Anime is bigger than ever, and there’s never been a better time to introduce someone unfamiliar to the amazing art form. Somehow, there are still a good portion of people who have never given anime a chance. If you have a friend who has never given anime a chance, there are more than a few series you should steer them away from.
Some anime series are really only made for veteran anime watchers. Series like Gintama, Nichijou, and Angel Beats! are best for people who have a deep understanding of anime and might not be the best choice for someone who has never seen any at all.
Thankfully, there are a ton of great anime series out there built for both veterans and newcomers alike. These series are great entry points and come in a variety of genres, giving fans of every type of series a way to get into anime.
10
Spy x Family
Animated By Wit Studio and CloverWorks, Based on the Manga Series By Tatsuya Endo
- Created by
-
Tatsuya Endo
- First Film
-
Spy x Family Code: White (2024)
Spy x Family is an exceptional series perfect for anyone who wants to try out an anime series for the very first time. The series stars Agent Twilight as Loid Forger, a secret agent tasked with saving the world. To do so, he must create a fake family that becomes realer and realer after every episode.
Related
Some Anime Fans Can’t Stand Cute Characters, But The 10 Most Adorable Could Win Over The Most Cold Hearted
There are plenty of adorable characters in anime, but these 10 can make even the coldest fan’s heart warm thanks to their charm and overall cuteness.
Spy x Family makes for a great entry into anime because of how easy it is to watch. Some series are complicated, leaving their viewers with more questions than answers. Spy x Family has never been accused of making its viewers think too hard. Instead, fans of the series can kick back, relax, and enjoy the Forgers and all of their antics.
9
Blue Box
Animated By TMS Entertainment, Based on the Manga By Kouji Miura
Blue Box has quickly become one of the best modern romance anime series. Romance anime has gotten a bad reputation with mainstream groups because of a few misconceptions. Most people associate romance anime with harems or other overused tropes that don’t ever come up in quality series.
Blue Box is a great example of a romance anime series done right. The series stars three realistic, relatable characters who find themselves in a tough love triangle. It’s a great series from start to finish and one of the best choices to recommend to a friend who wants a little bit of romance in their lives.
8
A Sign of Affection
Animated By Ajia-do Animation Works, Based on the Manga By Suu Morishita
A Sign of Affection has no business being as good as it is. Nobody saw this series’ success coming, and its top-tier quality can be seen from a mile away. It’s a phenomenal romance anime that can be completed in less than 15 episodes, a feat almost no other anime has accomplished.
The main characters in A Sign of Affection are so lovable that the only problem the series faces is its quick run time. While we all wish there was more A Sign of Affection to watch, every great story needs to end eventually. Anyone looking to start a good anime series without committing much time should start with this romantic masterpiece.
7
Demon Slayer
Animated By Ufotable, Based on the Manga By Koyoharu Gotouge
- Created by
-
Koyoharu Gotouge
- First Film
-
Demon Slayer the Movie: Mugen Train
Shōnen is easily the most popular anime genre in the West, and it’s easy to see why. Shōnen anime series feature high-flying action, cathartic battles, and some of the most motivating characters in the entire art form. Demon Slayer does all three and more, cementing itself as one of the best shōnen anime series of all time.
Demon Slayer is one of the simplest anime series ever made in the best way possible. The series stars young Tanjiro Kamado as a titular Demon Slayer. He wants to find a cure for his sister, end the demons that killed his family, and protect his friends along the way. The premise is already solid, and Ufotable’s unreal animation only took this series to another level.
6
Haikyu!!
Animated By Production I.G, Based on the Manga By Haruichi Furudate
Haikyu!! might be the greatest sports anime ever made. This series is essential viewing for any fan of the shōnen or sports genres, and an exceptional starting point for any newer anime fan who wants to see just how amazing anime can be.
Haikyu!! is another series with a wonderfully simple premise. The story puts Kageyama and Hinata in the spotlight as new players at Karasuno High School. They’re some of the best players on the court, and their relationships with both their teammates and their adversaries only take their skills to another level.
5
The Apothecary Diaries
Animated By Toho Animation Studios and OLM, Based on the Light Novel By Natsu Hyūga and Touko Shino
The Apothecary Diaries has quickly become a cult classic sensation over the last decade. Maomao is one of the most adorable, intelligent, lovable characters in anime, and she’s the perfect protagonist to introduce anyone to the wonderful art form.
The series focuses on Maomao as an apothecary in the royal palace. She’s smarter than almost everyone around her but humble enough to realize that standing out might not be her best bet. She accidentally uncovers mysteries, saves numerous friends (and foes), and works hard to make the world a better place for everyone.
4
Horimiya
Animated By CloverWorks, Based on the Manga By Hiroki Adachi
Out of every romance anime out there, there might not be any better than Horimiya. It does so many things right that it should stand as an example for any other romance series that comes after it. One of the best things that Horimiya brings to the table (especially for new anime fans) is its succinct run time of just 13 episodes.
Related
Again and Again, These 9 Anime Series Never Get Old
While some anime series are good, but not re-watchable, these 9 anime series are ones that fans can re-watch endlessly and still want more.
It’s one of the best anime that can be watched in under 15 episodes. If you want more Horimiya, animation studio CloverWorks created a sequel series that animated the manga chapters they skipped in the original series, titled Horimiya: Pieces.
Whether the sequel series is watched or not, Horimiya is an amazing series and a great way to get into both the romance genre and anime as a whole.
3
My Neighbor Totoro
Animated By Studio Ghibli, Written and Directed By Hayato Miyazaki
Out of every anime movie ever made, there are none quite as magical as My Neighbor Totoro. It comes from arguably the greatest animation studio in Japan in Studio Ghibli, and Totoro is so popular that he has become the mascot for the company ever since the movie premiered.
Related
Get Ready Studio Ghibli Fans, Miyazaki’s Most Iconic Characters Have Never Looked More Adorable In New Merch Collab
Studio Ghibli fans need to get excited because Donguri Sora has just released the most adorable collection of Ghibli companion plushies ever.
My Neighbor Totoro is required viewing for anyone who wants to call themselves an anime fan and a great movie for anyone who isn’t already. My Neighbor Totoro is a light-hearted, feel-good movie that can be watched by solo viewers and families alike. Ghibli Fest 2025 also gives audiences a unique chance to catch this movie in the theaters as well.
2
Solo Leveling
Animated By A-1 Pictures, Based on the Web Novel By Chugong
Solo Leveling has become a once-in-a-generation hit. It should become the textbook definition of “amazing shōnen series” after it ends if it isn’t already, and if there are any fans of action-oriented series that want to check out anime, start here. Sung Jinwoo is a great protagonist, Solo Leveling has a solid story, and Crunchyroll even put all the best fights online for free as a preview.
Solo Leveling’s massive success shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s broken so many records that it’s hard to keep track of. While a lot of other shōnen series have hundreds (or thousands) of episodes, weird anime tropes, or other features that would turn new fans away, Solo Leveling doesn’t. It’s a non-stop action thrill ride from beginning to end and a great place for newer fans of anime to begin.
1
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Animated By Madhouse, Based on the Manga By Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End might be the single greatest anime series ever made. It is currently ranked as the top anime series of all time on popular anime forum MyAnimeList.com, beating fellow titans of the industry like One Piece, Gintama, and even Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End season 2 has been announced for January 2026.
Frieren is magical from the moment it begins. It’s a fresh, interesting story that shows a wise main character finding out that there’s more to life than she once thought. The story is beautiful, the characters are exceptional, and the writing will keep anyone on the edge of their seat. If you’ve never seen Frieren before, it would be a great place to start.
