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10 Best Anime Series for People Who Don't Like Anime

Published 1 month ago9 minute read

Anime has dazzled fans with its creativity, animation, unique stories, and unrivaled style, making it one of the biggest forms of TV today. The medium only gets more popular by the day, with shows like and attracting millions of fans. However, just because many people love anime doesn't mean there aren't as many people who don't like it. Indeed, many viewers refuse to watch anime for numerous reasons.

Everyone should be able to enjoy anime, which is why this list will rank the best anime series for all those who might not be instantly attracted to the genre. The ranking will be based on their . Viewers dislike anime for many reasons, including tropes they are unfamiliar with, overly sexual content, cultural differences, writing style, and art style, and these ten shows are the most inoffensive, making them a perfect entry for the genre.

Kicking off this list is arguably the most popular anime at the moment, and what better show to get into the medium than a famous show? follows Tanjiro, who travels across Japan fighting demons. On the way, he searches for Muzan, the demon who turned his sister into one, hoping to revert her status and become human again. This anime is full of epic fights and dramatic showdowns that are sure to please every action-seeker.

Demon Slayer does feature some common tropes, which is why it places at the bottom of the list, but a surprising number of people got into anime because of this series. The biggest draw is its , which showcase the spectacle and fluidity of the animation and highlight what anime has to offer. , and hopefully, non-anime fans will be pleasantly surprised.

Watch on Netflix

A group of volleyball players jumping toward the camera in Haikyu!!
Image via Crunchyroll

Volleyball isn't the most popular sport, but will make every viewer a fan with its classic underdog story and wholesome and inspiring character development. This anime follows Hinata, an undersized ball of energy with dreams of becoming a great spiker. Joining the volleyball team in high school, he quickly learns it will be a tough road, battling stronger opponents and getting used to his team.

Sports shows are always great for avoiding tropes like over-sexualization but still feature many anime techniques. Haikyu does a great job of introducing the viewers to volleyball and having them learn throughout the show. While overly dramatic, that won't offend and is the perfect taste of the palatable anime tropes. There isn't a better sports anime than Haikyu, and it is the ideal show to .

haikyuu.jpg
Haikyuu!!

April 5, 2014

Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, Yu Hayashi, Satoshi Hino, Miyu Irino, Koki Uchiyama, Soma Saito, Nobuhiko Okamoto

4

Two characters exchanging an item in Banana Fish
Image via MAPPA

Its cute and innocent title shouldn't fool fans; is an intense gang anime with plenty of violence and sexual content. The anime follows Eiji, a Japanese photography assistant coming to America to learn about American street gangs. However, he and Ash Lynx, a young gang leader, discover a conspiracy that involves all the major crime bosses, the military, and his past as the two try to expose the drug.

While Banana Fish features sexual content, it isn't the same as most anime, with it being more triggering and trauma-inducing instead of fan service. This mature content isn't for everyone, but. It features almost no anime tropes and will remind viewers of Western gangster movies, making that non-anime viewers might enjoy.

Banana Fish
Banana Fish

2018 - 2017

Hiroko Utsumi

Toshiyuki Morikawa, Yuma Uchida, Makoto Furukawa, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Jun Fukuyama, Hiroaki Hirata, Unshô Ishizuka, Kenji Nojima, Shinji Kawada

Akimi Yoshida

1

Dr. Tenma confronts Johan in 'Monster.'
Image via Madhouse

is a legendary creator responsible for anime and manga like and . However, his magnum opus is arguably , a mystery thriller about a doctor looking to right his wrongs. Decades after Tenma saved the life of a child instead of the mayor, that same child is now a serial killer, prompting Tenma to hunt him down and rectify his choice while learning about Johan's dark past.

While Monster might be too long for a viewer who doesn't like anime, they will be wishing for more episodes after quickly binging the entire series. , from its complex characters, fascinating side stories, compelling mystery, and gripping plot. Monster is an essential 2000s anime unlike any other and is perfect for fans who don't like anime because of its lack of tropes and focus on a profound story.

Monster
Monster

April 7, 2004

Masayuki Kojima, Morio Asaka

Liam O'Brien, Keith Silverstein, Karen Strassman, Richard Epcar, Laura Bailey, Tara Platt

Naoki Urasawa

1

A castle in a lake from Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Image via Madhouse

is the most recent anime on this list, shocking the world by becoming one of the most popular and critically acclaimed series because of its unique take on the fantasy genre. Decades after Frieren and her party defeated the demon king, she returns to visit only to find her friends aging and passing on. As an elf, she regrets not speaking with them more, going on a nostalgic journey with her friends' students to talk with their souls.

Frieren is a phenomenal anime that blends many popular elements to create something entirely new and fresh. , profound themes of regret and nostalgia, endearing characters, and thrilling action. Every fan can get into fantasy, and Frieren is arguably the, delivering a journey full of action, worldbuilding, and relaxation for cozy vibes.

