Whether you’re an anime newbie looking for a great starting point or a seasoned veteran searching for your next captivating series, the sheer volume of anime available can feel overwhelming. Knowing *what* to watch becomes a journey in itself! This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigating the vast anime landscape and discovering shows that perfectly align with your tastes.
**Step 1: Know Thyself (and Thy Viewing Habits)**
Before diving into specific anime recommendations, it’s crucial to understand your own preferences. Consider these questions:
* **What Genres Do You Usually Enjoy?** This is the most fundamental question. Do you gravitate towards action-packed thrillers, heartwarming romances, thought-provoking dramas, hilarious comedies, or fantastical adventures? Perhaps you’re drawn to the darker side of storytelling with horror or psychological genres. Consider both live-action and animated media you already enjoy. Make a list of your favorite genres and subgenres (e.g., historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy, slice-of-life, sports, mecha, isekai, etc.).
* **What Kind of Tone Are You in the Mood For?** Anime can range from lighthearted and silly to serious and emotionally intense. Do you want something that will make you laugh, cry, or keep you on the edge of your seat? Consider the overall mood and emotional impact you’re seeking.
* **What Level of Commitment Are You Willing to Make?** Anime series vary greatly in length. Some are short and sweet (12-13 episodes), while others can run for hundreds of episodes. Are you prepared to invest a significant amount of time in a long-running series, or do you prefer shorter, more easily digestible stories? Also, consider if you want a self-contained story or something that is ongoing.
* **Do You Prefer Dubbed or Subbed Anime?** This is a personal preference. Dubbed anime is translated and voiced in your native language, while subbed anime retains the original Japanese audio with subtitles. Each option has its pros and cons. Dubs can be more convenient, while subs allow you to experience the original performances and nuances. Try both to see what you prefer.
* **What Are Your Red Flags?** Certain tropes or themes might be deal-breakers for you. Maybe you dislike excessive fan service, violence, or slow pacing. Identifying these red flags will help you filter out anime that you’re unlikely to enjoy. For example, if you dislike harems, you can quickly filter out anime with that tag.
* **What Have You Enjoyed in the Past?** Think back to any anime series you’ve already watched and enjoyed. What aspects did you like about them? Was it the characters, the story, the animation style, or something else entirely? This information can provide valuable clues about your preferences.
**Step 2: Explore Anime Databases and Recommendation Engines**
Once you have a better understanding of your preferences, it’s time to explore the vast world of anime databases and recommendation engines. These resources can help you discover new shows based on your criteria.
* **MyAnimeList (MAL):** MyAnimeList (myanimelist.net) is one of the most popular and comprehensive anime databases. It allows you to create a personal anime list, track your progress, and rate and review shows. MAL also has a robust recommendation system that suggests anime based on your watch history and preferences. You can filter by genre, rating, popularity, and other criteria. The community features also allow for discussions and finding similar tastes.
* **AniList:** AniList (anilist.co) is another excellent anime database with similar features to MyAnimeList. It has a more modern interface and offers more advanced filtering options. AniList also has a strong community focus and allows you to connect with other anime fans. AniList is also preferred by some due to its openness and API. You can filter by studio, year, and even specific staff members involved in the production.
* **Anime-Planet:** Anime-Planet (anime-planet.com) is another great resource for finding anime recommendations. It has a unique recommendation system that suggests anime based on character traits and themes. Anime-Planet also has a large community and allows you to create custom anime lists.
* **Crunchyroll/Funimation:** These are major streaming platforms dedicated to anime. While their primary purpose is streaming, they often include recommendation systems based on your viewing history. They also categorize anime by genre, popularity, and other tags, making it easier to discover new shows.
* **Simkl:** Simkl is a broad tracking website that includes anime and other media. Its advantage is its ability to track across multiple streaming services. Recommendations are also provided.
**How to Use These Databases Effectively:**
* **Create an Account and Track Your Watch History:** This is crucial for the recommendation engines to work effectively. The more anime you add to your list, the more accurate the recommendations will be.
* **Rate and Review Anime You’ve Watched:** Your ratings and reviews help the recommendation engines understand your preferences even better. Be honest and specific in your reviews.
* **Utilize Filters and Search Options:** Take advantage of the various filters and search options to narrow down your options. Experiment with different combinations of genres, tags, and other criteria.
* **Read Reviews and Discussions:** Before committing to a new anime, read reviews and participate in discussions to get a better sense of what to expect. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.
