| It depends who you're recommending it to. I never would have gotten into anime if someone tried to get me to watch Naruto or Bleach first. -Contains content a variety of people can enjoy -Short enough to not give up on too early (50 episodes or less) -Good conclusion -Art style that the viewer likes (varies) |
  |
| I'd say that depends on the individual. |
 |
| Did you just post the same question twice? Also, it's good if it makes you want to watch more. |
 |
| It depends on the person, Some people might want something simple like Sword Art Online to start off with. Other people might want something complex like Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex or Ergo Proxy immediately, especially if they already like watching and reading complicated movies, books and comics. Generally I think something like Code Geass, Full Metal Alchmeist: Brotherhood, Cowboy Bebop and Death Note are pretty good animes for most beginners. The first anime I actuelly watched (besides Pokemon and stuff like that) was Initial-D. |
| If it has a good story, "realistic" characters and is westernised. Having well-choreographed action (shootouts and/or "realistic" swordfights) also helps. Newcomers will often feel alienated by stuff that is very "japanese". Going by this I would say that Cowboy Bebop is the best gateway anime. |
| Well, as with the other question, it depends on the viewer and their predispositions. But as for a few general rules of thumb, having it be accessible to newcomers is a must. If it contains many references to other works, parodies, etc, it won't be received as well because a newbie isn't going to understand them. The length of the series shouldn't be too long, either. Something too long can put people off, and it might affect their impressions of anime too much. It wouldn't necessarily have to be entirely succinct, but something which drags on and on and on could paint their impression negatively. |
 It's an entirely different kind of flying, altogether! It's an entirely different kind of flying. |
| Pay attention to the movies the beginner likes. If he likes straightforward stuff it's not a good idea to start with something like Ergo Proxy but Nisekoi might be alright. If he likes thrillers and stuff you could go for something like Monster or Death Note. Also, go for stuff that is pretty "western". Anime that are very Japanese by nature like for example Monogatari might be a bit too weird for a starter unless he has some knowledge about Japanese culture already. |
 |
| Being the closest thing to either live action (like death note) or western animation (kinda like code Geass a little bit). But most importantly out should be easily accessible and should be able to be picked up by people unfamiliar to the medium. |
| I have found studio Ghibli movies to be perfect starter movies to introduce anime to new people. What makes them great is they are well dubbed which is easier to convince someone to try than subbed at first usually. The animation is more fluid and of high quality art. Generally made for larger demographics so the story resonates with the majority. Plus besides a handful most are not too out there. |
 |
| I'd say something that rates highly in the metrics the watcher is interested in, and isn't too foreign in concept (particularly in cultural values or mannerisms). |
| Be thankful for the wisdom granted to you. |
| Imo the best anime to watch first are the shittiest. That way you can actually enjoy it.. I remember one of my earliest animes were clannad and nothing was ever able to compete with it.. Wish I saved that for my 300th anime or something.. |
| Literally anything enjoyable, doesn't have to be popular shows or generic first anime. |
when ur about to have a refreshing sip of earl grey tea and someone says "traps are gay" |
| It depends for most individuals but in general, I would say that an anime with concepts that is universally used in other mediums are your best bet...like Cowboy Bebop. |
| It all depends on said beginner... any anyway can be good or bad depending on the person's taste~ |
 . . . . . ✘ . . . . .DO NOT touch my rice. . . . . . I'm Asian. . . . . . |
| An anime is good for beginners if it leaves them pleased with what the series delivered and leaves them wanting more anime. |
 |
| I think a distinct western influence is a good thing to have when first showing adults anime. Children will generally just accept what they're shown, but I've found that many adults who try watching anime are put off by unfamiliar culture and tropes. The fan-service in particular can put some people off even the best anime (which is up to them, but certainly limits what anime you can watch). By the same token we get nothing too foreign or fan-servicey. Related to that is a good dub. It's much easier to get someone to watch something in their native language than to read subtitles. Another thing is that it has more "mature" themes. Not gore or violence necessarily, but not something we in the west might expect from a show aimed at children. That being said, then ideas presented also need to be accessible to the viewer or they'll lose interest. Look at FMA/FMA:B. Both are well animated, have mature but accessible ideas and themes, are set in a western-esque state, have a good dub and don't have too many anime tropes or fan-service. You could say the same for Cowboy Bebop, Attack on Titan, Death Note or Ghost in the Shell (apart from the fan-service in that last one). For kids or young adults I think its a bit different, since they're less aware and less sensitive to fan-service and tropes, and mature themes aren't always appropriate or obvious to them. |
