Surprisingly enough, not everyone is ananimeaficionado like the most committed fans of the genre, and many people have not ever seen a single anime series. There are so many phenomenal places to start, butthese eight series should be considered required viewing for anyone setting off on an anime-watching journey.
From romance to shonen, these eight picks encompass some of anime’s best subcategories, providing a diverse range of stories to enjoy. People adore these shows for very good reason, and someone who has not watched much anime will likely grow to appreciatethe genre more after watching them, because they are amonganime’s best series of all time.
8Demon Slayer
Animated By Ufotable, Based On The Manga Created By Koyoharu Gotouge
Demon Slayeris one of the most universally loved anime series, since it is easy to get into, even as a newcomer to anime.The straightforward plot focused on Tanjiro saving his sister, the gripping action, and the genius simplicity of Tanjiro’s character makesDemon Slayertruly enjoyable to watch unfold.
Demon Slayer
Tanjiro may not be the most complex anime protagonist, but that makes him great, because watchers can easily understand his motives as he battles villains to rescue his sister from the cruelest demon of all.Demon Slayeralsocontains a multitude of side characters who differ from one another, so viewers are bound to find at least one they appreciate.
Demon Slayeris not just a surface-level watch though; it does delve deeper into themes like good vs. evil, the sanctity of human life, and what true strength is.The humor in the series also helps balance out some of the darker scenes,makingDemon Slayerthe ideal choice for a first-time anime watcher.
7Fruits Basket
Animated By TMS Entertainment, Based On The Manga Created By Natsuki Takaya
If you watch one romance anime in your life, let it beFruits Basket.On the surface,Fruits Basketseems to be a fairly simple story about a girl moving in with a mysterious family who turn into animals when hugged by the opposite gender. As the episodes continue, deeper emotional aspects of the story begin to present themselves.
Although it may be assigned tothe romance anime genre,Fruits Basketis also a coming-of-age tale that offers many wise lessons on self-love and forgiveness of one’s self and others.It does not just explore romantic love,Fruits Basketappreciates all kinds of love, including family and friendship.
Stereotypical romance anime elements, like the love triangle, beach episodes, and blushing confessions of affection are included, butFruits Basketfeels fresh and adorable, not like a cliché.Even if you are not traditionally a romance fan,Fruits Baskethas something for everyone to enjoy and find value in.
6Hunter x Hunter
Animated By Madhouse, Based on the Manga Created By Yoshihiro Togashi
Some new anime watchers may be hesitant to try a longer series, since those massive episode counts can seem insurmountable, butwatchingHunter x Hunterwill certainly not prove a waste of time.Its 148 episodes are absolutely riveting, and overall, the series is a phenomenal example of the best parts of the shonen genre.
Hunter X Hunter
Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio all become Hunters for vastly different purposes, but their journeys intersect in a remarkable way as they depend on one another while still developing individually as characters.One cannot help but loveHunter X Hunter’sbestcharacters, from the positive-minded Gon to the wise Kurapika.
One ofHunter x Hunter’sbest components is its battles, arguably the most pivotal part of any great shonen.Hunter x Hunter’sfight scenes deliver all the drama and surprise anyone could hope for, and further than that, the series imparts beautiful advice on friendship and teamwork. For the perfect feel-good but action-packed shonen, look no further.
5Death Note
Animated By Madhouse, Based On The Manga Created By Tsugumi Ohba
Death Noteis often recommended as the perfect starter anime.It is not extremely lengthy, with an episode count of 37, and from the first episode, most watchers will find themselves fully enthralled with the mysterious plot.Death Note’smain character, Light, is very different from other anime protagonists, because he is not what he seems to be at first.
Death Note
The story follows Light, an average teenager, who accidentally becomes the owner of a journal called a Death Note, which allows him to kill anyone whose full name he writes down.With tremendous power like this, Light quickly becomes corrupted, suddenly shifting the anime to a much darker level.
Death Noteis an anime that will grip watchers' attentions and not let go, as it becomes unclear whether Light will succeed in his twisted plan to become “god of the new world” or be defeated.The series is a morally complex story filled with endless twists and turns, and everyone, anime fan or not, should give it a watch.
