Every once in a while I get asked what would be a good series to introduce someone to anime. There is no single answer as everyone has different tastes, but I have found that some series seem to stick more than others. After asking people how they got into anime and which series they found appealing at first, I’ve come up with a small list of series that you can use to introduce your friend/sibling/significant other to the medium based on what they already watch. Most of the people that ask this question will have already heard of all the classics so this will cover some more recent anime.
They Watch Romantic Comedies
If the person you are trying to introduce likes watching romantic comedies, then I would recommend Toradora as their first anime. Not only is the series hilariously funny, it has a deep plot and some very emotional moments. There is also very little fanservice, which is typically found in abundance with this genre and scares away newcomers.
They Watch “Gar” or Manly Men Shows
Many people think of anime as fluffy children’s shows with big-eyed characters that all look like little girls. Admittedly, there are a lot of anime like that, so what do you do if your friend likes watching tough guys beating the crap out of their enemies? Look no further than Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. This series is packed full of action with none of that cutesy stuff.
They Watch Science Fiction
Who doesn’t like sci-fi, and similarly, who doesn’t like Gundams? Anyone who likes sci-fi would get a kick out of watching giant robots duel it out in space with lasers firing everywhere. Oh, and let’s not forget the light beam sabers.
They Watch Action
There are plenty of action series to choose from when it comes with anime, but your best bet is probably with Bleach or Naruto. I get a lot of people saying that these two anime suck, but it’s hard for them to make a case when Bleach and Naruto are two of the most successful action anime out there right now.
They Like Mind Games
Death Note is probably the most well-known psychological thriller anime, and for good reason. The rules set up in this little game of cat and mouse are simple, but the strategies employed are complex and cross into the realm of being criminal.
They Watch Comedies
Lots of anime have a comedic factor, but will usually involve quite a bit of fanservice, something you might not want to show someone new to the medium. Thankfully, Azumanga Daioh is just pure comedy; it does not have any fanservice and does not require a deep understanding of Japanese culture.
They Like Hot Guys
Sometimes with all the male-oreinted content we forget that girls watch anime too, and they also like some eye candy in their shows. I can’t say I understand it, but girls seem to love the anime Durarara. Maybe it’s the charm of Shizuo the bartender or Izaya the bad boy.
They Like Cute Girls
K-ON pretty much defined the moe (mo-eh) boom and is the perfect anime to show someone who likes anything cute or adorable.
Others
Every few years there is an anime that introduces a new generation to the medium. Some of these have included Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokemon. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is probably the most recent of these. Ask around any anime convention and you’ll find many of the newer fans were hooked by the show’s hyper activeness and crazy antics.
This list isn’t meant to be comprehensive and I can’t guarantee that these titles will help ease someone into the medium, but I think they have a good chance. If you’re interested in finding out how others were introduced to anime, you can find a small collection of stories here. There are some common titles, but also some differences which may give you some ideas.
Good tips. I would like start watch some animes, and don’t had any idea where starts! =)
Minus Azumanga this reads like the list for the worst animes of the last decade. Most popular =/= good. Hell Jersey Shore is popular, nothing good about that.
Did you just say death note is bad?
Azumanga is hilarious. Death Note and Haruhi are also good. K-ON, Bleach, and Naruto go down hill admittedly but who cares, it’s good to watch a little of everything.
No Cowboy bebop? This is lame!
Like I said, this list covers the more recent anime and not the classics. Part of the reason is because everyone already knows of anime like Cowboy Bebop and Evangelion.
Just some suggestions for the new anime viewer.
Full Metal Alchemist is a good one for action and comedy.
Paranoia Agent to mess with your head. :D
Samurai 7′s another one for good action and an excellent story.
Kemonozume is good for the adult friend/family you want to introduce to anime. Good action, quirky humor and a nice dose of japanese weirdness. I say adult cause there is occasional nudity and sex, but the show doesn’t rely on it.
I actually was first introduced to anime through the films not the movies, so i think it’s only fair to include some here as well.
Perfect Blue, another excellent psychological thriller.
Afro Samurai, great sword action.
Tokyo Godfathers, this one’s just a great story with humor some sadness.
