New to Anime? Start with These 10 Must-Watch Series

Inuyasha

Genre: Adventure · Fantasy · Romance

Synopsis:

High school student Kagome Higurashi is transported back to Japan’s Sengoku period after falling into a well at her family shrine. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon seeking the Shikon Jewel to become a full demon. When the jewel shatters, the two must team up to recover the shards before they fall into the hands of the sinister demon Naraku. Along their journey, they are joined by the lecherous monk Miroku, the demon slayer Sango, and the mischievous fox demon Shippo.

Why It’s Recommended:

What makes Inuyasha such a timeless classic is its fantastic world-building as it seamlessly blends Japanese folklore and mythology into a historical setting to create a rich, immersive feudal fairy tale. While it is a bittersweet tale of longing, love, and belonging, the series excels at delivering pulse-pounding action and perfectly timed comedy. The entire cast, from the main cast to the villains, are deeply written, each carrying their own emotional scars that make them feel human. One of anime’s most iconic “will-they-won’t-they” couples, Kagome and Inuyasha’s slow-burn romance is the soul of the series. Watching them go from constantly bickering to slowly falling for each other will have you sighing in frustration at one moment and clutching your heart the next.

Fullmetal Alchemist/Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Genre: Action · Adventure · Fantasy · Drama

Synopsis:

In a desperate attempt to revive their mother, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric perform alchemy’s greatest taboo: human transmutation. Their attempt to bring their mother back to life ends in tragedy with Edward losing his arm and leg while Alphonse’s entire body is destroyed, his soul bound to a suit of armor. To restore their bodies, the brothers embark on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. As they traveled, they uncover the dark truth behind the stone and a massive government conspiracy that threatens the entire world.

Why It’s Recommended:

Widely considered the “gold standard” for first-time viewers, Fullmetal Alchemist is an exhilarating adventure filled with masterful storytelling, emotionally complex characters, and jaw-dropping plot twists that keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. In a world governed by the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the anime explores the cost of ambition, the nature of sacrifice, and the ethics of playing God, challenging everything you thought you knew about right and wrong. To prevent itself from sounding like a college lecture, FMA balances its philosophical themes with well-timed comedic moments to ensure the story is entertaining without ever losing its depth.

***Note: There are actually two adaptations of Fullmetal Alchemist. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded by fans as the more superior version because it faithfully follows the original manga and offers a complete ending to the story. The 2003 adaptation has a more mature and darker atmosphere but it diverges significantly from the source material and its conclusion is hidden in the film Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa. Personally for first time viewers, I recommend starting with Brotherhood as it provides a more cohesive ending to the series and then go back and watch the 2009 version.

Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

Genre: Action · Dark Fantasy · Post-Apocalyptic

Synopsis:

In a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, the last survivors live within massive walled cities protected from giant, man-eating creatures known as Titans. After a Titan destroys his home and his mother is killed, Eren Yeager vows to eradicate every Titan and reclaim humanity’s freedom. Alongside his friends Mikasa and Armin, he joins the Survey Corps—an elite military branch that explores beyond the walls. However, as they fight for survival, they uncover dark secrets about the Titans and the truth behind the world they inhabit.

Why It’s Recommended:

When Attack on Titan aired in 2013, it revolutionized the Shōnen genre with its high stakes plot, nuanced characters, and gritty portrayal of war, survival, and moral ambiguity. From season to season, the show will leave you in constant suspense as every revelation peels back another layer of mystery that leaves you (and the characters) questioning everything you thought you knew about the world and who the real enemy is. Central to the anime’s appeal is its multifaceted characters who are shaped and broken by an unforgiving world that forces them to confront uncomfortable choices that blur the line between hero and villain, redefining what it truly means to be human. The show’s stunning animation and epic soundtrack turn every battle into a breathtaking spectacle and make every emotional moment hit hard. Attack on Titan is an unforgettable edge-of-your-seat experience that will leave you in a whirlwind of wonder, contemplation, and emotional exhaustion.

