10 Best Anime to Get Your Friends Into Anime

Do you find yourself deep down the anime drain and wondering which anime series would be the best to introduce your friends to the amazing world of anime?

Anime has seen a surge in popularity worldwide, with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and others making it accessible to a global audience through multilingual subtitles and dubs.

Many people from different countries now enjoy anime for its engaging content, unique storytelling, and diverse themes. But when it comes to introducing your friends to anime, you might find it challenging to pick the perfect show, especially if they haven’t watched anime before or the only anime they know of, are Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, and Doraemon.

But fear not! I’ve carefully curated a list of some fantastic starter anime that are loved by both Japanese and international fans. These anime series are perfect for sparking your friends’ interest and immersing them into the captivating world of anime. So, here are the 10 Best Anime to Get Your Friends Into Anime! (In no particular order)

1. One Punch Man

If you’re an anime newcomer, there’s one anime that stands out as a perfect starting point, and that’s “One Punch Man” (ワンパンマン), loved by anime fans from all around the world. This action-packed comedy is adapted from a manga.

Meet Saitama, the seemingly unimpressive yet extraordinary hero with a unique hobby. Driven by a childhood dream, he embarked on a relentless three-year training journey that cost him all of his hair. Now, Saitama wields unimaginable power, capable of taking down any foe with a single punch. But there’s a twist to his might: no adversary can match his strength, leaving him yearning for the thrill of a challenging battle and succumbing to boredom.

One fateful day, the 19-year-old cyborg Genos crosses paths with Saitama, witnessing his awe-inspiring power. Captivated, Genos aspires to become Saitama’s disciple. Their fates intertwine as Genos suggests they join the Hero Association to earn recognition as certified heroes, lauded for their positive impact on society. Eager for a fresh start, Saitama readily accepts Genos’ proposal, opening the door to a new chapter in his life.

2. My Hero Academia

“My Hero Academia” (僕のヒーローアカデミア) is an immensely popular Japanese superhero anime, loved by fans worldwide, it was adapted from one of the most popular ongoing manga series.

In a world where extraordinary abilities known as “quirks” have become widespread, 80 percent of humanity possesses these superpowers, granting them abilities ranging from elemental manipulation to shapeshifting. Unfortunately, this leaves the remaining 20 percent completely powerless, and among them is Izuku Midoriya.

Despite his lack of quirk, Izuku has always aspired to be a hero since he was a child. He deeply admires heroes, studying their every move and jotting down notes whenever possible. One fateful encounter changes his life forever: Izuku crosses paths with All Might, the number one hero and his personal idol.

After enduring rigorous training for months, Izuku earns his spot at UA High, a prestigious school renowned for its exceptional hero training program. Among this year’s freshmen, there is a promising group of classmates with their own peculiar talents. However, lurking in the shadows is a menacing villainous organization, posing a significant threat to the world.

3. Spy x Family

“Spy x Family,” took the world by storm since it aired in 2022.

In the precarious world of Ostania and Westalis, where corrupt politicians and warmongering forces threaten the fragile peace, a renowned spy known as “Twilight” bravely takes on dangerous missions to protect innocent lives from the horrors of war.

Operating under the guise of “Loid Forger,” a respected psychiatrist in the bustling Ostanian city of Berlint, Twilight’s true mission is to gather intelligence on the elusive politician, Donovan Desmond. With Donovan’s rare appearances at his sons’ prestigious school, Eden Academy, Twilight hatches a daring plan. He enlists the help of Yor Briar, an unmarried city hall clerk with a hidden identity as the underground assassin, “Thorn Princess.” Together, they decide to forge a fake family, with Twilight adopting the curious six-year-old orphan, Anya, as his daughter. Who unbeknownst to them, is a telepath!

4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (鋼の錬金術師 FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST) is one of the greatest anime of the 2000s anime era and continues to hold its position as the top-rated anime on MyAnimeList. Fullmetal Alchemist is an excellent choice for newcomers to anime, offering an unforgettable introduction to the medium.

In the aftermath of a disastrous alchemical experiment within their home, siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric find themselves trapped in a harrowing new reality. In a reckless attempt to resurrect their mother, they defy the cardinal rule of alchemy against human transmutation. This desperate act exacts a heavy toll: Alphonse loses his body, while Edward loses a leg and then sacrifices an arm to bind Alphonse’s soul to a massive suit of armor.

A lifeline arrives in the form of their neighbor Pinako Rockbell and her gifted granddaughter, Winry. A prodigious bio-mechanical engineer, Winry crafts advanced prosthetic limbs for Edward using the versatile metal known as “automail,” commonly found in robots and combat gear. After years of honing their skills, the Elric brothers embark on a quest to restore their bodies. Their mission revolves around locating the Philosopher’s Stone—an extraordinary gem that can defy the fundamental laws of Equivalent Exchange in alchemy.

As Edward gains notoriety as an alchemist, earning the moniker “Fullmetal,” the brothers’ journey plunges them into a labyrinth of conspiracy that threatens the very destiny of the world. Amidst a backdrop of intrigue, the Elric brothers navigate a treacherous path in search of redemption, resolution, and the secrets of the elusive Philosopher’s Stone.

5. Death Note

“Death Note” holds a special place for many as the anime that introduced them to the world of anime and manga. It serves as an excellent starting point, as it does not contain any of the usual anime tropes that make it hard for newcomers to get into anime. Additionally, Death Note has a really good dub as compared to most anime, which makes it the perfect anime to start your anime journey!

The human world is marred by cruel crimes and unnecessary violence, while the realm of death gods remains stagnant and dull. A clever 17-year-old Japanese student named Light Yagami and a sadistic god of death named Ryuk share a common perspective: both their worlds are corrupted.