* **Explore Recommendation Features:** Most databases have dedicated recommendation sections. Explore these sections to discover anime that are suggested based on your watch history and preferences.
**Step 3: Pay Attention to Visuals and Animation Style**
While the story and characters are important, the visual aspect of anime can also greatly impact your enjoyment. Consider the following:
* **Character Design:** Do you prefer realistic or stylized character designs? Do you like cute and moe characters, or more mature and serious designs?
* **Animation Quality:** Is the animation fluid and detailed, or is it more simplistic and budget-conscious? Some people are fine with older animation styles, while others prefer the crispness of modern anime.
* **Art Style:** The art style can vary greatly from anime to anime. Some anime have a traditional Japanese aesthetic, while others have a more Westernized look. Do you prefer vibrant and colorful visuals, or darker and more muted tones?
* **Studio:** Certain animation studios are known for specific styles or genres. For example, Studio Ghibli is famous for its beautifully animated and heartwarming films. Kyoto Animation is known for its high-quality animation and slice-of-life series. Knowing the studio can give you an idea of the visual style and overall quality of the anime.
* **Trailers and Openings:** Watching the trailer and opening sequence of an anime can give you a good sense of its visual style and animation quality. This can help you determine if it’s something that appeals to you.
**Step 4: Consider the Source Material (If Applicable)**
Many anime are adaptations of manga (Japanese comics) or light novels. If you’re interested in a particular anime, consider checking out the source material.
* **Manga:** Reading the manga can give you a head start on the story and characters. It can also provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the plot. Furthermore, you might prefer the manga’s art style over the anime’s adaptation.
* **Light Novels:** Light novels are a popular source material for anime, particularly in the isekai and fantasy genres. Reading the light novel can provide even more detail and world-building than the manga.
* **Original Anime:** Not all anime are adaptations. Some are original works created specifically for animation. These tend to be more unpredictable, as you can’t rely on existing source material to guide your expectations.
* **Why Check the Source Material?** Sometimes the anime deviates from the original source, skipping details, changing plot points, or even having a different ending. Reading the source material allows you to experience the complete story and compare it to the anime adaptation.
**Step 5: Ask for Recommendations from Friends and Online Communities**
One of the best ways to discover new anime is to ask for recommendations from people whose tastes you trust. This can be friends, family members, or members of online anime communities.
* **Talk to Friends:** Discuss your anime preferences with your friends and ask for recommendations. Explain what you’ve enjoyed in the past and what you’re looking for in a new series.
* **Join Online Communities:** There are numerous online anime communities on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and dedicated anime forums. These communities are great places to ask for recommendations and discuss your favorite shows. Be sure to specify your preferences and ask for recommendations that fit your taste.
* **Follow Anime Reviewers and Bloggers:** Many anime reviewers and bloggers provide insightful commentary and recommendations. Find reviewers whose opinions you value and follow their work. Check websites like Anime News Network or personal blogs. Remember that everyone has different opinions, so take everything with a grain of salt.
* **Attend Anime Conventions (If Possible):** Anime conventions are a great place to meet other anime fans, attend panels, and discover new shows. You can often get recommendations directly from industry professionals or fellow attendees.
**Step 6: Be Open to Trying New Things**
While it’s helpful to have a good understanding of your preferences, it’s also important to be open to trying new things. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and explore different genres and styles.
* **Try a Different Genre:** If you usually stick to action anime, try watching a slice-of-life or romance series. You might be surprised at what you discover.
* **Watch an Older Anime:** Don’t dismiss older anime just because they have a different animation style. Many classic anime have timeless stories and compelling characters.
* **Give a Highly Rated Anime a Chance:** Even if it doesn’t sound like something you’d normally enjoy, give a highly rated anime a chance. There’s often a reason why it’s so popular.
* **Don’t Give Up After One Episode:** Sometimes it takes a few episodes for an anime to find its footing. Don’t give up after just one episode. Give it a chance to develop before deciding whether or not you like it.
* **Drop Anime You Don’t Enjoy:** On the other hand, don’t feel obligated to finish an anime that you’re not enjoying. It’s perfectly fine to drop a series if it’s not holding your interest. There are too many other anime out there to waste time on something you don’t like.
**Step 7: Understand Common Anime Tropes and Themes**
Familiarizing yourself with common anime tropes and themes can help you predict what to expect from a series and identify potential red flags.
* **Tsundere:** A character who is initially cold and hostile but gradually warms up to others.
* **Yandere:** A character who is initially sweet and innocent but becomes obsessively attached to someone, often with violent tendencies.
