So you like anime, but your friends are dubious. Or maybe you don't, but you aren't sure why. I find it baffling that even my friends who declare themselves "cartoon enthusiasts" are sometimes still reluctant to breach the field of anime. It's true, there are some major anime tropes that many people find confusing, odd, or jarring. That's why this list is specifically for those who would not consider themselves anime enthusiasts. All of the picks on this list have consistent plots, discernible characters, a great story arc, and are great picks for a first anime series. I will also be labeling each pick with a warning for violence and sexual content.
4.) Food Wars!
Warning: Partial nudity and some overt sexual content.
Viewing Ages: 18+
This series follows Soma Yukihira, as he attempts to use his experience growing up in a diner to rise to the top of Engetsu Teahouse Culinary Academy. This is an elite culinary boarding school where only a few students will graduate. Watch as Soma fights to follow in the footsteps of his father, secure the top spot in the academy, and perfect his cooking abilities. This anime is a great watch for people who love food, competition, and suspense. While that may sound dull to some (I was skeptical myself), this series had me binge-watching episodes and loving every second of it.
While there is a lot of sexual imagery in the show, it's mostly nudity and isn't overt sexual situations. Still, I do not recommend this pick for young viewers for that reason.
3.) Death Note
Warning: Some violence and disturbing themes
Viewing Ages: 14+
This anime centers around high school student Light Yagami, after he discovers a notebook that will allow him to kill anyone by writing down their name. As criminals begin mysteriously dying across Japan, the chase is on, and Light is not giving up without a fight. This is one of the classic must-watch animes. It's a psychological thriller, a game of cat-and-mouse, and a critique on the gray area of man's morality.
While there is some violence and disturbing concepts throughout the series, I don't think any of the violence was gratuitous. Still, I recommend this anime only for mature audiences.
2.) Assassination Classroom
Warning: Some violence, sexuality, swearing, and imagery of abuse
Viewing Ages: 13+
This anime is exactly what is sounds like - a show about a class full of students trying to assassinate the teacher. The said "teacher" is an octopus-like alien who has threatened to destroy the Earth at the end of the school year. While this may sound like a strange concept for a show, this anime has a lot of humor, heart, and humanity. I highly recommend it.
While there is some mature content in this anime, I still believe it is suitable for teenagers. But i recommend viewers watch the series for themselves before making determinations on the appropriateness for their children.
1.) Fruits Basket
Warning: Some sad content, very light violence, discussions of abuse
Viewing Ages: 11+
Tohru Honda is an orphaned high school student who ends up homeless and living in a tent. So when a classmate, Yuki Sohma, offers her a place to stay she is beyond grateful. Little did she know that the Sohmas have a family secret - they turn into animals from the zodiac when hugged by a member of the opposite sex. Now she has to go on living with three cursed men while navigating interactions with their extended family. This anime has a lot of heart, and is the first anime that I ever watched. Even when I re-watched it recently with my husband, it was still as sweet and engaging as I remembered.
I watched this anime for the first time when I was 12 years old. My sister watched it with me when she was 8, and I can attest that neither of us were traumatized. However, I still recommend that parents remain vigilante when determining if this content is appropriate for their children.
I hope that you have found my list helpful. Feel free to leave your favorite anime titles in the comments below, and have a great day!