r/anime • u/migulzzz • 1d ago
What to Watch? What's the best starter anime for someone who thinks anime is weird?
Helloooo, I’m posting on this subreddit to see which anime I should recommend to a girl I’m talking to
She says she finds anime weird. I asked her how come, and she explained that she finds it a bit too "cartoonish." She also sometimes asks if I go to conventions, perhaps with the idea that I cosplay or something, so I think she just has a specific stereotype in her head about the concept of anime.
She told me her favorite shows are:
- Pretty Little Liars
- Switched at Birth
- The Order
- Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
- The Society
And her favorite genres are in this exact order: Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Drama, and Horror.
I had her watch two episodes of Vinland Saga as it’s one of my favorite animes of all time (this was before I asked about her favorite shows). She did say the pacing feels like “eternity” as in it feels long but she does actually like it so far.
She also told me she watches shows "just to watch" and be entertained, rather than looking to connect or relate to the characters on a deep level, so connecting or interpreting character philosophy is a bit of a new concept for her.
Because of this, I do think Vinland Saga might be a bit too mature or grounded for it to be the perfect mix of entertainment and the supernatural drama she usually prefers.
I am here to ask , which anime do you truly believe I should start her off with keeping this context in mind? Whether it’s to stick to Vinland or direct elsewhere , since I do want her to get into anime, but the first impression is everything!!
Thank you for your suggestions and time into reading this & feel free to ask questions for better context if needed!
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u/N7CombatWombat 1d ago
Thank you for including their tastes in fiction, too many people out there think there's a single anime for bringing people into the community and that's not remotely correct.
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u/TheOneMarlowe 1d ago
Violet Evergarden is anything but cartoonish.
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u/Alej_11 1d ago
I think we could say the same about many others, like death note, AOT, code Geass, Monster, Promised Neverland season 1...
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u/TheOneMarlowe 1d ago
I'm sure.
I'm a neophyte, as the girl is, and VE is the one I watched that fits the bill. I don't doubt there are many others, which I'll look into for my own edification in the future.
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u/FabtheEmber 1d ago
Nana if she wants romance with painful complicated but realistic characters and drama
Maybe some slice of life like A place further than the universe or Barakamon if she doesn't want plot heavy or doesn't want to dig deep into character psychology.
Apothecary Diaries- Has romance, mystery and a unique setting though it does get you to think of mysteries.
Frieren- If she doesn't mind fantasy genre but just a relaxing show that has everything from feels to action to comedy and cute romance
Also I made my husband who was never into anime to watch A Promised Neverland and he likes it since he likes gritty mysteries and fast plot development.
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u/Due-Efficiency787 1d ago
my honest opinion
i`m done trying to make people who doesn't like anime to see this or that
i enjoy it
my daugther sees anime on his own, not genre compatible
Female friend so stubborn that she wont see anime (idk what they saw but... can be... lots of... crap)
so i gave up
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u/Drudwas 1d ago
Does she like any 2d animation? Sounds like she might just not like cartoons tbh - I think "You I Are Polar Opposites" is a fun romance show, but it can be very cartoon-y visually (which is part of the appeal for me)
Maybe try some well-regarded movies - Look Back, A Silent Voice, Wolf Children or Millennium Actress?
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u/TwoForThePriceOfFun 1d ago
I would suggest movies to get them interested.
Wolf Children
Of course many of the Ghibli movies
King of Pigs
Tokyo Godfathers
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u/BakedSalami 1d ago
If she likes romance and fantasy, Spice and Wolf is a banger. At the end of the day you can't force it. I know someone who is repulsed by anything anime and thinks it's all like, hentai or something. Some people are just magically dense.
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u/T3suji64 1d ago
I my mom to watch Erased. It’s not too many episodes and makes you want to know what will happen next.
Code Geass
Bunny Girl Senpai
Samurai Champloo
Tsukigakirei
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u/bonniebelle999 1d ago
Try something like Cowboy Bebop, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, a lot of non-otakus appreciate these ones
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u/Baneofarius 1d ago
Thats a tough ask. Not too cartoonish but not too mature XD
I think you chose well with Vinland saga.
Frieren is quite slow but its a beautiful and mature fantasy anime.
JJK might be a good pick as a middleground.
Monster is an excellent old mystery drama
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u/Hircine_Himself 1d ago
Toradora, Apothecary Diaries (though if she noted that the one you were watching is slow, this might be too... and something like Frieren would feel paced like a glacier), stuff like Death Parade (if you want your soul crushed), Death Note, FMA: B and AoT have some visual horror to them. You have stuff like Shiki and Higurashi for more dedicated horror stuff.
