Hello! If you ever find yourself needing anime related help, here are a few resources to save you a LOT of time.
* Have **any anime related question?** Try our [daily question/recommendation thread!](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week)
* **Need something new to watch?** [Check the Recommendation wiki.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations)
* For **where to watch anime**, see [our list of streaming sites](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams) or [search on Livechart.me](https://www.livechart.me/search) for specific shows.
* For **source of fanarts**, try [SauceNAO](https://saucenao.com/)
* For **source of anime screenshots**, try [trace.moe](https://trace.moe/) or [other image search tools](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/reverse_image_searching)
* For **watch orders**, try [our Watch Order wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order)
* For other questions, check if they are answered in the [FAAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/faaq)
[](#bot-chan)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/anime) if you have any questions or concerns.*
gud_fellow2025-12-26 21:23
Watch Demon Slayer or JJK, Don't watch Chainsaw Man just yet, it's so good that it will set a high standard in anime that most anime will fail to reach.
I have all types of anime, ask me if you want a specific genre.
ElectricalCompany2602025-12-26 21:26
CSM is as generic as any other shonen anime.
What are you talking about?
gud_fellow2025-12-26 21:26
Did you even watch the movie bro?
Param20092025-12-26 21:23
Don't watch
New_Property_97032025-12-26 21:26
School days
The future diary
Higurashi: when they cry
Yosuga no sora
Oreimo
Boku no pico
Redo of healer
Elfen lied
Are very good starter animes😀
Standgel2025-12-26 21:27
💀
_obeseseal2025-12-26 21:37
Forgot about Happy Sugar Life, Shinsekai Yori, Shiki, Made in Abyss, Texhnolyze
alyssateal12025-12-26 22:01
Higurashi gave me the icks lmao had to stop after so many eps
New_Property_97032025-12-26 22:16
Don't stop it, keep watching it's actually good.
alyssateal12025-12-26 22:24
It is good I’ll give it that but after so many killings I just had to stop lol
Kiriijou2025-12-26 22:13
...
Well regardless: as an important heads up, **for anyone who might be interested in watching Higurashi When They Cry** (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni), make sure you start with either: the [2006 anime](https://myanimelist.net/anime/934/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni) (and it's [second half Kai](https://myanimelist.net/anime/1889/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni_Kai)), the original visual novel, or the manga adaptation.
The 2020 anime Higurashi When They Cry: New (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni: Gou), is a sequel to the original story, not a remake. **Don't accidentally start with Gou**, as it's full of spoilers.
(_Note: in most (if not all) regions, the only Higurashi anime on Crunchyroll, is Gou. Also, the original Visual Novel is currently available on Steam, under the title"Higurashi When They Cry: Hou", with the first arc being free to download._).
_obeseseal2025-12-26 21:26
Frieren!
gud_fellow2025-12-26 21:29
That's a bad starter anime, It would set a high standard for anime which most anime will fail to reach, I think recommending OP old anime is the best choice.
Consistent_Case13222025-12-26 21:43
OP do NOT listen to this guy.
gud_fellow2025-12-26 21:51
I'm just saying watching too much mainstream anime will set a high standard for anime that most anime will fail to reach, do you understand what I'm trying to say here? We DO NOT get an anime like Frieren every other season, if we watch all the masterpieces then what will be left to watch? We will get bored of the other anime because the masterpieces we've watched has set such a high standard for anime in general, therefore I think Frieren is a bad starter anime. I think we should let OP develop a good taste in anime by recommending some old anime.
Consistent_Case13222025-12-26 22:06
Have you watched every anime in existence? How do you know it will be in your top 100 if you watch every anime ever created? Do you think everyone agrees with you about Frieren being the best anime? How do you know OP will like it as much as you do? Is it similar to Solo leveling?
OP wants to get into anime. He wants good shows. You're gatekeeping your favorite shows.
>I think we should let OP develop a good taste in anime by recommending some old anime.
OP liked Solo leveling. Is that old anime? 😂 New animes are easier to get into for most people.
gud_fellow2025-12-26 22:19
Did you read all of my post? Or do you only wanted to clip 'a part' of what I wrote? I didn't even say Frieren is 'the best anime' did I? Then what are you on about?
I agree OP wants to get into anime so he wants good shows, then isn't 'Death Note' a good show? It's even considered a good starter anime, now do you understand what I'm trying to say here? If not, then I think you should read my past posts on this thread and try to piece together what I'm trying to say.
