Anime has arguably reached its popularity to mainstream across different media platforms. From its local obscurity to global phenomena, every community worldwide will instantly recognize the distinct and unique appeal of anime not only as an entertainment medium but also as an art. There are various significant factors to the current popularity of anime nowadays – it ranges from the art style, animation, storytelling, character writing, and even the voice actors’ performance.
Considering the number of existing anime to this date, it is impossible to consume them all in a lifetime. Because of this fact, the medium offers a very wide variety of genres and themes that the audience will rarely run out of options on what to watch regardless of its theme and genre.
Starting to watch anime nowadays can be overwhelming because of its sheer amount. However, this list will provide the best anime series to start with ranging from classic titles to modern sensations without the fear of missing out. The choice is all yours.
Table of Contents
1. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is a perfect show for gamers out there. The story takes place in modern Japan. When NerveGear technology was released globally, it provided players with the experience to immerse themselves in virtual reality. The console releases a game called Sword Art Online – an immersive MMORPG medieval-like world where players can almost do everything. However, they encounter a problem where players cannot log out because the function is removed.
Once they die in the game, they will also die in real life. Kirito, one of the beta-testers of the game, has a huge advantage in the game but is not enough to beat every boss. He makes an effort to team up with Asuna Yuuki and other skilled players to save themselves in such a life-threatening predicament.
The premise of Sword Art Online will be definitely enjoyed by many. However, my only disclaimer for this show is that it massively deviates from the main appeal of the series after the first half.
Rating: (Anilist: 69%, Myanimelist: 7.21)
Release Date: 2012
Related Series: Overlord, Log Horizon, Btooom!
2. Cowboy Bebop
The story is set in 2071. In this era, humanity can already explore the galaxy, enabling them to live on different planets when possible. Societies from various planets are filled with criminal activities such as murder, theft, and rampant drug usage. Spike Spiegel and Jet Black work as pursuers of these intergalactic criminals. With the violent and dark past of Spike, Jet manages them as he takes care of them. This duo is then joined by Faye Valentine, Edward Wong Hau Pepelu Tivrusky IV, and a bioengineered Corgi Ein.
As their bond deepens, their everyday lives are disrupted by the unpleasant past of Spike. Because of this, Spike is then forced to choose between his current everyday life with the crew or to exact his revenge from the past.
Cowboy Bebop is one of the most iconic and influential classics from the 90s. From its aesthetic appeal, catchy music, and Western-styled influence – one can easily tell why this is one of the best gateway anime for everyone.
Rating: (Anilist: 86%, Myanimelist: 8.75)
Release Date: 1998
Related Series: Samurai Champloo, Space☆Dandy, Trigun
3. Demon Slayer
Tanjiro lives a humble life with his family in the mountains. One day, as he collects wood in a snowy forest, he does not know what is coming for him as he comes home. He saw his whole family murdered and eaten by the demons. What is left among them is his little sister Nezuko who is still alive but is infected and becomes a demon. Because of such a horrific experience that happened to him, he decided to join the Demon Slayer Corps to exact vengeance on his family and restore his sister to humanity.
When it comes to action, animation quality, and visuals, Demon Slayer is a must-watch as its action scenes always leave the viewers on the edge of their seats not to mention the stellar animation that sets the bar of modern Japanese animation and gives an idea on what anime can offer.
Rating: (Anilist: 83%, Myanimelist: 8.47)
Release Date: 2018
Related Series: Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dororo
4. JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure(Part 1-6)
Everything begins with George Joestar. After saving them from a carriage accident, the Joestart family is indebted to Dario Brando. However, Dario is not actually helping them but attempts to ransack their belongings. Years later after the death of Dario, George Joestar adopts his son Dio Brando. Despite Dio’s charismatic and kind demeanor, his actual objective from the Joestar family is to ransack everything they have.
When it comes to fashion sense and aesthetic appeal, JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure has become one of the biggest influences that manages to impact outside the anime and manga community – even taken as a reference from various media due to its unique and iconic overall style.
Rating: (Anilist: 77%, Myanimelist: 7.88)
Release Date: 2012
Related Series: Baki, Hunter X Hunter, Fist of the North Star
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Shinji Ikari is a regular high school student. When alien-like creatures called angels invade the earth, Shinji is burdened with the heavy responsibility of riding a biomechanical cyborg called Evas to defend themselves against them and save the world. Shinji’s battle does not revolve around the Evas and Angels. He is also fighting a bigger battle inside him which is facing his emotional trauma after the loss of his mother and the emotional and mental neglect from his father Ikari Shinji.
