Anime Titles Designed for Ease of Entry (last updated 8/28/2025)
Anime
Here, I offer my inclusions for anime that are easy to watch and designed for the beginner anime viewer. If you or your anime-naïve friend have some fleeting interest in anime, looking for your gateway (anime), but don't know where to start... check this out.
Under each description will be pros and cons to starting the series/movie. This list will attempt to include series that rate high on the following criteria:
- Simplicity of Story
- Easy Introduction to Japanese/Anime Culture
- Avoidance of Tropes and/or "Fan Service"
- Popularity and Discourse
- Low Episode Count
- Visual/Auditory Appeal
Under each description will be pros and cons to starting the series/movie. This list will attempt to include series that rate high on the following criteria:
- Simplicity of Story
- Easy Introduction to Japanese/Anime Culture
- Avoidance of Tropes and/or "Fan Service"
- Popularity and Discourse
- Low Episode Count
- Visual/Auditory Appeal
TV, 2019,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: Demon Slayer corps fighting and killing demons with swords in Taisho era Japan.
Categories: shonen, battle, fantasy, period piece
Pros:
The quintessential beginner anime. The story is incredibly easy to understand, without being boring, and remains highly entertaining and engaging. There are some standard anime tropes that are not overwhelming. Animation and music are top tier and produced by one of the most well-known anime studios in existence. It's very popular, still being produced, relevant, and a talking point for many anime fans.
Cons:
By 2025, there are 4.5 seasons to watch (season 2 is technically a movie) in order to catch up. The final chapter of the series is ending in a Trilogy of movies between 2025 and 2027.
Categories: shonen, battle, fantasy, period piece
Pros:
The quintessential beginner anime. The story is incredibly easy to understand, without being boring, and remains highly entertaining and engaging. There are some standard anime tropes that are not overwhelming. Animation and music are top tier and produced by one of the most well-known anime studios in existence. It's very popular, still being produced, relevant, and a talking point for many anime fans.
Cons:
By 2025, there are 4.5 seasons to watch (season 2 is technically a movie) in order to catch up. The final chapter of the series is ending in a Trilogy of movies between 2025 and 2027.
TV, 2006,
37 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Super Short Synopsis: Finding a notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it.
Categories: seinen, mystery, contemporary
Pros:
A well-known, classic series that every anime fan has seen, and typically recommend as a starter. The story flows naturally, has much introspection, and scenarios are played out creatively. The dark tone can be very appealing to those who enjoy crime dramas.
Cons:
This series contains topics and depictions of murder, and might not be suitable for younger audiences.
Categories: seinen, mystery, contemporary
Pros:
A well-known, classic series that every anime fan has seen, and typically recommend as a starter. The story flows naturally, has much introspection, and scenarios are played out creatively. The dark tone can be very appealing to those who enjoy crime dramas.
Cons:
This series contains topics and depictions of murder, and might not be suitable for younger audiences.
TV, 2020,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Super Short Synopsis: Fighting cursed spirits in modern day Japan.
Categories: shonen, battle, contemporary
Pros:
This battle shonen anime has high intensity fight scenes that are engaging and visually appealing. It's like crack-cocaine for the eyes. The intensity does not let up, but on rare occasions when it does, you're treated with comedic elements and a little bit of subtle character development.
Cons:
The story is somewhat convoluted and dives into overly complex power structures that might be overwhelming to the anime beginner.
Categories: shonen, battle, contemporary
Pros:
This battle shonen anime has high intensity fight scenes that are engaging and visually appealing. It's like crack-cocaine for the eyes. The intensity does not let up, but on rare occasions when it does, you're treated with comedic elements and a little bit of subtle character development.
Cons:
The story is somewhat convoluted and dives into overly complex power structures that might be overwhelming to the anime beginner.
TV, 2009,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: Cute girls form a band, but they don't really know what they're doing.
Categories: slice-of-life, relaxing, music, contemporary
Pros:
A cult classic, though not super-well-known to the greater anime community. Adorable characters introduce the anime trope of "cute girls doing cute things". There is hardly any conflict, but that's not a bad thing. Over two seasons you learn to love the characters and enjoy the low-stake vibes. Before you know it, you are much more invested than you thought, and when the climax of the story hits... it hits hard.
