During one of our weekly hang-outs a team members mentioned that she had not seen a lot of anime. So, we had to snap into action and give her some recommendations. Of course, everybody our age is somewhat familiar with Dragon Ball Z and Pokémon (Read our list of Pokémon baby names here). But there is a vast and strange anime filled world out there and vaguely knowing two anime just will not do. So, have a go at our beginner’s guide to Anime for newbies. See if we missed anything big!
Spirited Away
I cannot write a beginner’s guide to anime without mentioning one of the masters. Ghibli Studio’s with their famous works like My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997) and the Oscar winning film Spirited Away (2001) are amazing entry-level anime. The last one mentioned being my all time favorite go to movie to watch in a loop when I fall ill. Beautiful artwork and the soothing music help the story further along while you follow Chihiro in her bizarre journey. The show was given a 8.6 out of 10 on IMDb. If that isn’t enough to convince you to watch it, here’s what BBC wrote about my favorite anime movie:
Yet two decades on from its original release, Spirited Away retains its bewitching power: as an extraordinary gateway into anime as a unifying form, and into themes of environmentalism, supernaturalism and humanity that are deeply rooted throughout Miyazaki’s works, and feel more resonant than ever.
Shopping idea: Watch Spirited away while sipping green tea with your stylish Ghibli tea-cup. Look how cute!girlgamerga09-20
Death Note
When Netflix started offering anime on its platform, many people were exposed to it. Anime became more accessible and mainstream for those who weren’t already knee-deep in illegal downloads and on strange-looking anime websites, and sometimes, even desperately searching for anime shows on YouTube. This brings us to number two on the list: Death Note. Opposite to the feel-good and bubbly energy of the Ghibli movies, Death Note has a darker, heavier energy. The bleak, crime-filled world of Yagami Raito offers a setting for an excellent detective, mass murder-y, good vs bad story with a whopping 9 out of 10 on IMDb. An excellent psychological thriller, not with too much gore, such as the popular anime Mirai Nikki (in case you are into the whole horror theme).
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
A hard to forget anime is Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Which happens to be a good introduction to anime as well. Following two brothers, Edward and Alphonse, you get to see a lot of action. But some heart wrenching and sad moments in this anime make it stand out amongst it’s peers. The show has gotten a 9.1 out of 10 on IMDb. And if you like action, try Attack on Titan, next. Another famous action filled anime with a score of 9 out of 10 on IMDb.
Kakeguiri
Looking for something more… spicy? Then the adventures of a young gambling addict Yumeko might be of interest to you. The show might not be for everybody. With a 7.2 out of 10 on IMDb this anime is not the best one in the list for sure. However, it is different, if different is what you seek. An exaggerated portrayal of rich boarding school students. And the mess they get themselves in for status and a shot of dopamine. Be warned, the show is a bit erotic and violent at times and is obviously meant for adults. At least I think so.
Shopping idea: Fallen in love with Yumeko, like everybody else in school? Buy your starter-kit Kakeguiri merch kit. You can’t go wrong with it!
Here is a list of easy to watch anime you might also enjoy:
- Ranma 1/2 – Cute, funny, easy to watch (8.2 out of 10 on IMDb)
- One Punch Man – Action, funny (8.7 out of 10 on IMDb)
- Golden Boy – Erotic, funny, easy to watch (8 out of 10 on IMDb)
- The way of the Househusband – Funny, easy to watch (7.3 out of 10 on IMDb)
Did we miss anything crucial in our beginner’s guide to Anime that we need to show our non-weeb friends? Let us know via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
