TOP 10 MUST-WATCH ANIME SERIES IF YOU'RE A BEGINNER - PART 1

Anime has become increasingly popular in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds tuning in to enjoy the unique storytelling and artistic styles of these Japanese art forms. If you're a beginner to the world of anime, you may be wondering where to start. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which anime series to watch first. To help you out, I've compiled a list of the top 10 must-watch anime series for beginners.

1. Attack on Titan: This thrilling action packed series is set in a world where humanity are at the risk of being stepped on and being eaten by giant naked humanoid creatures called Titans. If you're an avid fan of war, blood and carnage in film like myself, then this right here will have you on the edge of your seat right from the very first episode. 

It is the first on the list because the storyline is nothing like I've seen before. The progression and character development is simply to die for. You'll feel all types of emotions watching this anime, ranging of awe, to anger, to sadness, to brief excitement then to more rage. I won't lie and say I didn't nearly shed a tear watching this anime. 

I had goosebumps most of the time. It had me going back and forth to my Otaku friends to relay it back to them even though they introduced it to me. Because I simply couldn't believe I'd find myself in such a mixed bag of emotions that had me questioning many things in the world we live in today. 

It is best for beginners in my opinion because of how the characters embody the story from start to finish.  Every character has a role to play, even the most insignificant one's contribute to the story's impeccable telling of human nature.

I've already read the manga however the anime is still airing the last season. The conclusion to one of the most nerve wrecking stories I've come to watch.  And I'll tell you this, for every new season that came out I rewatched it from the first season because it didn't feel right to just pick it up where I left it. It is that good. 

I put Attack on Titan first on the list because it was my gateway to the amazing world of anime and manga. Personally I believe it will always remain number 1 on my list for it is a masterpiece to behold.  I must mention it is a strong start. You might find yourself comparing it with animes you'll watch after. 

So if you like yourself some chaos filled with drama, action and mystery then Attack on Titan is the series for you. 

2. Naruto: This series follows a young ninja named Naruto as he sets out to become the strongest ninja in his village. Naruto is a classic shonen anime that's filled with action, adventure, and a healthy dose of comedy.

This was the second anime I watched after being introduced to the world of anime. Naruto changed me and a lot of people. A young boy with nothing and no one, living in a world where he is scorned for something he's not even aware of. However he still stands even after being beaten down over and over and over again. 

Naruto is someone that doesn't know how to give up even when he supposed to. He'll have you thinking back to all the things you gave up on because you thought you were supposed to for it was hopeless. 

This series is very close to heart because I'll admit something I didn't to the person that recommended it to me. I shed a tear more than once because the story simply grabbed me by my wits end. I found myself asking myself, why the hell are fictional characters getting me all emotional when I've never even shed a tear at a funeral. 

Naruto has some of the best characters in all of anime. From the MC, the supporting and right to the villains. Oh the villians are just to die for, all of them have something unique that makes them stand out in a way that won't have you hating them for no reason. 

This is great start for beginners because the plot itself is straight forward and won't have you confused about what's happening or where it's heading. 

If you believe in hardwork and dedication then Naruto will inspire you to never look down on your dreams because no dream is too big for the universe. 

3. Bleach: This series follows a high school student named Ichigo Kurosaki who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and must use them to protect the living world from evil spirits. Bleach is a classic shonen anime that's filled with action, humor, and epic battles.

BANKAI! That was the phrase that had me intrigued about this anime series trending on social media. At first I thought nah people might just be hyping it up because many fans tend to do that about their favorite films and series. It kept on for days until my friend and I decided to start it together to see what the hype was all about.

Our initial reaction to it was, bleach is one of the best animes to land on our sight . And that was only after watching the first few episodes.  Every important character just absorbs you in to their lives and makes you realize the beauty behind imagination. 

Ichigo seems like a punk that loves to fight and stand out because of his orange hair. But he doesn't fight for no reason, he always fights to protect someone, anyone. Including spirits that only he can see. 

It is good for beginners who love films with Samurai. The sword fights in kimono depicts that in Bleach. It has some of the most epic fight scenes you'll find in action anime series'. And when you come to realize the concept of good and bad in the bleach universe, it will have you questioning both the heroes and villains. 

For me bleach is the story that perfectly depicts, there is no good nor evil, simply beliefs conjured by man. 

 

4. Death Note: When a high school student named Light Yagami discovers a mysterious notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it, he sets out to create a utopian society by eliminating all criminals. Death Note is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Where should I start with this one because I can't tell you how much I love this anime, and how I wish I could watch it for the first time again.

The MC Light Yagami for the first time in a long while had me siding with the villian instead of the hero. At first I didn't see him as a villian until the story kept on unfolding and I kept on trying to guess where it's heading. 

And I'll tell you this, not one of my guesses were right. That's how good the MC is at fooling the audience and the fictional characters in the world he exists in. 