| Something that is thrilling and have a lot of actions in it |
 |
| Well I would say that what makes a good first Anime would matter by age, if you are a kid then I would say that you should have a light harded concept, probably from the comedy genre, with "show offy" characters and japanese culture references that aren't to hard to understand, kind of like Pokemon (my first Anime). If you are a teenager then I would probably say a concept thats a bit dark at times, with drama, and very cool fight scenes. If you are an adult than... I really dont know, i am still a teenager lol! (^-^) (this isn't 100% true, this is only how it was for me and how I felt at those ages but I wouldn't say that this is true for everyone). |
| Accessible; has a catchy premise that immediately grabs the viewer Has fast-pacing with attention-grabbing events Has a unique, distinct art style and lots of Cool Factor Not too much fanservice Has a balance of depth and fun. It should be able to tell both an exciting story about defeating the baddies while exploring deeper themes; showing anime is capable of both. If you come from the arthouse crowd, then it's shows like Haibane Renmei/Texhnolyze/Ergo Proxy that will catch your attention. |
| WEAPONS - My blog, for reviews of music, anime, books, and other things |
| what make a good first anime? 1. it was good (u enjoy) 2. it was first anime u watch that make good first anime |
| if you're a noob on watching anime, 1. I'd suggest you look for the top ranked ones. it's goot to start with one of the best that anime can offer. 2. unless you REALLY want to watch it, try to avoid long running animes like naruto, onepiece, or fairy tail. it's pretty understandable if people who are new to the anime world wouldn't enjoy it as much as the real fans. these top 3 (and many others actually) are animes that you grow up with, not something you binge watch to. 3. Noobs are too soon to be given fanservices (but really, it still depends on the person you recommend the anime to). You want to make a good first impression about anime, not the weird ones just yet. |
| I'd recommend something that defines anime, so to speak. I want to recommend something that will give them a good impression of anime as a whole. Something that will possibly make them want to delve deeper into the medium. Examples would be: Fullmetal Alchemist Gurren Lagann Samurai Champloo Hunter x Hunter Soul Eater Death Note One Punch Man Toradora! Neon Genesis Evangelion Parasyte Angel Beats! Sword of the Stranger Mushishi Studio Ghibli films These shows are very "anime"-like, and therefore easily recommendable to first-time viewers. I would not recommend shows like Black Lagoon, Monster, Serial Experiments Lain, etc., because regardless of how good they are, they are far too different from what you'd normally see in anime. So for that reason, I don't see them as a good way to introduce what anime is, because those shows aren't "anime" enough. I also wouldn't recommend shows like Naruto or Attack on Titan. Not because they're bad per se, but because they contain many tired out tropes that are likely to give a first-time viewer bad impressions. |
Nagirah said: I would suggest something that is popular and generally liked in the community. That kind of anime have a higher chance of being appealing for someone who is watching for the first time and hasn't formed any preferences yet. FMA: Brotherhood was my starter anime and I think it's perfect for the job. I disagree. Bakemonogatari fits the criterium and I don't think that it would encourage anyone into anime. The same goes for Higurashi etc Topic: I would ask that person for genres he/she likes first. Then pick a good anime from this genre/genres that contains as little weirdness as possible. |
 |
| It simply depends on the person. You are not going to recommend an episodic anime to someone looking for a continuous narrative. You won't recommend a horror anime to someone looking for sports, etc. That being said, anime that offer a variety of stuff are usually the best options. |
| "Let Justice Be Done!" My Theme Fight again, fight again for justice! |
| ease of access is probably the most important factor most peoples first anime was dbz cuz it was on every day at like 5 PM on cartoon network |
 |
| If that anime will make you to break the time barrier! |
 |
| That is an easy question, the people who make the anime, since they MADE the anime. |
 |
AltoRoark said: I'd recommend something that defines anime, so to speak. I want to recommend something that will give them a good impression of anime as a whole. Something that will possibly make them want to delve deeper into the medium. Examples would be: Fullmetal Alchemist Gurren Lagann Samurai Champloo Hunter x Hunter Soul Eater Death Note One Punch Man Toradora! Neon Genesis Evangelion Parasyte Angel Beats! Sword of the Stranger Mushishi Studio Ghibli films These shows are very "anime"-like, and therefore easily recommendable to first-time viewers. I would not recommend shows like Black Lagoon, Monster, Serial Experiments Lain, etc., because regardless of how good they are, they are far too different from what you'd normally see in anime. So for that reason, I don't see them as a good way to introduce what anime is, because those shows aren't "anime" enough. I also wouldn't recommend shows like Naruto or Attack on Titan. Not because they're bad per se, but because they contain many tired out tropes that are likely to give a first-time viewer bad impressions. The main thing I remember about Monster and SEL is how Western they are, especially SEL in its techno-paranoia. I might recommend it to a newcomer, but it won't explain well how anime works. |
