Teh (opinionated) guide to being a "real anime fan" (by a noob)
Anime
Have a friend that can't stop talking about "anime"? Wondering what the hell these "chinese cartoons" are about? This is a helpful guide to the most popular anime series or series embedded in otaku culture. I'll be using this for myself (as I am a newb too) but any beginners can use this as well, obviously. Only TV/OVAs and no movies.
Things that are not really in the "hardcore" anime discussion will be mostly excluded (Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Doraemon, Astro Boy, Urusei Yatsura etc.)
Excluding modern battle action Shonen Jump series. Why? Because those are for "NORMIES REEEEE!!!" (serious answer: because I assume most people looking more into anime already watched MHA, JJK, KnY etc.)
Honorable mentions due to running out of space: Hellsing Ultimate, Afro Samurai, Trigun, Tanya the Evil, Space Dandy, Haikyuu!,Slam Dunk, Bocchi the Rock!, Spy X Family, Soul Eater, Mushishi, Mobile Suit Gundam and NANA.
Things that are not really in the "hardcore" anime discussion will be mostly excluded (Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Doraemon, Astro Boy, Urusei Yatsura etc.)
Excluding modern battle action Shonen Jump series. Why? Because those are for "NORMIES REEEEE!!!" (serious answer: because I assume most people looking more into anime already watched MHA, JJK, KnY etc.)
Honorable mentions due to running out of space: Hellsing Ultimate, Afro Samurai, Trigun, Tanya the Evil, Space Dandy, Haikyuu!,Slam Dunk, Bocchi the Rock!, Spy X Family, Soul Eater, Mushishi, Mobile Suit Gundam and NANA.
TV, 1999,
? eps
Me:-
Author:4
Long ass series about a boy named Luffy and his crew, in his quest to be "pirate king". It gets good after episode 500 or something idk. Read it instead (for your sanity). Pretty much every other anime here on this list about as good or better (probably) and all of them have way less episodes. It does have a lot of great moments that can hook you in, however so it is a very tempting series. The hype is somewhat warranted but has a lot of bumps in the road. I suggest to take your time and use One Pace.
TV, 2004,
366 eps
Me:-
Author:8
GETSUGA TENSHO! BANKAI! Another long series adapted from Shonen Jump just like One Piece, this series takes a (seemingly) more mature route, dealing with death and shinigami. However it unfortunately suffers from pacing problems as well but just like One Piece, has great highlights. Arguably best soundtrack in anime history and Thousand Year Blood War (has 3 cours out, with 1 coming out in 2026) is an improvement. For long running series in general, you should only start one after watching like a dozen smaller anime. Also is 45% filler.
TV, 2002,
220 eps
Me:-
Author:5
The other super-famous long running action anime from the 2000s alongside One Piece and Bleach, Naruto deals with ninjas and stuff. Dattebayo. Follows Naruto, his zero to hero journey to become Hokage and his homo-erotic relationship with emo boy Sasuke. Also is 41% filler. Suffers from the same issues as One Piece and Bleach. I could've just had the same template for all 3, tbh. Don't let the 220 episodes fool you, it has 500 more with "Naruto Shippuden" (also 41% filler). Don't watch Boruto lmao.
Use a filler guide for this series and Bleach, you don't need it with almost any other anime.
Use a filler guide for this series and Bleach, you don't need it with almost any other anime.
TV, 2011,
148 eps
Me:-
Author:10
Watch this instead of One Piece, Naruto and Bleach. Trust me. Has way less episodes, and is more intricate and complex. Has an amazing power system. There are 2 standout arcs, "Yorknew" and "Chimera Ants". Mostly follows the adventure of 2 great friends, Gon (an innocent boy who wants to find his dad) and Killua (a boy raised by assassins who makes friends with Gon) as hunters.
They are accompanied by many characters, including Kurapika and Leorio (in the Hunter Exam arc, though Kurapika is the protagonist of "Yorknew"), Bisky (Greed Island arc) and Kite (Chimera Ant arc).
They are accompanied by many characters, including Kurapika and Leorio (in the Hunter Exam arc, though Kurapika is the protagonist of "Yorknew"), Bisky (Greed Island arc) and Kite (Chimera Ant arc).
