Anime isn't the easiest thing to get into. With so many different series, genres, styles and opinions floating around on the Internet, finding a decent place to dive in (or even just a series that everyone can agree on) can seem like it's nearly impossible.
That's why we've created this Beginner's Guide to Anime: instead of placing wildly different series into some sort of order, we've chosen a number of series based on what someone might be looking for. Want to watching something violent? We've got you covered. How about something ridiculous, or philosophical? No problem.
Here's the deal: there's no ideal spot to dive into Japanese animation. However, if you've been wondering where to start when it comes to anime, this guide should help point you in the right direction. So, without any further adieu: the Beginner's Guide to Anime!
For those who want the tried-and-true anime experience:
Dragon Ball and / or Dragon Ball Z
Akira Toriyama, 1986-1989
Somehow, what started as an adaption of the classic Journey to the West became a sci-fi battle royale between golden-haired space monkeys and a giant pink mutant - and it's one of the most influential anime of all time.
It doesn't matter if you watch anime or not - you know what Dragon Ball Z is. It's a cultural phenomenon, and almost entirely responsible for the modern U.S. anime market. Sure, it's steeped in now-familiar cliches, but that doesn't mean that Dragon Ball isn't worth watching. The story of Goku is goofy and over-the-top, but it still manages to hold up nearly 30 years later.
Alternate Option:
Naruto
Masashi Kishimoto, 2002 - The Foreseeable Future
First and foremost, Attack on Titan is nowhere near as violent or gory as Berserk, so if you want to watch something with a bit more kick without emotionally crippling your soul, Attack on Titan should work as a nice middle-ground. On top of that, the story of humanity and its last battles with the titular Titans is a story that will grab you and refuse to let go from beginning to end - it's not one of the most popular anime in recent memory for nothing, after all.
There are thousands of different anime series out there, all with their own unique styles and stories. It's almost impossible to make a single recommendation on where to start because of that - but, if you're really curious about getting into anime, this guide should help you find where to start!
If you want to see more on anime (and spiky hair), check out our Beginner's Guide to Dragon Ball Z!
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