4Jujutsu Kaisen
Animated By MAPPA, Based on the Manga Created By Gege Akutami
Jujutsu Kaisen’sstatus as one of the most popular anime of the modern day is due to its gorgeous animation, dynamic characters, and the larger-than-life fights between cursed spirits and jujutsu sorcerers.Jujutsu Kaisen’spower system is also truly unique, employing concepts like Domain Expansions and Cursed Techniques that give each character a one-of-a-kind set of skills.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Many ofJujutsu Kaisen’scharacters are cultural icons who are easily recognized, even by those who do not watch anime. It is difficult to find someone completely unfamiliar with Gojo Satoru, for example, which only further speaks to how belovedJujutsu Kaisenhas become in a relatively short time.
Within the shonen genre, there are few stories that have struck gold quite likeJujutsu Kaisen,because although the basic plot of sorcerers vs. cursed spirits is somewhat simple, the intricacy of the characters, the complexity of their relationships with one another, andthe character development within those like Yuji and Gojo keeps viewers eagerly coming back for more.
3Mob Psycho 100
Animated By Bones, Based on the Manga Created By ONE
There are many fictional stories about psychics, butMob Psycho 100has most of them beat.Shigeo Kageyama, better known as Mob, possesses almost immeasurable psychic power. This comes with a downside though.Mob’s emotions control his powersand if he loses control of how he feels, his psychic abilities become uncontrollable too.
Mob Psycho 100’shysterical moments make it an easy watch,since almost anyone will find themselves amused by the humorous predicaments Mob finds himself in as he learns to prevent his feelings from inadvertently causing harm through his psychic skills. Other characters, like con artist Reigen, are equally amusing to watch.
There is a lot to love aboutMob Psycho 100, from its distinctively colorful and bold animation to its interesting characters.Even those who have never seen an anime before may just find themselves laughing at Mob and Reigen’s antics and sympathizing with Mob’s plights as his powers push him into tricky situations.
2Neon Genesis Evangelion
Original Anime Series Created By Hideaki Anno & Studio Gainax
At only 26 episodes,Neon Genesis Evangelionis not particularly long, yet it managed to leave a lasting impact in just this short time.Neon Genesis Evangeliontells the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy who finds himself involved in the war between humans who pilot robotic mechas named Evas and vengeful creatures called Angels.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelionis not only a standout in the mecha anime genre specifically, it has made anime history on its own.Aside from the intense action of the anime’s clashes, the breathtaking animation, and the unforgettable musical score, the emotional themes and character journeys steal the show.
Evangelion’scharacters struggle immensely with the war occurring around them, especially since many, like Shinji, were not necessarily willing participants at first. Many of the main characters are teenagers, and, understandably, grapple with the psychological impacts of these battles, reacting in ways that are heartbreakingly realistic.This anime is deeper than most, and essential for any anime fan to watch.
1Attack on Titan
Animated By WIT & MAPPA, Based On The Manga Created By Hajime Isayama
Attack on Titanis the only anime ever to be awardedthe Global Impact Award at 2025’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards, a hint at its extreme cultural significance even twelve years after its anime began airing.InAttack on Titan,viewers will find a sobering commentary on the realities of war, as mangaka Hajime Isayama holds nothing back.
Attack on Titan
The gore inAttack on Titanis not senseless or gratuitous; it is meant to convey a precise message about the harms war brings to the lives of both those on and off the battlefield.Although the series starts out as a battle between humanity and the Titans, it quickly morphs into a look at human conflict as well.
The genius ofAttack on Titanis that as the anime progresses, viewers will begin examining whose side they are on, as more moral quandaries are unveiled every moment.Because of its complexity, it is a show that evokes questions watchers will continue pondering long after the end credits have rolled.
Attack on Titan is the only anime to ever receive the Crunchyroll Anime Awards' Global Impact Award, which is a new prize that was just unveiled at this year’s 2025 ceremony for the first time.
Attack on Titan’scharacter development is top-notch, with personalities who feel remarkably human, although they are fighting to survive a situation most people could not dream of experiencing. Wit and MAPPA’s animation ties it all together, creatingan anime masterpiece that is well-crafted both in writing and in its visuals.