My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)

Genre: Adventure · Superhero · School-Life

Synopsis:

In a world where 80% of the population possesses superpowers known as “Quirks,” Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite being born Quirkless. His fate changes when he meets his idol, All Might, the world’s greatest hero, who chooses Izuku to inherit his power, One For All. With this newfound power, Izuku enrolls in the prestigious U.A. High School. There, he must train to master his abilities, face off against dangerous villains, and discover what it truly means to be a hero.

Why It’s Recommended:

My Hero Academia takes everything you love about classic western superhero stories and gives it a shōnen twist to create a unique coming-of-age tale about perseverance, friendship, and the meaning of heroism. The series’ greatest strength lies in its colorful ensemble of heroes and villains who are richly developed with distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations. Their interplay is one of the most engaging aspects of the show as both sides explore the meaning of justice and morality in a superpowered society, making it more than a simple good-versus-evil story. Whether you’re a superhero fan or completely new to anime, My Hero Academia is an absolute must-watch that will leave you inspired long after the final episode.

Haikyu!!

Genre: Sports · School-Life · Comedy · Drama

Synopsis:

After watching a national volleyball match on TV, Shoyo Hinata becomes determined to follow in the footsteps of his idol, the Little Giant, to become the world’s best volleyball player. Despite his short stature, Hinata’s incredible speed and jumping ability earn him a spot on Karasuno High School’s volleyball team. However, his path to greatness takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his middle school rival, the genius setter Tobio Kageyama, is now his teammate. To achieve their goals, they must learn to work together to restore Karasuno’s former glory and aim for the national championships.

Why It’s Recommended:

Haikyu!! is the gold standard for sports anime, taking the simple game of volleyball and transforming it into an inspirational story about perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of self-improvement. What sets Haikyu!! apart is how it treats every team as the hero of their own story, portraying their struggles, victories, and growth with equal depth and care, making it impossible not to root for both Karasuno and their opponents. Through every match, the show masterfully captures the emotional highs and lows of competition. With every win and loss, each result carries a lesson that teaches the characters about themselves and each other, showcasing that success is not just about winning, but the unbreakable bonds forged along the way.

Kuroko’s Basketball (Kuroko No Basket)

Genre: Sports · Drama · Comedy

Synopsis:

Kuroko, the “phantom sixth man” of the legendary “Generation of Miracles,” joins Seirin High’s basketball club and forms an unlikely partnership with the fiery newcomer Taiga Kagami. Together, they aim to lead Seirin to the top of Japan’s basketball world by taking down Kuroko’s former teammates, who have now become the “aces” for rival powerhouse teams.

Why It’s Recommended:

Regarded as the “Dragon Ball Z of sports anime,” Kuroko’s Basketball is a show that transforms high school basketball into an explosive battle of skill, willpower, and intense rivalries. Each game turns into a high-stakes showdown where basketball stops being an afterschool activity and becomes an all-out war, with each team fighting to prove their vision of the sport is superior. From gravity-defying dunks to lightning-fast passes, characters unleash basketball super moves that feel ripped straight from a shōnen battle. However, beneath all the explosive action, the show is a genuine underdog story about an unknown school going against unbeatable prodigies to prove that teamwork can prevail over raw talent. Even if you have never watched a basketball game in your life, Kuroko’s Basketball will have you jumping out of your seat and screaming at your screen like you’ve been a fan your whole life.

Fruits Basket

Genre: Romance · Drama · Supernatural · Slice-of-Life

Synopsis:

After losing her mother, Tohru Honda finds herself living in a tent on land belonging to the mysterious Sohma family’s estate. When she is invitied to stay with them, she accidently discovers their ancient family curse. When hugged by the opposite sex, the members of the Sohma family are transformed into one of the thirteen animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

Why It’s Recommended:

If you are looking for an anime that will rip your heart apart and put it back together again, look no further than Fruits Basket. What initially begins as a humorous slice-of-life story slowly evolves into a profound exploration of trauma, belonging, and the transformative power of compassion. Tohru Honda is a refreshing take on the typical shōjo protagonist whose kindness and determination become a beacon of hope within the broken Sohma family, quietly pushing each member to confront their personal demons while navigating her own grief and struggles with self-worth. Fruits Basket is a wonderful work of art beautifully illustrates how love and understanding can heal even the deepest scars. Definitely keep a box of tissues nearby if you decide to watch it.