It is a somewhat a short anime you'll wish doesn't end fast because the characters captivate you from the very moment of their first appearance. 

Oh and his rival L had me scratching my head all the time, making me wonder if I should side with him or the MC. That has never had to happen before. 

If you're a fan of  police procedural thrillers with a sick psychological twist to it, then Death Note is the perfect series for you. 

The only reason why I have it as number 4 on the list is simply because it doesn't have more episodes for me to indulge in for longer. But it remains perfect the way it is. 

5. Fullmetal Alchemist: This series follows two brothers on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone and restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life. Fullmetal Alchemist is a captivating mix of action, drama, and humor.

"Equivalent exchange" Fullmetal Alchemist showed me in perfect detail what that phrase stands for. 

Brothers on a journey filled with all kinds of mysteries to find a mythical object to return their bodies.  At first I didn't think anything of it at first even after being told about it. It really didn't interest me until I saw it with my own eyes. 

From the very first episode, the series hits you with a bombshell you can't avoid. It grabs your attention because the series itself at first seems to explore two brothers who simply want to bring back their beloved mother from the dead.  We all know how boys are with their mothers. 

However the failed attempt unfolds the story into something even more deep and complex. The brothers find themselves in the world ruled by the military that overthrew the government. At first it seems to be functional but the twist behind it is something not even I could guess. 

The search for an object many believe to be a myth, plunges the two brothers in a world of conspiracy, tragedy and lies. Even amidst all of that, the love the two brothers have for each other only strengthens and gives you something to think about if you have siblings. 

Sacrifice an older sibling is willing make to ensure their younger siblings safety is depicted in the most interesting way ever in this series. I'll say this series had me questioning whether I'd burn the world to the ground if ever something happened to my siblings. 

This is good for beginners because the plot  itself is simple and seems to reveal the whole story, but the story itself reveals the plot. 

6. Classroom of the Elite: This series follows the students of an elite high school where only the top 1% of students are accepted. Classroom of the Elite is a psychological thriller that explores the dark side of competition and ambition.

What can I say about this one but perfection writing. Not once have I watched a series that had a school setting and I enjoyed it so much like I enjoyed Classroom of the Elite. 

It will have you realize the darkness we have inside as human beings. What we're willing to do to get whatever we want in this world. It showed me that there is no space between what we want and what we're willing to do to get it. I just had to quote Raymond Reddington. 

There's not much I can say to convince you that this story is worth your time, because even after watching it, I called my friend and he asked me what I thought about it when we were outside chilling. I had to think for a moment before answering him for the story itself was still playing in my head. All I had to say was "It's beautiful. Sick. But beautiful."

It's a great start for beginners who don't want to overwhelm themselves with a lot of episodes. Each season has about 13 episodes and there is no boring episode. You won't regret watching this.  

I still feel bad for listing it as my number 6 because it deserves to be higher in my opinion but it can't be helped. 

7. Erased: This series follows a struggling manga artist named Satoru Fujinuma who has the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. When he's falsely accused of a murder, Satoru must use his powers to clear his name and uncover the truth. Erased is a gripping mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I'm still mad at the writer for what he did to the MC even though I love this story. I know that's not something you want to hear when someone is recommending a show. However I can't help it. 

Anyway this story revolves around Satoru who has the ability to travel back in time minutes before tragedy.  Even he doesn't know why he has the power but has accepted it and tries his best to prevent terrible situations when he's faced with them. 

But when he is accused of murder he didn't commit, the ability throws him far back to the time he was still in Elementary to clear his name. But why that far when the murder happened when he was old?

This film is one of the best anime films I've watched. I got to see both the good and bad side of humanity. Also the way it unfolds simply tells the story in a way that will have you questioning your own morals. 

What would you do if you suddenly woke up with the ability to travel back in time? However the twist is you can't control it, it activates on its own involuntarily. Is there anything one can do though in that type of situation? I'm still wondering to myself till this day. 

I can't say much without revealing spoilers, all I'll say is, you'll never regret watching this film.  It has all types of emotions in it. You'll hate and you'll love. You'll despise and also admire. You'll deny and you'll also accept. That's the beauty of this piece of art. 

It is the only movie in my list for a reason. 

8. My Hero Academia: In a world where almost everyone has superpowers, My Hero Academia follows a young boy named Izuku Midoriya as he enrolls in a school for aspiring superheroes. This series is filled with action, humor, and heartwarming moments.

I will say with this one I had many doubts about it because by the time I started watching it, I'd grown sick of heroes. My friends even laughed at me when I told them I watch many anime series' for the villian and not the hero. 

However My Hero Academia gives you a world where heroes and villains are known by the public. And almost everyone in society is born with a unique superpower known as a quirk. 

