Anime is a style of Japanese animation, usually used to develop television series or movies. Anime has been gaining popularity in today’s world, and the fandom is very diverse in terms of age and gender. Anime has the hearts of the masses with its unique animation style, detailed artwork, and vibrant illustrations. The plot of these anime covers pressuring issues and holds meaningful messages for the viewers.
The storylines have a depth that collaborates with the animation style and has been doing wonders in the animation industry. Due to the immense popularity and ever-increasing fandom, every person wants to explore this genre. Since there are more than 1000+ anime out there, it gets difficult to know which one to start with. I was once in the same shoes where you are right now. So, we got a few anime recommendations for beginners. In this article, we have listed down a few best anime movies so as a beginner, it would be easier to grasp short content to start with. So let’s get into it.
List of top 10 anime recommendations for beginners:
- Spirited Away (2001):
Spirited Away is an Academy Award-winning masterpiece that is indeed a feast to your eyes. Considering it was released in the early 2000s, it was very much ahead of its time. The plot around the supernatural theme gives an experience you will not forget.
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Japanese name: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
- Released: 20 July 2001
- Run time: 2hr 5m
- Princess Mononoke (1997):
Princess Mononoke revolves around the tale of a brave boy who sets out on a journey to lift a curse on himself and his village. This anime is visually pleasing and keeps you on the edge. The plot is just as the illustration is very engaging.
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Japanese name: Mononoke Hime
- Released: 12 July 1997
- Run time: 2hr 13m
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004):
One of Studio Ghibli’s classics, Howl’s Room alone is a masterpiece and an example of beautiful illustration. The character design and detailing from the customer to the scenery just keep your eye locked on this cinematic feast.
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Japanese name: Hauru no Ugoku Shiro
- Released: 20 November 200412 July 1997
- Run time: 1hr 59m
- My neighbor Totoro (1988):
As the pioneer for all the Studio Ghibli movies, My Neighbor Totoro has set the standard for the coming anime movies. This movie holds the innocence of our childhood. The portrait of playfulness with the character and mystery with the creature established in the movie was astonishing.
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Japanese name: Tonari no Totoro
- Released: 16 April 1988
- Run time: 1hr 26m
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989):
Kiki is a young witch who sets out on a path to become independent, she comes to you a city that offers her shelter and work to get stand on her own feet. This Studio Ghibli movie taught us to have fun and enjoy our childhood to the fullest. That’s why it’s listed among the best anime recommendations for beginners.
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Japanese name: Majo no Takkyūbin
- Released: 1 January 1989
- Run time: 1hr 42m
- A Silent Voice (2016):
A Silent Voice is an anime that portrays a storyline, with meaningful life lessons and it revolves around the character’s development and progress. It expresses the struggle and focuses on issues like bullying, disability, and redemption.
- Director: Naoko Yamada
- Japanese name: Koe no Katachi
- Released: 17 September 2016
- Run time: 2hr 9m
- Your Name (2016):
Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name has become a hit among the young just a few years after the release. This film dares to explore a new storyline with a unique animation style. The plot itself will make you think about the things which are beyond our comprehension.
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Japanese name: Kimi no Na wa
- Released: 26 August 2016
- Run time: 1hr 50m
- Weathering with you (2019):
Weathering with You is a fantasy romance, about a guy who meets the infamous weather girl who can control the weather. The best part of this film is the visual and vibrant colors in this movie. The mature theme of the ploy also seems appealing to the audience.
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Japanese name: Tenki no Ko
- Released: 11 October 2019
- Run time: 1hr 54m
- The garden of words (2013):
A visually pleasing masterpiece is known for its aesthetic animation style. The Garden of Words focuses on a student and a young woman sharing a momentary bond in a garden where their relationship progresses. The film has touched the audience’s heart with its mature storyline and beautiful illustrations.
- Director: Makoto Shinkai
- Japanese name: Kotonoha no Niwa
- Released: 31 May 2013
- Run time: 46m
- Flavors of youth:
Flavor of Youth explores three stories that share one vision. The plot involves the intensity of the character and brings out the emotion in every scene beautifully. With the support of extraordinary visuals and animation style, this has made its way to the best anime recommendations for beginners.
- Director: Yoshitaka Takeuchi, LI. HAOLING, Jiaoshou Yi Xiaoxing
- Japanese name: Shiki oriori
- Released: 4 August 2018
- Run time: 1hr 15m
Conclusion:
To conclude, anime not only offers attractive and vibrant visuals that can be eye-pleasing but also gives us storylines that make us ponder upon pressing issues. It is not only a cinematic feast to your eye but also something to think that keeps your mind engaged. We have listed down some of the classic hits from Studio Ghibli and a few of Makoto Shinkai – a celebrated filmmaker’s masterpieces. These films will not just take you back to your childhood and relive those innocent moments but also make you experience the mature emotions of youth. So get your ramen bowl ready to watch these Best Anime recommendations for beginners.