| WEAPONS - My blog, for reviews of music, anime, books, and other things |
| Comedy, seriousness, and badassery. Case in point: Trigun. |
 |
| Important factors (in that order) 1) Accesibility. Dubbed (in that person's language) anime is a good idea; anime that does not rely on Japanese things and anime things is a must. If there is no dub in your language, sub in a foreign language is better than dub in a foreign language! 2) The person's tastes. Offer a person something that he/she likes. You don't need to match the tastes exactly: offer mecha to a military fan; offer magic girls to a magic fan. 3) Anime with broad appeal. MAL's top anime mostly got there by being such anime, but you can use your own judgment too. 4) Some elements are only appreciated after you've watched some anime. In particular, sexual fanservice probably wouldn't be appreciated by beginners, so don't recommend shows with a lot if it. On_the_Lam said: Anything that contains lots of violence and that isn't moe. The anime that got me into the medium was Cardcaptor Sakura. It pretty much runs on moe. |
| Particularly something that doesn't culture shock you with boobs, pantyshots, and harems. |
| Be thankful for the wisdom granted to you. |
| Make sure it doesn't reaffirm people's predispositions/stereotypes about anime. Unless they embrace it. |
| “Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth. But the world isn't perfect, and the law is incomplete..." -Alphonse Elric "Then and now, what I protect has never changed!" -Sakata Gintoki I'll take anything like The Pet Girl of Sakurasou. Anything as good as that. |
flannan said: Important factors (in that order) 1) Accesibility. Dubbed (in that person's language) anime is a good idea; anime that does not rely on Japanese things and anime things is a must. If there is no dub in your language, sub in a foreign language is better than dub in a foreign language! 2) The person's tastes. Offer a person something that he/she likes. You don't need to match the tastes exactly: offer mecha to a military fan; offer magic girls to a magic fan. 3) Anime with broad appeal. MAL's top anime mostly got there by being such anime, but you can use your own judgment too. 4) Some elements are only appreciated after you've watched some anime. In particular, sexual fanservice probably wouldn't be appreciated by beginners, so don't recommend shows with a lot if it. On_the_Lam said: Anything that contains lots of violence and that isn't moe. The anime that got me into the medium was Cardcaptor Sakura. It pretty much runs on moe. Moe is very rare in the West. It's unique to anime so it might actually capture people. It'll show them anime has something the West doesn't. |
| WEAPONS - My blog, for reviews of music, anime, books, and other things |
| It really does depend on the person. Death Note works most of the time though, it's interesting story shows what anime can do. |
 |
| I don't think there is a definitive "Ultimate First Anime", because everyone has their own predispositions. Ask what kinds of movies/tv shows/books they like, and find an anime similar. There is at least one anime for literally every kind of western genre out there. If they like Comedy, try something like Working or Azumangah Daioh. If they like sports, try the latest sports show, which I guess is Haikyu. If they like horror, give suggestions like Shiki or Higurashi. I hear people all the time point to either Cowboy Bebop or Dragonball, and say "This show is the best show for newcomers, and while they are both fine shows, they are not for everyone, and showing them to someone who doesn't like sci-fi, or action shows is going to turn them off, and do more damage than if they were to just randomly pick a show from netflix or crunchyroll or something. |
I'm assuming you're looking for something to recommend to a friend who's a Westerner, so I'll just share the guidelines I use when picking a series to recommend to my American friends:
So, yeah, those are the guidelines I use when recommending things to my American friends (they may need to be modified depending on what culture your friend grew up in) who are new to anime. For the record, I find that slightly older (15-25 years) fantasy and science fiction series tend to work best, and the ones I've found myself recommending the most are Slayers and Seikai no Monshou. |
| I think Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a great first anime. It has a great story line, is emotionally engaging, has a great art style, fantastic action and is not overly long. |
| Depends on the person lol. Try something casual peeps like, new anime peeps normally like those. |
| some shounenshit or kids show i think this is how most of us started |
 |
| I might try throw a curve and say try out a movie such as Summer Wars since it is short with interesting animation and a realistic concept. For a full series, I know it has been said multiple times already but Fullmetall Alchemist: Brotherhood was my introduction into the anime game and I have been hooked since. |
More topics from this board
Poll: » Bare feet or pantyhoses?Absurdo_N - 2 hours ago |
13 |
by Absurdo_N
»»
3 minutes ago |
|
» Has the isekai bubble finally burstEastIndiaCompany - 3 hours ago |
18 |
by EastIndiaCompany
»»
3 minutes ago |
|
» Credit cards companies are forcing the Hentai industryDije - 5 hours ago |
23 |
by Jonas-K
»»
5 minutes ago |
|
Poll: » Interest and hobbies change with timenishant0 - 3 hours ago |
19 |
by alexw1020
»»
6 minutes ago |
|
» Anime Misandry ( 1 2 )ColourWheel - Apr 21 |
81 |
by 3miL
»»
10 minutes ago |