Best Anime Series for People Who Don’t Usually Watch Anime

If you are the kind of person who says “I don’t really watch anime,” this guide is made for you. Maybe you scroll past anime clips on TikTok or YouTube. Maybe your friends never shut up about Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer. Maybe you tried one random episode years ago and felt confused or put off by the style.

This blog is a beginner friendly guide that shows you the best anime for beginners. You do not need to know any anime jargon. You do not need to be a hardcore fan. You just need to be open to watching a good story in animated form.

Anime is not only one thing. It is not just shouting, giant eyes, or fanservice. There are emotional dramas, deep psychological thrillers, sweet romance, silly comedies, and relaxing slice of life shows. In this blog, we will walk through the best anime series for people who do not usually watch anime and break them into simple categories. You will see emotional anime for beginners, action anime for beginners, wholesome slice of life anime, and mystery and mind game anime.

The goal is simple. By the end, you will know exactly which anime to start with based on what you already like in movies and TV shows. Whether you enjoy dark fantasy, tear jerking romance, cozy comfort shows, or twisty thrillers, there is a beginner friendly anime here for you.

You do not need to become an otaku to enjoy anime. You do not even need to call yourself an anime fan. Think of this as a list of great shows that just happen to be animated. Pick one that matches your taste. Press play. Let the story do the rest.

Why Anime Can Feel Intimidating for New Viewers

If you feel nervous about starting anime, you are not alone. Many people think anime is confusing or childish or simply “not for them.” Before we jump into the list of the best anime for beginners, it helps to clear up a few common myths that keep new viewers away.

Myth 1: “Anime is only for kids or teenagers”

Yes, some anime is made for children. Shows like Pokémon or Doraemon are aimed at younger audiences. But many popular titles are clearly created for older teens and adults.

Take A Silent Voice for example. It is an emotional anime film about bullying, regret, disability, and forgiveness. The story follows a boy who used to bully a deaf girl in elementary school. Years later, he is full of guilt and tries to make things right. The themes are heavy and realistic. This is not a kiddie cartoon. It is closer to a serious live action drama.

Another strong example is Violet Evergarden. This series follows a former soldier who now works as an “auto memory doll,” someone who writes letters for others. She slowly learns about love, grief, and human emotions after years of being used as a weapon. The show deals with trauma, war, and healing. Again, this is clearly emotional anime for beginners who are ready for mature stories.

Anime is a medium, not a single genre. It can be childish, but it can also be deep, dark, or painfully honest.

Myth 2: “Anime is too weird, loud, or exaggerated”

It is true that some anime leans heavily into over the top jokes, big reactions, and fanservice. You might have seen random clips online of characters screaming or acting absurd. If that was your only exposure, it is understandable to think all anime is like that.

However, the best anime series for people who do not usually watch anime often have grounded plots and controlled tone. Shows like Your Name, Violet Evergarden, Erased, and Barakamon feel very close to live action dramas. They may have some heightened moments, but they focus on character growth, emotions, and thoughtful storytelling.

The anime in this list are chosen to avoid chaotic nonsense. They are clear, emotional, or exciting without being confusing or overly chaotic. They are beginner friendly anime that respect your time and attention.

Myth 3: “Anime series are too long and complicated”

You might know that One Piece has more than a thousand episodes. Naruto and Bleach also run for hundreds of episodes. If you are a beginner, that can feel impossible to start.

The good news is that you do not need to touch those long running series at all. This guide focuses on short anime series for beginners, self contained movies, or first seasons that are easy to finish. Many shows here are around 11 to 25 episodes. Some are single films like Your Name and A Silent Voice. These choices make it simple to try anime without a huge commitment.

Now that we have cleared up some myths, let us move into the fun part. Here are the best anime to start with, grouped by what you already love in movies and TV.

Emotional and Beautiful Anime for Beginners

If you love emotional dramas, romantic films, or character driven stories, this section is for you. These titles are some of the best anime for beginners because they are visually stunning, easy to follow, and full of feeling. They do not require any background knowledge of anime. You can simply sit down and watch.

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)

Format: Movie

Your Name is one of the most popular gateway anime films for non anime fans. The story follows two teenagers. Mitsuha is a girl who lives in a rural town and wishes for a more exciting life in the city. Taki is a boy who lives in Tokyo and works part time at a restaurant.

One day, they start randomly switching bodies. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body in Tokyo. Taki wakes up in Mitsuha’s body in the countryside. They slowly learn about each other by leaving notes and messages. Over time, a deeper connection forms, and they realize something bigger is happening.

Why beginners will like it:

• The plot is easy to follow even if you have never watched anime before.
• The animation is gorgeous, with detailed city scenes and beautiful skies.
• The music by RADWIMPS is catchy and emotional.
• It feels like a romantic fantasy film you could see in any cinema.