Cons:
Although the "moe" trope is very present in Japanese/Anime culture, it's not well understood or appreciated in more Western cultures, and might be frowned upon if you're seen discussing this anime in public. But don't let this dissuade you from enjoying this cult classic.
Categories: slice-of-life, relaxing, music, contemporary
Pros:
A cult classic, though not super-well-known to the greater anime community. Adorable characters introduce the anime trope of "cute girls doing cute things". There is hardly any conflict, but that's not a bad thing. Over two seasons you learn to love the characters and enjoy the low-stake vibes. Before you know it, you are much more invested than you thought, and when the climax of the story hits... it hits hard.
Cons:
Although the "moe" trope is very present in Japanese/Anime culture, it's not well understood or appreciated in more Western cultures, and might be frowned upon if you're seen discussing this anime in public. But don't let this dissuade you from enjoying this cult classic.
Movie, 2001,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: Little girl enters a spirit world and tries to escape.
Categories: Ghibli, fantasy, whimsical
Pros:
Classic Studio Ghibli film. There is a subtle coming of age theme underlying a larger theme of world-building and character development. This film is visually spectacular with music that is unmatched, on brand with all Studio Ghibli films.
Cons:
There are lots of dives into Japanese traditional culture that might be unfamiliar to mainstream Westerners, but this would be an excellent introduction for that.
Categories: Ghibli, fantasy, whimsical
Pros:
Classic Studio Ghibli film. There is a subtle coming of age theme underlying a larger theme of world-building and character development. This film is visually spectacular with music that is unmatched, on brand with all Studio Ghibli films.
Cons:
There are lots of dives into Japanese traditional culture that might be unfamiliar to mainstream Westerners, but this would be an excellent introduction for that.
TV, 2013,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: A closed city surrounded by "Titans" who restrict its citizens' sense of freedom.
Categories: shonen, battle, fantasy, drama, social commentary
Pros:
This iconic story was the introduction to anime for countless Gen Z and late Millennial anime fans. Although technically a shonen anime, it dives into heavy sociopolitical themes that includes freedom, war, vengeance, humanity, and forgiveness.
Cons:
There's a lot of graphic violence depicted and might not be suitable for a younger audience. It also spans across 4 long seasons over the course of a decade, so there's an obligation of commitment once it is started.
Categories: shonen, battle, fantasy, drama, social commentary
Pros:
This iconic story was the introduction to anime for countless Gen Z and late Millennial anime fans. Although technically a shonen anime, it dives into heavy sociopolitical themes that includes freedom, war, vengeance, humanity, and forgiveness.
Cons:
There's a lot of graphic violence depicted and might not be suitable for a younger audience. It also spans across 4 long seasons over the course of a decade, so there's an obligation of commitment once it is started.
Movie, 2004,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: A young woman is cursed into old age and navigates a war-torn world inside of a giant moving castle to find self-appreciation.
Categories: Ghibli, fantasy, whimsical
Pros:
Another classic Studio Ghibli film. Like always, it is visually stunning with an amazing soundtrack. The story creatively pulls away at the viewer's sense of vanity and makes you appreciate the little things.
Cons:
Lots of abstract elements similar to other Ghibli films, but all-in-all, there are no major cons to watching this movie.
Categories: Ghibli, fantasy, whimsical
Pros:
Another classic Studio Ghibli film. Like always, it is visually stunning with an amazing soundtrack. The story creatively pulls away at the viewer's sense of vanity and makes you appreciate the little things.
Cons:
Lots of abstract elements similar to other Ghibli films, but all-in-all, there are no major cons to watching this movie.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Super Short Synopsis: A psychic kid represses his emotions until he reaches 100% and explodes.
Categories: shonen, comedy, pyschic powers, contemporary
Pros:
Visually appealing with intense fight scenes that are well-balanced by heartfelt story beats and an excellent soundtrack. Many good themes about kindness, forgiveness, and understanding.
Cons:
It might come off as a bit psychedelic for an anime beginner, but worth the watch if you can get past the strong visuals.
Categories: shonen, comedy, pyschic powers, contemporary
Pros:
Visually appealing with intense fight scenes that are well-balanced by heartfelt story beats and an excellent soundtrack. Many good themes about kindness, forgiveness, and understanding.
