I’m always shocked at how many people who love anime don’t watch it. And I’m not just talking about people who have never heard of it before: I mean people who love movies and TV shows but have yet to venture into the world of anime because they’re still trying to figure out where to start.
So here’s my advice on getting into anime without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the sheer volume of titles available.
There are several online and offline resources for anime newcomers
The internet is a great place for newbies to start exploring anime. Many online resources can help you find the best shows, watch them legally and cheaply, and even learn more about the genre.
Online anime sites like Anime News Network, Crunchyroll, and Latest anime news provide news articles about current shows as well as reviews of older ones; these sites offer a lot of information on everything from recent premieres to classic series that has been remade into live-action films or TV dramas (and yes, there are plenty of those).
Consider watching dubbed versions
If you have trouble getting into anime because it’s subbed, consider watching dubbed versions. The dubbed anime might be easier to follow because they have an English narrator and you don’t have to read the subtitles.
Most anime newcomers don’t know what they’re looking for in an anime
In the same way that a book can be an adventure story or a romance, anime has many genres. Most people who have not watched much anime have been exposed to it in childhood, but this doesn’t mean that all anime is for children.
For example, just because Chibi Maruko Chan is about a little girl doesn’t mean it isn’t also full of slapstick humor and adult themes. I recommend watching that series if you’re looking for your first taste of what anime can offer as an adult!
Anime is a medium, not a genre
Anime is a medium, not a genre. If you’re new to anime, it’s important to know that it’s different from other mediums in which the content is defined by its style. The word “anime” means animation from Japan, but that doesn’t mean every animated show comes from Japan. Many of them don’t! There are plenty of American-made cartoons and shows that use animation as well.
Anime can be about anything: comedy, drama, sci-fi/fantasy (like Pokemon), romance (like Love Live), a slice of life (like K-On!), sports (like Eyeshield 21), etc.
Anime tends to have more mature themes than western cartoons do because Japanese culture values these kinds of things more than we do here in the states—but plenty are made specifically for kids, too, so don’t worry if you think you’ll only enjoy one type!
Try out some short anime first
Short anime is a great way to get into the medium. They’re easier to follow than long ones because they usually don’t have a lot of plot twists and complicated character dynamics, so you’ll be able to understand what’s going on without watching too many long-running anime first. They’re also more likely to be dubbed into English (although they can be hard to find in some regions), which makes them more accessible for non-Japanese speakers like me!
You can watch short shows just about anywhere—on your TV, laptop, or phone—so there’s no need for special equipment before getting started.
Stay away from one genre
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the different types of anime. Many genres fall under the umbrella term “anime,” and each has its characteristics. You don’t want to stick with just one genre: it’s like eating only pizza or steak for years at a time—you’ll get bored of it!
Instead, watch romance series featuring cute boys and girls kissing in between bouts of adventure (such as Ouran High School Host Club or Clannad).
If you’re feeling adventurous, try an action-packed thriller like Attack on Titan or Death Note.
The possibilities are endless!
In addition to learning about different genres of anime and how they differ, you should also research what kind of studio created each series before diving into them. Some studios specialize in making comedies while others focus on dramas. Knowing where your favorite shows come from will help guide which movies you choose next time around so that all five hours spent watching Netflix don’t go toward something like Naruto again instead of Cowboy Bebop!
If you’re sick of romance and drama, try a sports anime!
Sports anime are a great way to get into anime if you’re new to it. It’s easy to get into sports anime because they often feature a team of characters working together towards the same goal. The camaraderie and teamwork will help ease you into the experience of watching anime and getting used to the characters’ personalities.
Sports anime also tend to have a lot of action scenes, which are good for keeping your attention while learning the basics of how an episode flows and works. The action will also help us understand some of the tropes that come up often in sports shows—like extreme badminton!
There’s usually some degree of fanservice in most sports shows too, but there’s usually plenty of comedy, too (the main character might be clumsy or unsure about himself/herself).
Anime’s variety means that if one style doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of others
- Anime is not a genre, it’s a medium. While you may think of anime as being one type of show (for example, “action” or “slice-of-life”), in reality, there’s a huge range of different types of anime out there. In anime, you can find horror, action, romance, and even sports shows!
- Anime isn’t just for kids. While many series are aimed at children or teenagers (like Pokemon), there are also plenty that appeals to adults as well—and these aren’t always the ones that get licensed by American streaming services like Crunchyroll or Hidive (though those services do have their fair share).
- Anime isn’t just for adults either. Anime has been growing popular with all ages since its inception in Japan over 100 years ago! The term “anime” itself means “animation” in Japanese—so it doesn’t just relate to Japanese animation! This diversity allows anyone from any background to enjoy this unique art form on their terms: if one style doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of others.”
Conclusion
As we’ve seen from this guide, anime can be a great way to get into Japanese culture and language. The best way to find out which anime is right for you is to try them out! If you want to learn more about the genre, check out our beginner’s guide.
Hi, I’m Giyu, a graphic designer, illustrator, and sometimes writer. I have a passion for drawing, which I’ve always done. I love to create beautiful things or at least interesting ones.