I'm not gatekeeping but I'm saying he should develop a good taste in anime before watching masterpieces. Sure it's subjective onto which anime is a considered a masterpiece, but I think Frieren's MAL rating says it all.
Consistent_Case13222025-12-26 22:28
Death note is great starter, but it's also main stream. By your words, "it will set a standard most animes fail to reach," like Frieren.
>if we watch all the masterpieces then what will be left to watch?
There are always new masterpieces to be found. Most people who have seen +200 animes almost never have main stream animes like Aot on their 3x3s.
I see, you edited your original comment. You said "I think recommending OP *mid* anime is the best choice."
That's why I replied to you. There is nothing wrong with recommending old anime.
gud_fellow2025-12-26 23:02
(I agree I used 'mid', it was a wrong choice of words, I personally think old anime are what we should watch to develop a good taste but it's subjective, like all the other things we discussed in the debate.)
Now, onto the debate
You’re treating “starter anime” like it just means “whatever’s popular right now,” and that’s exactly the problem.
A good starter isn’t about production quality or hype — it’s about pacing, expectations, and what kind of experience someone is ready for. Throwing someone straight into a slow, introspective show and calling it “fine because it’s good” ignores how newcomers actually engage with the medium.
Developing taste isn’t gatekeeping; it’s context. Just like you wouldn’t hand someone experimental cinema as their first movie and say “figure it out,” not every critically praised anime works as an entry point.
If anything, insisting that every good show is automatically a good starter feels more lazy than helpful. And Death Note is Main stream because it's considered a great starter. Or vice versa
Consistent_Case13222025-12-26 23:23
You didn't say this with your first three comments. You said this:
>We will get bored of the other anime because the masterpieces we've watched has set such a high standard for anime in general, therefore I think Frieren is a bad starter anime.
>he should develop a good taste in anime before watching masterpieces
>I personally think old anime are what we should watch to develop a good taste
> (edit) I think Frieren's MAL rating says it all.
What does that even mean? Frieren is a masterpiece, but Death note isn't? According to who, MAL? Are you saying old animes can't be masterpieces? Most of MAL's top 10 are old animes btw.
I agree that starter anime doesn't have to be mainstream. Yes, Frieren might not be the best choice for OP, because he mentioned Solo leveling. But OP hasn't tried slow animes like Frieren, so we don't know would he like it or not. If it's his second anime, I would recommend him anime that has similarities to Solo leveling (could be new animation, for example), but is completely different genre or vice versa, old animation, but same genre to "develop his taste."
gud_fellow2025-12-26 23:34
Bruh I didn't say Death Note isn't a masterpiece, I just said it's a great starter anime because most people get into anime through death note. And I'm not here trying to shit on old anime, heck, I'm saying OP should watch old anime imo to develop a good taste in anime that's what I'm saying. As I said, it's subjective whether which anime you consider 'a masterpiece'. And Frieren is too visually stunning, that too sets a higher bar in anime.
arbiter-OW2025-12-26 21:49
This is the type of shit I hear from trendwatchers like you all the time. Especially when people recommend AOT to somebody new.
You know how dumb this sounds? It’s like recommending a movie from top 10 on IMDB and saying you won’t like any other movie
gud_fellow2025-12-26 21:56
Cut the chase, what are you tryna say here other than the insults?
luvJuuzou2025-12-26 21:52
confidently ragebaiting
gud_fellow2025-12-26 21:58
I'm not Ragebaiting bro, I just think old anime would be better for OP for e.g. death note would be good suggestion for a starter anime, read my above posts.
abandoned_idol2025-12-26 22:42
I'd recommend Frieren still.
It's better to recommend the best stuff out there as opposed to avoiding recommending the best things on purpose.
SchemeCivil57062025-12-26 21:27
Start with Netflix anime’s, jojo, one punch man, death note, haikyu.
HeelerDawg2025-12-26 21:59
Just finished Umamusume S2 and holy moly I want another sports anime to watch. I see Haikyu gets recommended. Does it also keeps you on edge like Uma races do?
imatunaimatuna2025-12-26 22:46
It gets recommended by many for the very reason that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Not to mention it's just an all around great show with likeable characters and grounded progression. Both at its peak are equal imo
HeelerDawg2025-12-26 22:53
Starting tonight! Thanks 🙏
SchemeCivil57062025-12-26 22:49
Never seen uma races but haikyu seems to be a fan favourite sports wise. Aoashi and days were really good soccer anime’s too just not completed series
Stein2872025-12-26 21:28
Watch older stuff first.
gud_fellow2025-12-26 22:25
Yeah, That's fucking what I'm tryna say, old is gold.
