Whether they’re parodies, horror tales, or adaptations of video games, these ten anime are for non-anime enthusiasts who may not typically find anime appealing. While anime can resonate more with certain individuals than others, there are several series capable of capturing the interest of those who wouldn’t usually be drawn to it. Anime can be a challenging medium for some due to its tendency to feature exaggerated expressions, artwork, and narratives.
Anime is an incredibly versatile medium since, in essence, it’s a term used to describe Japanese animation. Similar to Western animation, there’s something for everyone within this realm. In fact, numerous outstanding anime titles often go unnoticed by those who aren’t typically drawn to the medium – whether it’s a departure from the typical shonen genre or a gripping psychological drama.
10 Best Animes For Non-Anime Enthusiasts
Anime can be an acquired taste, but there are anime series out there that can bridge the gap for those who typically aren’t drawn to the medium. Anime often features exaggerated expressions, unique art styles, and intricate stories that may not appeal to everyone. However, the diversity within anime offers something for almost anyone. Here are ten anime series that can captivate even those who are not typically fans of the genre:
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop stands as a beloved series that chronicles the adventures of a group of bounty hunters as they strive to make a living in the vast expanse of space, all while grappling with numerous existential challenges. Over 25 years, this series has earned its status as the gold standard for anime, thanks to its ingenious storytelling that delves into profound themes within an epic science fiction backdrop.
Furthermore, the central characters in Cowboy Bebop are among the most multifaceted and the realm of anime, even when judged by contemporary standards. They shine as some of the finest in television. Cowboy Bebop exemplifies how anime can resonate with a wide audience through exceptional genre execution and masterful storytelling, transcending the boundaries of the medium. One Punch Man is a must-add to the watchlist Anime for Non-Anime Enthusiasts.
Ghost Stories (English Dubbed)
Ghost Stories is a truly unique anime, not because of its plot or characters, which are rather unremarkable when viewed in Japanese. However, the English dub transforms this otherwise mediocre paranormal series into an absolute must-watch, even for those who typically aren’t anime enthusiasts.
When it came time to create an English dub for this series about a group of ghost hunters, the voice actors and writers took creative liberties with the translation, turning Ghost Stories into one of the most audaciously offensive and uproariously funny anime experiences available. The series fearlessly pushes boundaries, infusing its characters with new personalities that deliver lines with outrageous humor. It transcends being just an anime and becomes an unforgettable audio experience that must be heard to be fully appreciated.
Pokémon
The enormity of the Pokémon phenomenon in the Western world during the 1990s sometimes obscures the fact that the series is, at its core, an anime. Not only that, but it’s a highly commendable one that adeptly captures the essence of playing the video games upon which it is based.
As viewers follow Ash’s quest to become a Pokémon master, they are treated to an exhilarating journey filled with moments of growth and the thrill of overcoming new challenges. He recently realized his dream by becoming a world champion, much to the delight of fans worldwide. The path this show explores is one that even individuals who aren’t typically fans of anime can find enjoyable, as it breathes life into the beloved video game franchise.
Death Note
When Light Yagami stumbles upon a peculiar notebook known as a Death Note, he swiftly discovers its deadly power – the ability to kill anyone by simply writing their full name while picturing their face. This marks the inception of one of anime’s most enthralling cat-and-mouse thrillers, as Light endeavors to reshape the world into what he deems a “safer” place.
Death Note has earned a devoted following for various compelling reasons. From its intricately crafted, morally complex characters to its pulse-pounding narrative, Death Note is a series that demands to be experienced firsthand, living up to the substantial hype surrounding it.
Aggretsuko
For fans of series featuring anthropomorphic animals in everyday scenarios, Aggretsuko serves as the ideal entry point into the world of anime. The show centers on Retsuko, a red panda, as she grapples with the pressures of adulthood by unleashing her frustrations through nightly karaoke sessions featuring death metal.
Aggretsuko masterfully combines humor with genuine real-world issues like burnout, a blend so effective that it has garnered five full seasons on Netflix. What’s even more appealing is that these endearing characters hail from the same company that brought us Hello Kitty, Sanrio, making it the perfect choice for adult enthusiasts of these adorable characters to enjoy.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man shines in its satirical comedy, making it a must-watch for fans who enjoy franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This action-comedy series revolves around Saitama, a hero with unparalleled strength, capable of defeating any opponent with a single punch. His overwhelming power has left him feeling unfulfilled, as the absence of challenge in his hero duties has grown tiresome.
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The series excels in portraying Saitama’s frustrations, allowing viewers to empathize with the monotony that can accompany being an overly powerful hero. It prompts a real-world discussion about burnout and the idea that being the “best” isn’t always as rewarding as it seems. Combined with genuinely enjoyable superhero action, One Punch Man is a must-add to the watchlist of anyone who isn’t typically a fan of anime.
Danganronpa: The Animation
Adapted from the visual novel of the same name, this anime is sure to captivate anyone intrigued by offbeat mystery tales. Danganronpa follows a group of high school students, each possessing extraordinary talents, who find themselves confined within the walls of Hope’s Peak Academy.
Their sole means of escape hinges on a gruesome premise: one of them must commit murder, successfully avoid being identified as the culprit during a “class trial,” and subsequently go free. The murders are not only macabre and intricately plotted but the trials themselves, filled with unexpected twists and turns, provide an equally gripping spectacle. Although the overarching narrative delves into eccentric realms that may deter some viewers, the engrossing mysteries more than compensate for it.
Junji Ito Maniac: Tales of the Japanese Macabre
The latest horror anthology on Netflix features a compilation of stories from one of today’s most renowned horror authors, Junji Ito. Horror anthologies often offer a mix of tales, and that’s precisely what makes them so intriguing. Series like Creepshow and The Twilight Zone thrive on presenting episodes of varying quality, catering to a broad spectrum of audiences and delivering an enjoyable roller coaster of terror.
Junji Ito Maniac is no exception. This anthology showcases some of the author’s most spine-chilling works, including the famous story “Hanging Balloon,” which gains an extra layer of fear through its clever use of sound. Horror is a beloved genre, and this anthology boasts a collection of hair-raising stories that can captivate even those who are relatively new to anime.
Erased
Arguably, Erased is a series that captures the quintessential anime experience. It follows a manga writer with the extraordinary ability to rewind time, enabling him to avert impending tragedies. However, when he uncovers that a serial killer has taken his mother’s life, he is thrust back into his childhood to unmask the murderer and prevent a series of heinous crimes that occurred during his youth.
Erased boasts an unconventional premise, but its execution delivers a compelling mystery filled with time-jumping intrigue. The concept of an elementary school detective adds an entertaining layer to the story, ratcheting up the tension as he forms a bond with one of the potential victims and goes to great lengths to protect her from becoming the next target of the killer.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Cyberpunk 2077, a video game that garnered a somewhat notorious reputation upon its 2020 release, has since seen numerous patches aimed at improving the gameplay experience. Interestingly, fans widely agree that the anime adaptation set in the game’s universe has been a resounding success.
Edgerunners serves as a prequel to the main game, centering around a character named David. After suffering a devastating loss due to a seemingly targeted act of violence, he transitions into a mercenary role within the black market, known as an Edgerunner. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners has received critical acclaim and numerous awards for its exploration of the video game’s intricate world and its compelling character development. It’s a series that should not only be on the radar of game enthusiasts but also of those who appreciate captivating storytelling and intricate character dynamics.