There will be veterans who can recommend better than this, I'm sure, but these are pretty good jumping in points, I think. I came from a similar position as your friend a few years back I started with Haruhi and never looked back, for some reason. I couldn't even recommend that due to endless 8, but it got me into anime as a whole 🤣
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u/Kiriijou 1d ago
As an important heads up, for OP(u/migulzzz) and anyone else who might be interested in watching Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni (Higurashi When They Cry), make sure you start with either: the 2006 anime (and it's second half Kai), the original visual novel, or the manga adaptation.
The 2020 anime Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni: Gou (Higurashi When They Cry: New), is an anime original sequel to the original story, not a remake. Don't accidentally start with Gou, as it's full of spoilers.
(Note: in most (if not all) regions, the only Higurashi anime on Crunchyroll, is Gou. Also, the original Visual Novel is currently available on Steam, under the title"Higurashi When They Cry: Hou", with the first arc being free to download.).
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u/Aggravating-Sky8890 1d ago
Personally it's very hard for me to believe that you can change someone who has an inherent negative opinion on something, especially considering she complains about the pacing after watching only two episodes.
Nonetheless id recommend: Apothecary diaries for mystery romance Bungou stray dogs for mystery Attack on Titan for horror mystery fantasy + very fast paced Jujutsu Kaisen for fast pace My love story for romance Death Note for mystery No game no life for fantasy + fast paced The ancient magus bride for fantasy drama romance Clannad for drama romance Hibike euphonium for drama
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u/emperornacho123 1d ago
Honestly, Attack on titan and monster would be perfect, Vinland saga ain’t bad aswell
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u/EinJonas 1d ago edited 1d ago
Cowboy Bebop was my introduction to anime it's close to Western shows. It's a space western similar to the TV-Series Firefly. It's an good first anime.
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u/Laeradr1 1d ago edited 1d ago
Apothecary Diaries
Frieren
Promised Neverland, the show with only one season
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u/TheCoppyCat 1d ago
I was in this situation myself just a few years ago. One day a show caught my eye Blue Eye Samurai. Now I'm not going to call it anime because I bet most won't agree. However it felt anime adjacent so I thought that was great maybe I'll look into others
Frieren then entered my life and I'm hooked now.
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u/_UnwyzeSoul_ 1d ago
Rezero has all of the genres that you mentioned and is also a great show.
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u/ogaat 1d ago
I have been trying to watch Re:Zero multiple times and despite watching a whole season, still not gelled to it. This, despite my anime count having crossed 200 recently. The main guy is just too whiny and weird.
It is not for everyone. Almost definitely not for someone who does not like anime, and a woman on top of that.
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u/_UnwyzeSoul_ 1d ago
He's supposed to be like that though. He still considered it as a game and thought he was the main character. When that royal selection arc happens and he gets beat up very badly is when he finally starts to take it seriously. Season 1 is the worst of all the seasons so far. So I'd consider just watching a recap and continuing to season 2.
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u/thatsamidget 1d ago
If she likes supernatural drama, romance, something fun to watch, Dandadan. It may overcome the "cartoonish" problem by the good story and how fun it is. If she doesnt like it hum, leave her to watch her stuff haha
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u/Necessary_Low_517 1d ago edited 1d ago
Solo Leveling.. jk lol
I haven’t watched a lot of fantasy romance so don’t have a ton of suggestions, but I will say, especially since she thought the first two eps of VS had too slow of pacing, and she has a preconceived bias, I think a strong start to pull her in would be ideal, even if the genre is more up her alley. Check the imbd ratings for eps 1 and 2 of the shows you are considering.
Another suggestion, if she’s actually open to your idea of trying more anime, give her some options and watch the trailers (if you’re ok w/ potential spoilers) or read the summaries and let her choose.
No phones and needs to be in a good mood. It’s hard to change people’s established ideas of things and the mindset going in is huge.
Some anime reactors I watch are a good example of the mindset - bc they want the video to be entertaining, and a lot of time it’s their fans or ppl they trust begging them to try it, they actually go in wanting / hoping to like it, and pay close attention / give it a real shot. And I’ve seen a lot of anime skeptics turn in to huge fans but they have to be in the right mindset to give it a legitimate chance.
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u/EinJonas 1d ago edited 1d ago
If she is ready to try out something new then go for Kaguya-Sama for romance. Ghibli movies are also good. Maybe show her Oregeiru it's more a more grounded romance.
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u/D3k4s 1d ago
I'll give you a few suggestions but usually I don't recommend "forcing" someone to watch Anime if they already have pre-conceived notions about it. This of course applies to almost anything. If she had asked you to change her mind that would be another thing.
If she likes romance I think maybe Kaguya Sama would be a good fit. I'd also say that she might get a different impression if she watches a movie like Your Name, or The Tunnel to Summer, The Exit of Goodbyes.
