Animeis a quirky, spellbinding, and emotionally intense art form that has taken the world by storm. It used to be a niche interest limited to Japanese audiences, but now, it has become a global phenomenon with millions of fans looking forward to new releases and debating the quality of their favorite series.
Anime is also quite diverse, as it goes without saying. Which can be as daunting as it is exhilarating. There arenewcomers willing to dive headfirst into the mediumby picking a hugely popular series, but the reality is that some of the most acclaimed titles may not be the best entry points for those new to the anime scene. The bold narrative choices, graphic violence, psychological themes, or even the sheer length that makes an anime a fan favorite is actually overwhelming for those just discovering what the medium is all about.
This list explores 10 such popular anime that, while undeniably groundbreaking, are better suited for seasoned fans and not for anime beginners. From the gritty thrills ofNeon Genesis Evangelionto the mind-bending gore ofElfen Lied, these are shows that veterans consider their favorite but could potentially destroy newcomers emotionally.
10’Serial Experiments Lain' (1999)
Serial Experiments Lain
An otherwise awkward and introverted fourteen-year-old Lain Iwakura finds herself drawn to a complex virtual world of the Wired after receiving a strange letter from a classmate who recently took their own life. As Lain dives deeper into the vast network, she realizes that she’s not alone. Lain begins to experience a shift in her reality and questions the very nature of identity, which leaves her disoriented and startled.
Complex and Mind-Bending Narrative
Serial Experiments Lainis a visually stunning but cerebral anime that revels in ambiguity and complexity. It’s got a web of secrets and revelations that sometimes feel too dark and psychologically deep. For beginners, it can be a dizzying experience tofollow the non-linear narrativeand abstract themes only to be pulled into a plot that explores how technology can mess with our collective consciousness.
9’Kill la Kill' (2013)
Kill la Kill
Kill la Killis a wildly over-the-top anime infused with a lot of action. It follows a young and fierce high school student named Ryuko Matoi, who arrives at Honnouji Academy in search of her father’s killer. The school, however, isn’t an ordinary institution; it’s ruled by an oppressive student council led by Satsuki Kiryuin. Ryuko, with her half scissor blade, must battle through the ranks and complete her mission.
Can Be an Assault on the Senses
Kill la Killembraces the concept of “more is more,” which, while unusual within the anime landscape, can be overwhelming for a curious newcomer. Widely praised for its style, exaggerated fight sequences, and satirical edge, the anime is infectious, fearless, and creative. It’s won over legions of fans, but the sheer intensity and abundance are what can throw off new anime fans, and it’s best suited for viewers who have already established a grounded taste.
8’Gintama' (2006)
Set in the Edo period of Japan, where Earth has been conquered by aliens named Amanto and a law strictly prohibits all swords in public, this hilarious anime follows Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric silver-haired samurai who defies rules and carries a wooden sword with him at all times. Along with his loyal companions, he makes a living as a freelance problem-solver.
Heavy on Inside Jokes and Pop Culture References
On the surface,Gintamaseems like a harmless, ideal even, anime to begin with. But despite its brilliance and cult following, the series can be too much for beginners because it’s got erratic tone shifts. It’s a blend of historical fiction andoffbeat comedy, it breaks the fourth wall several times, and it employs references and notable parodies of other popular anime that are sure to fly over the head of a newbie. Moreover,Gintamaspans over 200 episodes, and watching them all is a challenge itself.
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7’Berserk' (2016)
Berserktransports viewers to a medieval fantasy world and chronicles the harrowing journey of a lone mercenary named Guts. Despite his formidable presence and insane fighting skills, Guts is destined to remain a hunter till he dies, but when he joins the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary group led by Griffith, he finds a sense of belonging for the first time. Betrayals follow Guts everywhere, and he’s forced to confront his past trauma.
Disturbing, Intense, and Violent
Berserkis a landmark anime. It’s earned a reputation for itsunflinching and unforgiving exploration of the darkest cornersof the human psyche. But it does so with gore and graphic violence, showcases psychological torment in the starkest manner, and pushes boundaries with its intense battles. Watching it can be heavy on the senses for someone who is unaccustomed to such intensity in anime. Its direction, while mesmerizing, demands emotional resilience.
6’Dorohedoro' (2020)
Dorohedoro
One of the most popular animeof 2020,Dorohedoroholds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And for good reason. It is set in the grim world of Hole, a district where powerful magic users prey on the weak denizens and treat them as mere insects. Caiman and Nikaido are the result of one of the experiments, and they’ve set out to find answers and kill the magic users responsible for casting a spell on them.
