In this article:
- Naruto
- One Piece
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Attack on Titan
- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
- Rurouni Kenshin
- Solo Leveling
- My Hero Academia
- Cowboy Bebop
- Death Note
- Black Butler
- Mob Psycho 100
- Mieruko-chan
- The Apothecary Diaries
- SPY x FAMILY
- Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
- My Happy Marriage
- Komi Can't Communicate
- Ranma 1/2
- Violet Evergarden
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Your Lie in April
- Haikyu!!
- Kuroko's Basketball
- Blue Lock
- Start Your Anime Journey Today!
Maybe you've scrolled past incredible clips online, or perhaps your friends are buzzing about the latest Solo Leveling episode. You’re ready to explore the world of Japanese animation, but overwhelmed by the choices. Relax, this beginner’s guide is your perfect starting point. Discover some of the absolute best anime to watch, specifically chosen for newbies like you.
You'll find fantastic recommendations spanning thrilling action, captivating fantasy, heartwarming romance, hilarious comedies, and more! Get ready to jump in and find your first anime obsession!
1. Naruto
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shonen
Release Year: 2002
A cornerstone of modern anime! Follow Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja ostracized for hosting a powerful demon fox, as he seeks recognition and dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and leader of his village. It's an epic saga filled with iconic rivalries, hard-earned friendships, and spectacular ninja battles. A true classic, but be prepared for a long (and rewarding) journey! The story unfolds across the original Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, and the ongoing sequel Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
2. One Piece
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Shonen
Release Year: 1999
Join Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with a rubber body, and his diverse crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they sail the treacherous Grand Line in search of the legendary treasure One Piece. With incredible world-building, hilarious humor, deep emotion, and endless adventure, One Piece is a global phenomenon. Like Naruto, it's a very long series, but beloved by millions.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll (S13), iQIYI (ep 985 onwards)
3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Historical, Shonen
Release Year: 2019
Prepare for breathtaking animation and intense sword fights! Follow Tanjiro Kamado, a kind boy whose life shatters when demons slaughter his family and turn his sister, Nezuko, into one. He embarks on a perilous journey to become a Demon Slayer and find a cure. Its stunning visuals and emotional core made it an international hit.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Disney+, iQIYI
4. Jujutsu Kaisen
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Shonen
Release Year: 2020
Looking for the best magic anime to watch with a modern, edgy twist? When high schooler Yuji Itadori swallows a cursed object to save his friends, he becomes the host of a powerful ancient curse. He joins a secret school for Jujutsu Sorcerers to learn how to control his powers and fight other curses. Expect slick action, a cool power system, and memorable characters.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Disney+, Viu, Prime Video (S2)
5. Attack on Titan
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Drama
Release Year: 2013
Brace yourself for a gripping, intense, and often shocking saga (contains mature themes and violence). Humanity clings to survival within walled cities, besieged by giant, man-eating Titans. When Eren Yeager's home is destroyed, he vows revenge and joins the fight. With stunning plot twists and high stakes, this is definitely a completed anime recommendation worth the emotional investment.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll, iQIYI, Prime Video (S4)
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Steampunk, Drama
Release Year: 2009
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric use forbidden alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother, paying a terrible price. They seek the legendary Philosopher's Stone to restore themselves, uncovering conspiracies along the way. Widely hailed as a masterpiece, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood offers incredible world-building and character development—it’s one of the best adventure anime recommendations you’ll find.
Stream it on Viu
7. Rurouni Kenshin
Genre: Action, Historical, Drama, Martial Arts
Release Year: 2023
This anime is a faithful, high-quality reboot of the beloved classic known as Samurai X. Set in Japan's Meiji Restoration era, it follows Kenshin Himura, a former legendary assassin who has vowed never to kill again, wandering as a swordsman protecting the innocent. This modern adaptation retells his story with updated animation and pacing, perfect for new viewers and returning fans. It’s one of the best action anime to watch!
