(featured photo: Pacer graphic / Bethany Collins)

Anime and manga can be really hard to get into when you don’t know where to start.

I want to suggest some good options from each genre to start with. I’ll provide three for adventure and three for romance while also discussing where to begin with the Big Three, including a brief synopsis of each to give you a clear understanding of the story.

A portion of this article presents different suggestions for both anime and manga, with guests Bradon Rogers and Hattie Huffman sharing their opinions and recommendations. For those who aren’t familiar with manga and anime, definitions for each are provided below.

Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, typically aimed at adults as well as children (Oxford Languages). Anime is a form of Japanese animation, often adapted from manga and Japanese light novels.

The Big Three

The “Big Three” is a name given to the three most influential and popular anime and manga series by the fan community. They are often viewed as a starting point for new fans—though they are not the only option.

The manga versions are much longer than the anime in terms of how long it may take to read versus watch.

One Piece is one of the most well-known series, with an intimidating 1,161 chapters as of September 2025 and more still being released. The anime has 1,150 episodes and counting, with the manga still ongoing and the final act in progress.

One Piece follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy on his voyage with a rag-tag crew to find the mythical One Piece; left behind by the legendary pirate king Gol D. Roger at the Grand Line.

The reason this series is so well-renowned is because of its strong cast, world-building and long-standing legacy since it began serialization in 1997. Fans want to discover what the treasure is and see Luffy succeed.

Although, the series is difficult to catch up on due to the massive amount of content, it is lovable and something most anime fans have either seen or heard of. The fandom consists of longtime diehards and new viewers working through the episodes and quickly falling in love with it.

If you want something long to watch as a standalone or alongside other series, it is highly binge-worthy and carries a lot of classic charm. There is also something about a pirate story that continues to bring fans back to an underrated genre.

The Bleach manga debuted in 2001 and concluded with 686 chapters. The original anime has 366 episodes, with the newer series Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War now surpassing 40 episodes.

Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after a supernatural encounter. He then must protect humanity from evil spirits and guide souls to the afterlife.

The series blends supernatural action with afterlife themes. While not as long as One Piece, it still offers a strong binge-worthy experience for newer fans.

The original Naruto manga consists of 700 chapters and began in 1999. It later expanded into Naruto Shippuden and the spinoff Boruto, focusing on the next generation.

The story follows Naruto Uzumaki on his quest to become Hokage. Along the way, he learns how to work with his teammates, Sasuke and Sakura, while developing his mysterious power.

Hattie Huffman, a pre-veterinary science major from Covington, Tennessee, said, “I really enjoy it. Naruto can be a bit annoying at times, but he’s very genuine.”

She added, “Sasuke’s and his relationship throughout are probably the most interesting thing you’ll see in the anime, because they have a lot of parallels.”

As she explains, Naruto is a strong choice for beginners. The art style is not overly cluttered and since it began in the 1990s; it has a simpler design that evolves over time.

The anime has a massive cult following and fans are extremely loyal.

The world-building and characters are lovable and easy to connect with. If you take anything away from this section, it’s that the Big Three are beginner-friendly if you’re willing to commit to a long watch or read.

Action

There are two strong starter series for those wanting to explore action. We chose two more mainstream ones that are easier to enter fandom-wise.

Soul Eater features a distinct early-2000s art style and has built a large fan base. After accidentally devouring a witch’s soul instead of a cat spirit, Maka Albarn and Soul Evans must restart their hunt from scratch. They must collect 99 kishin souls and one witch soul to become professional weapon-meister partners.

The manga has a strong visual identity and the anime features quality voice acting in both sub and dub. The music, scenery and world-building pull viewers in easily.

If you’re looking for a strong action-adventure start, Soul Eater is a solid choice.

Gachiakuta is another standout series, even though it is still ongoing. It features a unique graffiti-inspired art style that sets it apart from most other manga.

The story follows Rudo, who is falsely accused of murder and banished to a massive garbage pit below the city, where society’s outcasts struggle to survive.

If you want supernatural action with a gritty feel, this is a great series to explore. The characters are unique and the art is visually striking. It is highly recommended for those looking for something fresh.

Romance

Shojo romance can be difficult to get into because many stories feel repetitive. The ones recommended here bring something different.

Kamisama Kiss has a charming early-2000s rom-com feel. It follows Nanami Momozono, a high school girl who becomes a land god at a shrine after inheriting her father’s debt in his absence.

She must learn how to balance her new divine responsibilities with her normal school life. Her dynamic with her companion, Tomoe, plays out like a classic “do they love or hate each other?” storyline.

The art style is beautiful and it offers an easy, comforting viewing experience. The English dub is especially enjoyable for its humor.

For a classic choice, Fruits Basket is extremely beginner-friendly. It follows Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted girl who ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family after her mother dies and she is forced to live in a tent.

After discovering their supernatural secret, the family allows her to stay with them in exchange for her silence. Tohru’s compassion makes her a lovable protagonist and viewers often find themselves emotionally invested in her journey.

The anime is well-cast in both sub and dub and is not overly long—making it easy to digest. If you want a heartfelt romance, Fruits Basket is highly recommended.

We hope these recommendations help you begin your journey into anime and manga. If you want a part two focused on more obscure series, let us know.