Anime is more popular than ever, with shows such asDemon SlayerandFrieren: Beyond Journey’s Endattracting a new fan base to the medium. However, as more viewers enter the world of anime, they need to be cautious of which show to pick for their first or early watch, because there are plenty of infamous series that are not kind to beginners.
New fans may think something looks right up their alley, but be warned, these ten popular anime should be ignored until viewers have a little experience under their belt. This list will rank ten of the most popular anime that beginners should avoidbased on length, references, clichés, confusion, stylistic choices, and off-putting subject matter. These ten anime are must-watch shows, but fans need to wait a bit before they can experience them.
10’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995–1996)
Created by Hideaki Anno
There aren’t many non-battle shōnen anime more popular thanNeon Genesis Evangelion, the show which revitalized the mecha genre and pioneered the avant-garde genre. With angel-like aliens threatening another apocalyptic event, Shinji is the only one capable of piloting his mech and saving the world. However, other schemes and his mental state get in the way.
Neon Genesis Evangelionmay be a sci-fi masterpiece, but that doesn’t mean fans should go right into it with their first watch. This experimental show features unconventional storytelling that may not resonate with new fans immediately.Evangelionalso features references, homages, and heavy subject matter that are better for a seasoned anime fan.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
9’Shirobako' (2014–2020)
Created by Michiko Yokote
Workplace anime isn’t a popular genre, as most fans prefer escapist fantasies and imaginative stories over something that reminds them of the real world. But shows likeShirobakoare important and relatable, offering wholesome fun, dramatic moments, and riveting storytelling. It follows a group of friends chasing their dreams in the anime and manga industry.
Shirobako, for the most part, is a solid starter anime, especially for older fans looking to get into the medium. However, since it has a heavy focus on the anime and manga industry,many references and subject matter will fly over the heads of a new audience. It may be confusing, and thus it is better to watch after gaining some knowledge about anime and manga.
8’The Tatami Galaxy' (2010)
Created by Masaaki Yuasa
The avant-garde genre as a whole is a poor starting point for anime fans, as it often features confusing stories and experimental material that even seasoned anime fans may not appreciate. One avant-garde masterpiece isThe Tatami Galaxy, which follows the protagonist as he tries to create his perfect college life. Each episode features a different timeline, where he joins a new club and tries to impress his crush.
It may be one of thebest anime of all time, but fans shouldn’t rush into this masterpiece, since they won’t understand or comprehend it without some practice. Confusing story and unorthodox animation aside, the biggest issue for fans is the fast-paced dialogue, which many veteran fans struggle to keep up with.It is nearly impossible to read every subtitle ofThe Tatami Galaxyas a new fan.
The Tatami Galaxy
7’Berserk' (1997–1998)
Created by Kentaro Miura
Not many anime have the legacy, influence, popularity, and critical acclaim thatBerserkhas, proving it is now one of the greatest anime and manga series. After Guts joins the Band of the Hawk and finally finds a life he can enjoy, one betrayal enhances his misery, putting him on a blood-fueled quest for revenge.
SinceBerserkis the best manga ever, many fans want to experience the anime right away. Even if they prefer darker material, this show is not an ideal starting point for newcomers. Thegory and twisted subject matter will likely deter many fans, and the future anime projects are also subpar. The manga is much better, and even then, fans should wait a bit before experiencing the timeless work of art.
6’Lucky Star' (2007)
Directed by Yutaka Yamamoto and Yasuhiro Takemoto
The mid-2000s were a golden age for anime fans, marked by an iconic yet cringeworthy community that served as a safe haven. Many of these shows are outdated, butLucky Starwas one of the kings of that era. This anime follows a group of high school girls who simply enjoy life, whether it’s discussing anime, eating lunch, or engaging in pointless debates.
The overly cutesy and moe vibe of the show is a challenging aspect to adjust to, and many fans struggle with it, but this was the reality of 2000s anime. This demeanor and style aren’t suited for new fans, on top of the fact thatLucky Stardeals with otaku culture, anime and Japanese referencesthat they won’t understand.
Lucky Star
5’Rent-a-Girlfriend' (2020–2024)
Created by Mitsutaka Hirota
There are many strange things in Japan that aren’t found in the West, such as the concept ofRent-a-Girlfriend, which is also the title of one of the most polarizing anime series. Fresh off a breakup, Kazuya rents a girlfriend to soothe the pain, but after some heated interactions, they learn more about each other.
This anime has a specific demographic for fans who enjoy overly dramatic and stupid romance (if you could call it that). Even older anime fans avoid this series because of its poorly written story and characters. This series can bea culture shock and give the wrong impression about animeto new fans.Rent-a-Girlfriendis controversial, and the manga is only getting worse, which is why fans should avoid watching it entirely.
Rent-A-Girlfriend
4’One Piece' (1999–)
Created by Eiichiro Oda
One Pieceis arguably the most popular anime series right now, and has been for decades, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good starting point. It may have some ofthe best episodes in anime, but that is because there are so many. Monkey D. Luffy sets out to become the king of the pirates, battling other heinous swashbucklers, toppling oppressive regimes, and confronting the Marines.
Ironically,One Piecewas my first and favorite anime, which should lend credence to my words. The subject matter may be perfect for beginners, but withover a thousand episodes, it can be a daunting taskfor a first-time viewer. Paired with the fact that the pacing is horrible and the anime has inconsistent animation,One Pieceis better left a year or two into a fan’s anime journey.
3’School Days' (2007)
Created by Makoto Uezu
There aren’t many anime more infamous thanSchool Days, which drew in fans during the mid-2000s only to ruin the entire series with a morbid plot twist. Makoto is in love with a classmate, but after another girl discovers this, she helps them become friends, starting a complicated and twisted friendship that doesn’t end well.
Like a few anime on this list, all anime fans should avoidSchool Daysbecause of its gross subject matter, uncomfortable moments, problematic themes, and horrible story. However, that goes double for new anime fans, as itcould change their view of the medium and deter them from giving it another chancebecause this monstrosity ruined it for them.
School Days
2’Gintama' (2006–2021)
Created by Hideaki Sorachi
There are many horrible anime that beginners should avoid, but two of the best series ever are also horrible starting points, with the first beingGintama. This historical sci-fi anime is set in an alternate version of Edo Japan, where aliens have taken over. Gintoki and his odd-job crew do whatever it takes to make a living, including fighting alien terrorists.
Gintamais a modern anime masterpiece, but it is wasted on newer fans. The serious arcs and story may be suitable, but it features so manyreferential jokes about anime and Japan that a fresh audience wouldn’t understandit at all.Gintamais best enjoyed after years of understanding other shows and Japanese culture.
1’The Monogatari Series' (2009–2024)
Created by Nisio Isin
Anime has many clichés and tropes that Western fans may struggle to resonate with, and many of these are present inThe Monogatari Series, which is a shame considering the show is outstanding. With the powers of a vampire, Araragi helps the residents of his town battle their physical manifestations of their mental illnesses.
Monogatari’sstory, editing, direction, animation, and characters are all perfect. However, there are a few issues, from itsfast pace to the unconventional storytelling and problematic aspects such as incest, sexual assault, and pedophilia. Those last three elements are a valid dealbreaker for many fans, and it is even worse for new viewers who haven’t seen it in other anime.