Neon Genesis Evangelion explores heavier, controversial, complex, and darker themes. This type of anime is one of the best inner gateways for entering the more complex side
of anime wherein it requires critical thinking and a little bit of literature literacy to understand and grasp the message and main point of the show because of its experimental upbringing which most anime studios don’t usually do nowadays.
Rating: (Anilist: 83%, Myanimelist: 8.35)
Release Date: 1995
Related Series: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Serial Experiments Lain, Darling in the Franxx
6. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The story takes place after the defeat of the Demon Lord by the legendary hero’s party endeavors. The party consists of Himmel, Heiter, Eisen, and Frieren as they forge an unbreakable bond despite their whole journey only lasting for a decade.
The elven mage Frieren, who has the longest lifespan among them and has a different sense of time, goes back to her routine of collecting spells. As her comrades get older and meet their demise, she regrets taking their bonds for granted. After their death, she realizes the impact and importance of the bond she had with them. Though an old tale has once ended a long time ago, another one begins for her.
This anime explores how an emotionally distant character tries to understand genuine connections with different people and how to appreciate every person you meet and every bond you make as your life goes on.
Rating: (Anilist: 92%, Myanimelist: 9.39)
Release Date: 2023
Related Series: To Your Eternity, Violet Evergarden, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
7. Steins;Gate
Okabe Rintarou and his fellow lab members decided to make an experiment with a microwave that allows them to send an email to the past. When he attends a conference on Time Travel, he experiences strange events and discovers that his invention has something more to it than a simple time machine. This then attracted the curiosity and attention of the mysterious organization called SERN.
Steins;Gate explores the convoluted plotline of a time travel story that does not leave any loopholes and paradoxes that will be illogical to the storyline. Moreover, it focuses on the little things that can prompt bigger consequences in the past and the future depending on their actions. The anime starts as a slice-of-life show that explores the daily shenanigans and character explorations. But as the second half of the series begins, the heavy drama begins that hits right in different timelines.
Rating: (Anilist: 89%, Myanimelist: 9.07)
Release Date: 2011
Related Series: Erased, Re:Zero, Future Diary
8. Death Note
What happens when you can kill a person using only a pen and a notebook? This is the story of Light Yagami, a high schooler who has a strong and eccentric sense of justice. When he bumps into the Death Note – a notebook that allows you to kill a person when you write their name in it. With this newfound power, Light uses it to kill various criminals and takes a step toward his new ambition and ideals – a world without criminals.
The mysterious death of the criminals led to the investigation of the genius detective L. With Light’s endeavor involving a murder spree to the criminals, and L’s constant investigation behind these killings, the psychological warfare between these two commences.
Death Note is one of the best gateway anime out there because of how it showcases a cat-and-mouse game between two smart characters as to how they formulate a plan to be one move ahead of their opponent.
Rating: (Anilist: 84%, Myanimelist: 8.62)
Release Date: 2006
Related Series: Moriarty the Patriot, Code Geass, Terror in Resonance
9. Code Geass
When the Holy Empire of Britannia asserted its military dominance in Japan, they converted it into what they call Area 11. With Japan’s defeat, some of them have the desire to restore their independence. Lelouch Lamperouge, a regular high school student, finds himself getting caught in the crossfire between the rebellious forces of Area 11 and the Britannian.
The mysterious appearance of C.C. during the crossfire will change his life. He receives a power called Geass where he can command a person to absolutely obey him. With his newfound power, he begins his journey to become a vigilante under the name Zero in order for him to exact revenge on the Britannians.
Code Geass is one of the classic series that explores the different perspectives of politics and how they handle morality through their actions. Filled with action-oriented mecha battles and the genius planning of Lelouch in the military, the anime will always leave the viewers at the edge of their seats in almost every intense moment.
Rating: (Anilist: 84%, Myanimelist: 8.70)
Release Date: 2006
Related Series: Death Note, Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Attack on Titan
10. Hunter X Hunter(2011)
The hunter’s license exam is a harsh exam that very few talented individuals can only pass. There are chances that some of the exam takers will possibly die due to its harshness and difficulty. Gon Freecs, an ambitious boy, is set to search for his father by acquiring a Hunter’s License. During his exams, he met Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio – his main companions. After they pass the hunting license exam, they are doing their goals and aspirations in life as they encounter various challenges.