Frieren Beyond Journeys End TV Poster
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

September 29, 2023

Keiichirô Saitô

Mallorie Rodak, Jason Douglas, Clifford Chapin, Chris Guerrero, Jill Harris, Jordan Dash Cruz

Kanehito Yamada

1

The main characters from PSYCHO-PASS-Providence
Image via Production I.G

The Cyberpunk genre is extremely popular in the West, with popularizing it in sci-fi. While anime does feature some entertaining sci-fi movies, is arguably the best Cyberpunk anime series. In the 22nd Century, the Sibyl System determines a civilian threat level by their mental state, with Enforcers enacting lethal punishment to those charged. However, a rookie enforcer begins questioning this method and learning about the corrupt system.

People who don't like anime mostly complain about the awkward tropes and cultural differences. Psycho-Pass avoids this by tackling . It also goes about it in a serious and dignified manner, making it more appealing to Western fans with its dark story and episodic nature. with compelling storylines that scratch the Cyberpunk itch.

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Psycho-Pass

October 11, 2012

Kana Hanazawa, Miyuki Sawashiro, Noriko Hidaka, Shizuka Itou, Kenji Nojima, Takahiro Sakurai, Tomokazu Seki, Robert McCollum

3

Light and Ryuk from Death Note standing next to each other
Image via Nippon Television

Even people who don't watch anime have surely heard of, the uber-popular series that dominated the 2000s. When a genius high school student discovers an ominous notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written inside, he takes it upon himself to build a new utopia free of crime. However, his aspirations quickly get out of hand, prompting a cat-and-mouse game between him and the world's smartest detective.

A few anime shows are known to draw in new fans, and Death Note is one of them. Its unique premise and captivating story have attracted countless new fans, which is why people who dislike anime should try this one. This story is like , making it a must-watch for any viewer, anime fan or not. Death Note is a perfect anime that should be watched immediately to avoid missing out on this masterpiece.

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Death Note

October 4, 2006

Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong, Ryō Naitō, Trevor Devall

Tsugumi Ohba

1

Watch on Tubi

Thorfinn and Thors standing in a field of wheat in Vinland Saga Season 2
Image via Crunchyroll

Anime rarely treads into new territory, but when it does, the result is a series like . This show is a historical Vikings series following Thorfinn's exploits after the Vikings murdered his father. He sneaks onto their ship and plans to kill him, but instead lives with them, training to get stronger and eventually enact his revenge. Unfortunately, things never go right, and Thorfinn lives a life of constant change, pain, grief, and acceptance.

While there is a bit of Japanese humor and exaggerated action, the show's heart is in its story and character development, something every fan can enjoy and relate to. With profound insights into life, Vinland Saga won't be a culture shock; it is . However, no one could do it better than this anime, with Vinland Saga being one of the , with plenty more seasons in the future.

vinland-saga-poster-4.jpg
Vinland Saga

2019 - 2023

Netflix

Yûto Uemura, Mike Haimoto, Shinya Takahashi, Alejandro Saab, Hiroki Gotô, Aleks Le, Kaiji Tang, Michael C. Pizzuto

Makoto Yukimura

2

Eren in his Titan form is about to throw a punch in Attack on Titan. Season 1 Episode 7, Small Blade - The Battle For Trost
Image Via Crunchyroll

If Death Note dominated the 2000s, then dominated the 2010s, becoming a worldwide phenomenon with its gripping mystery, epic action, and thrilling plot. After Titans destroy his village, Eren vows to kill them all and free humanity. However, after suddenly gaining the ability to transform into a Titan, he uses his newfound power to lead them outside the wall and face their real enemy.

While the ending is pretty polarizing, the quality of the rest of the show isn't up for debate. and a masterpiece through and through, with fascinating characters, dramatic moments, and a complex and expansive plot. It is rich with details and lore, with everything being a plot point, making this anime and sure-fire entertainment for anime-haters.

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Attack On Titan

Matthew Mercer, Josh Grelle, Hiroshi Kamiya, Shiori Mikami, Jerry Jewell, Kishô Taniyama, Jessica Calvello, Masahiko Tanaka, Yui Ishikawa, Romi Park, Robert McCollum, Tomohisa Hashizume, Hiro Shimono, Trina Nishimura

Hajime Isayama

4

The main characters in a police line-up in the Cowboy Bebop Poster
Image via Sunrise

was the movie that made people realize anime wasn't just for kids, and while it came out a decade later, reminded the West what anime is capable of. Created by the legendary , this anime follows Spike Spiegel and his ragtag group of bounty hunters traveling the galaxy to make a living. But when his dark past puts everyone in harm's way, he must confront it and accept his fate.

Cowboy Bebop is . Not only is it one of the , but it avoids familiar anime tropes and such as noir, '80s action, and jazz. Cowboy Bebop is the greatest sci-fi anime but incorporates Western vibes and an unmatched style. The story is mature but not overbearing, delivering a poetic ending with basically everything a fan could want in an anime and making it the perfect series to get anime haters on board.

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NEXT: The 10 Best Anime of 2024, Ranked

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