Cons:
It might come off as a bit psychedelic for an anime beginner, but worth the watch if you can get past the strong visuals.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: Two sisters move to the countryside and meet the forest spirit, Totoro.
Categories: Ghibli, fantasy, whimsical
Pros:
Although it's not regarded as the best Studio Ghibli movie, it's amongst the most popular, and a required watch for anyone who would consider themselves a fan of Studio Ghibli. This movie tackles themes of innocence and nature wonderfully. It is visually stunning and iconic.
Cons:
None, go watch this movie.
Categories: Ghibli, fantasy, whimsical
Pros:
Although it's not regarded as the best Studio Ghibli movie, it's amongst the most popular, and a required watch for anyone who would consider themselves a fan of Studio Ghibli. This movie tackles themes of innocence and nature wonderfully. It is visually stunning and iconic.
Cons:
None, go watch this movie.
TV, 2002,
220 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Super Short Synopsis: Outcasted boy enrolls in a ninja school to prove his worth to the world, and to himself.
Categories: shonen, battle, fantasy, Big 3
Pros:
This anime is one of the "Big 3" (One Piece, Naruto, Bleach). It is responsible for introducing countless Early and Late Millennials into the world of anime. The story is simple, entertaining, and classic. There's not an anime nerd in existence that does not know about this one.
Cons:
It is relatively long, somewhat outdated at this point, and notoriously has very large blocks of "fillers". This was an outdated (historical) animation strategy for when the anime studio needed to allow its manga counterpart to get ahead. I would recommend researching which Naruto episodes are "filler" and consider skipping those when initially watching this show.
Categories: shonen, battle, fantasy, Big 3
Pros:
This anime is one of the "Big 3" (One Piece, Naruto, Bleach). It is responsible for introducing countless Early and Late Millennials into the world of anime. The story is simple, entertaining, and classic. There's not an anime nerd in existence that does not know about this one.
Cons:
It is relatively long, somewhat outdated at this point, and notoriously has very large blocks of "fillers". This was an outdated (historical) animation strategy for when the anime studio needed to allow its manga counterpart to get ahead. I would recommend researching which Naruto episodes are "filler" and consider skipping those when initially watching this show.
TV, 1997,
276 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: A boy embarks on a journey to become the Pokémon Master, and "catch 'em all".
Categories: shonen, fantasy, mainstream
Pros:
One of the most globally iconic anime/videogame series. A premise that is easy to understand and a story that is friendly to children and adults alike. This series is mostly episodic and does not need to be started from the beginning. It is still relevant in 2025 and continues to inspire new generations.
Cons:
The world of Pokémon could pull viewers into quite a deep rabbit-hole.
Categories: shonen, fantasy, mainstream
Pros:
One of the most globally iconic anime/videogame series. A premise that is easy to understand and a story that is friendly to children and adults alike. This series is mostly episodic and does not need to be started from the beginning. It is still relevant in 2025 and continues to inspire new generations.
Cons:
The world of Pokémon could pull viewers into quite a deep rabbit-hole.
TV, 2023,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis: A kind-hearted outlaw with a large bounty saving the world without killing anyone.
Categories: shonen, battle, CGI, remake, fantasy, sci-fi
Pros:
This is a remake of the cult classic "Trigun", updated for visual appeal with CGI animation and following closer to the original manga storyline. It has a deep lore, but is still easy to follow. It is only (currently) 12 episodes and easy to binge.
Cons:
Many anime fans critique shows that rely on CGI animation. Fans of the original series may also criticize it for "changing the story too much", but this is actually adapted to be closer to the original manga.
Categories: shonen, battle, CGI, remake, fantasy, sci-fi
Pros:
This is a remake of the cult classic "Trigun", updated for visual appeal with CGI animation and following closer to the original manga storyline. It has a deep lore, but is still easy to follow. It is only (currently) 12 episodes and easy to binge.
Cons:
Many anime fans critique shows that rely on CGI animation. Fans of the original series may also criticize it for "changing the story too much", but this is actually adapted to be closer to the original manga.
TV, 2014,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Super Short Synopsis:
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TV, 2009,
64 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Super Short Synopsis:
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