As anime continues to gain popularity, beginners may find it challenging to select a suitable series to start with. Over the past twenty years, anime has captivated a vast global audience with its visually stunning animation, captivating storylines, and diverse range of genres. As a result, it is essential to provide a curated list of beginner-friendly anime series to assist new viewers.
Despite its tendency to cater to public opinions and follow a generic thematic structure, mainstream anime can be predictable. In contrast, non-mainstream anime often offers an unexpected and unconventional approach to storytelling, surprising the audience.
Underappreciated anime can appeal to a wider audience with their intricate plots and incorporation of philosophical and theological themes. The following is a compilation of 10 lesser-known anime options that are suitable for beginners as well.
Please note: This article is the writer’s personal opinion and is not listed in any specific order.
8 Beginner Anime Series That Aren’t Mainstream
1) Erased (The End of the World)
Erased is a sci-fi thriller anime that centers on Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old anime artist who gains an enigmatic ability known as “revival”within the first three minutes of the initial episode.
Despite its short length of only 12 episodes, Erased manages to captivate viewers with its gripping storyline of a cat-and-mouse chase between protagonist Satoru and the serial killer Yashiro. Through the use of his power to revive his consciousness, Satoru is able to travel back in time and prevent a life-threatening incident from occurring.
2) TV Series: Psycho-Pass
For individuals who have a fondness for sci-fi or speculative fiction, such as Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Psycho-Pass may be an excellent option for a first anime series. The show takes place in a futuristic Japan, where a seemingly perfect society is controlled not by humans, but by a biomechatronic computer system known as “Sibyl”.
Throughout Psycho-Pass season 1, Akane Tsunemori leads Unit-1 of Enforcers as their inspector. Alongside her team members Kogami, Masaoka, Kagari, and Kunizuka, they work for the “Sibyl system”to apprehend criminals. However, as the plot progresses, Akane discovers the true nature of “Sibyl”and the flaws of a surveillance-based government.
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Kakuriyo is a lesser-known anime within the popular category of “isekai”, which features characters being transported to a different dimension. It is a great option for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with this genre. The story follows Aoi Tsubaki, an orphan with the unique ability to see supernatural beings known as Ayakashis.
Despite the loss of her grandfather, Aoi, a skilled cook, is abducted and brought to a mysterious world known as the “hidden realm”where she is chosen to be the wife of the powerful “Ogre God,”Odanna.
4) Moriarty the Patriot (Yuukoku no Moriarty)
The title’s inclusion of “Moriarty”should be sufficient to entice any fan of Sherlock Holmes to binge-watch this anime. Moriarty the Patriot presents a unique retelling of the Sherlock series, delving into the story of James Moriarty and his reasons for becoming a cunning criminal mastermind.
This anime presents a gripping storyline, featuring clashes between a talented detective and a cunning criminal. The story becomes even more intriguing as it blurs the line between right and wrong, while portraying Moriarty as an anarchist fighting for the rights of the common people.
Moriarty the Patriot is an ideal option for those new to anime, as its unique storyline between Sherlock and his archenemy is sure to captivate viewers.
5) Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood
For someone who has already seen The Man in the High Castle, Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood, a 2021 historical anime set in the 64th year of the Meiji era, could be an interesting choice. This series offers a different viewpoint of Japan under a tyrannical leader, making it a great option for new anime viewers.
The main focus of the story is centered around Sawa Yukimura and her quest for revenge against the killers who took the lives of her family due to their “blue blood”status. However, her quest becomes complicated as it intertwines with political turmoil, her duties as a “Nue Executioner,”and the secrets surrounding her birth.
Toradora! – A Japanese anime and light novel series
Toradora! stands out from other slice-of-life romance anime with its unique and refreshing approach. The story centers around two high school sophomores, Taiga Aisaka and Ryuuji Takasu, and their evolving relationship.
The anime series Toradora! explores the intricate lives of several characters, including Taiga, Ryuji, Kitamura, Minori, and Ami. It skillfully presents their individual challenges in areas such as love, family, friendship, and ambition. With a perfect balance of humor and seriousness, this show provides a great introduction to the world of anime for beginners.
Nana
Nana is a one-of-a-kind slice-of-life drama anime that has the potential to captivate individuals in their early twenties. The story centers around two young women, both named Nana, who serendipitously cross paths on a train to Tokyo and eventually become roommates.
Nana Komatsu narrates the story in first-person, recounting her experiences in Tokyo with Nana Osaki and their bandmates from the distant future. She reflects on the events that shaped their lives and the development of their psyches. Nana is a captivating tale that delves into the intricacies of its characters. Its realistic portrayal makes it easily relatable for viewers, making it an ideal choice for those new to anime.
Megalobox
Megalobox is an excellent option for beginners who enjoy speculative fiction and boxing. The anime takes place in a dystopian society where individuals compete in fights to gain legal citizenship.
The storyline of Megalobox centers around “Junk Dog,”the main character who sets out to enter “Megalonia”in order to seek vengeance against Yuri. The show’s plot is captivating, featuring intense fight scenes and impressive visuals.
9) Baby Steps
“Hikaru Katsuki’s Baby Steps tells the story of Eiichiro Maruo, a unique protagonist in the world of sports anime. As an honor student, Eiichiro takes up tennis to combat his boredom, but ends up becoming deeply enthralled by the sport.”
Despite lacking any exceptional physical abilities, what sets him apart and makes him appealing to the audience is his sharp intellect and strategic thinking. Unlike other protagonists in sports anime, he is not a dense knucklehead. Instead, he relies on his deductive skills and thorough analysis of his opponents’ habits and temperaments during a match.
You and Me (Kimi to Boku)
You and Me is a leisurely and comedic high-school drama that follows the lives of five teenagers who may not be particularly close, but still spend time together. These five individuals are Shun Matsuoka, Kaname Tsukahara, the Asaba twins, and new student Chizuru Tachibana.
You and Me is a brief anime series featuring typical high school students. It will evoke nostalgia for your own student days and bring laughter. For those new to anime, it is an excellent choice to become familiar with its unique style.
To conclude
On social platforms, there is often a lot of discussion surrounding mainstream anime, which can lead to new viewers unintentionally encountering major spoilers. However, underrated anime such as Erased, Joran, Megalobox, and You and Me offer a more unbiased viewing experience for newcomers due to the lack of widespread information and discussion.
This list includes a variety of genres such as sci-fi, rom-com, drama, thriller, sports, and fantasy, making it a comprehensive representation of the anime world for its viewers.
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