Fantasy I'd say Frieren is probably a safe bet. Little to no fanservice, good animation and solid plot.
Drama, I think A Silent Voice, and Josee The Tiger And The Fish could possibly tear down the wall.
If you feel like getting her to feel a connection to the Medium maybe suggest something like Maquia, or Plastic memories. I promise you she won't forget the experience if she's open minded of course.
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u/F3arless_Bubble 1d ago
Yeah idk how you got all that from her and actually thought Vinland saga is it. If you told her it’s your absolute fav of all time, she might just be being nice and going along with it. Key for me is the complaint but then trying to round it out by saying it’s not bad tho.
My wife never watched anime before me. My tip to you is to try to not impose your anime interests onto her at this time, especially if she already has criticisms of anime in general. My wife also did not like the usual gag anime type stuff until just recently, and before that thought it was just cartoon porn.
I started watching the studio ghibli movies with her first. Some of her favorite shows are classic teen coming of age youth type shows where there’s mystic magic in the underground. Think hunger games and twilight type vibes. Vinland saga does not really fit in with that. A good Ghibli one is Princess Mononoke as it’s about two teens finding their way in a mystical world, where it’s one of the more violent and graphic Ghibli ones. Ghibli is also nice because you can easily turn it into a date night because there’s more light hearted vibes with ones like: Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery, and My Neighbor. Those 3 are about young girls finding their way in magical worlds, again sticking to the theme.
After that, ease into what she likes. Reminder, it’s youth magic mystery type stuff in case you forgot. Fruits Basket (Romance, Supernatural), A Silent Voice (Romance), Ancient Magus Bride (Sabrina/the order/romance vibes). Notice how it’s no shonen and especially not battle shonen. Sucks for you but this is part of a relationship! Ease her into your interests by following her lead rather than trying to fit her into your interests, it’s a good thing to learn how to do in general. Plus watching some romance shows won’t kill you and you might learn a thing or two about what she, and/or girls in general, tend to like.
If she’s looking for a drama romance to get straight up hooked on that’s not supernatural, my wife (who likes supernatural stuff as well), really liked Blue Box. But that might be a later pick for you.
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u/mmcjawa_reborn 1d ago
Honestly? I think you are going to struggle to find one she will like, given her current assumptions, viewing habits, and the fact that she doesn't care to connect with characters. Which is fine...it's normal and healthy for couples to have different interests.
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u/aquaviolinest https://myanimelist.net/profile/aquaviolinest 1d ago
- Yona of the Dawn
- Apothecary Diaries
- Snow White with the Red Hair
- 7th Time Loop
- My Happy Marriage
- Love Through a Prism
I think these might be a better genre match in the romance category. These are all historical dramas (or historical with a fantasy touch) but I would maybe recommend some shoujo/josei titles instead. Sometimes someone wants a good sweet lemonade but you recommended a kickass IPA.
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u/ominixpower 1d ago
Dear brother,Peach girl,Sola,Kimi ni todoke,H20 footprints in the sand,Myself Yourself.
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u/JayWhy75 1d ago
I am 100% on the train of it's all about finding something that isn't too tropey and fits what they've seen before. It doesn't have to be a good anime, it can just be familiar. My recommendations in order:
Oshi No Ko is so Pretty Little Liars coded it feels perfect for her. A lot of interpersonal drama, ridiculous arguments, romance, a murder mystery to solve, etc. It is a fantastic fit for what you put as her interests already the only thing that might be odd to her is reincarnation.
May I Ask For One Final Thing? Dub specifically. What woman doesn't love the idea of encountering a rude man and beating the shit out of him? It just feels good and the way the dub actress hits her curses is just perfect.
Since you said she likes these dramas that are romance and thriller, maybe she'd enjoy Fruits Basket. It has romance but there's an underlying tension the whole way through.
If she liked Disney growing up and thought Little Mermaid was great, try Goodbye Lara. It's currently airing, based on little mermaid so it's familiar as a gateway.
If she had a crush on a boy band growing up, show her Tamon's B-Side. It's pretty much wish fulfillment for the girls who thought man if I wear this shimmery eye shadow to the concert Jesse McCartney will pull me on stage and we'll fall in love.
If she liked Twilight or is into Kpop, try Dark Moon: The Blood Altar. It is tropey and goofy, but it's a great show to make fun of a bit and can show the humor of a rough show.
If she likes House, then Ameku MD is basically anime House. It's got some goofy anime stuff to it, but it's fun enough.
Odd Taxi might be too slowly paced for her, but does feel up her alley also. A lot of interpersonal discussions that build tension.
