.

In this title, fans will follow an intelligent, yet cynical high schooler who ends up with a magical notebook that can kill people just by writing in a name. When he realizes his power, he begins to see this as an opportunity to cleanse the world. However, authorities work on finding the person responsible, and a mysterious, unique detective, L, works on the case.

3. Fruits Basket

Another iconic title for romance fans, this beginner anime is the perfect watch. Fruits Basket is lighthearted at the best times, and intense and emotional at others. This is another anime that most fans recognize easily, and there are several references to it in the community. While the original aired in 2001, a reboot came out in 2019, bringing a longer and more in depth-story to an already beloved show.

Following Tohru Honda, a 16-year-old girl who is living in a tent after her family’s tragedy turns worse. When she stumbles across a house near her tent one day, her life turns upside down. She soon finds out that some of the Soma family reside there, and they are quite mysterious. When they offer her to live with them in return for cooked meals and cleaning, Tohru finds herself in a whirlwind of crazy adventures and secrets.

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2. Naruto

It’s incredibly hard to mention anime and not bring up Naruto. This show is one of the most well-known and beloved shows in Japanese media. The show follows Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja trying to search for recognition and achieve his dreams of becoming the Hokage.

Naruto is shunned by the villagers and other ninjas and is deemed to be a danger to all, but that won’t stop him from reaching his goals. By overcoming challenges, working hard and staying patience, Naruto is one of those shows that truly speaks to you, whether you’re an anime fan or not. The messages, growth and story are incredible, making it one of the top anime for beginners.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist is commonly known as the top anime for beginners, and there are several reasons why. The story is intense, with some amazing lighthearted moments, while also showing an incredible journey of perserverance and lessons. It’s a combination of truly inspiring themes that will always touch at heart strings.

Following two brothers who lost their mother to an incurable disease, they use the power of alchemy to try and resurrect her. Although, when this attempt fails, the toll is greater than they would know. Edward loses his left leg, and his younger brother, Alphonse loses his entire body. Only with quick thinking, Edward manages to sacrifice his right arm to tie his brother’s body into a suit of armor. From here, they search for the Philosopher’s Stone so they can return Alphonse to his original body.