If you want a single emotional anime to test the waters, Your Name is one of the best anime to start with.

A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)

Format: Movie

A Silent Voice is a serious and heartfelt anime for people who like deep emotional stories. In elementary school, Shoya bullies Shoko, a deaf girl in his class. He and other classmates pick on her again and again. Eventually, things go too far. Shoko transfers schools, and Shoya is blamed by everyone else. He becomes isolated and full of guilt.

Years later, as a teenager, Shoya is depressed and alone. He decides to find Shoko again and try to apologize. The film follows their awkward, painful, and honest attempts to reconnect and move forward.

Why beginners will like it:

• The story feels very realistic and grounded.
• It deals with bullying, disability, depression, and forgiveness in a sensitive way.
• The characters are flawed and human, not exaggerated stereotypes.
• You do not need any anime knowledge. It plays like a powerful drama movie.

If you enjoy emotional live action films about relationships and regret, A Silent Voice is a must watch emotional anime for beginners.

Violet Evergarden

Format: Short series plus movies

Violet Evergarden follows Violet, a young woman who grew up as a child soldier. After the war ends, she is lost and does not understand normal life. She becomes an “auto memory doll,” a professional letter writer who helps people put their feelings into words.

Each episode focuses on a different client. A playwright. A sick child. A distant parent. Through their stories, Violet learns more about emotions, love, and the meaning of the last words she heard from her commanding officer.

Why beginners will like it:

• The episodes are mostly self contained and easy to follow.
• The animation is stunning. Many scenes look like paintings.
• The soundtrack is calm and emotional.
• The show builds slowly into powerful moments that can make you cry.

If you love emotional series that explore grief and healing, Violet Evergarden is one of the best anime for beginners.

Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Format: Series

Your Lie in April is about Kosei, a piano prodigy who stopped playing after a traumatic event. He sees the world in dull colors and cannot hear the sound of his own piano in his mind. One day, he meets Kaori, a free spirited violinist who plays with wild emotion and breaks every rule.

She drags him back into the world of music. Their relationship slowly changes his life and forces him to face his trauma.

Why beginners will like it:

• The focus on music makes it easy to relate to even if you do not know anime.
• There are many beautiful performance scenes with classical pieces.
• The emotions feel raw and honest.

It is a very emotional anime for beginners. Be ready for tears, but also for a moving story that stays with you.

If you usually watch emotional dramas or romance films, start with one of these four. They show how powerful and beautiful anime can be without any need for prior experience.

Action Packed Anime that Hook Even Non Anime Fans

Some people prefer intense battles, dark fantasy, or superhero stories. If that is you, this section covers action anime for beginners that are easy to follow but still have depth and strong worldbuilding. These are some of the best anime series for people who do not usually watch anime but love exciting plots.

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

Format: Series

Attack on Titan is set in a world where humans live inside huge walls to protect themselves from Titans. Titans are giant humanoid creatures that eat people. The story follows Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa, and their friend Armin. After a colossal Titan breaks the wall and destroys their home, Eren swears to wipe out every Titan.

Why beginners will like it:

• The story is packed with tension, mystery, and constant cliffhangers.
• The worldbuilding is deep, with political intrigue and secrets about the Titans.
• The action scenes are dynamic and creative, using gear that lets characters swing through the air.

However, it is important to note that Attack on Titan can be violent and dark. If you like shows like Game of Thrones or intense dark fantasy, this is a strong pick for your first action anime.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Format: Series plus movies

Demon Slayer is one of the best anime for beginners who want action with strong emotional core. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind boy who lives in the mountains. One day, he returns home to find his family killed by demons. Only his sister Nezuko survives, but she has turned into a demon.

Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps to find a way to heal Nezuko and defeat the demon responsible. Along the way, he meets allies like Zenitsu and Inosuke and faces demons with sad and complex backstories.

Why beginners will like it:

• The story is simple and easy to follow.
• The animation, especially the fight scenes, is stunning.
• Tanjiro is a very likable and kind protagonist.
• The show balances intense action with emotional moments and humor.

If you want a must watch anime for first timers that combines heart and sword fights, Demon Slayer is a perfect choice.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Format: Series

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is often considered one of the best anime of all time. It follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. After a failed attempt to bring their mother back using alchemy, Alphonse loses his body and Edward loses one arm and one leg. Alphonse’s soul is bound to a suit of armor.

The brothers set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone, hoping to restore their bodies. Along the way, they uncover political corruption, military secrets, and deep moral questions.

