ANIME STARTER PACK
the essentials for newbie anime watchers
Anime for Beginners: Your Starter Pack
Hey, Screen Tribe!
So, you’re thinking about dipping your toes into the world of anime, huh? First of all, welcome. Second, get ready to open Pandora’s box of epic stories, wild plot twists, and characters you’ll grow way too attached to (seriously, the emotional damage is real). To help you get started, I’ve put together the ultimate beginner’s guide to anime. Let’s jump in!
Understanding the Genres
Anime has something for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main genres to help you find your vibe:
Shonen: Action-packed, and usually aimed at younger male audiences. (Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia).
Shojo: Heartfelt stories with romance and drama, like Fruits Basket.
Seinen: More mature and often darker (Attack on Titan, anyone?).
Isekai: Characters transported to another world. Cue Re:Zero or Sword Art Online.
Slice of Life: Low-key vibes, focusing on everyday life—March Comes in Like a Lion is a gem.
Mecha: Robots and high-tech battles, like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Gundam.
Sports: Yes, sports anime is a thing! Haikyuu!! will have you hyped about volleyball, of all things.
10 Essential Series for Beginners
Ready to start watching? Here’s your curated list of beginner-friendly anime that will hook you instantly:
Demon Slayer (Shonen) – Jaw-dropping animation and a touching sibling bond (get ready for an emotional rollercoaster)
Spy x Family (Comedy/Action) – A spy, an assassin, and a telepath walk into a bar… wait, no, into a fake family.
Attack on Titan (Seinen) – Giant man-eating titans + political intrigue = binge-worthy chaos. (packed with plot twists)
My Hero Academia (Shonen) – A superhero school that’ll make you believe in Plus Ultra. The perfect introduction to a semi-realistic world of heroes and villains.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Hot Take Alert) – Not technically anime, but the vibes? Immaculate.
Fruits Basket (Shojo) – A heartwarming mix of romance, humor, and family drama.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Shonen) – Alchemy, brotherhood, and feels galore.
Your Lie in April (Slice of Life) – A beautiful (and tearful) story about love and music.
One Punch Man (Comedy/Action) – A bald guy punches things. Hard. (And it’s hilarious.)
Naruto (Shonen) – Classic ninja adventures and character arcs you’ll never forget.
Viewing Etiquette: Subs vs. Dubs
Ah, the age-old debate: Should you watch with subtitles (subs) or English voiceovers (dubs)? Here’s my take:
Subs: Purists argue it’s the “authentic” way, preserving original voice acting.
Dubs: Convenient if you don’t feel like reading while watching (no judgment here).
Try both and see what works for you—there’s no wrong choice, just personal preference!
Want to dive deeper? Here’s where to go next:
Crunchyroll: The Netflix of anime—tons of titles, both classic and new. Speaking of, Netflix and Hulu also have great selections of anime including some exclusive titles that are actually worth it.
AnimeWatchList.com: Create your watchlist and discover recommendations.
YouTube Channels: Check out The Weeb Commander and The Anime Man for hilarious and insightful content.
Manga: If you’re ready to read, manga offers even more depth to your favorite series.
Anime is like a giant buffet—there’s something for everyone, and once you find your flavor, you’re hooked. Whether you’re here for the epic battles, heartwarming stories, or just to see what all the hype is about, this starter pack has you covered.
Remember, it’s not about how you watch or where you start—it’s about enjoying the journey. So grab some snacks, fire up one of these must-watch series, and let yourself get lost in the incredible worlds anime has to offer.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, if you find your new favorite show, don’t forget to share it with me—I’m always looking for new recommendations!
see ya soon,
Jose (Tropical Joe)