Animes for Beginners

Have you been wondering about anime and what it's about? I know since Tik Tok has become a thing that anime has gotten much more attention and is gaining popularity. I was a newbie to anime at one time as well and it can be weird to watch at first because anime is like a whole other universe. In this article, I'm going to share a variety of animes that anyone (13 +) can and should watch if it's your first time exploring anime films and shows!

First I would love to share some history about anime and where it originated as it is important to respect the culture it comes from and expresses so we can all better experience what it has to offer. Anime IS short for "animation" (which is derived from the English term) and it originated in Japan. To learn more I suggest checking out this direct link: https://comicyears.com/anime-news/how-did-anime-start-find-out-how-anime-started/

Now let's get to the list of animes, shall we? (P.s. I am NOT an expert just my opinions)

1. Sailor Moon - Sailor Moon is considered cliché to some but for me, it was the gateway to anime. This show is kid-friendly in my opinion minus some words but they're not too bad. I feel this anime series is the most kid-friendly you can get. It is great to start with when you're exploring the anime world because it doesn't come off too strong and the characters are so relatable other than the fact they have superpowers and fight bad guys from other planets. If you like Marvel or DC you'll enjoy this one as it is action-packed with good character development. I recommend watching the original series over the newer one, Sailor Moon Crystal. For me, the animation is better and the story goes in-depth. Many prefer 'Crystal' because it is more true to the manga but I didn't feel that it did the characters justice and it felt more rushed.

2. Fruits Basket - Fruits Basket is a really good anime to start with but you should have your tissues ready. There was an original series back in 2001 but under certain circumstances, it never got finished, however, they revived it in 2019 and started over. This series is very heartwarming and it goes in-depth into everyday issues and mental health. I say have the tissues ready because every episode hits you in some way, but maybe I'm just a huge empath and a big baby. The plot consists of a girl who lost her mother and ends up living with the Soma's who are cursed. I don't want to spoil much so you'll just have to give it a watch.

3. Erased - This anime only has 1 season but is so good. It will have you on your toes, biting your nails at what happens next. I think it's considered a psychological thriller, it consists of a young adult who gets a few extra chances to save his childhood classmates. It's as crazy as it sounds and worth the watch!

4. Your Lie in April - This anime only has 1 season as well and again you'll need to have those tissues ready. Some would argue with me that you shouldn't be introduced to anime with this series but I disagree. This show focuses on a young pianist who lost his mother and in turn, lost his ability to hear the notes he plays... until one day this girl comes to help him gain his passion for piano once again. This one is sad but beautiful even if you aren't a fan of music, you'll enjoy this. Or you won't, you might be mad at me for how it ends. Either way, I recommend it.

5. Inuyasha - This anime takes place in both present time and past. It involves a half-demon half-human dog named Inuyasha. A young girl from the present day falls into the well in her family's shrine and finds herself in another world, the past. This anime is a fan favourite to most anime lovers and has a ton of episodes to binge on. It is so easy to fall in love with the main characters and relate to them no matter how old you are. Give this one a try.

Maybe I should have titled this, Anime I recommend since I honestly named my most treasured animes. Still, you should give at least one of them a shot!