Where to Start With Anime: A Beginner's Guide

Anime covers every genre imaginable, from gentle family films to science fiction epics. If you're new, the sheer amount can be overwhelming. This guide explains the basics and suggests where to start.

Anime basics

• Anime is animation from Japan, released as TV series, films and streaming originals.
• Many series are adapted from manga (Japanese comics) or light novels.
• Series often run in seasons of about 12 or 24 episodes.
• You can usually choose subtitles (original Japanese audio) or a dub (translated voices). Both are fine; pick what you enjoy.

Genres you'll see

Great places to start

Films

• Spirited Away (2001), Studio Ghibli's Oscar-winning fantasy.
• My Neighbor Totoro (1988), a gentle classic for all ages.
• Your Name (2016), a hugely popular modern film by Makoto Shinkai.

Series

• Cowboy Bebop: stylish space adventure with a jazz soundtrack, ideal for newcomers.
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: action, mystery and emotion with a complete story.
• Death Note: a tense psychological thriller.
• Attack on Titan: dark, dramatic and epic.
• Spy x Family: comedy and action with a lot of heart.

How to watch

Most popular anime is available on major streaming services and dedicated anime platforms, though availability varies by country. Watching through official services supports the creators.

Tips for newcomers

• Start with films or short, complete series before committing to very long shows.
• Give a series two or three episodes; many take a little time to get going.
• Follow studios and directors you like to discover more.
• Visiting Japan? Akihabara and Ikebukuro in Tokyo and Nipponbashi in Osaka are known for anime shops.

Anime is a medium, not a single genre. Whatever you love in film or TV, there's an anime for it.