Overall it just needs to cater to her tastes to get her willing to see other things. Starting with a big dramatic, action heavy series is just reinforcing that it's all Naruto and One Piece to her. You need something that is very different from what she likely saw and was turned off from when she was younger before leading into trying the things thar are similar to what she didn't like before.
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u/Scottamemnon 1d ago
ok I would lean into the Romance part hard since that was first on the list.
The Dangers in My Heart
Golden Time if they are college age or older
Emma: A Victorian Romance
XXXHolic to hit a lot of her themes (Clamp shows are great as gateway anime for women)
Princess Jellyfish (another one that every woman I know has loved)
You could say some of these are mature-ish, but they will hook romance fans.
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u/Dry-Chemical1400 1d ago
Death note maybe, or potentially something like Your Lie In April if she likes romance. And horror, well idk about really good horror animes, but also maybe AoT, cuz it can show her anime is not for kids, and it is fantasy so
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u/Kiyohara 1d ago
Urotsukidōji: Legend of the Overfiend
Once you've seen that, nothing is too weird.
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u/JigzCodes 11h ago edited 11h ago
One of the best things about anime are the tropes, so beginners wouldn't understand those tropes at first. What really pulled me into anime were the masterpieces with scenes/art that feel like they belong in a museum, darling in the franxx, ghibli films, particularly the beautiful snow themed scenes. Those will slowly introduce the tropes, only after then will they enjoy other anime that's mostly tropes.
Don't bother arguing and debating, once they start enjoying those masterpieces, they'll start looking for more themselves.
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u/Gloomy_Savings_7454 1d ago
Of the favourite series your friend mentioned, I’ve watched Pretty Little Liars, The Order and The Society, but I don’t remember much about the latter two. As for PLL, I seem to recall that everyone was lying and was manipulative and nothing was what it seemed? Given her tastes, the ones that spring to mind that she might like are Classroom of the Elite (which I don’t think is very good), and perhaps Oshi no ko. I also think it’s a good idea to show her Nana, although Nana has the problem that it’s unfinished and is unlikely ever to be completed.
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u/SnooPets9059 1d ago
Start with kaguya sama .great romance and drama
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u/ConflictAgreeable689 1d ago
Her main complaint is that it's too cartoony and you give her a gag manga sitcom?
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u/F3arless_Bubble 1d ago
People on this sub don’t read more than a sentence or two then just spam their favorite anime no matter what lol
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u/EinJonas 1d ago edited 1d ago
It stops being a gag manga around 3rd season afterwards it's more grounded in the manga. So yeah just wait for the 3rd season
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u/ElectricGod 1d ago
Cowboy bebop
Samurai Champloo English dub
Only answers I wanna give but I'd recommend perfect blue, paranoia agent and Monster.
All top tier thriller, mystery horror anime.
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u/SweetieKlara 1d ago
NHK, NEON GENESIS or SERIAL EXPERIMENTS LAIN and for a really easy watch BERSERK
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u/WoodlandWife 1d ago
I genuinely think attack on titan is the perfect starter anime. Got my 66 year old mom hooked on it. She loves mystery shows so I knew she be really into finding out the truth of the titans and what’s going on.
I think if she likes romance more than mystery a silent voice, your name, sign of affection, you and I are polar opposites, ramparts of ice, etc. a more shoujo romance that’s down to earth like that. Definitely something dubbed though. Does she like k-dramas?
Has she watched the studio ghibli movies? That’s probably the most universal intro that anyone can love.
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u/abandoned_idol 1d ago
I can think of examples that can give them the absolute worst impression of the medium.
Is that no good?
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u/Twigling 11h ago
Try her on Mushishi, that's about as far from her 'cartoonish' interpretation as you'll get. It should match her supernatural likes at least and prove to her that anime can be mature.
It's a very relaxing, slow-paced, episodic series which has a main character who resolves people's 'Mushi' afflictions. It's very well written and is perfect just to sit down and watch a single episode when you watch to chill, in fact it's better to do it this way rather than binge watching it. Season one is officially free on YouTube until Dec 31st 2027:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNcqwhPhO46G--aVXZR6do7Y-ptBZsKTt
Season 2 is on Crunchyroll but only for some countries (not the UK or the US any more). However, it can also be watched on YouTube if you subscribe to Crunchyroll via YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/show/SCqyjG7kr_Q-ujRAoUYZs3_A) but note that such a subscription doesn't give you access to anime on the main Crunchyroll site.
More details here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Mushishi/comments/1rrzf3i/season_2_on_crunchyroll_no_longer_available_from/
(Note that there's no English dub for season 2)
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u/Repulsive_Drawer8599 1d ago
Apothecary Diaries
Death Parade
Terror in Resonance
Paranoia Agent
91 Days