In a whimsical act, Ryuk tosses his Death Note into the human realm. Light discovers it and initially dismisses its rule as absurd: whoever’s name is written in the note will die. However, curiosity gets the better of him, and Light experiments by writing a criminal’s name, leading to a chilling realization as the individual meets a gruesome end.

6. Jujutsu Kaisen

“Jujutsu Kaisen” has been killing it since its premiere in 2020. Its film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, was also recently added to Crunchyroll’s library, and Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is also airing right now.

High schooler Yuuji Itadori leads a laid-back life, spending his time dabbling in the Occult Club’s unfounded supernatural pursuits and tending to his hospitalized grandfather. Yet, his tranquil routine takes a sharp twist when he unwittingly crosses paths with a cursed artifact. Unleashing a series of eerie events, Yuuji finds himself thrust into the realm of Curses—sinister entities born from human negativity—after unknowingly consuming the item: a finger once owned by the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, known as the “King of Curses.”

Yuuji witnesses firsthand the peril these Curses present to society as he grapples with his newfound abilities. His journey introduces him to the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, an institution that marks a point of no return—the path of a Jujutsu sorcerer, where he must confront the daunting world of curses and dark forces.

7. Sword Art Online

“Sword Art Online” (ソードアート・オンライン) popularly known as SAO is one of the symbols of modern anime. Its opening “Crossing Fields” by LiSA is often considered the “Weeb National Anthem” among anime fans.

With the revolutionary NerveGear, gamers globally enjoy immersive virtual reality in Sword Art Online (SAO), offering access to the vibrant realm of Aincrad, where imagination knows no bounds.

But SAO takes a dark turn as its creator traps players within, erasing the log-out option. To escape, they must conquer Aincrad’s escalating levels, with in-game death leading to real-world demise.

Beta-tester Kirito teams up with Asuna and others to face challenges, from formidable bosses to menacing cults, as they strive to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that lie ahead.

8. Demon Slayer: Kimestu no Yaiba

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (鬼滅の刃) is one of the most popular mainstream anime/manga in recent years. If you’re a fan of amazing fight scenes like in the Fate series then you’re gonna love the fight scenes in Demon Slayer.

After his father’s passing, Tanjirou Kamado shoulders the responsibility of supporting his family. Despite their humble life on a secluded mountain, the Kamado family finds contentment. One day, Tanjirou ventures to the nearby village to sell charcoal and gets caught in the night. Seeking refuge in a stranger’s house, he learns of the existence of flesh-devouring demons that haunt the woods after dark.

Upon his return the following day, Tanjirou confronts a horrific scene—his family has been mercilessly slaughtered. Amid the devastation, his sister Nezuko stands as the sole survivor, transformed into a bloodthirsty demon. Fueled by anger and grief, Tanjirou vows vengeance and resolves to protect his only remaining kin. Partnering with the enigmatic Demon Slayer Corps, he is determined to annihilate the demons and safeguard his sister’s fading humanity. In the face of darkness, Tanjirou embarks on a perilous journey, driven by his unwavering determination to reclaim his sister’s lost humanity.

9. Attack on Titan

“Attack on Titan” (進撃の巨人), known for its action-packed and dark-fantasy elements, stands as one of the most iconic anime of the past decade. The series captivates audiences through its intricate plot twists and compelling progression of power. The world depicted in “Attack on Titan” is notably imbued with a dash of grim realism.

Long ago, humanity faced near-extinction at the hands of monstrous Titans—inhuman creatures that relished in devouring humans. The fear-stricken survivors sought refuge behind colossal concentric walls, their lives constrained by this fortress of defense. What sets these towering giants apart is their gruesome appetite for human flesh, not driven by necessity, but seemingly by sadistic pleasure.

For a century, mankind thrived within these barricaded boundaries, escaping direct conflict with the Titans. Yet, this fragile tranquility is brutally shattered as a colossal Titan breaches the seemingly impenetrable outer wall. The clash against the flesh-eating abominations is reignited, sparking a desperate struggle for survival.

Eren Yeager, scarred by a personal tragedy inflicted by the invading Titans, dedicates his existence to their annihilation. He joins the Survey Corps, an elite military unit confronting these merciless beings beyond the protective walls. Alongside his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and childhood friend Armin Arlert, Eren engages in the brutal war against Titans. Racing against time, they endeavor to unearth a means to defeat the Titans before the final bastions of humanity crumble.

10. Vinland Saga

“Vinland Saga” (ヴィンランド・サガ) is a relatively grounded story, with some exceptions. Fans of more realistic but thrilling settings and stories devoid of the usual anime tropes are likely to love this anime.

In his youth, Thorfinn absorbed tales from seasoned seafarers, stories of the legendary Vinland—an idyllic land free from conflict, unlike his icy Icelandic birthplace or his present life as a soldier of fortune. Now, warfare is his reality. His father once insisted, “No one is your enemy, and it’s wrong to harm anyone.” But as Thorfinn matured, he understood the harsh truth beneath those words.

The clash between England and the Danes escalates each year, leading to widespread death. For Viking mercenaries, this brutal landscape is a source of elation. By forging alliances, they can shift the tides of power, and they relish the rewards of their plunder. Amid this chaos, Thorfinn hungers for revenge against Askeladd, the man who killed his father. In a world consumed by strife and bloodshed, the Vikings’ only sanctuary appears to be this era of unending conflict.

Honorable Mentions

Fate/Zero
Cowboy Bepop
Samurai Champloo
Parasyte

In addition to these beginner-friendly anime, there’s a plethora of options you can explore. Notably, Studio Ghibli films and works by Makoto Shinkai, like “Your Name” and “Weathering with You,” are renowned for their widespread appeal.

Let us know what was the anime that got you or your friends into anime in the comments below!

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