Ok_Joke46002025-12-27 00:49
Eh depends, they’re a reason only old heads listen to the Beatles a good chunk (not all) of old anime has aged weird
PuzzledOdin2025-12-26 21:28
If you're brand new to anime, I'd recommend Attack On Titan, Death Note, or Full Metal Alchemist. They're all really good stories that don't rely on a lot of tropes you'll be unfamiliar with.
HighwindNJ2025-12-26 21:29
Hi! So before I give my recommendations: Do you want to watch things that are more like solo-leveling? Things that are popular that you can watch? Or would you like more personal recommendations? ☺️
loki-_-loki2025-12-26 21:33
Um give me some similar to Solo Leveling and then some that are not similar please.
HighwindNJ2025-12-26 21:56
If you like Solo Leveling, I'd try these:
- Mob Psycho 100 (I watched on Netflix, but it's elsewhere): Great story about a kid who is gifted with psychic powers, who learns to control his emotion and power throughout the course of the show. Wonderful character development, emotional highs and lows, great fight scenes that always feel important, I can't recommend this enough.
- Castlevania (Netflix): Monster hunting as an anime in its most literal form. Based on the games of the same name, you meet a vampire hunter who forms an unorthodox crew along the way, and he goes and fights the big bad vampire known as Dracula (and many others). This is the anime that rejuvenated my love for anime a few years ago, so I can recommend this one enough.
And then if you want some personal recommendations that are very different...
- Redline (I watched it on Tubi): A masterclass in blending animation with personality. It is a wonderful movie that is literally and figuratively out of this world. Calling this a space-action-racing anime movie doesn't do it justice. If you get the chance and have the time, please go out of your way to watch it.
- Cowboy BeBop (Hulu and Max are the first two streaming sites that come to mind): A true classic. A detective/action anime set in the future about a space bounty hunter. This show oozes personality and emotion. I highly recommend this if you want a break from the action-packed shows you've been watching, but still want/need some suspense to keep yourself hooked.
Standgel2025-12-26 21:30
If you liked Solo Leveling watch Sword Art Online
FlaviusVespasian2025-12-26 21:36
Umamusume Cinderella Gray. Oguri Cap is the GOAT protagonist.
HeelerDawg2025-12-26 22:02
I just cried watching the ending of Season 2. I binged S1 and S2 in three days haha. Should I continue with S3 or watch Cinderella Gray? My eyes are swollen!
FlaviusVespasian2025-12-26 22:06
Idk. I never watched the original. I like Cinderella Gray because its a fun anime that pretends to be a serious sports anime.
ElShocko1012025-12-26 21:53
Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, Samurai Champloo, Attack on Titan, and JJK are really good beginner shows
OldSoul19912025-12-26 21:55
To be hero x was amazing this year.
Xepherya2025-12-26 22:04
It was so much more than what I was expecting
OldSoul19912025-12-28 14:06
Yeah I dropped at episode one because I dont like 3d animation but I continued on and now I can't stop talking about it. The change in animation and fights are incredible. The story is amazing as well.
Xepherya2025-12-28 18:56
Absolute balls we couldn’t discuss it here weekly because it was Chinese made, but it’s an incredible story. So many things being tied together through the episodes. And the way they did the changing of animation style was such a unique idea
OldSoul19912025-12-28 22:18
Absolutely agree. This is also one of the only anime I couldn't decide on a favorite character, they are all so cool in their own way. Except nice, not a fan.
theseventhyonko2025-12-26 22:01
Start One Piece before its too late...
loki-_-loki2025-12-26 22:01
I don’t think I could do one piece…. lol
theseventhyonko2025-12-26 22:06
Then you might miss one of the best storylines ever!
loki-_-loki2025-12-26 22:08
Be so real right now… One Piece is actually worth it?
theseventhyonko2025-12-26 22:56
To be short, it’s only 'too long' until you catch up. Then you’ll be crying because there isn't more! Oda's foreshadowing is so good - he’ll plant a seed in episode 10 and harvest the heartbreak in episode 1000 (not to be exact😂) Just skip the fillers if you feel its too long (even though I wouldn't recommend skipping some) Also, you could see the visual evolution throughout the past 25 years which I find interesting!
