Starting to watchanimeor recommending one to new viewers can be a more difficult task than some may expectdue to the trouble of finding unique series that feel interesting enough to engage those without zero knowledge of the medium. It’s also a challenge to select series without too many references to anime culture or without tropes that could fall flat or overwhelm those starting to immerse themselves in the anime world.
However, when thinking about beginner-friendly anime, there is a big catalog of series on Crunchyroll to choose from that features interesting stories, captivating animation, or funny moments that serve as a gateway to the world of anime. Either because of their short episode count, grounded characters, or intriguing plots that excel at hooking viewers quickly,these animes available on Crunchyroll are perfect for beginners to fall in love with anime.
Erasedis a thriller about a man with the ability to turn back time for a moment to save someone in danger who, after an incident, suddenly returns to his childhood, having the opportunity to prevent several tragedies from happening that deeply impacted his life.What makesEraseda great anime for newcomers is the way it incorporates the concept of time travel, which allows it to explore the consequences of the past in the present, trauma, and regrets.
Likewise, how it unveils its mysteries as the protagonist attempts to avoid these tragedies makesErased’s story engaging, leaving viewers waiting for what will happen next, making it easy to binge-watch. Additionally, its unique composition and how it showcases its narrative through the use of cinematographic language prove the visual beauty of anime and makesErasedan interesting series, perfect for those looking for a short story with a closed ending.
86: Eighty-Sixis a great option for those unfamiliar with anime thanks to its relevant settingand universal anti-war message. Featuring a nation at war that boasts about its use of unmanned drones during battle, the cruel reality is that behind these are real pilots being sacrificed who belong to a discriminated district. This way, the anime follows the handler Lena, who is assigned to the squad known as the Eighty-Six, as she starts to uncover the political conspiracy and corruption in the Republic of San Magnolia.
86: Eighty-Sixshowcases a unique moral dystopia without the more fantastic side ofanime likeAttack on Titan, but with similar tension and thrilling action thanks to its great battle scenes and animation.86: Eighty-Sixis intriguing, crude, dark, and heartbreaking, but also interesting and addicting, showing the perspective of those marginalized and the fight for survival in the midst of the conflict, being a unique story that will make even viewers not used to anime reflect.
Mob Psycho 100is a revolutionary anime with a unique and expressionist art stylethat could appeal to those used to cartoon shows.Mob Psycho 100’spremise is fairly simple, following Shigeo Kageyama, known as Mob,a powerful esperwho works part-time exorcising ghosts with a psychic but who struggles with using his ability and only wants a normal life.
Without excessive violence or dark developments,Mob Psycho 100is more about Mob’s journey to improve himself, becoming a coming-of-age story that is inspiring and relatable to any type of audience. This is further enhanced thanks toMob Psycho 100’s charismatic characters, hilarious scenes, exciting fights, and heartwarming moments, making ita must-watch series that showcases the best parts of animation.
InKaguya-Sama: Love is War, a couple of proud teenagers reach the individual conclusion that the one who confesses their love first loses and is below the other. As a result, they plan intricate and elaborate tactics to make the other confess their love, which are so ridiculous, absurd and creative that theycreate some of the funniest moments imaginable that will bring a smile to the viewers’s face.
Kaguya-Sama: Love is Warmixes romance with a touch of suspense, which makes it unique and attractive for those looking for a fresh and different story. Furthermore, the anime doesn’t become repetitive, as their battle of wits is so captivating that viewers may not want to ever reach the confession and stop witnessing their hilarious mind games as they try to get the other person to put into words their romantic feelings.
Bocchi the Rock!is the story of a socially anxious girl who, after a chance encounter, finds the friendship and companionship that she has always longed for, beginning to slowly express herself through her music. However,Bocchi the Rock!’s biggest trait is that, more than being a drama about personal improvement, it’s a hilarious and absurd comedythat makes viewers laugh at Bocchi’s delusions and awkward attempts at socializing while also generating empathy throughout her growth as a character.
