32 Must-Watch Anime for First-Timers That Will Blow Your Mind

In a world saturated with television content, I can’t help but endorse anime to anyone eager for fresh, creative narratives. If you’re just starting out, there’s no shortage of suitable options to explore in this vast genre. Here are a few recommendations to get you started.

Pokemon

It’s quite clear that I wouldn’t think twice about including Pokémon on this list. The long-running franchise, spanning almost three decades, follows the adventures of Pokémon trainers and their powerful creatures as they battle their way through the Pokémon Championships. From the beloved Pokémon movies to the various regions in the series, there’s something for everyone in this captivating world.

Bleach

Bleach, derived from a manga series, follows the story of a young boy who possesses the ability to see spirits. He is tasked with battling evil spirits and guiding benevolent ones towards the afterlife. However, when his friend is penalized for bestowing him with her powers, he embarks on a mission to save her from unimaginable forces. With its non-stop action, it’s an ideal series for fans of action movies who are seeking an engaging show to enjoy.

Berserk

This older choice, Berserk, is an exceptional anime. The storyline primarily revolves around a swordsman who initially teams up with a band of mercenaries, only to later chart his own course. This seemingly minor decision sets off a chain reaction affecting everyone connected. At first glance, the plot might not seem captivating, but let me assure you, this anime is dark and will push your emotional boundaries if you’re seeking something truly challenging.

The Dragon Ball Franchise

This anime needs no introduction; it’s already a household name – Dragon Ball. The tale of Goku and his mission to collect Dragon Balls, which can summon a wish-granting dragon, is well-known to many. Watching it is simply a given for most people due to its popularity.

Naruto

It’s likely that most people have come across the famous tale of Naruto in some shape or form. The story revolves around the title character, a young ninja named Naruto, who aspires to become a leader someday. This series has been running for many years and continues to produce new versions at regular intervals.

Delicious In Dungeon

In the realm of 2024 anime, I found myself utterly captivated by “Delicious in Dungeon” – and rightfully so! This charming series struck a chord with me because of its adorable aesthetics. The story follows an eclectic group of adventurers as they bravely delve into dungeons, their mission: to restore a comrade devoured by a dragon. An unusual premise, indeed, but one that is delightfully light-hearted and easily digestible for newcomers to the genre. While it may seem a tad whimsical, its playful tone makes for an entertaining journey through the depths of these fantastical dungeons.

Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan stands out as one of the greatest anime productions ever made due to its extraordinary plot, compelling character progressions, grand-scale world creation, and numerous other captivating elements. The fundamental narrative revolves around Eren, a young man who teams up with his friends to combat Titans, colossal humanoid beings. However, whatever you imagine the storyline might be – discard those thoughts. It’s an exceptional series brimming with mystery and much more.

Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

If you’re on the hunt for a charming romance anime, I’d highly recommend “Kaguya-sama: Love is War.” It was my personal introduction to the genre. This series revolves around two student council members who harbor secret feelings for one another but refuse to confess, instead engaging in clever strategies to force the other to confess first. The blend of humor and sweetness makes it truly captivating.

Hunter X Hunter

Hunter x Hunter is an exceptional anime series that appeals to all audiences alike. The narrative revolves around a young boy embarking on a journey to locate his father, which leads to numerous exhilarating adventures. In essence, this anime is universally approachable due to its relatable characters and uncomplicated yet engaging plotline.

Sailor Moon

Indeed, we’re talking about none other than Sailor Moon. This classic series revolves around a young lady who is granted the power to transform into a valiant “Pretty Soldier.” Alongside her fellow warriors, she bravely battles adversaries to protect our planet from malevolent forces. It’s no wonder that Sailor Moon has earned its legendary status in the world of anime.

Solo Leveling

If you’re looking for something that has a strong video game and action series vibe, I’d highly recommend “Solo Leveling.” This anime revolves around a young man who’s given a second lease on life and aspires to become the strongest he can be in a world teeming with monsters. His unique ability is to level up by responding to peculiar prompts that others don’t notice, making his journey a solitary one.