TantalizingSlap2025-12-26 22:12
To me, Solo Leveling stands out for its incredible action and pretty solid animation. So I'd immediately recommend
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Demon Slayer
- Gachiakuta
Other easy to watch, inoffensive anime IMO are Kaiju No. 8 (fun action, especially S1) and Death Note (not much hand to hand action, but well paced thriller/mystery).
Well rounded shows that may be a bit harder to get into because of themes or length IMO are:
- Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is an awesome show imo and the only thing that makes it "less friendly" to a new watcher is the number of episodes. There are 60-70 eps. Not super action packed, but the action it does have is good.
- Attack on Titan is pretty gory and I know some people feel that after the first couple eps it's a bit slow, but I think it's awesome. Roughly 100 episodes.
- Hunter x Hunter is a great, well-rounded show but also over 100 episodes and doesn't really have an ending.
- My Hero Academia depending on your age might feel a little juvenile but it has great action, strong character development, and great themes IMO. I'm 24 and enjoyed it. Also over 100 eps.
- Black Clover similarly has fun action but the plot can take a while to get into. Over 150 episodes.
- Vinland Saga is incredible but very heavy
- Frieren is an anime I adore but it's quite different from Solo Leveling. Much better plot and characters IMO, but the action is nowhere near as constant.
Kiethavemezo2025-12-26 22:38
I’m immensely biased but My Hero Academia is a must watch, some of the best fight scenes in all of anime and imo the story is very solid and has a great message
Alt22212025-12-26 22:47
great teacher onizuka
IvanKostavi2025-12-26 22:56
Drop crap, and shit like JJK, AOT, Frieren, Demon slayer, Bleach, Gintama, Pokemon, MHA, and 1P. The rest is awesome :)
Oh, and fuck netflix and crunchyroll, it's for cunts :)
PayAltruistic52002025-12-27 16:19
If you’re new to anime, there’s a ton to watch. Good starter series include One Punch Man and Death Note. If you enjoyed Solo Leveling, I’d also recommend Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen, or Attack on Titan. You can find more recommendations on IMDb or MyAnimeList (MAL).
Commentaires
* Have **any anime related question?** Try our [daily question/recommendation thread!](/r/anime/search?q=flair%3Adaily&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=week)
* **Need something new to watch?** [Check the Recommendation wiki.](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/recommendations)
* For **where to watch anime**, see [our list of streaming sites](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/legal_streams) or [search on Livechart.me](https://www.livechart.me/search) for specific shows.
* For **source of fanarts**, try [SauceNAO](https://saucenao.com/)
* For **source of anime screenshots**, try [trace.moe](https://trace.moe/) or [other image search tools](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/reverse_image_searching)
* For **watch orders**, try [our Watch Order wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/watch_order)
* For other questions, check if they are answered in the [FAAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/wiki/faaq)
[](#bot-chan)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/anime) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have all types of anime, ask me if you want a specific genre.
What are you talking about?
The future diary
Higurashi: when they cry
Yosuga no sora
Oreimo
Boku no pico
Redo of healer
Elfen lied
Are very good starter animes😀
Well regardless: as an important heads up, **for anyone who might be interested in watching Higurashi When They Cry** (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni), make sure you start with either: the [2006 anime](https://myanimelist.net/anime/934/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni) (and it's [second half Kai](https://myanimelist.net/anime/1889/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni_Kai)), the original visual novel, or the manga adaptation.
The 2020 anime Higurashi When They Cry: New (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni: Gou), is a sequel to the original story, not a remake. **Don't accidentally start with Gou**, as it's full of spoilers.
(_Note: in most (if not all) regions, the only Higurashi anime on Crunchyroll, is Gou. Also, the original Visual Novel is currently available on Steam, under the title"Higurashi When They Cry: Hou", with the first arc being free to download._).
OP wants to get into anime. He wants good shows. You're gatekeeping your favorite shows.
>I think we should let OP develop a good taste in anime by recommending some old anime.
OP liked Solo leveling. Is that old anime? 😂 New animes are easier to get into for most people.
I agree OP wants to get into anime so he wants good shows, then isn't 'Death Note' a good show? It's even considered a good starter anime, now do you understand what I'm trying to say here? If not, then I think you should read my past posts on this thread and try to piece together what I'm trying to say.
I'm not gatekeeping but I'm saying he should develop a good taste in anime before watching masterpieces. Sure it's subjective onto which anime is a considered a masterpiece, but I think Frieren's MAL rating says it all.