TV, 2009,
64 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Follows the adventure of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse. Focuses on alchemy as the source of power for characters. Has been the highest rated series on here for like 10+ years until Frieren dethroned it. Has a pretty intricate and solid plot for a shonen (so I've heard). Should probably be one of your first romps into shonen (due to only 64 episodes).
Has an older version made in 2003 but is incomplete and is filed with filler. Only elitists watch that version nowadays.
Has an older version made in 2003 but is incomplete and is filed with filler. Only elitists watch that version nowadays.
TV, 2012,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Humorous (but very emotional at times) and manly shonen series about buff muscular macho men (at least in the first 4 parts, they get more effeminate later) and their journeys.
The first 3 parts deal with the stone mask/Dio and their consequences on their world. Part 3 introduces stands. There is a different protagonist for each part although many characters are recurring.
Meme goldmine. GOATED music. Might be a bit too strange for a new viewer, or will resonate way more than the usual anime due to it's nature.
The first 3 parts deal with the stone mask/Dio and their consequences on their world. Part 3 introduces stands. There is a different protagonist for each part although many characters are recurring.
Meme goldmine. GOATED music. Might be a bit too strange for a new viewer, or will resonate way more than the usual anime due to it's nature.
TV, 2006,
37 eps
Me:-
Author:10
A Shonen series like the last 6 but instead of battles physically it deals with mental battles between two intellectuals, Light Yagami and L.
One of the best starts for a new anime fan and is actually still really good and not at all overrated. Jumps the shark around episode 26 though.
One of the best starts for a new anime fan and is actually still really good and not at all overrated. Jumps the shark around episode 26 though.
TV, 2006,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Another series focusing on an intellectual 17 year old like Death Note (both Lelouch and Light are also not typical goody-two shoes main characters), but with mechas and manipulation eyes (Geass). Is claimed to have one of the greatest endings in anime history in the 2nd season (R2).
TV, 2013,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Arguably the most popular anime of all time to the point where it is compared to TV shows like Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad. Probably the most "entry-level" anime ever.
There's huge titans, countless deaths, a protagonist who is not right in the head and a controversial ending.
You can treat this like a "normal" TV show on Netflix.
There's huge titans, countless deaths, a protagonist who is not right in the head and a controversial ending.
You can treat this like a "normal" TV show on Netflix.
TV, 2011,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:10
One of the most popular anime not in the shonen genre, about a "MAD SCIENTIST SO COOL!" Okabe (his words not mine) and his time-travelling escapades. Has arguably the greatest tsundere of all time (Kurisu) and will leave you at the edge of your seat.
Has a "slow start" stated by many but I personally was invested fully throughout all 24 episodes.
Has a "slow start" stated by many but I personally was invested fully throughout all 24 episodes.
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Probably the most normal popular anime. Cowboy Bebop is a cool sci-fi adventure from beginning to end. It's not *that* special but is very solid. Another very good entry point in anime and I'd say it is the best anime to claim as your 1st one watched. Iconic to the core.
TV, 1995,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Cowboy Bebop for weirdos (it's not actually similar at all but they came out around the same time and are iconic to this day and are both common beginner anime).
Features:
A protagonist who is NOT hot-blooded and instead VERY reclusive
Waifus (tsunderes, MILFs and kuudere)
Mental trauma
GIANT ROBOTS
Confusing ending to many.
There are also like 4 movies to watch after it.
Probably the most important anime to the community as a whole. This is THE show for THE culture.
Features:
A protagonist who is NOT hot-blooded and instead VERY reclusive
Waifus (tsunderes, MILFs and kuudere)
Mental trauma
GIANT ROBOTS
Confusing ending to many.
There are also like 4 movies to watch after it.
Probably the most important anime to the community as a whole. This is THE show for THE culture.
TV, 2015,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Was trending 10 years ago but fell off. Great animation (in first season but 2nd season neutered it). Protagonist is frequently put in dick-measuring competitions of power with Goku by VS de(mastur)baters.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:-
One Punch Man's higher quality and more substance-filled (so I'm told) cousin made by the same creator.
TV, 2006,
201 eps
Me:-
Author:10
This series is not for beginners but has acclaimed legendary status in all hardcore anime circles. The "pinnacle of comedy anime" with many references to others and has many serious arcs along the way. Has like 10 seasons and they occupy half of the top 20 highest rated series here.
It's length does not make me want to commit seppuku unlike One Piece or Bleach. Actually does not have many filler.