Dr. Stone

In the instant when all life on Earth is transformed into stone, a resourceful teenager awakens after millennia with a keen intellect and a burning curiosity to resurrect the wonders that once defined our planet. Dr. Stone strives to ensure its scientific explanations are plausible, making it an engaging series to jump straight into.

Jujutsu Kaisen

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, particularly when it comes to anime, let me recommend “Jujutsu Kaisen” if you’re seeking a gripping dark tale. This series revolves around the character Yuji Itadori, who inadvertently consumes the finger of a cursed sorcerer, Sukuna. Now, he must grapple with mastering his newfound powers while managing to stay alive – all in an effort to ultimately defeat Sukuna once and for all. The series is nothing short of exhilarating and boasts a substantial fanbase.

Chainsaw Man

As a passionate movie reviewer, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the gripping world of “Chainsaw Man”. This anime is an adrenaline-fueled ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The narrative revolves around a character named Denji, a man devoid of purpose who finds himself living on the streets with a peculiar companion – the Chainsaw Devil.

In a desperate bid for survival, Denji’s life is transformed when he is granted the powers of the Chainsaw Devil in an unconventional way. This transformation sets him on a new path, where he is drafted to battle against otherworldly beings known as Devils. The series is a thrilling blend of action, horror, and comedy that will leave you craving for more. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating journey!

Dan Da Dan

Dan Dan Da is an anime that’s unlike any other in the cosmos—and not just figuratively! It’s full of excitement. The story revolves around two teenagers who challenge each other about the existence of supernatural phenomena or extraterrestrial life. One gets taken by aliens, while the other is haunted by an evil spirit, leading to all sorts of hilarious escapades. Moreover, it features a strong female lead character.

Little Witch Academia

If you enjoy some of the top-notch fantasy TV shows, then you might appreciate delving into the series known as “Little Witch Academia“. This story revolves around a young witch embarking on her journey at the Luna Nova Magical Academy, with aspirations to excel. It’s full of laughter and entertainment, making it an ideal pick for fans who enjoyed watching the Harry Potter movies.

Haikyu!!

If you’re in search of an engaging sports anime, then “Haikyu!! is definitely worth your time.” This series delves into the lives of students on a high school volleyball team, but it offers much more than just that. The characters are skillfully crafted and the sports scenes are impressively animated.

Black Clover

Black Clover primarily revolves around a youthful lad who aspires to attain the title of Wizard King despite lacking innate magical abilities. However, he ingeniously leverages his situation with the support of his companions by his side. If you’re fond of fantasy tales, this show is tailor-made for you.

Demon Slayer

Over time, the captivating series “Demon Slayer” continues to impress. The narrative revolves around Tanjiro, a resilient young boy on a mission to transform into a demon slayer, in hopes of reversing his sister’s demonic transformation and vanquishing Muzan, the demon king. This thrilling saga boasts extraordinary animation by Ufotable, making it an unforgettable experience.

Cowboy Bebop

You might be searching for the captivating science fiction saga known as Cowboy Bebop. This series primarily focuses on various characters and their spacefaring crew, as they traverse the cosmos. In essence, it’s a reimagined Western in a sci-fi setting, and it’s simply extraordinary!

Blue Lock

Initially enamored with Blue Lock, I found the anime truly captivating. This sports series presents a cutthroat competition aimed at producing Japan’s finest striker, but failure to maintain your spot in Blue Lock means a lifelong ban from soccer. It’s both harsh and exhilarating.

One-Punch Man

The anime titled “One-Punch Man” chronicles the tale of Saitama, who possesses the unique ability to vanquish any adversary with a single punch. This extraordinary power results in an uninteresting existence for him. However, the series is filled with humor and entertaining, making it effortless to jump into its captivating world. That’s what sets it apart as exceptional.

