The Best Anime for Getting Someone Into Anime
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: anime isn’t a genre, it’s storytelling at its finest. And if you know someone who still thinks it’s just Saturday morning cartoons or pervy tentacle porn, this list is here to kick in their mental door.
We’re not about to recommend a thousand episodes of ninja filler or suggest a mech show that needs a PhD to understand. We’re talking emotional gut punches, cerebral plot twists, and iconic characters that slap them with the fee fees when they least expect it.
This isn’t a list of “the best” anime.
It’s a calculated assault on the preconceived notions your friend, sibling, significant other, or coworker might have. These picks are made to eviscerate the idea that anime is childish, cringe, or only for people who wear Naruto headbands unironically in public.
These five shows are your entry points; your anime baptism-by-fire toolset to help convert the uninitiated.
What Makes a Great First Anime?
We’re not throwing them into the deep end with mechs piloted by teenagers having existential crises. A good starter anime, in my humble opinion, should:
Hit with a hook in episode one that demands they keep watching.
Keep fantasy/mech elements light so they don’t get hung up on themes that aren’t relatable.
Tackle adult themes like identity, morality, grief, power, and choice.
Deliver characters they feel something for, whether it’s love, rage, or just envy of their Chadly jawlines.
Look dope. Yeah, visuals matter. First impressions count.
Top 5 Gateway Anime That Actually Go Hard
5. Tokyo Ghoul
Image Source: Tokyo Ghoul | Shueisha | Studio Pierrot
Tokyo Ghoul is that perfect balance of edgy and emotionally raw. It starts grounded: Kaneki is just a shy college kid crushing on a girl who turns out to be a flesh-eating monster. One organ transplant later, he’s caught between two worlds.
The show explores identity, humanity, and what it means to be a monster. The first season is tight, atmospheric, and brutal in the best way. Plus, that opening song will haunt their mind.
4. My Hero Academia
Image Source: My Hero Academia | Kohei Horikoshi | Yoho and Bones | Funimation
Yeah, it looks colorful and superhero-y, but don’t get it twisted. My Hero Academia goes hard emotionally. It’s the anime version of if Marvel had an actual soul.
Deku’s underdog story is pure dopamine, and the characters around him are just as fleshed out. It tackles ideas of legacy, purpose, and trauma – and it does it while throwing haymakers and blasting orchestral hype tracks.
It’s the easiest entry point for people who dig the MCU but want something with more heart.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Image Source: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood | Huromu Arakawa | Aniplex of America | Square Enix
Two brothers try to resurrect their dead mom and end up paying a horrifying price. One loses his arm. The other loses his entire body. That’s episode ONE.
What follows is one of the best-written and most emotionally satisfying anime out there.
Brotherhood combines science, philosophy, action, and heartbreak into a narrative that somehow never feels overwhelming. They’ll laugh. They’ll cry. They’ll become unreasonably attached to a suit of armor.
2. Attack on Titan
Image Source: Attack on Titan | Hajime Isayama | Kodansha
AOT is basically a post-apocalyptic horror-thriller where giant naked murder machines eat people for breakfast. It hooks instantly with sheer brutality, but then flips into a deeply political, morally gray war story.
By the time they’re questioning whether Eren Yeager is a hero or a villain, they’re already neck-deep in some of the best twists in modern storytelling. Perfect for fans of Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead who want action that comes with consequences.
1. Death Note
Image Source: Death Note | Tsugumi Ohba | Shueisha | Shonen Jump | VIZ Media
No mechs. No magic spells. Just a notebook that kills people and a guy who gets way too into using it.
Death Note is the most normie-accessible anime on Earth.
It’s a high-stakes chess match between two genius teens: one who wants to become God, and one who wants to stop him. It’s short, addicting, and dark in a way that feels elevated and psychological. If you can’t get someone hooked with Death Note, check their pulse.
Now That You Have Your Anime Foot in the Door
You don’t need to shove all five shows down their throat. One or two is enough to crack the shell. Once they’re converted, you can branch off based on what they liked.
Here’s how to read the room:
If They Like...Go With:
If they like powers and worldbuilding…
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Western, but still anime-coded. Bends hearts and elements.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Funderful fights and everyone loves an OP cute underdog. Underslime?
If they’re edgy, dramatic, or need therapy…
Goblin Slayer: Brutal, short, graphic AF and doesn’t sugarcoat a thing.
Death Parade: Fun with a dash of existential crisis in 12 episodes or less.
If they like fantasy romance with action…
Inuyasha: Time-travel demon with family drama and ’00s goth energy.
Sword Art Online: OG MMORPG Isekai with compelling character development.
If they’re tech nerds or sci-fi junkies…
Steins;Gate: Smart, dense, and you can peel back the layers (like a banana *wink*). You’ll feel like you passed a college course.
Dan Da Dan: Ghosts, aliens, spirit energy, AND horny comedy? Chef’s kiss.
If they want dumb fun with explosions…
One Punch Man: A parody that’s better than most serious shows.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: The holy grail of memes and masculinity.
If they want action with chill vibes and jazz music…
Cowboy Bebop: Space bounty hunters with ennui.
Samurai Champloo: Edo period meets hip-hop. It oozes badassery.
The Final Anime Boss Tier (AKA "Don't Start Here")
I know. You want to show them One Piece. You want them to cry with you about Jiraiya. But trust us – unless they’re already in, it’s too much. These shows are epic, but their length and commitment can scare people off. Let them grow into it.
Demon Slayer: Visually stunning, but kinda long for a first anime.
Jujutsu Kaisen: I know! You want to share it! But it’s too damn long and still ongoing.
Naruto: Beloved, but…so much filler.
Bleach: Gorgeous swords, yes. Also: I have Hueco Mundo filler PTSD forever.
One Piece: Worth it, but the time commitment? Brutal.
Solo Leveling: Possibly my favorite Manhwa, but again, it’s still ongoing. Wait!
We’ve all waited for weekly episodes, crawled through filler arcs, and cursed our internet speeds trying to stream episode 237. But a casual viewer? They’ll bounce if they’re not already invested.
Bonus Anime Red Flags: What Not to Show a Newbie
Let’s talk anime landmines. I know I’m going to get lit up for this and these are absolutely cult favorites, but for a newcomer?
It could be a vibe killer and these just are not worth the risk:
Elfen Lied: Naked girl, exploding heads, emotional whiplash. Welcome to anime!
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Pilots mechs, fights angels, cries in the shower. Not beginner-friendly, sorry.
Beastars: Genuinely good? Sure. But the furry vibe is a tough first pitch.
Food Wars: “Why did she just moan after eating an egg roll?” explains 0% of this show.
Paranoia Agent: Trippy, brilliant and absolutely one of my favorites – but PA is like trying to start reading with House of Leaves.
If You Want to Bring Someone to Anime, Convert Responsibly
Getting someone into anime isn’t just a favor – it’s a mission.
You’re not just picking a show, you’re opening a door to an entirely new form of storytelling. You want their first steps to be on solid, satisfying ground. So start smart. Hook them emotionally. Dazzle them visually. Let them feel what anime can do.
And when they hit you up out of nowhere with, “Yo…what should I watch next?”
That’s your victory lap. You did the thing.
Now go forth and spread the good gospel of anime greatness to all.
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