This optimistic approach to a serious theme such as isolation and anxiety makesBocchi the Rock!a cheerful and unique type of series that displays the charm of anime, where viewers can’t help but celebrate with Bocchi her small victories at connecting with others. This is elevated byBocchi the Rock!‘sincredible soundtrack and colorful animation with visually striking scenes that will captivate viewers.
Samurai Champlooshows the adventures of two Ronin who end up in debt to a girlwho asks them for help in her search for someone. However, the anime is more about the beauty of the journey, bringing together a dysfunctional trio: the young Fuu, Mugen the vagrant outlaw, and Jin, the wandering samurai, as they encounter countless troubles facing yakuza, scammers, and various thugs in their path. While its art style may be too particular for some viewers,Samurai Champloois one of the most avant-garde and timeless anime, being a captivating, diverse, and original story about bonds.
Samurai Champloohas amazing animation and narrative rhythm, great fluid combats with impressive choreography, showing a feudal Japan with a touch of modernity by including things like break dancing and graffiti as well as traditional music with rap and hip-hop, becoming a masterpiece series that expresses the eccentricities and unique appeal of anime.
The sports genre may be one of the easiest ways for viewers to get into anime, and among the different stories available for streaming,Haikyu!!has stood out for its great balance of tension, funny moments, and stunning animation.Haikyu!!tells the story of Hinata Shoyo, who, despite being short, wants to join the Karasuno volleyball club and become a star player, clashing with a talented setter.
Even those who aren’t particularly interested in volleyball or sports can relate to the themes inHaikyuu, exploring friendship, teamwork, competition, passion, and dreams. The series also makes it easy for viewers to understand the rules and different plays in the sport. With epic matches full of adrenaline and intensity that will keep viewers hooked and a cast of charming characters that makes it impossible not to root for them to win,Haikyuuhas a unique appeal that is only possible to convey through animation, which makes it an anime that everyone can enjoy.
Set in medieval times and full of violence and action,Vinland Sagais more than a fitting recommendation for mature viewers who enjoy shows likeVikings.Vinland Sagafollows the journey of Thorfinn, a young boy whose life is stricken by tragedy after he and his father are attacked by mercenaries. This becomes the stage to create one of thebest animes of the last decadewith a strong message about war, slavery, morality, revenge, and redemption.
Vinland Sagais beautifully animated, with dynamic battles and stunning scenery, but it shines more thanks to its complexcharacters and becomes a realistic story about self-discovery and the meaning of life, becominga deeply impactful masterpiece that will leave a mark on viewers.
Spy x Family
Cast
Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers - and is the only one who knows their secrets.
Spy x Familyis one of the best options for those who want to start getting into the medium, especially for those familiar with stories of spies and undercover operations. The anime follows a pretend family, the Forgers, formed by a professional assassin to disguise herself and a secret agent who must pose as a father to infiltrate an elite school and get close to a high-level politician. However, while they don’t know the other’s real identity, the adopted daughter is a telepath aware of their covers, which creates many hilarious situations.
Spy x Familyis wholesome and entertaining but also presents dangerous and exciting missionsthat will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as Loid Forger seeks to secure peace between neighboring nations. The series also has endearing characters and unexpected twists and captures the fun of anime thanks to the adorable and crazy relationship between Loid, Anya, and Yor as they slowly become a real family.
Cowboy Bebopis not only one of the best classic animebut also has several qualities that make it a great starting point to experience what Japanese animation is capable of.Cowboy Bebopfollows the journeys of the bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and Ed, and although it’s a space opera, which categorizes it as sci-fi, it has something for any kind of viewer, as the anime perfectly mixes several genres such as western, neo-noir, comedy, and action, delving into themes like corruption, morality, war, and loyalty.
The anime has a visual style and unique storytelling that has stood the passage of time and will appeal to Western viewers. It mostly follows an episodic format, which makes it easy to enjoy at a slower pace, and it’s also only 26 episodes long. Moreover,Cowboy Bebophas one of thebest finales in the medium, a magnificent soundtrack, complex and well-constructed characters, and excellent direction combined to make itan animated work of art that will make viewers fall in love with anime.
