The global anime audience has exploded in the last decade, driven by Netflix, Crunchyroll and word of mouth. But with thousands of titles available, where do you start?
For absolute beginners
Attack on Titan — One of the most intense, well-plotted action series ever made. Dark, fast-paced and constantly surprising. Start from episode one and do not look anything up.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood — Widely considered the greatest anime ever made. A story about two brothers, alchemy and the price of trying to play God. Emotional, smart and beautifully animated.
Death Note — A high school student finds a supernatural notebook that kills anyone whose name he writes in it. A cat-and-mouse psychological thriller that moves like a chess match.
If you want something calmer
Your Name (film) — A boy and a girl in different places in Japan wake up in each other's bodies. One of the best animated films ever made, full stop.
Spirited Away — Studio Ghibli's masterpiece. A girl loses her parents and must work in a spirit bathhouse to rescue them. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
If you want something philosophical
Neon Genesis Evangelion — Giant robots and traumatised teenagers, plus the most ambitious attempt at psychology ever put into an animated series. It will unsettle you and stay with you.
One warning
Do not start with filler-heavy long-running series (Naruto, One Piece) until you are committed. Start with something that is either finished or has tight seasons. Get hooked first.