Those without quirks seem to be treated differently because superpowers is the norm in society. Most of the time you get stories that depict only a chosen few with powers, and even they are treated differently by society. Sometimes as gods and other times as freaks that needn't be born. 

However My Hero Academia has it the other way around and gives you an interesting world, where a young boy known as Deku wishes to be a hero however he is one of the unfortunate few who was born quirkless. 

Even so faced with that fact, Deku enrolls in the academy known to shape the heroes of society.  This is after he meets his idol All Might who introduces him to a whole new world than the one he had imagined it to be.

 

My Hero Academia has some of the coolest characters and designs. The were moments of goosebumps because of the epic fight scenes and the characters' backstories. 

This is great for beginners because the plot itself isn't complicated at all... The storyline is straightforward however also told in a way that can grab your attention for hours on end. 

Oh I forgot to mention that I hated the MC at first because he's somewhat of a crybaby and that annoys the hell out of me. However his character development had me re-evaluating that. 

9. One Punch Man: This series follows a hero named Saitama who has become so powerful that he can defeat any opponent with just one punch. One Punch Man is a hilarious parody of the superhero genre that's filled with action and over-the-top fight scenes.

I'll admit I watched this anime out of sheer curiosity because people kept on calling themselves one punch man back in high school. 

I didn't even know what it was, I simply thought it was a new phrase I'm not aware of being that I rarely follow any trends. 

This is the funniest anime ever because it perfectly depicts the overpowered hero who never loses a fight. You know the cliche types you expect the hero to win even when odds are stacked against them. 

Saitama trains till he becomes so strong he goes bald. This comes after being involved in a tragic situation that leads him to have the resolve to never be weak again. And he achieves that however he grows bored of it quickly because any danger that comes his way, he simply needs one punch to end it right away. 

When I saw it at first, I didn't like the designs but I understood that it was meant to be a parody, so I let it slide. 

This is a great start for beginners because you won't have to stress about it being complex out of the blue. It's funny having to see what we grew up watching was simply something that is impossible to begin with. 

Oh and you won't have to think too much if you're not into series' that focuses on deep thinking. 

10. Sword Art Online: In a near-future world, players log into a virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online, but soon find that they are unable to log out. Sword Art Online is a thrilling series that blends action, adventure, and romance.

This story I'll say was an interesting pick for me, because the concept of having to be alive inside a game has always been an intrigue for me. I'm not much of a gamer but I did grow up playing all kinds of games and at some point in time I wished I was inside one of them myself. I mean who hasn't? 

Sword Art Online is a story that made that wish come true however in the fictional sense.  When gamers find out they can't log out of the virtual reality game, they soon come to find out that in order to get out there's a series of events they'll have to clear to do that just like in any game. The twist being if they die inside the game, they'll also die in real life. 

That grabbed my attention from the get go, I was like yeah I like where this is going. It also made me realize that I'm not the only one who thought about being inside a game and being alive in it. 

This is a great story, with interesting characters, the designs and storyline is just amazing for those who love games. Everyone in the story has to survive all the things that come with the new world they find themselves in. 

The story has you questioning reality itself, whether or not we're living inside a simulation like a game created by someone. I mean when you think about life most of us are simply trying to survive and we forget that life is supposed to be about living. But many of us don't have that luxury. 

This series is great for beginners with conspircal thoughts. I wonder if that's a word. However I recommend you watch this series filled with all types of thrills and adventure. It also got romance for those who love themselves some bit of drama in an action thriller. 

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For the honorable mention, 

Dragon Ball will and always remain my first love. Even though when I started it at the age of 6 or 7, I simply thought of it as cartoons with characters that have super powers. When I grew up and realized the art form it is, I understood why I've been hooked to it, even to this day. 

I remember having to realize that DragonBall was an anime and not cartoons. I think it was during my second last year in high school. A friend of mine who loves to debate and I were discussing our favorite shows we grew up watching. I still remember the look he had when he mentioned that he mostly watched anime growing up and I told him I didn't know what anime is. 

It was as if I had killed his favorite pet or relative or something, but man was ready to eat me up on the spot. He couldn't believe I didn't know what anime was, then he said "You've never seen DragonBall? What about Naruto? You don't know them? What world do you live in?" 

I followed up with "Of course I know Dragon Ball, I mean who doesn't? I don't know the other one though." 

The look on his face changed from frustration to confusion. 

"You just said you don't know what anime is but now you say you've watched Dragon Ball before. What the hell is wrong with you?" 

I was laughing at this point because I didn't understand why he was making a big deal out of it. Then he clarified that what I thought was cartoons is actually anime. 

I'll mention that he nearly put me down when I called Dragon Ball cartoons. Till this day I know to always refer to anime as an art form because it's nowhere near cartoons. It's beauty. 

In conclusion, these are the top 10 must-watch anime series for beginners. Whether you're into action, drama, or comedy, there's something for everyone on this list. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the wonderful world of anime!