Anything for Studio Gibli, old and new, good for the whole family.
I know you were doing newer anime series on your list and they’re all good and i kept mine some what to that theme, but i think most fans would already know the newer anime for suggestions. So i’m gonna add a small list of the older stuff here for people who stumbled here and are new to anime with no one they know to give suggestions.
Series:
Ronin Warriors
Samurai Pizza Cats
Vampire Princess Myu
Record of Lodoss War
Ranma 1/2
Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT
Neo Genesis Evangelion
Tenchi Muyo
Movies:
Vampire Hunter D and sequel
Eyes of Mars
Demon City
Demon City Shinjuku
Ninja Scroll
Angels Egg
Project A-Ko and sequels
Roujin Z
The Lensman
Akira
Devil Man and sequel(s). I’d say all of them but the last one i found dissapointing.
Well i hope this helps introduce people to the joys of anime.
Kreiyu… just because you liked it doesn’t mean it’s something that people who don’t usually watch anime would like. A lot of those anime you suggested are incredibly old, and some have nudity and fan service which is something that people not used to anime might not be willing to tolerate.
Another thing… you don’t need to make a list full of stuff everyone has heard about or that has appeared on a major tv station like Cartoon Network.
I meant to say “I was introduced through the films not the series”, not “films not the movies”:P
How is Baccano not on the list? I have a bunch of friends who were violently against anime, and I told them all, “Watch one episode of this show, and if you don’t like it, then I’ll never bother you again.” Without fail, every one of them watched the whole run of the series, and on two occasions, watched the whole run that night.
for soap opera fans, I would suggest “Kimi Ni Todoke” or “Nana.” I was introduced to anime as a child watching “Kimba the White Lion” early Sunday mornings. I introduced my kids through “Beast Wars” and “Dragon Ball.” And now that I’m 53, the internet finally gives me access to all the great anime I want. No disrespect meant, but for too long, American’s were stuck with the pablum that Hanna/Barbara pushed off on us. It’s nice that kids today know the difference and have access to a wider spectrum of entertainment.
great list, i would add Initial D for all the gearheads out there!
I do have to point out that, while Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is the Gar-rest thing that has ever been conceived by the mind of mortal man, it has an extremely cutesy character in Boota and a moe girl in Nia… Both of whom are capable of being just as noble and badass as the rest of the cast, and not in that “This is so totally against their character that it’s almost hilarious,” sense that you get in a lot of situations where “toughness” is forced into a character concept that doesn’t accomidate it, either.
A good anime for that maybe you should have included to be introduced to someone who is not used to anime is soul eater, its probably one of the best animes i’ve ever seen and it has so much action that is bound to get them hucked right away. I know bleach and Susumiya are good but soul eater is really kool. btw, i’m tere nice tere nice to meet sha. found your site via stumble upon and i really like it so far lol.
Really Bleach? Currently at 329 episodes of almost nothingness? I could only see introducing my 12 year old nephew to this series. Not that I didn’t watch some of it myself but ghad.
and how many episodes of “two and a half men” or “CSI” have you watched? I was the same way at first, until my son badgered me into watching “bleach” and now we watch every new episode together. it’s not that bad.
Fullmetal Alchemist anyone? Brotherhood in particular. Personally my favorite anime of all time. It has a pretty good balance of action with meaningful moments. Throw in the occasional jape and really I think it has the widest audience potential.
I will say that trying to start on Brotherhood can be a tad confusing because they do skip the character introductions in the first episode.
I have to agree about Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood being one of the best and Soul Eater as well. Pretty decent list you have here, dont listen to the criticism they wont understand how subjective each anime might be for someone. I for one hate Bleach but I can acknowledge that a lot of people enjoy it and thats ok too.
If someone loves great stories and character development that captivates along with humor and action, One Piece is the greatest story ever told:D imo
You also forgot Ruby Gloom.
Air Gear anyone? I wouldn’t say I’m new to anime, but it took me a while to actually watch Evangelion, so saying stuff like people shouldn’t mention what all anime lovers have known about forever doesn’t seem like good advise to people that want to share the love. Soooo Ghost in the Shell aswell