10 Anime Series That Are Not Beginner-Friendly

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Anime refers to a vibrant, captivating, and deeply moving art style that has gained immense popularity worldwide. Once primarily appreciated by Japanese enthusiasts, it has since transformed into a universal sensation with countless fans eagerly awaiting new productions and passionately discussing the merits of their preferred series.

Exploring anime can be both thrilling and challenging due to its rich diversity. For beginners, jumping into a highly popular series might seem like a great idea, but some of the most esteemed titles may not be the best starting points. The innovative storytelling, intense violence, deep psychological themes, or lengthy nature that makes an anime beloved by fans can be overwhelming for newcomers who are just getting familiarized with this medium.

This list examines ten well-known anime series, which, though exceptionally innovative, might be more appropriate for experienced viewers rather than those just starting out with anime. From the intense action of Neon Genesis Evangelion to the psychologically challenging violence of Elfen Lied, these are shows that longtime fans hold in high regard but could potentially overwhelm newcomers emotionally.

10
‘Serial Experiments Lain’ (1999)

A shy and socially awkward 14-year-old named Lain Iwakura is unexpectedly pulled into a puzzling digital universe known as the Wired following a cryptic message from a deceased classmate. As Lain delves further into this enormous network, she discovers that she isn’t the only one navigating it. Lain starts experiencing alterations in her perception of reality and ponders the essence of selfhood, causing her to feel bewildered and alarmed.

Complex and Mind-Bending Narrative

Serial Experiments Lain is a visually captivating anime that delves into mystery and complexity, often shrouded in ambiguity. It weaves together enigmatic secrets and thought-provoking disclosures which may seem too dark or psychologically profound for some viewers. For those new to it, navigating the non-linear storyline and abstract concepts can be a mind-boggling journey, eventually leading you into a narrative that scrutinizes the impact of technology on our shared subconsciousness.

9
‘Kill la Kill’ (2013)

Kill la Kill is an extravagantly energetic anime filled with plenty of action. It chronicles the journey of a determined high school student named Ryuko Matoi, who sets foot at Honnouji Academy in pursuit of her father’s murderer. However, this isn’t your average educational institution; it is controlled by a tyrannical student council headed by Satsuki Kiryuin. With her dual-bladed scissor, Ryuko embarks on a struggle to ascend the ranks and accomplish her quest.

Can Be an Assault on the Senses

Kill la Kill adopts the principle of “more is better,” an approach that stands out in the anime world but may be too intense for novice viewers. With its striking visuals, over-the-top action scenes, and sharp satire, this anime is captivating, bold, and imaginative. It has garnered a massive following, but its high energy and abundance might confuse new anime enthusiasts. It’s ideal for those who have already developed a discerning taste in anime.

8
‘Gintama’ (2006)

In the Edo era of Japan, where Earth is ruled by extraterrestrials known as Amanto, who have banned swords in public for safety reasons, this amusing anime chronicles the adventures of Gintoki Sakata, an unconventional silver-haired samurai who disregards regulations and constantly carries a wooden sword. Accompanied by his faithful friends, he earns a living as a freelance problem solver.

Heavy on Inside Jokes and Pop Culture References

Initially, the anime titled “Gintama” appears light-hearted and appealing. However, beneath this facade lies a complexity that might overwhelm newcomers due to its abrupt shifts in tone. It’s a unique blend of historical fiction and humorous elements, frequently breaks the fourth wall, and incorporates references and parodies from other well-known anime which may be unfamiliar to beginners. Furthermore, “Gintama” consists of over 200 episodes, making it a formidable task to watch them all in its entirety.

7
‘Berserk’ (2016)

The series “Berserk” immerses viewers in a medieval fantasy realm, narrating the tumultuous odyssey of a solitary mercenary named Guts. Although Guts exudes an imposing figure and possesses extraordinary combat abilities, he is fated to be a warrior until his final breath, yet when he enlists with the Band of the Hawk, a band of mercenaries led by Griffith, he experiences camaraderie for the first time. Betrayals dog Guts’ footsteps, compelling him to grapple with his haunting past.

Disturbing, Intense, and Violent

Berserk” is a groundbreaking anime that’s known for fearlessly delving into the most disturbing aspects of human nature. However, it does so with graphic violence, gruesome imagery, and intense battles, all serving to portray psychological turmoil in a stark and unyielding manner. This level of intensity may be overwhelming for viewers who are not used to such dark themes in anime. The direction is captivating but also requires a strong emotional fortitude to fully appreciate.

6
‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)

Among the top-rated anime series from 2020, “Dorohedoro” boasts a perfect 100% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, and justifiably so. This gripping tale unfolds in the dismal realm of Hole, a district where sorcerers with immense power exploit its inhabitants, viewing them as nothing more than insignificant bugs. The characters Caiman and Nikaido are products of such experiments, and they relentlessly pursue answers about their origins and seek vengeance against the sorcerers who transformed them.

