How to Start Watching Anime (Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide)
New to anime? This beginner guide shows how to start watching anime, what to watch first, sub vs dub, and where to watch anime legally.
Starting anime can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of shows, different art styles, unfamiliar genres, and endless recommendations — all telling you to “just watch this first.”
If you’re new, this confusion is completely normal.
Anime isn’t a single genre. It’s a storytelling medium that includes action, romance, comedy, slice of life, horror, fantasy, and psychological thrillers. Without guidance, many beginners either quit early or start with the wrong show.
This beginner guide will show you exactly how to start watching anime the right way — what anime is, how to choose your first show, how many episodes to watch, whether to pick sub or dub, and where to watch anime legally. No prior knowledge required.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to get into anime confidently and actually enjoy it.
What Is Anime? A Simple Explanation for Beginners
Anime refers to animated shows and movies that originate from Japan. Unlike Western cartoons that are often made primarily for kids, anime is created for all age groups — teenagers, adults, and even mature audiences.
Anime stories often focus heavily on:
- Character development
- Emotional depth
- Long-term storytelling
- Unique art styles
You’ll find anime about ninjas, pirates, high school life, sports, cooking, romance, crime, time travel, and even philosophy. That’s why saying “anime is one thing” is misleading — it’s incredibly diverse.
Why Anime Feels Confusing for Beginners
Most beginners struggle for the same reasons:
- Too many recommendations: Everyone suggests something different.
- Long episode counts: Some anime have hundreds of episodes.
- Unfamiliar terms: Sub, dub, filler, arcs, seasons.
- Fear of starting wrong: Nobody wants to waste time.
The key mistake beginners make is starting with a random popular anime instead of one that matches their taste and patience level.
The solution? Start small and start smart.
How to Start Watching Anime (Step-by-Step for Beginners)
1. Start With a Genre You Already Like
You don’t need to “learn anime.” You just need to find anime that matches what you already enjoy.
- Like crime or thrillers? → Psychological anime
- Like romance? → Romance or slice-of-life anime
- Like action movies? → Action or fantasy anime
- Like emotional stories? → Drama anime
Anime becomes enjoyable when it aligns with your interests.
2. Avoid Very Long Anime at First
Anime with 500+ episodes can be amazing — but they are not beginner-friendly.
As a beginner:
- Start with anime under 12–25 episodes
- Or anime movies
Shorter anime help you:
- Understand the style
- Stay motivated
- Avoid burnout
You can explore longer series later.
3. Movies vs Series – What Should You Start With?
Both are fine, but beginners usually enjoy:
- Anime movies → One-time commitment, cinematic quality
- Short series → Easy to follow, faster payoff
Movies are great if you’re unsure whether anime is for you. Series are better if you enjoy episodic storytelling.
Sub vs Dub – What Should Beginners Choose?
This is one of the most common beginner questions.
Sub (Subtitles)
- Original Japanese audio
- English subtitles
- More emotional accuracy
Dub (Dubbed)
- English audio
- Easier to follow
- More comfortable for beginners
👉 Honest recommendation: If you’re new, start with dub. Once you’re comfortable, try sub and see what you prefer.
There’s no “right” choice — enjoyability matters more than rules.
How Many Episodes Should Beginners Watch Before Deciding?
A common mistake is quitting after one episode.
Most anime take:
- 3–5 episodes to establish story and characters
So:
- Watch at least 3 episodes
- If you’re not interested by then, move on
Anime is meant to be enjoyed, not forced.
Where to Watch Anime Legally (Beginner-Friendly Platforms)
Watching anime legally gives you:
- Better quality
- Proper subtitles/dubs
- Support for creators
Popular legal platforms include:
- Netflix
- Crunchyroll
- Amazon Prime Video
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Starting with extremely long anime
This often leads to burnout.
❌ Watching just because it’s “popular”
Popularity doesn’t equal beginner-friendly.
❌ Comparing anime to Western cartoons
Anime is structured differently — give it time.
❌ Trying to understand everything at once
You don’t need to learn terms, tropes, or history immediately.
Relax and enjoy the story.
Best Anime to Start With (Quick Picks)
Here are some beginner-friendly choices that work for most people:
- Death Note – Thriller, smart storytelling
- Your Name – Emotional anime movie
- Attack on Titan – Action with depth
- Spirited Away – Fantasy anime movie
- One Punch Man – Action + comedy
👉 We’ll cover this in detail in our Best Anime to Watch for Beginners guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is anime good for beginners?
Yes. Anime has genres for every taste — beginners just need the right starting point.
How long does it take to get into anime?
Most people get hooked within the first few episodes of the right show.
Should beginners watch anime movies or series?
Movies are easier to start with, but short series work just as well.
Is anime only for kids?
No. Many anime are made specifically for adults and mature audiences.
Do I need to watch anime in order?
Only within a specific series. Different anime are completely independent.
Final Thoughts: How to Enjoy Anime as a Beginner
Starting anime doesn’t require expert knowledge or commitment to hundreds of episodes.
Start small. Pick something that matches your taste. Watch a few episodes. And most importantly — enjoy the experience.
If you’re completely new, begin with a short anime or a movie like Your Name or Death Note. They’re accessible, engaging, and beginner-friendly.
Next, check out our guide on Best Anime to Watch for Beginners to choose your first full series confidently.
Welcome to anime — take it one story at a time.
Questions answered:
- Is anime good for beginners?
- Should beginners watch sub or dub?
- How many episodes should beginners watch?
- Is anime only for kids?