So you want to get into anime but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place. With thousands of series out there—from giant robot battles to heartwarming slice-of-life stories—finding your first anime can feel overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the best entry points into anime in 2026, carefully selected for accessibility, universal appeal, and pure entertainment value.
Whether you’re coming from Western animation, live-action TV, or you’ve never watched anything animated before, these picks will show you exactly why millions of people around the world are obsessed with anime.
Our Top Picks
1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Episodes: 55+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Historical
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix
- Why Watch: Demon Slayer is the perfect gateway anime. It combines breathtaking animation, a simple but emotional story about family bonds, and action sequences that will leave your jaw on the floor. The pacing is excellent for newcomers, never rushing or dragging.
2. Attack on Titan
- Episodes: 88 (Complete)
- Genre: Action, Drama, Dark Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Hulu
- Why Watch: If you want something with the depth and complexity of prestige television, Attack on Titan delivers. It starts as a survival horror story and evolves into one of the most ambitious narratives in anime history. Now complete, you can binge the entire journey.
3. My Hero Academia
- Episodes: 150+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Superhero, School
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Hulu / Netflix
- Why Watch: Love superhero stories? My Hero Academia is essentially the Marvel of anime. It’s colorful, action-packed, and deeply inspiring. The underdog story of Deku becoming a hero resonates with everyone, and the huge cast of characters means you’ll definitely find a favorite.
4. Spy x Family
- Episodes: 37+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Slice of Life
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix
- Why Watch: This is the anime you show people who think anime is “weird.” A spy, an assassin, and a telepathic child form a fake family—and wholesome comedy ensues. It’s funny, heartwarming, and accessible to literally anyone. Perfect for watching with non-anime fans.
5. One Punch Man
- Episodes: 24 + OVAs
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Parody
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix / Hulu
- Why Watch: A superhero so powerful he defeats every enemy with one punch—and he’s bored out of his mind. One Punch Man is a hilarious parody of action anime that works even if you’ve never seen another anime. Season 1 especially features some of the best action animation ever made.
6. Death Note
- Episodes: 37 (Complete)
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Supernatural
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix
- Why Watch: Want something darker and more cerebral? Death Note is a psychological cat-and-mouse thriller about a student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a notebook. It’s gripping, morally complex, and perfect for anyone who loves crime dramas or thrillers.
7. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Episodes: 64 (Complete)
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix / Hulu
- Why Watch: Often called the greatest anime of all time, Brotherhood tells the story of two brothers trying to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. It has everything: action, humor, heart, philosophy, and one of the most satisfying endings in anime. A masterpiece.
8. Jujutsu Kaisen
- Episodes: 48+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Supernatural, Horror
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: If you like your action with a side of horror, Jujutsu Kaisen delivers spectacular fights against creepy curses. It’s stylish, funny when it wants to be, and absolutely brutal when it needs to be. The animation quality rivals Demon Slayer.
9. Mob Psycho 100
- Episodes: 37 (Complete)
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: From the creator of One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 follows a psychic middle schooler just trying to live a normal life. It’s hilarious, beautifully animated in a unique style, and surprisingly emotional. The complete story wraps up perfectly.
10. Haikyuu!!
- Episodes: 85 + movies (Complete)
- Genre: Sports, Drama, Comedy
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix
- Why Watch: “I don’t like sports” doesn’t matter here. Haikyuu!! makes volleyball the most exciting thing you’ve ever watched. It’s about passion, teamwork, and pushing past your limits. You’ll be screaming at your TV during matches, guaranteed.
11. Steins;Gate
- Episodes: 24 (Complete)
- Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Hulu
- Why Watch: The best time travel story in anime, period. It starts slow and quirky, then transforms into an edge-of-your-seat thriller that will break your heart and blow your mind. Perfect for sci-fi fans looking for something smart.
12. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Episodes: 28+ (ongoing)
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
- Why Watch: The 2024 sensation that redefined fantasy anime. Frieren follows an immortal elf after her hero party’s quest ends, exploring themes of time, memory, and human connection. It’s meditative, beautiful, and unlike anything else. A modern classic.
Quick Comparison Table
| Anime | Episodes | Genre | Best For |
|——-|———-|——-|———-|
| Demon Slayer | 55+ | Action, Supernatural | Visual spectacle lovers |
| Attack on Titan | 88 | Action, Drama | Complex story seekers |
| My Hero Academia | 150+ | Superhero, Action | Marvel/DC fans |
| Spy x Family | 37+ | Comedy, Action | Family-friendly viewing |
| One Punch Man | 24 | Action, Comedy | Comedy lovers |
| Death Note | 37 | Thriller | Crime drama fans |
| FMA: Brotherhood | 64 | Action, Fantasy | Epic adventure seekers |
| Jujutsu Kaisen | 48+ | Action, Horror | Shonen action fans |
| Mob Psycho 100 | 37 | Comedy, Action | Unique animation fans |
| Haikyuu!! | 85+ | Sports | Everyone, seriously |
| Steins;Gate | 24 | Sci-Fi, Thriller | Sci-fi enthusiasts |
| Frieren | 28+ | Fantasy, Drama | Thoughtful viewers |
How We Chose
We selected these anime based on several key criteria for beginners:
Accessibility: These shows don’t require prior anime knowledge. They avoid heavy Japanese cultural references that might confuse newcomers and have excellent English dubs available for those who prefer them.
Quality: Every pick features strong animation, compelling stories, and memorable characters. We want your first impressions of anime to be great ones.
Availability: All selections are legally streamable on major platforms in 2026. No hunting for obscure sources.
Variety: We included different genres so you can find what clicks with your personal taste—whether that’s action, comedy, thriller, or drama.
Reputation: These anime have proven track records. They’re beloved by millions and consistently recommended by the community.
Start Your Journey
Here’s our recommended approach for absolute beginners:
If you want action: Start with Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen. They’re modern, gorgeous, and immediately gripping.
If you want story depth: Go with Attack on Titan or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. These will show you anime’s storytelling potential.
If you want something light: Spy x Family or Haikyuu!! will give you all the feels without heavy themes.
If you want something smart: Death Note or Steins;Gate for psychological thrills and big ideas.
Don’t worry about watching things “in order” or following any rules. Pick whatever sounds interesting and dive in. The beautiful thing about anime is there’s something for everyone—you just need to find your flavor.
Welcome to the world of anime. You’re about to discover why so many of us never looked back.