Surreal and Chaotic
Bold and unconventional,Dorohedorocarves out its own genre and bathes proudly in it. It’s delightful and chaotic visually, but for the most part, it delivers a relentless barrage of graphic violence, body horror, and downright weird scenes. It also follows a non-linear storytelling and shifts between humor and brutality. While the animation is distinct and the world-building is marvelous, it ventures into unsettling and off-putting territories and is a risky choice for beginners.
5’Neon Genesis Evangelion' (1995)
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Another anime that’s not ideal for newcomers isNeon Genesis Evangelion. Set in the wake of a global catastrophic event known as the “Second Impact,” the series follows Shinji Ikari, a teenager who is recruited by NERV, a mysterious organization led by his estranged father, to pilot a colossal mecha known as Eva. With a group of others, Ikari protects humanity from monstrous celestial entities called Angels.
Profoundly Impactful Anime
A seminal anime that changed the course of the medium in many ways,Neon Genesis Evangelionis known for its experimental storytelling. It sounds likean action-packed mecha animefrom the premise alone, but its dense and introspective narrative is filled with deeply unsettling subjects and disturbing imagery. While a seasoned fan will fully grasp the concept, the heavy metaphysical ideas and reliance on symbolism can frustrate new viewers.
4’One Piece' (1999)
One Pieceis set against a vibrant and expansive backdrop of adventure. It chronicles the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew of pirates as they set out on a grand quest to find the treasure known as “One Piece.” But along the way, they encounter companions and foes, make daring escapes, and present their larger-than-life personalities.
An Overwhelming Commitment
With over a thousand episodes,One Pieceis a true epic. It has a sprawling narrative that captivated audiences for decades. But while the character designs, action sequences, and heartwarming humor has earned it a massive popularity, the fact that it is so long can make it impossible for a new anime fan to keep up with the story progression and hundreds of subplots. Moreover, the art and pacing evolve over time, so watchingOne Piecerequires patience and a significant amount of time.
3’Elfen Lied' (2004)
Elfen Lied
Elfen Liedis known to beone of the most controversial anime of all time. It revolves around Lucy, a young girl with telekinetic powers and a short pair of horns, who was held captive by a government lab that conducted brutal experiments on her. When Lucy eventually escapes, she leaves a trail of blood behind her. She also suffers from a split personality disorder, so her interactions in the outside world are both innocent and violent.
Filled With Graphic Violence and Emotional Trauma
Back in the day,Elfen Liedwas a rite of passage for fans of anime. Witnessing its deeply unnerving and emotionally charged story and being in awe of the ending marked a personal triumph. But with more traditional anime making their way to the screens, this polarizing entry and its willingness to dive into the realms of extreme violence and cruelty became daunting. Which is whyElfen Liedis not for beginners.
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2’Goblin Slayer' (2018)
Goblin Slayer
The name itself suggests what the anime is about. But taking a shallow dive into the plot,Goblin Slayeris about the titular single-minded adventurer whose sole purpose is to exterminate the vicious goblins plaguing the land. Joining the armored warrior’s party is a young priestess he saved during a brutal goblin attack, as well as an elf archer, a dwarf shaman, and a lizardman priest.
A Brutal World of Dark Fantasy
The narrative ofGoblin Slayeris steeped in dark fantasy. It focuses greatly on gritty realism and unflinching brutality. The visuals are undoubtedly gorgeous enough to earn it a dedicated following, but the approach to storytelling and the depiction of violence is a little too much. Moreover, even the fantasy genre has some unsavory elements and the way the series’ revenge-driven plot dives into it is somewhat off-putting for newcomers.
1’Attack on Titan' (2013)
Attack On Titan
Attack on Titanneeds no introduction. Whether you’re a diehard anime fan, a newbie, or someone who simply cannot stand sitting through an episode, you’ve heard of Attack on Titan and the intense hype around it. Set ina world where humanity is practically extinct, man-eating Titans have taken over the world, and the survivors live behind towering walls, a young soldier named Eren Jaeger embarks on a quest to eradicate the monsters, no matter what.
Violent, Unpredictable, and Emotionally Taxing
While its gripping storyline and jaw-dropping animation have earnedAttack on Titana dedicated global fanbase, the series is actually quite complex and emotional. It begins on a grim note, with Eren witnessing the destruction of his hometown and the death of his mother, and progresses at a relentless pace after. It does not hesitate to explore traumatic and heart-wrenching themes and it is a complete rollercoaster for the uninitiated. If you still decide to join in on the hype, Attack on Titan is a series best approached with caution.
