The 5 Best Anime Series For Beginners

Want To Start Watching Anime? Here Are The 5 Shows You Should Watch First 

The anime industry is worth over $26 billion dollars and yet, many of us in America don’t know much about it. 

We haven’t always had a huge amount of access to Anime over here, but as the medium only gets more popular – more and more streaming sites are picking up the big name shows. 

If you want to get into Anime but don’t know where to start then you have come to the right place. We have put together a list of the 5 shows you must watch first. 

#1 – FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 

Warning, there are two versions of FullMetal Alchemist, the original and the Brotherhood – you will want to start with Brotherhood. 

This is one of the most influential Anime made over the last 20 years, it has won awards both here and in Japan, and the English dub is full of voice acting stars. 

This show follows the story of Edward and Al, two brothers who have magic powers. A tragic accident has trapped Al’s body inside a suit of armor and the brothers have to work together to rescue him. 

This is a sweet, fantastical, and addictive story spread across 6 seasons. 

#2 – Naruto: Shippuden 

Naruto is the name of the Manga series the Anime is based on, Naruto: Shippuden is the name of the Anime. 

You may have watched this as a child without evening knowing it was an Anime. However, it is definitely worth a rewatch (or a first watch) soon. 

Naruto: Shippuden follows the story of young Naruto who is a loud and enthusiastic adolescent ninja who has dreams of becoming the Hokage of his village. The Hokage is the strongest ninja in the village and acts as its leader. 

The one reason you might not want to make Naruto your first Anime is the fact that it is 21 seasons long. However, it is well worth the time – this show is a masterpiece. From more information check out comicbento.com for an in depth guide on Naruto. 

#3 – Avatar: The Last Airbender 

Avatar: Legend of Korra is the sequel to The Last Airbender, and should be watched afterward if you want to avoid spoilers. 

Yes, Avatar is a kids’ TV show, but it might be one of the best that was ever made – it might even be one of the best TV shows of all time. 

Avatar: The Last Airbender has everything you could ever want in a TV show – amazing character arcs, sparkling world-building, plot twists, and a nearly perfect ending. 

Avatar follows the story of Ang, he is the Avatar (the only person who has the power to use all four elements). He wakes up after being frozen in ice for 100 years to discover the Fire Nation has enslaved the world and he is the last Airbender left alive. 

#4 – Little Witch Academia 

Watching order – Little Witch Academia (film), Enchanted Parade (film), Little Witch Academia (series). 

This franchise is less than a decade old but it has already had a huge impact on the other Animes set in the world of Academia. 

The show follows Akka, a witch with a non-magical background who enrolls in Luna Nova Magical Academy. There she discovers that her background has set her back and she struggles to find her place in the school. 

One day, she finds a magical artifact, created by her hero who inspired her to enroll in Luna Nova Magical Academy in the first place. 

#5 – Yuri On Ice 

If you want to see Anime at its finest then you need to watch the limited series Yuri On Ice. While this series has less than a dozen episodes, you will fall in love with all of the characters, the world, and the sport of ice skating.

We guarantee you will finish this series wishing there were 20 more series of it. 

Yuri On Ice follows Yuri, an ice skater, who has fallen out of love with the sport. He meets two other skaters who rekindle his determination to become the world champion.  

This anime perfectly captures youthful friendships, loves, and the pressure athletes are put under. It shows you Anime at its best. 

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Anime is a term that covers a wide variety of genres, storylines, and themes. Anime has something to offer all of us – whether we want epic fantasy, steamy romance, or happy shows where good beats evil. 

After you have finished these five shows we are sure you will find more that you love.