Hunter X Hunter strikes a concept of a well-balanced power system called Nen. Aside from its action scenes and plot-driven storytelling, the power system is one of its best points because of how the characters can exploit each other’s weaknesses using their wits and strategies. With the complex nature of Nen, one cannot predict the outcome of the battles in Hunter X Hunter.
Rating: (Anilist: 89%, Myanimelist: 9.04)
Release Date: 1999, 2011(Remake)
Related Series: Fullmetal Alchemist, Jujutsu Kaisen, Naruto
11. Haikyuu!!
Hinata Shouyo debuts his volleyball career during his middle school. However, he begins his volleyball journey filled with disappointment after a middle school tournament. But he still wants to prove that his shorter-than-average height is not a factor nor a hindrance to reaching his goal of becoming a professional volleyball player.
When he enrolled in Karasuno High School, he met Tobio Kageyama, the volleyball prodigy who humiliated them back in middle school as his current schoolmate. When they become teammates, Hinata must persevere together with him and the team on their journey to be among the best teams in Japan.
Anime does not only offer you action-oriented shows. There are also sports like Haikyuu that explore the struggles, failures, growth, and triumphs of each character. One of the best things that a typical sports anime can offer is how they can intensify every moment of the game regardless of the nature of the sport.
Rating: (Anilist: 83%, Myanimelist: 8.44)
Release Date: 2014
Related Series: Slam Dunk, Kuroko no Basuke, Run With The Wind
12. Monster
Dr. Kenzou Tenma is a well-reputed neurosurgeon. One night, he has to choose an operation between the town mayor and an average young boy who are both in critical condition at the same time. Because of such a tough decision to choose between the hospital’s reputation and his morality, he chooses to perform an operation. Years later after he saved the young boy, the boy turned out to be a monster that he saved in the past.
Assuming that you have watched a decent amount of anime, it’s time for you to explore the deeper parts of the anime wherein they tackle and explore the psychological aspects of every character and how you put each of them in the morality spectrum.
Monster encapsulates a well-written antagonist because it describes pure evilness within a person while questioning yourself, and how it reflects the reality of humanity when it comes to doing evil things. Once you have watched Monster, you will realize what anime has to offer on these kinds of themes.
Rating: (Anilist: 88%, Myanimelist: 8.88)
Release Date: 2004
Related Series: Psycho-Pass, Death Note, Terror in Resonance
13. Mob Psycho 100
Mob is a timid boy who happens to be one of the best psychics in the world. However, despite his strong nature, he does not want to use his powers because of his kindness, desire for a normal life, and the usage of his power responsibly.
Mob Psycho has just reached in conclusion recently so there is nothing to worry about watching the series as a whole. The best thing about Mob Psycho is that aside from the intense action, engaging characters, and comedy – it explores the deeper emotional aspects of a person such as self-identity, internal struggles, and relationships. Moreover, it does not use the typical trope where the main character is settled by destiny since Mob is a character with relatable struggles.
Rating: (Anilist: 84%, Myanimelist: 8.49)
Release Date: 2016
Related Series: One Punch Man, The Disastrous Life of Saiki-k
14. Jujutsu Kaisen
Japan is filled with cursed spirits due to cursed energy created from strong negative human emotions like hatred, fear, anger, and hatred. They become tangible and will take physical form over time hence becoming cursed spirits. Their emotions and abilities vary from a negative experience in a person’s life. Because of their threat, Jujutsu sorcerers are tasked with exorcising them using the cursed energy technique to protect humanity.
The anime has recently become a worldwide phenomenon due to how it attracted most people around the world – creating engagement between communities between anime and non-anime fans. Moreover, it redefines the Shounen genre because of its stellar visuals, insane animation, and iconic and sensational characters.
Rating: (Anilist: 86%, Myanimelist: 8.61)
Release Date: 2016
Related Series: Hunter X Hunter, Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man
15. Chainsaw Man
Denji lives his life revolving around basic survival needs only together with his demon pet Pochita. He is completely oblivious to education, human relations, and other aspects of an ordinary human being. He lives under the huge debt left by his father and is forced to kill demons by the Yakuza only to be betrayed by them and ultimately killed him. Due to his pet Pochita, he forges a contract with Pochita by becoming one with him and obtains devil powers. Because of the threat he poses to society, he is taken by the Public Safety Bureau.