Stream it on Netflix, Prime Video
8. Solo Leveling
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Release Year: 2024
Based on a hugely popular webtoon, this action-packed series follows Sung Jinwoo, initially known as the "World's Weakest Hunter" in a world plagued by monster-filled dungeons. After a near-fatal experience, he gains the unique ability to "level up" like a game character, becoming exponentially stronger. Expect slick animation and a satisfying power progression.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll
9. My Hero Academia
Genre: Action, Superhero, Comedy, Shonen
Release Year: 2016
In a world where almost everyone has superpowers (a.k.a. "Quirks"), Izuku Midoriya is born Quirkless. Yet, he dreams of becoming the world's greatest hero, like his idol All Might. Through a fateful encounter, he inherits All Might's power and enrolls in a prestigious hero academy. It's a classic, uplifting story of determination and friendship.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll, iQIYI, Prime Video (S6 only, S1-5 expired rights)
10. Cowboy Bebop
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Neo-noir, Space Western, Adventure
Release Year: 1998
Follow a crew of down-on-their-luck bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop as they chase criminals across the solar system. With its jazzy soundtrack, stylish animation, mature themes, and blend of action, comedy, and melancholy, it's a timeless masterpiece and a must-watch completed anime recommendation.
Stream it on Netflix
11. Death Note
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Supernatural
Release Year: 2006
What would you do with the power to kill anyone just by writing their name? Brilliant high school student Light Yagami finds a notebook with this exact power and sets out to rid the world of criminals. This sparks a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with the enigmatic detective L. Death Note is a suspenseful, intelligent classic and another excellent completed anime to watch.
Stream it on Netflix
12. Black Butler
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Historical, Action
Release Year: 2008 (Original Series–New Arcs ongoing)
Dive into Victorian England with a dark twist. Young Ciel Phantomhive, head of an aristocratic family, forms a contract with Sebastian Michaelis, a demon disguised as his impeccably skilled butler. Together, they solve crimes in London's underworld while Ciel seeks revenge. The show offers mystery, supernatural action, and a gothic aesthetic.
Stream it on Crunchyroll, iQIYI, Netflix (Public School Arc)
13. Mob Psycho 100
Genre: Action, Comedy, Supernatural, Slice of Life
Release Year: 2016
From the creator of One-Punch Man comes this visually spectacular and surprisingly heartfelt series. Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama is an incredibly powerful psychic, but he just wants to be normal. He works for a hilariously fraudulent psychic, Reigen Arataka, exorcising spirits. The animation is stunning, the characters are lovable, and the story explores themes of self-acceptance.
Stream it on Netflix
14. Mieruko-chan
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Supernatural, Slice of Life
Release Year: 2021
Watch this unique blend of horror and comedy! High school girl Miko suddenly gains the ability to see grotesque and terrifying ghosts all around her. Her solution? Pretend she doesn't see them at all costs! Follow her hilarious and often chilling attempts to maintain composure and live a normal life while surrounded by horrors only she can perceive.
15. The Apothecary Diaries
Genre: Mystery, Historical, Drama, Romance
Release Year: 2023
Set in fictional ancient China, this engaging series follows Maomao, a sharp-witted girl working as a pharmacist in the palace's rear court. Her keen eye for poisons and medicines catches the attention of a handsome eunuch official, pulling her into various medical mysteries and court intrigues. The series features a smart protagonist and a fascinating setting.
Stream it on Netflix
16. SPY x FAMILY
Genre: Action, Comedy, Slice of Life, Shonen
Release Year: 2022
Meet Loid Forger, a master spy tasked with an impossible mission: build a fake family. The catch? His "wife" is secretly an assassin, and his adopted "daughter" is a telepath! This hilarious and heartwarming show perfectly balances high-stakes espionage with genuinely funny family dynamics. It's incredibly popular and a perfect entry point.
Stream it on Netflix, target="_blank"Crunchyroll, Prime Video
17. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Psychological, School
Release Year: 2019
This isn't your typical romance! Student council elites Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya are perfect for each other, but both are too proud to confess. Instead, they use hilarious psychological warfare to trick the other person into confessing first. It’s a brilliant battle of wits disguised as a rom-com.
Stream it on iQIYI
18. My Happy Marriage
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Drama
Release Year: 2023
This heartwarming anime is a recent hit with a Cinderella-like story set in a historical fantasy Japan. Miyo Saimori, born without supernatural talent, is treated cruelly until she's arranged to marry the famously cold commander, Kiyoka Kudou. Expecting rejection, she instead finds unexpected kindness and perhaps true love. A beautiful and touching fantasy romance.