Why beginners will like it:

• The story is very tightly written with a clear beginning and end.
• It balances action, comedy, drama, and philosophy.
• The characters are memorable and diverse.
• It is long enough to feel epic but not endless.

If you want an action anime for beginners with a well built fantasy world and strong resolution, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a top pick.

My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)

Format: Series

In the world of My Hero Academia, most people are born with special abilities called Quirks. Some become heroes. Some become villains. The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without any Quirk who dreams of being a hero like All Might, the number one hero in the world.

After a fateful encounter, All Might chooses Midoriya as his successor and passes on his power. Midoriya joins U.A. High School, where he trains with other young heroes.

Why beginners will like it:

• The superhero concept is very familiar to fans of Marvel and DC movies.
• The school setting and training arcs are easy to understand.
• The characters have clear goals and personalities.
• The show mixes action with inspiring moments and light comedy.

For viewers who like hopeful stories about growth and bravery, My Hero Academia is one of the best anime to start with.

Try not to watch all of these at once. Pick one action title that matches your taste. Dark fantasy fans can begin with Attack on Titan. Superhero lovers can start with My Hero Academia. Those who like emotional adventure can choose Demon Slayer or Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Wholesome, Funny, and Cozy Slice of Life Anime

Not everyone wants intense action or heavy drama. Some people want comfort. If you like relaxing shows, lighthearted comedy, and feel good vibes, this section covers wholesome slice of life anime and comedy anime for non anime fans.

Spy x Family

Format: Series

Spy x Family is a beginner friendly anime that mixes comedy, family warmth, and light action. The story follows Twilight, a top spy who must create a fake family for his mission. He adopts a little girl named Anya and marries a woman named Yor.

Unknown to Twilight, Anya is a telepath who can read minds. Yor is a professional assassin. None of them know each other’s secrets, but they pretend to be a normal family.

Why beginners will like it:

• The plot is simple and easy to follow.
• The comedy is universal, not dependent on anime in jokes.
• The family moments are very wholesome and sweet.
• It is one of the best anime series for people who do not usually watch anime.

If you want to laugh and smile without dealing with complex lore, Spy x Family is a perfect gateway show.

Komi Can’t Communicate

Format: Series

Komi Can’t Communicate centers on Shoko Komi, a beautiful and elegant high school girl who everyone admires. The twist is that she has extreme social anxiety and struggles to speak to others. Most people misunderstand her silence as being cool and distant.

One boy, Tadano, realizes the truth. He decides to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends.

Why beginners will like it:

• The humor is gentle and based on social awkwardness.
• The episodes focus on small daily interactions, not huge story arcs.
• The tone stays wholesome and kind.

If you like awkward comedy and quiet character moments, this is a relaxing anime for beginners.

K-On!

Format: Series

K-On! is pure comfort anime. It follows a group of high school girls who join the light music club. They drink tea, eat sweets, and occasionally practice music. The focus is not on big performances. It is on their daily lives, friendships, and silly conversations.

Why beginners will like it:

• There is almost no complicated plot to follow.
• The vibe is relaxing, cute, and positive.
• It is easy to watch one or two episodes whenever you want to unwind.

If your idea of the best anime for beginners is something calm and cozy, K-On! is a great choice.

Barakamon

Format: Series

Barakamon follows Seishuu Handa, a young professional calligrapher. After he lashes out at a critic, his father sends him to a remote island to cool down and rethink his life. On the island, he meets a loud and energetic little girl named Naru and a group of friendly villagers.

Their simple, chaotic, and funny daily life slowly changes him and helps him grow.

Why beginners will like it:

• The island setting is charming and relaxing.
• Most episodes feel like small, self contained stories.
• The humor and warmth feel very real and human.

If you are scared of complex plots, start with slice of life anime like Spy x Family, Barakamon, K-On!, or Komi Can’t Communicate. These shows feel like warm, funny live action sitcoms, just animated.

Mystery and Mind Game Anime for Thriller Fans

If you enjoy crime dramas, mystery movies, or psychological thrillers, anime has a lot to offer. This section covers mystery and mind game anime that are great for people who do not usually watch anime but love clever storytelling and twists.

Death Note

Format: Series

Death Note is one of the most famous anime for non anime fans. The premise is simple but powerful. Light Yagami is a top student who finds a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. If he writes someone’s name in the notebook while picturing their face, that person dies.

Light decides to use the Death Note to kill criminals and create a “better” world. As criminals drop dead, the authorities notice and a genius detective called L begins to investigate. What follows is a cat and mouse battle between Light and L.

Why beginners will like it:

• The rules are clear and easy to understand.
• Every episode is tense and strategic.
• The moral questions are interesting and accessible.
• Many people who do not like anime still enjoy Death Note.

If you want a thrilling first experience, this is one of the best anime to start with.

Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Format: Series

Erased combines time travel with a murder mystery. Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling manga artist who has a strange ability called “Revival.” When something bad happens near him, time jumps a short distance backward, giving him a chance to prevent the event.

After a tragedy in his present, he is suddenly sent back many years into his childhood. He realizes that solving a series of kidnappings from the past is the key to saving people in the future.

Why beginners will like it:

• The series is short and tightly plotted.
• It feels like a live action thriller, just animated.
• The mystery is engaging but not overly confusing.

For fans of crime and emotional suspense, Erased is a very accessible anime for beginners.

Steins;Gate

Format: Series

Steins;Gate is a sci fi thriller about accidental time travel. Rintarou Okabe is a self proclaimed “mad scientist” who hangs out with his friends in a small lab. They accidentally discover a way to send messages to the past using a microwave and a phone.

At first, they use it for small, silly changes. But soon, they attract dangerous attention and alter the timeline in serious ways. The first episodes are slow and comedic, but the story becomes intense and emotional later.

Why beginners will like it:

• The time travel concept is interesting and layered.
• The characters grow on you over time.
• The payoff in the second half is very strong if you stick with it.

If you like sci fi, time travel, and mind bending plots, Steins;Gate is an excellent anime for thriller fans, but be patient with the slow start.

Simple Guide for First Time Anime Watchers

Now that you have a long list of beginner friendly anime, here are a few practical tips to make your first experience smoother.

Subs vs Dubs: Which Should You Choose?

Anime is originally made in Japanese. You usually have two ways to watch:

• Subbed. Original Japanese audio with subtitles in your language.
• Dubbed. Voice acting recorded in your language.

There is no single correct choice. For your first anime, pick the version that feels easiest.

Choose dubs if:

• You find it hard to read subtitles for long periods.
• You like to multitask a little while watching.

Choose subs if:

• You want to hear the original voice performances.
• You are used to watching foreign language content.

Many of the best anime for beginners, such as Demon Slayer, Spy x Family, and My Hero Academia, have good dubs and subs. You can even switch between them and see which you prefer.

Start Small, Not with a 1000 Episode Series

It is tempting to jump straight into extremely famous long series like One Piece, Naruto, or Bleach. These shows are beloved, but they are not always the best anime to start with for complete beginners.

Begin instead with:

• A movie like Your Name or A Silent Voice.
• A short series with 11 to 24 episodes, such as Erased, Barakamon, or the first season of Spy x Family.

Short anime series for beginners let you experience a complete story without feeling overwhelmed. If you fall in love with anime later, you can always tackle longer series.

One Show at a Time. Drop What You Do Not Like

You do not have to finish every anime you start. Your time is valuable.

Try this simple rule:

• Give a show 3 or 4 episodes.
• If you still do not care about the characters or story, drop it.
• Move on to another beginner friendly anime from the list.

Not liking one anime does not mean anime as a whole is not for you. Because anime covers so many genres, it is normal to dislike some shows and love others.

Where to Watch Anime Legally

Legal streaming is the easiest way to watch the best anime series for people who do not usually watch anime. Many popular platforms include a good selection of beginner friendly anime.

Examples include:

• Netflix. Has Your Name, A Silent Voice in some regions, Komi Can’t Communicate, Spy x Family in some regions, Erased, Violet Evergarden, and more.
• Crunchyroll. Focused heavily on anime, with large libraries including Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and others.
• Hulu or similar services in your region.

Using legal platforms gives you better video quality, correct subtitles, and supports the creators behind these shows.

Final Thoughts: Anime Is Just Another Way to Enjoy Good Stories

Anime is not a single genre. It is an entire medium, just like live action film or TV. Inside it, you can find romance, action, thriller, comedy, horror, sports, and slice of life. There is almost certainly at least one anime that matches your usual taste.

If you love emotional stories, start with Your Name, A Silent Voice, Violet Evergarden, or Your Lie in April. If you want action and epic battles, try Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, or My Hero Academia. If you prefer cozy comfort, go for Spy x Family, Barakamon, K-On!, or Komi Can’t Communicate. If you crave thrillers, pick Death Note, Erased, or Steins;Gate.

You do not have to watch all of them. You do not have to become a hardcore anime fan. Just pick one or two titles from this list of the best anime for beginners and give them a fair chance.

Think of it like exploring a new genre on Netflix. Maybe you used to say “I do not like anime.” After trying a few of these beginner friendly anime, you might find yourself saying “I do not watch a lot of anime, but I really loved that one show.”

Save this list. Share it with a friend who always claims they do not watch anime. Then come back after you finish your first series and ask yourself a simple question.

Was anime really “not for you,” or did you just need the right story to start with?