* **Harem:** A situation where one male character is surrounded by multiple female characters who are all romantically interested in him.
* **Isekai:** A genre where the protagonist is transported to another world, often a fantasy world.
* **Mecha:** Anime featuring giant robots or piloted machines.
* **Slice of Life:** Anime focusing on the everyday lives of characters.
* **Magical Girl:** Anime featuring girls who can transform into magical warriors.
* **Shonen:** Anime targeted towards young boys, often featuring action, adventure, and strong male protagonists.
* **Shojo:** Anime targeted towards young girls, often featuring romance, drama, and strong female protagonists.
* **Knowing these tropes can help you quickly assess whether an anime is likely to align with your tastes.** For example, if you dislike harems, you can avoid anime tagged with that genre.
**Step 8: Consider Cultural Context**
Anime is a product of Japanese culture, and understanding some cultural context can enhance your viewing experience.
* **Honorifics:** Japanese language uses honorifics like *san*, *kun*, and *chan* to address people. Understanding the nuances of these honorifics can provide insight into character relationships.
* **Japanese Mythology and Folklore:** Many anime incorporate elements of Japanese mythology and folklore. Learning about these stories and traditions can deepen your understanding of the anime’s themes and symbolism.
* **Japanese Social Norms:** Anime often reflects Japanese social norms and values. Being aware of these norms can help you understand character behavior and motivations.
* **Finding Resources:** Many websites and online communities provide information about Japanese culture. Doing some research can enhance your appreciation of anime.
**Specific Anime Recommendation Starting Points (Genre Based)**
Here are a few well-regarded anime series to get you started, categorized by genre:
* **Action:**
* *Attack on Titan* (Shingeki no Kyojin): Dark, intense, and filled with thrilling action. A gripping story with complex characters and mysteries.
* *Demon Slayer* (Kimetsu no Yaiba): Visually stunning with an engaging story and memorable characters.
* *My Hero Academia* (Boku no Hero Academia): Superhero action with a lighthearted tone and inspiring message.
* *Hunter x Hunter* (2011): A classic adventure anime with a well-developed world and unique power system.
* **Fantasy:**
* *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood:* A critically acclaimed series with a compelling story, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes.
* *Made in Abyss:* Beautifully animated but deceptively dark adventure into the unknown.
* *Mushishi:* A relaxing and atmospheric series about a man who studies and helps people affected by supernatural beings.
* **Science Fiction:**
* *Cowboy Bebop:* A stylish and iconic space western with memorable characters and a fantastic soundtrack.
* *Steins;Gate:* A mind-bending time travel thriller with a complex and engaging plot.
* *Psycho-Pass:* A dystopian crime thriller that explores themes of justice and free will.
* **Romance:**
* *Your Lie in April* (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso): A beautiful and emotionally resonant story about love, loss, and music.
* *Toradora!* A classic rom-com with endearing characters and a heartwarming story.
* *Fruits Basket* (2019): A touching and heartwarming story about family, acceptance, and healing.
* **Slice of Life:**
* *A Place Further Than the Universe* (Sora yori mo Tooi Basho): An inspiring story about a group of girls who embark on a journey to Antarctica.
* *K-On!* A lighthearted and fun series about a group of girls who form a music club.
* *Yuru Camp* (Laid-Back Camp): A relaxing and visually stunning series about camping and enjoying the outdoors.
* **Comedy:**
* *Konosuba:* A hilarious parody of the isekai genre.
* *Gintama:* A long-running series with a unique blend of comedy, action, and historical elements.
* *Nichijou:* Absurd and surreal comedy about the everyday lives of a group of high school students.
* **Sports:**
* *Haikyu!!:* An inspiring and exciting series about a high school volleyball team.
* *Yuri!!! on Ice:* A beautifully animated and heartwarming series about figure skating and self-discovery.
* *Ace of Diamond:* A realistic and engaging series about high school baseball.
* **Horror/Psychological:**
* *Puella Magi Madoka Magica:* A deconstruction of the magical girl genre with dark and disturbing themes.
* *Erased* (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi): A suspenseful and emotional mystery with a time travel element.
* *Parasyte -the maxim-*: A thrilling and thought-provoking series about a young man who becomes host to a parasitic alien.
**Final Thoughts:**
Finding the perfect anime to watch is a journey of exploration and self-discovery. By following these steps, you can navigate the vast anime landscape and discover shows that perfectly align with your tastes. Remember to be open to trying new things, ask for recommendations, and have fun exploring the wonderful world of anime!