>if we watch all the masterpieces then what will be left to watch?
There are always new masterpieces to be found. Most people who have seen +200 animes almost never have main stream animes like Aot on their 3x3s.
I see, you edited your original comment. You said "I think recommending OP *mid* anime is the best choice."
That's why I replied to you. There is nothing wrong with recommending old anime.
Now, onto the debate
You’re treating “starter anime” like it just means “whatever’s popular right now,” and that’s exactly the problem.
A good starter isn’t about production quality or hype — it’s about pacing, expectations, and what kind of experience someone is ready for. Throwing someone straight into a slow, introspective show and calling it “fine because it’s good” ignores how newcomers actually engage with the medium.
Developing taste isn’t gatekeeping; it’s context. Just like you wouldn’t hand someone experimental cinema as their first movie and say “figure it out,” not every critically praised anime works as an entry point.
If anything, insisting that every good show is automatically a good starter feels more lazy than helpful. And Death Note is Main stream because it's considered a great starter. Or vice versa
>We will get bored of the other anime because the masterpieces we've watched has set such a high standard for anime in general, therefore I think Frieren is a bad starter anime.
>he should develop a good taste in anime before watching masterpieces
>I personally think old anime are what we should watch to develop a good taste
> (edit) I think Frieren's MAL rating says it all.
What does that even mean? Frieren is a masterpiece, but Death note isn't? According to who, MAL? Are you saying old animes can't be masterpieces? Most of MAL's top 10 are old animes btw.
I agree that starter anime doesn't have to be mainstream. Yes, Frieren might not be the best choice for OP, because he mentioned Solo leveling. But OP hasn't tried slow animes like Frieren, so we don't know would he like it or not. If it's his second anime, I would recommend him anime that has similarities to Solo leveling (could be new animation, for example), but is completely different genre or vice versa, old animation, but same genre to "develop his taste."
You know how dumb this sounds? It’s like recommending a movie from top 10 on IMDB and saying you won’t like any other movie
It's better to recommend the best stuff out there as opposed to avoiding recommending the best things on purpose.
- Mob Psycho 100 (I watched on Netflix, but it's elsewhere): Great story about a kid who is gifted with psychic powers, who learns to control his emotion and power throughout the course of the show. Wonderful character development, emotional highs and lows, great fight scenes that always feel important, I can't recommend this enough.
- Castlevania (Netflix): Monster hunting as an anime in its most literal form. Based on the games of the same name, you meet a vampire hunter who forms an unorthodox crew along the way, and he goes and fights the big bad vampire known as Dracula (and many others). This is the anime that rejuvenated my love for anime a few years ago, so I can recommend this one enough.
And then if you want some personal recommendations that are very different...
- Redline (I watched it on Tubi): A masterclass in blending animation with personality. It is a wonderful movie that is literally and figuratively out of this world. Calling this a space-action-racing anime movie doesn't do it justice. If you get the chance and have the time, please go out of your way to watch it.
- Cowboy BeBop (Hulu and Max are the first two streaming sites that come to mind): A true classic. A detective/action anime set in the future about a space bounty hunter. This show oozes personality and emotion. I highly recommend this if you want a break from the action-packed shows you've been watching, but still want/need some suspense to keep yourself hooked.
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Demon Slayer
- Gachiakuta
Other easy to watch, inoffensive anime IMO are Kaiju No. 8 (fun action, especially S1) and Death Note (not much hand to hand action, but well paced thriller/mystery).
Well rounded shows that may be a bit harder to get into because of themes or length IMO are:
- Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is an awesome show imo and the only thing that makes it "less friendly" to a new watcher is the number of episodes. There are 60-70 eps. Not super action packed, but the action it does have is good.
- Attack on Titan is pretty gory and I know some people feel that after the first couple eps it's a bit slow, but I think it's awesome. Roughly 100 episodes.
- Hunter x Hunter is a great, well-rounded show but also over 100 episodes and doesn't really have an ending.
- My Hero Academia depending on your age might feel a little juvenile but it has great action, strong character development, and great themes IMO. I'm 24 and enjoyed it. Also over 100 eps.
- Black Clover similarly has fun action but the plot can take a while to get into. Over 150 episodes.
- Vinland Saga is incredible but very heavy
- Frieren is an anime I adore but it's quite different from Solo Leveling. Much better plot and characters IMO, but the action is nowhere near as constant.
Oh, and fuck netflix and crunchyroll, it's for cunts :)