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Getting into anime for the first time can often be intimidating because of its massive catalog. Fans tend to joke that shows such as One Piece will "never end," and the same sentiment can be shared with other popular franchises, such as Dragon Ball. Although some of those jokes have merit, newcomers can watch plenty of good anime shows that are nowhere near as long as the two shows just mentioned.
Anime is a genre that keeps growing--so much that it's even invaded mainstream culture. For example, in 2018, Dragon Ball's main protagonist, Goku, made his way into Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. To take it a step further, shows such as Bob's Burger have even referenced My Neighbor Totoro, an anime film by the critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli. As for video games, Tango Gameworks Hi-Fi Rush is packed with references to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
As of this writing, all of the shows we recommend are currently two seasons or less and can be watched on various streaming platforms, including Netflix and Crunchyroll. The genres of the shows we recommend include shonen, comedy, drama, and more. Here are our best picks for anime newcomers.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
©Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe/Shogakukan/ “Frieren”Project
Most stories start at the beginning of an adventure. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, however, begins at the end, after the party defeats the big villain and saves the world. It tells the story of an elf named Frieren and explores how long elves live compared to everyone else. Due to her long life span, she often disregards everyone else's idea of time.
In addition to telling a captivating story, the show delivers a strong message about how short life is and why you should value the ones you have while you can. To help keep things interesting, the show sprinkles in fights here and there.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is available on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
Ranking of Kings
© SousukeTOKA,KADOKAWA/Ranking of Kings animation film partners
Ranking of Kings tells the story of a young boy named Boji, born into royalty. Despite being fortunate to live a comfortable life, he was born deaf and, because of certain circumstances, is held back from achieving his full potential. Because of this, Boji often gets the short end of the stick.
This show does a great job of showcasing that having a disability doesn't mean it's impossible to overcome challenges and live a good life. And, despite how poorly people may treat you, there's still plenty of good in the world.
If you want to watch Ranking of Kings it's available on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
The Apothecary Diaries
©Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/“The Apothecary Diaries”Project
The Apothecary Diaries follows the story of a young woman named Mao Mao. As an apothecary's daughter, her knowledge of herbs and medicine comes in handy as she navigates life after being kidnapped and sold to the royal palace as a servant. Because of her knowledge, she gains the attention of those in power.
The series contains different elements of comedy, drama, mystery, and a touch of romance, which fans suspect will develop further in future seasons. Mao Mao's dry humor and wit add a compelling twist to the story.
The Apothecary Diaries is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
Vinland Saga
©︎Makoto Yukimura,KODANSHA/VINLAND SAGA SEASON 2 Project
Vinland Saga is the only anime on the list that is mostly grounded in real-world history. The show takes place roughly in 1013, when the Vikings were still conquering land throughout Europe. Season one of the show mostly tells the story of a young boy named Thorfinn who's hellbent on getting revenge.
Although Season 1 is definitely worth watching, the show shines in Season 2 as it challenges the viewer to question the ramifications of war. It also touches on how to be at peace with the decisions you've made in life, and how to become a better person.
Vinland Saga can be streamed on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
Spy x Family
© Tatsuya Endo/Shueisha, SPY x FAMILY Project
Spy x Family is one of those rare shows that you can watch with just about anyone. It blends multiple genres, such as shonen, slice of life, and comedy, making it extremely enjoyable for all ages. The show follows a fake family known as the Forgers who, unbeknownst to each other, hold their own secret: the husband is a super spy, the wife a world-renowned assassin, the daughter can read minds, and the dog can see into the future.
Despite being a fake family, you can't help but root for them to fall in love with one another. Despite its action-packed premise, it has plenty of moments that everyday people can relate to, such as having a sibling who may care too much about you or the simple mundanity of going to school or work.
Spy x Family can be streamed on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Delicious in Dungeon
Delicious in Dungeon mixes the chaos of playing D&D with the campiness of an anime like Laid-Back Camp to deliver a resounding success. Even if you have never played D&D, it's still an enjoyable show that will keep you laughing thanks to the absurd situations its cast of characters get themselves into. Plus, according to the internet, it has the most handsome character in anime.
On top of providing plenty of laughs, the show does a fantastic job of showing how powerful a well-cooked dish can be. Throughout the show, we encounter plenty of characters from all walks of life, some with nothing in common and some who would wish harm on the show's protagonists. Yet despite their differences, they all come together and share delicious meals with one another, which allows them to bond.
Delicious in Dungeon is available on Netflix.
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic
©KUROKATA/MF Books/HM PROJECT
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is a great show if you like rooting for the underdog and are looking for a good laugh. At the beginning of the show, three high schoolers are transported to a world full of fantasy and magic. While other characters receive extraordinary powers, the main character, Ken Usato, gains healing powers. Despite having a decidedly unflashy support power, he quickly makes a name for himself and stands out in his own right.
Similar to other shows like My Hero Academia, you can't help but feel inspired. In every episode, Usato gets beaten up and still finds some way to overcome the odds. And when things start getting too serious, the show will throw a good laugh your way.
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic can be watched on Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles
©Hajime Komoto/SHUEISHA, MASHLE Committee
If you're a fan of One Punch Man, then you'll love Mashle: Magic and Muscles. The show takes the premise of One Punch Man, but instead of living in a world of superheroes, people live in a world full of magic, similar to Harry Potter. But the catch is that the main character, Mash, was born without the ability to use magic, and those born like him are killed to help keep the status quo.
Even though the odds are stacked against Mash, he manages to outsmart his opponents through sheer strength. Magic and Muscles does a great job of showcasing the indomitable human spirit. No matter how people treat or view Mash, he somehow comes out on top all while treating the same people with love and respect.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles can be streamed on Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Kaiju No.8
© JAKDF 3rd Division © Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA
As of writing, Kaiju No.8 currently has one episode out, making it by far the shortest watch on this list. As the name suggests, Kaiju No.8 tells the story of people living in the same world as kaijus, aka giant, building-leveling monsters. To combat this, a group called the Japan Defense Force was formed to defend their land. The show follows an older man named Kafka Hibino, who believes he's too old to live out his dream of becoming a member of the Japan Defense Force and ends up working for a company called Monster Sweeper, Inc., which specializes in cleaning up the aftermath of Kaiju battles.
The show does a great job of blending what made Attack on Titan so emotional and what made Chainsaw Man so funny, ultimately creating a fantastic experience. Plus, it delivers a lovely message of not giving up on your dreams, no matter how old you are.
Kaiju No.8 is available on Crunchyroll.
Jujutsu Kaisen
© Gege Akutami/Shueisha, JUJUTSU KAISEN Project
There's a reason Jujutsu Kaisen is so popular and it's because it's so captivating. The show follows a cast of characters known as Sorcerers, who are people gifted with the ability to see and fight curses. With such a rich array of characters, you're bound to fall in love with at least one of them. Just like any great Shonen, the show has plenty of villains who are just as enjoyable to watch on screen as the heroes, and because of this, their fights are much more intense.
The show also does a good job of explaining how people should live life to its fullest and be as regret-free as possible. Time and time again, multiple characters' lives are cut short in the show, and they often die full of regret because they didn't live the life they truly wanted.
Jujutsu Kaisen can be streamed on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
Solo Leveling
©Solo Leveling Animation Partners
Solo Leveling is an excellent example of how an anime can come out of the gates swinging. Right off the bat, its story is extremely strong and examines how the class system in this world works. In addition, many of the show's fight scenes are animated extremely well and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The show does a great job of showcasing how those in power might view an everyday person quickly climbing the social ladder, and the ramifications that may cause.
Solo Leveling can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video.
