Gateway Anime
Anime
Approachable shows that require no prior knowledge of anime to appreciate. Determined by lack of tropes, lack of fanservice, resemblance to western media, and short length
TV, 1998,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
An absolute classic. Was heavily influenced by western cinema and doesn't include any common anime tropes. Balances light hearted humor with deeper themes.
TV, 2019,
26 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Incredible animation by ufotable, you really get to see their style refined here. Great dynamics between the main cast. Very by the books story but also relatable and approachable. There's a reason why 19% of Japanese households are watching this.
TV, 2020,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Incredible animation and fight choreography while still maintaining a light hearted tone. A good introduction to what anime is all about while still staying very approachable.
TV, 2022,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Mixes comedy, action, and drama with an overarching spy theme. It has something for everyone and you'll end up liking at least one of the main characters, no matter who you are.
ONA, 2021,
11 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Technically not an anime but I had to put this in. Story's amazing, hooks you in immediately while still being an absolute vibe the whole way through. I showed this to my family who are very closed minded about anime and we all loved it.
ONA, 2018,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Funny and light hearted while still showing the dark truth behind the Japanese workplace, all done with a really cute art style. Relatable to just about any employed adult. I showed this to my mom and she cried by the end.
TV, 2018,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:7
A slow burn but is able but tells a very touching story about a girl learning what it means to be human. Animation is peak KyoAni
TV, 2021,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Really clever dialogue and well thought out story. Manages to be a complete package while still being relatively short in length. Despite the anthropomorphic animal characters, the dialogue is very believable and gives off the vibe of a live action western show
TV, 2006,
37 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Another classic I had to put on here. There's a reason why it's so popular on MAL, it hooks you in from the very beginning and doesn't let go.
TV, 2019,
24 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Some of the most compelling character development and well thought out story. I can see the world building hooking western viewers in. Theres a lot of historical accuracy and I recommend this to especially those interested in history.
Movie, 1988,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:3
This was able to get anyone into anime during a time when anime was unheard of. If that isn't a reason for Akira to be on this list, I don't know what is. While the story is far from standard in my opinion, it still remains as one of the best looking anime to date.
TV, 2021,
23 eps
Me:-
Author:7
Great art style and animation by Wit with amazing worldbuilding. Takes commonly seen fairy tale tropes and flips them on its head.
TV, 2015,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The humor is definitely suited towards western audiences. Especially recommend to people who are interested in superheroes. Has a great mix of action and comedy
TV, 2016,
13 eps
Me:-
Author:6
I was reluctant to put this in because of its length and its tropes, but it serves as a good introduction to anime. There's a reason why the premise of quirks and heroes has captivated so many people in the west. Especially recommend to those who are interested in superheroes.
TV, 2012,
25 eps
Me:-
Author:4
I may personally not be a fan of this but there's a reason why it's as popular as it is. It serves as a good introduction to light novel adaptations and the premise of being trapped inside of a game is appealing to many
Movie, 2016,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:8
Absolutely gorgeous visuals. Has a simple premise but has got many hooked on the romance genre.
Movie, 2016,
1 ep
Me:-
Author:9
Has characters just about anyone can relate to and tells a heartbreaking story about the effects of bullying. Gorgeous animation by KyoAni as always.
TV, 2004,
74 eps
Me:-
Author:-
I've only read Monster and didn't watch it so take what I say with a grain of salt. The dialogue is very believable, it gives off the vibe of a really good western live action show. The dynamic between the main protagonist and antagonist is amazing. I'd give the manga an 8/10 because it is a slow burn at times
ONA, 2022,
10 eps
Me:-
Author:8
Based off a western game and Trigger's art style is very distinct. It was clear from when this was first announced that this was a project catered towards western audiences, and I'm all for that if it means this is what we're getting.
TV, 2014,
22 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Incredible romance anime. As a piano player myself, I thought the characters were really relatable, especially the main lead. It isn't afraid to show how unforgiving reality can be while still balancing it with lightheartedness.
TV, 2016,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:6
I personally wasn't a huge fan as I thought it was a rushed adaptation, but the mystery aspect for the most part was amazing. Characters are very likeable.
TV, 2009,
64 eps
Me:-
Author:9
Another classic. It's hard to not say what's already been said. The story is one of the best in anime and has one of the most thought provoking endings ever. There are so many likeable characters and they all shatter the tropes commonly seen in anime
TV, 2000,
19 eps
Me:-
Author:9
The humor from the dub is so unique to Ghost Stories when compared to any other anime. It's very distinctly American and feels like an edgy sitcom
TV, 2019,
12 eps
Me:-
Author:9
This is referring to season 1 only. Hooks you in from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I loved the dynamics between the three main leads and the mysteries always keep you guessing.
