Top 10 Animes To Watch If You’ve Never Seen Anime

It’s easy for the uninitiated to think that anime is nothing more than strange-looking cartoons reserved for children. 

In fact, that’s what most people think, especially if they’re adults.

However, if you’re willing to give them a chance it’s likely you’ll be surprised at the difference between the cartoons you expected and what they actually are.

And here’s an essential list of the Top 10 animes you should watch if you’ve never seen anime.

10. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Great if you like: The Matrix, cyberpunk, sci-fi action

The show manages to perfectly blend action with exploring the idea of human-cyborg hybrids.

Plus, if you love crime shows, you get to watch a top-notch cybernetic law enforcement unit take on the most dangerous hackers and criminals.

9. Darker Than Black

Great if you like: Marvel, crime shows, mystery

This show plays around with a familiar question — what happens when humans are suddenly granted superpowers without their choosing?

We love to see it explored in comics and movies, so anime is no exception.

8. Cowboy Bebop

Great if you like: Star Wars, space adventure, film noir

Cowboy Bebop one of the crowning achievements in storytelling.

Cowboy Bebop proves that jazz, space travel, and westerns are the perfect fusion, and you’ll get to see it played out by following cowboys, bounty hunters, and drifters struggling to find themselves in a disjointed world.

Also, it’s set to one of best soundtracks in the history of anime.

7. Black Butler

Great if you like: Batman, supernatural elements, attractive demons

You won’t be able to get enough of the demon butler who hangs around the young rich kid trying to avenge his parents’ death.

He’s cool, charming, witty, and pretty much the reason why you won’t be able to stop watching this show once you start.

6. Tokyo Ghoul

Great if you like: Stephen King novels, dark horror, supernatural elements

No one tires of watching your ordinary average Joe gain supernatural powers, especially when it’s set in a Tokyo where ghouls constantly devour humans.

It’s dark, it’s gory, and it’s not afraid to mess with your head and spend episodes at a time building up suspense.

5. Code Geass

Great if you like: Artemis Fowl, drama, action fantasy

It’s a story about rising up against oppression, except it’s anime so you get to see it done with mecha and cool superpowers.

Also, the action sequences are perfectly coupled with battles of wit and intellect, making it one of the most visually engaging animes out there.

4. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Great if you like: Avatar: The Last Airbender, science fantasy, adventure

You’ll fall in love with the stars of the show — two brothers striving to restore their bodies after making a grave mistake.

Theirs is one of the most dynamic and compelling relationships you’ll ever see, and you’ll get to experience it in the midst of one of the coolest magic (well, science) systems ever created.

3. Sword Art Online

Great if you like: World of Warcraft, Dungeons & Dragons, RPGs

Not only does the story offer everything from adventure to romance, it’s full of nods to RPGs that gamers will love.

Plus the music and action sequences are absolutely sick.

2. Death Note

Great if you like: Dexter, psychological thrillers, supernatural elements

A notebook that can kill people — it’s a seemingly simple concept that completely unravels throughout the series.

This show will make you think, and even more than that, it will make you question.

1. Attack on Titan

Great if you like: The Hunger Games, postapocalyptic dystopia, action fantasy

Honestly, the theme song alone will probably suck you in.

If that doesn’t do it, then watching humans propel themselves into the sky and slash at colossal giants heralding the apocalypse will.

Fair warning, though — the show is still running, so prepare for feelings of emptiness once you’re caught up with the series.