People say "it gets good after 50 episodes" but personally f that line of thinking. At most it takes 20. If you don't like it within in 10 episodes then you can drop it. This goes for any long-running series and not just Gintama.
It's length does not make me want to commit seppuku unlike One Piece or Bleach. Actually does not have many filler.
People say "it gets good after 50 episodes" but personally f that line of thinking. At most it takes 20. If you don't like it within in 10 episodes then you can drop it. This goes for any long-running series and not just Gintama.
TV, 2016,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Weirdly divisive series about a somewhat loser-ish boy who gets isekaied into another world and every time he dies he gets transported back in time. Either people think this is "PEAK FICTION" or complete dogshit.
Also waifus. Waifus everywhere.
Also waifus. Waifus everywhere.
TV, 2016,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Another isekai series, but this one instead of being traumatic like Re:Zero, is more light hearted and comedy filled.
Stars Kazuma and his group of (all) female companions as they do whatever the fuck they please. They're supposed to beat a dragon or some shit but they are VERY incompetent.
Pretty fun.
Stars Kazuma and his group of (all) female companions as they do whatever the fuck they please. They're supposed to beat a dragon or some shit but they are VERY incompetent.
Pretty fun.
TV, 2009,
15 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The first in a long series with a daunting watch order (although not as bad as a series we will get into later called Fate).
About Araragi, a sis-con and a lolicon who has a girlfriend named Senjougahara and Araragi-kun essentially solves a bunch of girls and their supernatural-caused problems (called oddities)
VERY weird but VERY good. Has a style unlike any other. However if you are a noob you probably should get used to anime fanservice before watching the KING of anime fanservice, Monogatari.
Also a lot of "waifus"
About Araragi, a sis-con and a lolicon who has a girlfriend named Senjougahara and Araragi-kun essentially solves a bunch of girls and their supernatural-caused problems (called oddities)
VERY weird but VERY good. Has a style unlike any other. However if you are a noob you probably should get used to anime fanservice before watching the KING of anime fanservice, Monogatari.
Also a lot of "waifus"
TV, 2011,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:4
Based off of a visual novel and spawning a highly popular gacha, Fate is a fantasy series famous for it's confusing watch order. Starting with "Fate/Zero" is the common suggestion by fans to people looking into this series, infamous for it's confusing watch order. However the true order is this:
https://xss.now.cc/stacks/55691
https://xss.now.cc/stacks/55691
TV, 2011,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Do not let this anime fool you. That is all I have to say. It is only 12 episodes so find out for yourself. This is not your grandmammie's Precure or Sailor Moon.
TV, 2007,
23 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Most of it's praise is for it's sequel, Clannad:Afterstory but this is one of the most legendary romance series in the anime world. Known for being highly emotional. Just don't mind the bug eyes too much, okay?
TV, 2008,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:10
A famous romcom featuring the 2nd most infamous tsundere around, Taiga Aisaka (1st is Asuka Langley Soryu btw)
Your enjoyment will depend on you liking the aforementioned Taiga.
Your enjoyment will depend on you liking the aforementioned Taiga.
TV, 2002,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Probably the first CGDCT (Cute Girls Do Cute Things) anime to gain traction, it had gone somewhat forgotten before an influx of shitposts this decade.
TV, 2007,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Another famous anime where it's just high school girls doing ordinary shit but the main character is A HUGE OTAKU!!!! Has it aged well? You decide.
TV, 2023,
28 eps
Me:-
Author:7
The highest rated anime of all time? Does it deserve it? Fuck if I know. Find out yourself.
TV, 1989,
291 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Oh hey you probably actually know this one! Start with it's prequel instead of watching Z like you did as a 12 year old child, you brainless ape.
Has it aged well? Well it *does* suffer from long stalling fights....you can watch Kai but it probably won't feel the same, would it now?
Has it aged well? Well it *does* suffer from long stalling fights....you can watch Kai but it probably won't feel the same, would it now?
TV, 1992,
46 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Another legendary 1990s series that most people do not really talk about today as much, unfortunately. Is it formulaic? Yes. Is it nostalgic?
[INSERT JOTARO "YES! YES! YES!" GIF HERE]
[INSERT JOTARO "YES! YES! YES!" GIF HERE]
TV, 1999,
43 eps
Me:-
Author:10
The most based anime series on this list, Great Teacher Onizuka.
