Anime, as a medium, has the power to captivate a wide range of audiences, including those who might not typically be drawn to it. It’s true that anime can be an acquired taste due to its often exaggerated expressions, artistic styles, and storylines. These are the best anime series for people who are new to the genre.
However, it’s essential to remember that anime is a highly adaptable medium. In essence, it’s a term that encompasses Japanese animation, and just like Western animation, it offers something for everyone. Surprisingly, there are numerous outstanding anime series that often go unnoticed by those who aren’t usually anime enthusiasts. These hidden gems might include unconventional shonen series or gripping psychological dramas, proving that anime has the capacity to transcend boundaries and appeal to diverse tastes.
1. Cowboy Bebop
“Cowboy Bebop” holds a special place in the hearts of anime enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. The series follows a group of bounty hunters as they navigate the challenges of making a living in the vast expanse of space, delving into profound existential themes along the way. Over the past 25 years, “Cowboy Bebop” has remained a cherished classic, setting the gold standard for anime.
What sets this series apart is its cleverly crafted storytelling, which explores deep and thought-provoking concepts within an epic science fiction backdrop. Moreover, the complexity and sheer enjoyability of the main characters continue to stand out, even when judged by modern television standards. “Cowboy Bebop” serves as a prime example of how anime can bridge the gap and appeal to a broad audience through its impeccable genre execution and outstanding writing, making it a must-watch even for those who may not typically gravitate towards the medium.
2. Pokémon
Despite the immense popularity of Pokémon in the West during the 90s, it’s easy to forget that the series is, in fact, an anime. What’s even more remarkable is that it’s a remarkably well-crafted one, capturing the essence of the beloved video game that inspired it.
As viewers follow Ash’s path towards becoming a Pokémon master, they’re treated to an exhilarating journey filled with moments of growth and the thrill of tackling new challenges. Notably, Ash recently realized his dream by becoming a world champion, much to the delight of fans worldwide. This journey is something that can be appreciated even by those who aren’t typically drawn to anime, as it skillfully brings the popular video games to life in an engaging and enjoyable manner.
3. Ghost Stories (English Dub)
“Ghost Stories” is a rather unique anime, although not for its plot or characters, which are fairly ordinary when viewed in Japanese. However, something magical happens when you switch to the English dub, turning this otherwise average paranormal series into an absolute must-watch, even for those who aren’t typically anime enthusiasts.
When the decision was made to create an English dub for the series, the voice actors and writers took a creative leap by injecting a healthy dose of irreverence and humor into the translation. This transformed “Ghost Stories” into one of the most audacious and side-splittingly funny anime experiences out there. Nothing is off-limits in this series, as it takes its characters and breathes new life into them, resulting in outrageously comedic line deliveries. It transcends the boundaries of a typical anime and becomes an unforgettable audiovisual experience that you simply have to hear to believe.
4. Aggretsuko
For enthusiasts of shows that feature anthropomorphic animals leading everyday lives, “Aggretsuko” serves as the ideal entry point into the world of anime. The series centers around Retsuko, a red panda, as she grapples with the challenges of adult life by letting off steam through nightly karaoke sessions featuring death metal.
What sets this show apart is its masterful blend of humor and the portrayal of real-world issues like burnout, a combination that resonated so well with audiences that it secured a remarkable five-season run on Netflix. Notably, these endearing characters hail from the same creative minds behind the beloved Hello Kitty franchise, Sanrio, making “Aggretsuko” a perfect choice for adult fans who adore these adorable characters and wish to explore a more mature side of their world.
5. Death Note
When Light Yagami stumbles upon a mysterious notebook known as the Death Note, he discovers a chilling power – the ability to end anyone’s life by simply writing their full name while picturing their face. This marks the inception of one of anime’s most captivating cat-and-mouse thrillers, as Light embarks on a mission to create a “safer” world.
“Death Note” stands out as a series beloved by fans for numerous compelling reasons. From its brilliantly crafted dark characters to its gripping and suspenseful storyline, “Death Note” is a show that defies expectations and demands to be experienced to truly grasp its brilliance. It’s a masterpiece well worth the acclaim it has garnered.
6. Danganronpa: The Animation
Adapted from the visual novel of the same name, this anime is a must-watch for those who enjoy eccentric whodunit tales. “Danganronpa” revolves around a group of high school students, each possessing exceptional talents, who find themselves trapped within the confines of Hope’s Peak Academy.
Their only ticket out is a chilling one – one of them must commit a murder without getting caught during a “class trial.” What follows are gruesome and ingeniously crafted murders, coupled with riveting trial sequences filled with unexpected twists and turns. While the overarching plot might venture into eccentric territory that could potentially deter some viewers, the sheer mystery and intrigue more than compensate for it, making “Danganronpa” a captivating watch.
7. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
“Cyberpunk 2077” is a video game that has had its fair share of notoriety since its launch in 2020. Despite undergoing numerous patches to improve the gameplay experience, fans have unanimously agreed that the anime adaptation set in the game’s universe has been a resounding success.
Titled “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” this series serves as a prequel to the main game, centering around a character named David. After a brutal and seemingly targeted crime robs him of everything, David takes on the role of an Edgerunner, a mercenary operating in the shadowy black market. “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” has garnered critical acclaim and received multiple awards for its exploration of the video game’s rich world and its compelling characters. It’s a show that demands attention not only from fans of the game but also from anyone who appreciates exceptional storytelling and intricate character dynamics.
8. Junji Ito Maniac: Tales of the Japanese Macabre
The recent Netflix horror anthology, “Junji Ito Maniac,” offers a compilation of tales from one of the most renowned contemporary horror authors, Junji Ito. Horror anthologies often present a mixed bag of stories, which is precisely what makes them so intriguing. Series like “Creepshow” and “The Twilight Zone” excel at delivering episodes of varying quality, catering to a wide spectrum of viewers for an exhilarating roller coaster of fright.
“Junji Ito Maniac” follows suit in this regard. It brings to life some of the author’s most chilling works, including the famous “Hanging Balloon” story, which is elevated by its ingenious use of sound to intensify the fear factor. Horror is a beloved genre, and this anthology boasts a sufficient number of spine-tingling tales to captivate even those who may be new to anime.
9. One Punch Man
“One Punch Man” stands out thanks to its satirical comedy, making it particularly appealing to fans of franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This action-comedy series centers around Saitama, a hero so extraordinarily strong that he can defeat any adversary with a single punch. His overpowering abilities have left him feeling unfulfilled, as he’s grown weary of effortlessly vanquishing his foes.
The show excels in portraying Saitama’s frustrations, allowing viewers to empathize with the monotony that can accompany overwhelming power. It delves into real-world discussions about burnout and the challenges of being considered the “best” when the thrill is gone. Coupled with genuinely entertaining superhero action, “One Punch Man” is a must-see for everyone, including those who may not typically be anime enthusiasts.
10. Erased
“Erased” is a series that captures the essence of what one might expect from watching an anime. It follows a manga writer with the ability to rewind time in order to prevent tragic events from occurring. However, when he uncovers the murder of his mother by a serial killer, he finds himself transported back to his childhood. His mission is to unmask the killer’s identity and prevent a series of murders that plagued his youth.
While “Erased” boasts an outlandish premise, its execution weaves a clever narrative filled with time-jumping mysteries. The concept of an elementary school detective adds an entertaining dimension to the story, and the tension escalates as he befriends one of the potential victims, determined to shield her from becoming the killer’s next target.