Stream it on Netflix
19. Komi Can't Communicate
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance, School
Release Year: 2021
This charming and wholesome series follows Shouko Komi, a beautiful student who secretly suffers from extreme social anxiety. Her classmate Tadano discovers her secret and vows to help her achieve her dream of making 100 friends. It’s funny, sweet, and full of quirky characters.
Stream it on Netflix
20. Ranma 1/2
Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance, Martial Arts, Slice of Life
Release Year: 2024/2025
Experience the hilarious chaos of this martial arts classic rebooted for a new generation! Ranma Saotome suffers from a curse that turns him into a girl when splashed with cold water (and back to a boy with hot water). Packed with eccentric characters, romantic rivalries, and gender-bending martial arts action, this reboot offers the beloved story with gorgeous, updated animation. Pure fun!
Stream it on Netflix
21. Violet Evergarden
Genre: Slice of Life, Drama, Fantasy
Release Year: 2018
Prepare to be moved by this visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant series. Violet, a former child soldier, tries to reintegrate into society after the war by working as an "Auto Memory Doll," writing letters for others to understand human emotions and the meaning of "I love you." Each episode is a beautifully crafted story about connection. Considered one of the best anime to watch on Netflix.
Stream it on Netflix
22. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Slice of Life
Release Year: 2023
This critically acclaimed fantasy features a unique, poignant premise: What is it like to live for millennia? Frieren is an elf mage who helped defeat the Demon King. Decades later, her former companions pass away, forcing Frieren to confront her own perception of time, mortality, and the connections she made. It's a beautiful, melancholic, and thoughtful adventure.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Disney+, Prime Video
23. Your Lie in April
Genre: Romance, Drama, Music, School
Release Year: 2014
A beautiful but heart-wrenching story about music, trauma, and love. Kousei Arima was a piano prodigy until his mother's death, which left him unable to hear the sound of his playing. His world changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist whose vibrant music and personality begin to bring color back into his life. Bring tissues for this one.
Stream it on iQIYI
24. Haikyu!!
Genre: Sports (Volleyball), Comedy, Drama, Shonen
Release Year: 2014
Even if you don't care about volleyball, Haikyu!! might make you a fan. Witness the journey of the short but determined Shoyo Hinata and his rival-turned-teammate Tobio Kageyama as they aim to make Karasuno High champions again. Features thrilling matches, great character development, and infectious team spirit. One of the best sports anime ever.
25. Kuroko's Basketball (Kuroko no Basuke)
Genre: Sports (Basketball), Comedy, Drama, Shonen
Release Year: 2012
Get ready for high-energy basketball with a unique twist! Taiga Kagami teams up with Tetsuya Kuroko, the nearly invisible "phantom sixth man" of the legendary "Generation of Miracles." Together, they aim to take their underdog high school team to the top, challenging Kuroko's former, prodigiously talented teammates. Features flashy moves, intense rivalries, and great team dynamics.
26. Blue Lock
Genre: Sports (Soccer), Action, Drama, Shonen
Release Year: 2022
This isn't your typical teamwork-focused sports anime! In a radical project to create Japan's ultimate egoist striker, 300 talented young forwards are pitted against each other in a high-stakes, prison-like facility called Blue Lock. Follow Yoichi Isagi as he battles fiercely to survive and become the best. It's an intense, high-octane take on soccer.
Stream it on Netflix, Crunchyroll
Start Your Anime Journey Today!
There you have it–a vast selection covering some of the best entry points into the exciting world of Japanese animation! From epic battles and intricate plots to charming romances and inspiring stories, you’ll find plenty of anime to watch on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Disney+, Viu, and iQIYI.
Ready to stream these incredible shows? Experience seamless streaming monthly with fiber-fast GFiber Postpaid, or try GFiber Prepaid for flexible, reloadable internet, perfect for binge-watching when you want to. And don’t worry if you’re always on the go, you can still keep up with the latest episodes using Globe’s Postpaid mobile plans or Prepaid data promos.
So, grab some snacks, pick a show (or several!), and start watching!
