5 of the best entry level anime that don’t alienate viewers with weird tropes

By Mason Berlinka

Published May 1, 2023 at 09:15 AM

Reading time: 3 minutes

43656

Anime is huge today, and for good reason. The stellar animation, thrilling storytelling, and heart-wrenching dramatics of the Japanese style are unlike anything else available in the Western world today. It’s therefore safe to say that the country’s reputation as the king of animation is well deserved.

That being said, people wanting to get into anime are often put off by the style’s daunting catalogue size, as well as strange tropes that are all too common in some of the more outlandish series. It’s easy to dismiss the medium because of preconceived notions that all you’re getting into is over-the-top drama, and gratuitous sexualisation.

Thankfully, we’re here to dispel these anime biases, and show you some of the best shows out there that are definitely worth your time. Interested in what anime has to offer but you’ve got no idea where to begin? We’ve got you covered.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (FMAB) is an excellent starting place for anime newbies, and it’s easy to see why: the show offers viewers a complete package of action, drama, and humour. It follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to bring their deceased mother back to life. But their attempt goes awry, and they end up having to pay a steep price.

The emotional pull, and the intricate world-building make FMAB a great choice for anyone trying to dive into the world of anime, plus the comedic edge really helps to keep viewers interested. This well animated and overall engaging series is a great place to begin for those not wanting to feel alienated and daunted by Japan’s bounty of animation.

https://youtu.be/1dNkQoE76nY

2. Cowboy Bebop

It’s hard to write about iconic anime without mentioning one of the artform’s OGs. The show Cowboy Bebop was instrumental in garnering interest for Japanese animation in the West throughout the early 2000s, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon thanks to its blend of eastern and western influences.

The series is set in a futuristic world where bounty hunters roam the galaxy, and it follows the adventures of a ragtag crew aboard the spaceship Bebop. We follow their spacefaring exploits as they try to run away from their past, before it inevitably all catches up to them, leading to a thrilling and dramatic conclusion.

Hugely accessible thanks to its slick film noir, western style, killer jazz-inspired soundtrack, and strong english dub, Cowboy Bebop is a no-brainer for newbies. Protagonist Spike Spiegel is the epitome of cool—think Elliott Gould’s Philip Marlowe, in space. Paired with Shinichirō Watanabe’s immaculate direction and smooth storytelling, you couldn’t be in better hands.

Additionally, the show deals with themes of loss, purpose and existentialism. While this narrative is definitely more mature than the stories found in some of the other shows on our list, Cowboy Bebop should not be discredited because of the medium.

3. Attack on Titan

This series is a little darker, but it’s still a great starting point for those who’re new to anime. The story takes place in a world where giant human-like monsters called Titans roam the Earth and it follows a group of soldiers as they fight to protect humanity’s last stronghold.

Its protagonist, Eren Jaeger, has long been a polarising character online for his heartbreaking motivation and questionable decision making. It’s a journey that’s really worth being on, and is filled with intense action, suspense and plot twists. So many plot twists…

So why should you give Attack on Titan (AOT) a go? Its high production value, dynamic animation sequences, and gripping soundtrack make the show a treat for the senses. Additionally, AOT’s themes of humanity, hope and survival are universal, and can be understood by everyone.

Did I mention that this series relies on virtually zero typical anime tropes? You won’t find any panty shots here.

4. Haiyku!!

Haiyku!! is all about volleyball. The series follows a high school team as they work to become champions. It’s full of sports action and character development, with a diverse cast of lovable characters and plenty of feel-good moments.

If sports shows are your thing, then you should definitely give Haiyku!! a try. The stakes, drama, and character growth make it worth anyone’s time, especially those looking to get hooked into a heartfelt and inspirational story. This comedic coming-of-age story is a great opportunity for beginners to see why Japanese animation is so popular today.

5. Sailor Moon

This 90s classic has endured the test of time for a reason. An early iteration of a well-known anime trope, namely that of the magical school girl, this show portrays the mystical experience with style and grace.

The series follows student Usagi Tsukino, who assembles a team of girls with the ability to transform into magical warriors to protect the Earth from the forces of evil. Girl power and friendship are at the centre of Sailor Moon and it’s definitely a great contender if you’re in the mood for some light viewing.

Magical girls are an immensely popular genre of stories in anime, and Sailor Moon is the show that popularised it globally. Beloved by everyone, from fashion lovers to children and even to grown ups seeking a wholesome and relaxing viewing experience, the series could not go unmentioned on this list.

Where to watch anime online

Thanks to growing interest in anime in the Western world, dedicated streamers now exist so you can get your Japanese fix. Crunchyroll and Funimation are the top dogs when it comes to binge-watch anime and have a wide range of shows, including seasonal releases for once you’re fully addicted. Netflix also has a sizable catalogue of shows if you’re not interested in splashing out for a dedicated streamer just for anime.

On Netflix, you’ll be able to watch Cowboy Bebop in its entirety. For Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Haiyku!!, you’ll need a Crunchyroll account—but don’t worry, the service offers free viewing supported by ads. The original run of Sailor Moon is also on there, or Hulu if that’s more your thing.

Keep On Reading

By Eliza Frost

Jennifer Lawrence weighs in on The Summer I Turned Pretty love triangle, revealing she is Team Jeremiah

By Eliza Frost

Taylor Swift is engaged to the boy on the football team, Travis Kelce 

By Charlie Sawyer

Odd Muse founder Aimee Smale fights back against fast fashion controversy on TikTok

By Charlie Sawyer

UK government’s new murder prediction tool draws comparison to Tom Cruise film, Minority Report

By Eliza Frost

All the Easter eggs from the first episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty season 3

By Eliza Frost

Gavin Casalegno calls out Team Jeremiah bullying in The Summer I Turned Pretty fandom

By Charlie Sawyer

McDonald’s hit with new mass boycott. Here’s who’s behind it and why

By Abby Amoakuh

Tiktoker gets slammed by dermatologists for promoting dangerous caveman skincare regime

By Eliza Frost

Kendall Jenner reveals plans to quit Kardashian fame for a normal job

By Charlie Sawyer

SHEIN faces fines from EU for deceiving customers with fake discounts and misleading information

By Eliza Frost

Netflix is predicting your next favourite show based on your zodiac sign 

By Eliza Frost

Jennifer Aniston to star in Apple TV+ adaptation of Jennette McCurdy’s memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died

By Eliza Frost

The Summer I Turned Pretty is getting a movie. Could it be here in time for Christmas?

By Charlie Sawyer

Everything you need to know about toxic gossip site Tattle Life and how its founder finally got revealed

By Eliza Frost

Black cat boyfriends are in to replace golden retriever boyfriends, but are they just emotionally unavailable men in disguise?

By Charlie Sawyer

Here’s why the internet is convinced that Trisha Paytas’ third baby will be the reincarnation of Pope Francis

By Abby Amoakuh

Harry Potter reboot hit with racist backlash for casting Black actor Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Gaza journalist death toll surpasses that of both World Wars, following latest Israeli airstrike that killed reporter

By Eliza Frost

Everything you need to know about Trump’s state visit, including that Epstein projection

By Eliza Frost

Zayn Malik’s new song suggests One Direction era wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows