Guest post by Sean.
Growing up, we all have watched some popular anime shows to some extent. The names include Pokémon, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Digimon Adventures, and a few others. Then, there are shows like Samurai Jack and Avatar: The Last Airbender that have been borrowed from anime in terms of character design, subject matter, and pacing.
Over the years, anime has grown immensely popular in the USA. I am sure you can find a cartoon channel on your Spectrum that broadcasts an anime show. Anime has now started to influence the style as well as aesthetics of American animation too. Not to mention, the number of anime fans throughout the world is growing like anything!
Are you planning to start watching anime? Congratulations because you will be unlocking a never-ending supply of awesome content. For starters, Popular anime series include Death Note, Attack on Titan, and many others. Since so many new anime series keep on emerging each year, the list of the best ones only becomes longer. Let’s now cut to chase and check out the finest anime you can watch as a beginner:
1. Bleach
Bleach follows the chronicles of Ichigo Kurosaki, a hot heated teen who obtains the superpowers of a soul reaper from Rukia Kuchiki (another soul reaper). Upon accepting these powers, he’s now responsible for defending humans from evil spirits floating around them. Yes, this anime involves ghosts but the storyline is not disappointing at all.
The characters in Bleach have a lot of interesting idiosyncrasies and backstories. Bleach has pretty a straightforward timeline so, it’s a good show to start developing your taste in anime. Plus, it is one of the ‘Big Three’ Shonen Animes, it is typically cut from the same fabric as Naruto and One Piece (which are two highly acclaimed anime series). However, it’s quite distinct hence a must-watch.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle
Why start your anime journey with the most popular titles and not something simple like Howl’s Moving Castle! This is an anime movie so it will end in an hour or so. The reason I am recommending it is that it will give you a good idea of whether anime is your cup of tea or not.
Whatever genre you like, you can’t deny how amazing this animated film is. Sophie, a young girl who is transformed into an elderly lady by a witch’s curse, and her encounter with Howl, a strong magician, take place in a fantastical 19th-century kingdom. The movie’s stunning visuals and genuine romance are two of the things I admire about it. I hope you can appreciate them too.
3. Assassination Classroom
This anime series is a gem! The story follows the day-to-day life of a powerful octopus-like creature who works as a homeroom teacher at a junior high school. It also covers his students, who are hell-bent on assassinating him in order to save the planet from destruction.
Assassination Classroom is an emotional drama and a thriller. It starts off as a lighthearted comedy, but it grows into something genuinely magnificent over the course of two seasons. I must warn you; you might develop sympathy for the teacher who destroyed the moon and appears to be planning to do the same to the Earth.
4. Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter follows the story of Gon Freecss as he embarks on his quest to become a Hunter. He’s your usual shounen hero who doesn’t’ just want to become a hunter but find his father who left him at a young age. Gon’s dedication to others drives the plot, and his determination to see the best in others becomes a marvel of the series. He befriends a young child from an assassin family, and their polarizing dynamic forges a bond that propels the story forward.
You must engage your emotions in this intriguing friendship between these two youngsters. Yoshihiro Togashi (the writer) emphasizes their inexperience and youth by facing them against much older, more experienced adversaries, as well as introducing powerful mentors who help them grow. He pays close attention to matching the abilities of his characters to their personalities, yet everyone takes strength from their resolve. The incredible feats of willpower you’ll see in this anime will leave an indelible impression on you. Hence, I recommend this show to every beginner.
5. Death Note
This thrilling anime got fame for its incredible rivalry, mind games, and preparation. It might be too much if you’re just starting out so I recommend watching this after you’re done with 3 to 4 shows.
Light Yagami, a brilliant criminal who skill anyone by putting their name in a book is challenged when a detective whose kind of anonymous appears. Yagami can’t kill him since he has no name or identity.
Since there’s so much content out there, I hope this list has helped you muffle the noise and focus on the best and the simplest anime series out there.
RELATED: 7 Anime Like Death Note
I’d probably go with something like Digimon Adventure, Little Witch Academia, Nichijou or Hyouka myself. They’re fun shows and are quite tame enough that someone can enjoy them without getting too turned off by the content. Also, the stories are quite gripping and entertaining.
I believe this list is more shounen-oriented but I get where you are coming from!
Narutoooooooooo
Sasukeeeeee