***Note: There are two anime adaptations of Fruits Basket. The original 2001 is a light-hearted adaptation of the manga that covers only the story’s early arcs, focusing mainly on comedy and slice-of-life moments. However, it omits important characters and themes that were featured in the orginal source material. The 2019 reboot is a fully realized adaptation of the entire manga, supervised by the original author, Natsuki Takaya, to ensure all characters and plotlines were accurately portrayed. While the 2019 version is widely considered superior by fans, some still find it nostalgic and charming in its own right. For first-time viewers though, the 2019 reboot is the definitive place to start.

Given

Genre: Romance · Drama · Slice-of-Life

Synopsis:

High schooler Ritsuka Uenoyama, a talented but burnt-out guitarist, finds a mysterious classmate, Mafuyu Sato, napping in a stairwell clutching a guitar with broken strings. After Uenoyama repairs the instrument, he begins teaching Mafuyu how to play and introduces him to his older bandmates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji. When Mafuyu reveals his beautiful singing voice, Uenoyama invites him to join the band as their lead vocalist.

Why It’s Recommended:

With music as its heartbeat, Given unfolds as an intimate story about love, loss, and self-discovery. Given is a show that takes its time, letting its plot simmer before it finally spills over in ways that feel completely earned and utterly heartbreaking. It stands out for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, never relying on typical BL tropes or sensationalism to tell a love story that feels as natural and real as any other. Given illustrates how music can serve as both a sanctuary and a vessel for self-expression when words fall short. Each character carries a weight they struggle to put into words, and it is through music that they finally find a way to express what they cannot say aloud. Poignant, tender, and profoundly human, Given is a contemporary masterpiece that touches anyone who has ever loved, mourned, or found comfort in a melody.

Ouran High School Host Club

Genre: Comedy · Romance · Slice-of-Life

Synopsis:

Haruhi Fujioka was just looking for a quiet place to study when she stumbled into the headquarters of the illustrious Ouran Academy Host Club. After accidentally breaking an ¥8 million vase, Haruhi—mistaken for a boy due to her short hair and baggy clothes—must repay her debt by working as the club’s newest host. While hiding her true identity from the club’s female clientele, she must learn to navigate six eccentric, wealthy boys and their over-the-top antics.

Why It’s Recommended:

Ouran High School Host Club is a beloved classic that brilliantly satirizes romantic tropes through its outrageous comedy and delightfully eccentric cast. Haruhi’s pragmatic personality clashes perfectly with the host club’s chaotic members, leading to a whirlwind of comedic misadventures and unexpected moments of genuine connection. The series also offers insightful commentary on social class, gender roles, and identity. At its core, Ouran High School Host Club is a story about belonging and acceptance, reminding us that true connections can be formed beyond superficial differences.

Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)

Genre: Supernatural · Mystery · Historical · Dark Fantasy

Synopsis:

In 19th-century London, twelve-year-old Ciel Phantomhive is the head of the prestigious Phantomhive family. When his parents are mysteriously murdered, Ciel seeks vengeance and becomes Queen Victoria’s “Guard Dog” in order to find those responsible for their deaths. By his side is his loyal and impeccably talented butler, Sebastian Michaelis, a demon bound to Ciel through a Faustian contract. Sebastian swore to protect and serve his young master until the day he can claim Ciel’s soul. Together, they navigate London’s high society and its sinister underbelly to solve crimes and uncover the truth behind the tragedy that destroyed Ciel’s family.

Why It’s Recommended:

Black Butler is kind of the uncanny love child of Sherlock Holmes and Edgar Allan Poe. Equal parts thrilling, enigmatic, and darkly whimsical, it masterfully intertwines suspense and the macabre to create an intriguing tale of vengeance, loyalty, and moral ambiguity that leaves your spine tingling and mind racing after each episode ends. The dynamic between Ciel and Sebastian is a sophisticated dance of wit, loyalty, and power that subverts the traditional master-servant archetype, rendering each interaction charged with tension, unpredictability, and an undercurrent of mutual dependence. With its blend of dark humor, philosophical depth, and horror elements, Black Butler is a perfect gateway for newcomers to horror anime.