The series’ huge popularity is mostly due to its uniqueness and creativity in blending different genres, fresh concepts, visual impacts, and the dark themes it explores. Chainsaw Man will always offer something new for the viewers.
Rating: (Anilist: 84%, Myanimelist: 8.52)
Release Date: 2022
Related Series: Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise
16. Vinland Saga
The story takes place in the Vikings age. Thors is a legendary warrior who was killed by the ruthless tactics of the bandits led by Askeladd. Because of Thors’s untimely demise, Thorfinn – his son – is filled with immense hatred, anger, and desire for revenge against him. But due to Thorfinn being an orphan after his father’s death, Askeladd decided to adopt Thorfinn who lives his life filled with nothing but revenge.
Vinland Saga made a huge drastic change between season 1 and season 2. From action-oriented Viking tales to major character-driven storytelling, it became one of the best series that teaches people how to accept forgiveness, and how to attain peace of mind within themselves.
Rating: (Anilist: 87%, Myanimelist: 8.75)
Release Date: 2019
Related Series: Attack on Titan, Berserk, Dororo
17. One Piece
Luffy is a young man who dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates. After eating the Gum-Gum fruit, he gains the power to stretch any parts of his body. As he embarks on his journey to becoming the pirate king, he searches for different crewmates who will accompany him throughout the Grand Line, where the legendary treasure is located that will make him the Pirate King.
One might be initially overwhelmed by the amount of episodes of One Piece which can be not friendly for beginners. However, this is the perfect time to start the series because the series is finally reaching its final saga and you can watch the anime at your own pace without rushing.
Rating: (Anilist: 88%, Myanimelist: 8.72)
Release Date: 1999
Related Series: Hunter X Hunter, Naruto, Dragon Ball
18. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
David lives in a city that revolves around technology that modifies different parts of the human body. Because of his strong desire for revenge on his tormentors after an incident with some street gang, he consequently got expelled from a prestigious academy. He then meets Lucy who introduces him to the world of Edgerunners where they become outlaws to earn money in a corrupt system.
The anime is set in the same universe as the Cyberpunk 2077 video game. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a testament to how an anime can beautifully adapt from a Western game franchise. It idealizes and visualizes the unique style of the studio behind(Studio Trigger) that manages to be enjoyable despite it being consumed in a different medium. Moreover, the short amount of episodes is perfect for the newcomers to watch in a single sitting.
Rating: (Anilist: 85%, Myanimelist: 8.60)
Release Date: 2022
Related Series: Cowboy Bebop, Akame Ga Kill, Akudama Drive
19. Naruto
Naruto lives his everyday life being judged by the people around him because of the nine-tailed monster inside him. Despite his struggles, we follow him to achieve his dream of becoming a Hokage by accepting himself as he faces various challenges and becoming stronger in the process.
If you are entirely new to anime, Naruto is an anime that everyone watches and has everything that an action anime has to offer. Additionally, this is also the perfect time for you to know the anime that shaped everyone’s lives when they started watching anime. This series is mostly the first anime that has been watched by the majority. Other anime to watch will follow like Bleach or One Piece for example.
Rating: (Anilist: 79%, Myanimelist: 7.99)
Release Date: 2002
Related Series: Bleach, One Piece, Black Clover
20. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
The siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to revive their mother using alchemy. However, with the law of equivalent exchange and the taboo nature of human transmutation, they instead suffered losing limbs and a whole body afterward.
In their attempt to get back what was theirs, they embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone – a powerful gem that massively boosts up their alchemy powers and can help them restore their bodies.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a compact series with compelling worldbuilding, interesting characters, a smart power system, and a well-written plotline – then this anime is perfect since it offers everything in the span of only 64 episodes. This also is a perfect gateway anime that gives you a gist of the overall quality of the medium when it comes to storytelling.
Rating: (Anilist: 90%, Myanimelist: 9.09)
Release Date: 2009
Related Series: Demon Slayer, Hunter X Hunter, Attack on Titan
Conclusion
This list alone captures the vastness of anime when it comes to themes and genres. Each show gives a fresh and unique experience both to newcomers and regular anime fans. These are just a fraction of what someone can discover as they watch more anime.
One might get curious about what they can get from anime. Whenever it feels like the anime can become repetitive at some point, this is the ideal time to expand your horizon and learn the different themes such as comedy, slice-of-life, avant-garde, psychological, romance, and even subgenres like Isekai, Shoujo, or Mecha. There will always be a choice until you find the best kind of anime that perfectly suits your preference.