Surreal and Chaotic

Unique and defying categorization, the anime titled Dorohedoro confidently carves its niche and revels in it. It’s visually captivating, with an intriguing blend of delight and chaos. However, it predominantly serves up a persistent series of gruesome violence, grotesque imagery, and downright strange sequences. Its narrative style is non-linear, seamlessly blending humor with brutality. The animation is striking, and the world-building is impressive, but it occasionally delves into unsettling and discomforting realms, making it a daring choice for anime novices.

5
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995)

A less suitable anime for beginners is the “Neon Genesis Evangelion”. After the devastating “Second Impact” event that swept across the globe, the story revolves around Shinji Ikari, a teenager who gets drafted by NERV, an enigmatic organization run by his distant father, to control a massive robot called Eva. Along with others, Ikari safeguards humanity from terrifying cosmic beings known as Angels.

Profoundly Impactful Anime

A groundbreaking anime titled “Neon Genesis Evangelion” significantly altered the trajectory of the medium in various aspects. At first glance, it may appear to be an action-packed mecha anime based on its synopsis; however, its narrative delves deeply into complex and introspective themes, often depicting unsettling subjects and vividly disturbing imagery. While seasoned fans can easily comprehend the underlying concepts, new viewers might find the heavy use of metaphysical ideas and reliance on symbolism perplexing or frustrating.

4
‘One Piece’ (1999)

One Piece unfolds in an exciting and sprawling landscape of adventure. The narrative follows Monkey D. Luffy and his eclectic group of sea-faring pirates as they embark on a monumental journey to discover the legendary treasure, “One Piece.” Throughout their voyage, they encounter both allies and adversaries, execute thrilling escapes, and exhibit their larger-than-life personas.

An Overwhelming Commitment

One Piece, boasting more than a thousand episodes, stands as an undeniable epic with a grand, captivating storyline that has held audiences spellbound for years. Although its distinctive character designs, thrilling action scenes, and endearing humor have garnered it immense popularity, the sheer length of the series can pose challenges for new anime enthusiasts trying to follow the intricate plot developments and numerous subplots. Additionally, since the art style and pace change over time, watching One Piece demands patience and a substantial investment of your time.

3
‘Elfen Lied’ (2004)

Elfen Lied is well-known for being one of the most contentious anime productions ever made. The story primarily focuses on Lucy, a young girl endowed with telekinetic abilities and a pair of tiny antlers, who was subjected to inhumane testing by a government research facility. After managing to break free from her confinement, Lucy leaves a path marked by bloodshed. Due to her struggle with dissociative identity disorder, her encounters in the wider world are a mix of childlike innocence and brutal violence.

Filled With Graphic Violence and Emotional Trauma

In the past, watching “Elfen Lied” was a significant milestone for anime enthusiasts. The intense and moving narrative it presented left a lasting impression. Achieving this viewing experience felt like a personal victory. However, as more traditional anime began to emerge, “Elfen Lied,” with its controversial themes of extreme violence and cruelty, became a challenging watch. Thus, it is not recommended for those new to the world of anime.

2
‘Goblin Slayer’ (2018)

From its title alone, you can guess what this anime is all about. If we delve a bit deeper into the storyline, Goblin Slayer revolves around a determined adventurer whose main goal is to annihilate goblins that terrorize the realm. Alongside our armored protagonist in his quest are a priestess he rescued from a brutal goblin assault, an elf archer, a dwarf shaman, and a priest from the lizardfolk race.

A Brutal World of Dark Fantasy

In the tale of Goblin Slayer, there’s a heavy emphasis on dark fantasy, with an intense focus on raw realism and unsparing violence. The artwork is stunningly beautiful, drawing in fans, but the storytelling style and portrayal of violence might be too intense for some. Additionally, while it’s part of the fantasy genre, there are questionable aspects that some new viewers may find uncomfortable as the series delves deep into these elements through its revenge-centric plot.

1
‘Attack on Titan’ (2013)

There’s hardly any need for an introduction when it comes to Attack on Titan. Whether you’re deeply engrossed in anime, just starting out, or someone who dislikes watching episodes, you’ve likely encountered Attack on Titan and the buzz surrounding it. The story unfolds in a world where humans are nearly extinct due to man-eating Titans that have taken over, with the remaining populace living within massive walls. A young soldier named Eren Jaeger sets out on a mission to eliminate these monstrous creatures, regardless of the cost.

Violent, Unpredictable, and Emotionally Taxing

As a cinephile, I’ve got to say that “Attack on Titan” is more than just its captivating plotline and stunning animation that have built it a loyal worldwide following. It’s actually quite intricate and emotional. The story kicks off on a somber note as the protagonist, Eren, experiences the devastation of his hometown and the loss of his mother. From thereon, the narrative unfolds at an unforgiving pace. This series doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy, tear-jerking topics, so brace yourself for quite a rollercoaster ride if you decide to jump on board the hype train. In essence, “Attack on Titan” is a series that should be approached with caution.

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2025-01-12 07:05