Erased

If you’re seeking an intense narrative without the long-term commitment of a multi-season series, consider giving “Erased” a try, boasting just twelve episodes. This anime unfolds around a manga author who possesses the ability to rewind time to prevent catastrophes. However, when he becomes linked to a murder he didn’t commit, connected to his childhood, he chooses to rewind back to its very beginning in order to alter the fate. It’s an exceptional storyline indeed.

One Piece

One Piece is well-known indeed – you’ve likely heard about it before. It chronicles the adventures of the Straw Hat Pirates as they journey across the sea in search of riches beyond imagination. The series offers plenty of entertaining storylines, making it an enjoyable watch. Yes, there are countless episodes to keep you engaged, but if you’re up for a long-term commitment, there’s nothing quite like One Piece.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

As a cinephile captivated by the realm of animated storytelling, I can’t help but express my admiration for this enchanting series that follows the journey of a young elf on an extraordinary quest. The destination? A sanctum of souls. His goal? To reconnect with a lost ally. But let me tell you, it’s not just the captivating narrative that makes this anime stand out – its animation is nothing short of breathtakingly spectacular! If you’re a fan of fantasy and seeking an engaging watch, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this gem to your list.

My Hero Academia

If you’re a fan of top-tier superhero films, then diving into the world of “My Hero Academia” as an anime could be an excellent starting point. This anime chronicles the journey of a young boy who inexplicably gains powers akin to a superhero and must master them at U.A. High School – an institution dedicated to fostering future heroes.

Spy X Family

If you’re looking for an exciting anime with a heartwarming storyline, then “Spy x Family” could be your perfect choice. The series centers around a spy who assumes different identities – adopting a child and marrying a woman – all in the name of completing his mission. Interestingly, the child possesses telepathic abilities, while the wife is an assassin. Yes, it’s as action-packed and entertaining as it sounds!

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

This anime primarily revolves around two siblings on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, which they hope will help restore their physical forms following an unsuccessful effort to resurrect their mother. It’s widely regarded as one of the top-tier anime productions from the past few decades.

Death Note

In my opinion, you won’t find another anime quite like Death Note – it’s an enticing dive right from the start. The story revolves around a high school student who stumbles upon a peculiar notebook. When names are inscribed within its pages, those individuals meet their demise. However, this power leads to an uncontrollable descent into madness as he sets out to eliminate the wicked, ultimately transforming into a monster himself.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

If you’re fond of the movie “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,” you’ll surely appreciate this animated series. Titled “Scott Pilgrim Begins His Journey,” this anime follows the storyline from the same-named graphic novel about a character named Scott Pilgrim, who is a bassist and embarks on an adventure to win over Ramona Flowers. However, there’s a twist – in the first battle, it appears that Scott has perished; but as you’ll soon discover, not everything is as it seems.

The Devil Is A Part-Timer

Have you ever pondered if the devil might work at a fast-food joint? If that intrigues you, then you should check out “The Devil is a Part-Timer”. This anime revolves around Satan getting trapped on Earth and having to figure out how to get back to Ente Isla, a place he was attempting to conquer. The twist? When he arrives in Tokyo, he turns into a human! It’s full of laughter and entertainment.

Violet Evergarden

In a league of its own with just thirteen episodes, the anime titled Violet Evergarden stands out as unique. Its story revolves around the protagonist Violet, a girl who spent her life immersed in violence, transforming into an Auto Memory Doll – a role that captures people’s thoughts and feelings. This transformation sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind journey. The show’s exceptional quality has me eager to discuss it endlessly, wishing it had even more episodes to delve deeper into its captivating narrative.

Perhaps these suggestions will spark some interest in new anime for you to explore. Once you’ve finished, you might want to delve deeper into the world of anime by watching the top Studio Ghibli films to fuel your passion further.

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2025-02-24 20:39