How to Fall in Love with Anime in 6 Steps: A Beginner's Guide

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Anime is like a first date: if you're unlucky with your choice, it might kill all desire. But once you stumble upon that special story — you're already in love.

That's exactly why I've put together this simple guide featuring six anime that will take you step by step from light to deep — and might just change how you see this genre forever.

Step 1. "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988)

Genre: family, fantasy

Why watch: it's like a warm cup of tea on a dreary day. Comfort, kindness, and a touch of magic.

Perfect for: anyone wanting to start with something simple and beautiful, to feel anime's atmosphere without getting overwhelmed by complex plots.
A girl in a yellow dress stands with a pink umbrella in the rain
Scenes from My Neighbor Totoro anime
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Hayao Miyazaki's gentle masterpiece is the perfect starting point. No complex themes here, just a tale about childhood, summer, and wonder. This anime helps you shift into a different rhythm — gentle and observant. After watching it, you'll feel something warmer inside.

Step 2. "Jujutsu Kaisen" (2020)

Genre: action, supernatural, adventure

Why watch: thrilling animation, charismatic characters, and a gripping storyline.

Perfect for: viewers who want to understand why millions fell in love with modern battle anime.
A guy in a white shirt with long hair stands against a blue background
Scenes from Jujutsu Kaisen anime
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If you're craving action and thrills — here it is. Modern classic featuring demons, heroes of all kinds, magical artifacts, and brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. No complexity barriers, and the pace hooks you from episode one. Plus, it's a great bridge to more plot-heavy series.

Step 3. "Death Note" (2006)

Genre: thriller, mystery, supernatural

Why watch: brilliant mind games and moral dilemmas that won't let go.

Perfect for: viewers who appreciate clever plot twists and aren't afraid to think about the price of power.
A boy with long hair in white clothing looks up
Scenes from Death Note anime
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An intellectual thriller that keeps you on edge until the very end. Light and shadow, morality and power, puzzles and traps. This is the perfect moment to realize: anime is serious business. And it's getting closer to adult cinema territory.

Step 4. "Psycho-Pass" (2012)

Genre: sci-fi, cyberpunk, crime, dystopia

Why watch: tense atmosphere, social commentary, and a visually stunning world.

Perfect for: viewers ready to taste serious, mature animation.
A girl in gray clothing sits in a futuristic cabin bathed in blue light
Scene from Psycho-Pass anime
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A dark dystopia about a future where crimes can be prevented before they're committed. Spectacular, smart, and surprisingly brutal. If this grabs you — you're ready for more serious drama and philosophy in Japanese animation.

Step 5. "Neon Genesis Evangelion" (1995)

Genre: mecha, drama, psychological thriller

Why watch: cult classic that influenced an entire generation.

Perfect for: depth seekers — get ready to think, doubt, and possibly rewatch.
A girl with yellow hair and red lips looks down from above
Scenes from Neon Genesis Evangelion anime
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Here's where the real test begins. A deep psychological drama disguised as a mecha anime about bio-robots created to defend against mysterious beings ("Angels") attacking humanity.

Symbolism, religious allusions, internal crises — this isn't just watching anymore, it's diving into a multi-layered world. Yes, it's challenging. But it's worth it.

Step 6. "Your Name" (2016)

Genre: romance, fantasy, drama

Why watch: visual poetry and a story that tugs at your heartstrings.

Perfect for: for those who love beautifully told stories about feelings and the miracle of connection.

The perfect finale for your first anime journey. Romantic drama, fantasy, and delicate lyricism meet at the ideal intersection. This is the story of a guy and a girl who discover they can live each other's lives in their dreams.
A guy in a white t-shirt with his mouth open in shock and a girl in school uniform
Scenes from the anime "Your Name"
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These six steps don't cover anime's full spectrum, but they give you that essential start — gentle, captivating, and unforgettable. Before you know it, you'll find yourself ten seasons deep into something Japanese... and loving every minute of it.

Earlier, we at zoomboola.com covered the six best films of recent years — according to IndieWire.