Stars an awesome but horny teacher named Onizuka as he deals with the problems of middle schoolers in a feel-good series that has multiple actually touching stories. Not a typical recommendation but f it, watch this.
Stars an awesome but horny teacher named Onizuka as he deals with the problems of middle schoolers in a feel-good series that has multiple actually touching stories. Not a typical recommendation but f it, watch this.
TV, 1998,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:8
A trippy and unconventional anime classic that still persists today in the hearts of many, with an increasingly relevant message. Everyone should learn to love Lain.
TV, 2007,
27 eps
Me:-
Author:6
Another mecha series by Studio Gainax (same people who made Evangelion) but way more upbeat and is actually about mecha fighting. Has an amazing climax but I personally did not like the pre-timeskip. However, the timeskip is pure badass.
If Evangelion is too "sad and confusing" for you, watch this.
If Evangelion is too "sad and confusing" for you, watch this.
TV, 2013,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:4
Animated by same people as Gurren Lagann but instead of mechas we have tits and ass. Wow. Watch if you are horny.
TV, 2011,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:5
CGDCT on crack cocaine. More humor-filled and high energy than a typical slice-of-life.
TV, 2006,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Did you ever wish Spike Spiegel was a girl? If so, watch Black Lagoon, ha.
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Probably the most popular romance anime, but it's COMPETITIVE ROMANCE!!! If you loved Death Note (you probably did) you can try this as your first romcom (or maybe not...? It *is* the highest rated romance anime after all so maybe not a good idea to immediately watch it, but everyone has their own tastes)
TV, 1997,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Legendary dark fantasy series but read the manga. This anime is just on the list off of name alone, but it is much better than the adaptations that follow.
TV, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Another legendary seinen manga series, that had been elevated in popularity due to this stunning anime adaptation. Less dark subject matter than Berserk so if you don't want to watch Berserk you can watch this.
TV, 2012,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:4
Probably the most famous ecchi series around. A guilty "pleasure" for many in more ways than one. Also Koneko is the best girl and I'm not debating this.
TV, 2006,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Anime about a loser male. Might hit too close to home so only watch this in the right mindset.
TV, 2013,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Anime about a loser girl. Might hit too close to home so only watch this in the right mindset. Should be higher rated than it actually is, personally. Inspires many femcel memes.
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:4
A fake ass Monogatari clone without degenerate stuff (which means it's way worse than Monogatari) however if you wanted to watch that but are too icked out by the lewd shit watch this I guess...
OVA, 2000,
6 eps
Me:-
Author:4
FURIKURI! Extremely popular in the early 2000s, a fond relic of the past for many older fans. Very strange though so probably watch this after you are somewhat immersed in the medium.
TV, 1992,
112 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Classic battle anime done by the same guy who made Hunter x Hunter. Gives off amazing 90s vibes if that is what you're aiming for.
TV, 2000,
75 eps
Me:-
Author:-
The premiere boxing anime. Known for it's compelling story following our young boxer Ippo, if you just want to settle down and watch a story about a man fighting for glory this is what you need to see.
TV, 2017,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Made fun of for being degenerate but it is actually quite cute in my opinion.
TV, 2010,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
If you want an anime with hot chicks and also for it to look like a cartoon for some reason, this is your best bet. Recently came out of a hiatus and is finally airing it's 2nd season after 15 years so this is the best time to watch it.
TV, 2004,
74 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Death Note but FOR INTELLECTUAL ADULT MANLY MEN.
Another series that can be compared to "normal" TV series but does have twice Death Note's length.
Another series that can be compared to "normal" TV series but does have twice Death Note's length.
TV, 2004,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:-
Miss Cowboy Bebop? Want samurai action? Need funky beats? Watch this.
TV, 2016,
120 eps
Me:-
Author:9
I personally think this is a great introduction to comedy anime in general. Not as degenerate (GTO, Konosuba, Dragon Maid), moe (CGDCT) or reference-filled (Gintama) as the other comedy anime on the list.
TV, 2006,
14 eps
Me:-
Author:-
This anime features Haruhi, who was like a mascot of sorts for the anime community 2 decades ago. Yes, **2 DECADES AGO** feel old yet? Has a pretty fucky watch order despite it's short length so you have to look it up to get the "chronological" experience. Also has 8 episodes that are the same thing over and over again.
