During the past two decades, anime has won the hearts of multitudes, edging its way into the mainstream, while the subculture enjoys a golden age of content that is subbed, dubbed, and in original English. From serious sci-fi to blush-worthy romance, studios mix genres to produce series for all genders and ages. While most are adaptations of manga and light novels, this format frequently entices its audience by its merits alone.

Fans love anime for its character-driven stories and the animation which visually prioritizes emotional states. With so much available, and a growing number coming from Asian countries and the West, where does one even begin? These gateway series will help librarians and educators wade into the waters with titles suitable for those new to anime.

Belle. Studio Chizu. 2021. 122 min.
PG–For fairy-tale fans, this film is a compassionate reimagining of the story of the Beauty and the Beast, set partially in a virtual world. In real life, Suzu is an introverted high school student struggling with grief. But while seeking escape in the virtual world U, Suzu’s popularity as the songstress Belle skyrockets. Bearing hidden wounds, she is drawn towards the abused Beast, hoping to heal his heart. As with director Mamoru Hosoda’s other films, Belle explores how lives change when worlds intersect. Teens especially will resonate with Suzu’s navigation of identity, connection, and mental health through the spheres of internet and reality. VERDICT At its best, this movie is a visual treat of poignant cinematography, architectural vision, and pitch-perfect musical performances befitting Belle’s Disney princess design.

Dragon Ball DAIMA. TOEI Animation. 2024–2025. 20 episodes, 25 min ea.
TV-14–When a wish turns Son Goku and friends into children again, a new adventure begins in the Dragon Ball universe. In order to regain their adult bodies, the party warps off to the Demon Realm where they fight for friendship, fulfillment, and Dragon Balls. While prior knowledge does increase the audience’s investment, this reset will easily usher in new tween viewers. With its characteristic blend of gags, overblown powers, and kooky designs, this television series fully embraces a childlike exuberance best exemplified by Goku. While the fights are loosely based on martial arts, it is bloodless and features many comedic enemies. This show is only available in Japanese with English subtitles. VERDICT After watching this action-packed series, kids will run around shouting “Kamehameha” as they imagine going out on their own adventures.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Madhouse. 2023–. 28 episodes, 25 min ea.
TV-14–What happens after the heroes’ party has saved the world? For the long-lived elf Frieren, it means outliving her friends and wandering through life collecting magic. But when bequeathed with one final task, she takes on an apprentice and retraces the party’s path, allowing her to process her memories along the way. Frieren’s journey is a cathartic contemplation of legacy and life that is at times heart-wrenching, and at others hilarious. Flashbacks so seamlessly lay out her character arc that she’s considered a preeminent female protagonist in anime. She and her world will enamor those who crave in-depth writing like that found in Dungeons & Dragons. VERDICT With its superb soundtrack and animation equal in adventure and sentiment, this fantasy series enchants on all levels.

Fruits Basket. TMS/8PAN. 2019–2021. 63 episodes, 24 min ea.
TV-14–Whether it’s the hit manga or this 2019 anime reboot, “Fruits Basket” heals hearts and espouses empathy. The story starts when the orphaned Tohru moves in with the Sohmas, a family who turns into animals when hugged. Hilarity beams bright from their encounters, only sobering as their traumas reveal themselves. While working to help them, Tohru emanates resilient warmth outward—a trait encouraged by the ambient lighting and soundtrack. Every single character develops, shattering stereotypes in order to relay a message about bonds. When one becomes a curse, another rises to shower us with love. VERDICT For anyone who has felt beaten down, this anime gently takes you by the hand and says “let’s start walking.”

Haikyu!! Production I.G. 2014-2020. 85 episodes, 24 min ea.
TV-14–Among its contenders, this series flies higher than most. Like other sports anime, it prioritizes the emotional hype that sports enthusiasts, and players in particular, resonate with. When the passionate raw talent Hinata meets the self-centered genius Kageyama on the Karasuno volleyball team, a roller-coaster of riveting rivalries begins. Viewers will be hooked on the personalities, playing styles, and motives as the teams aim for the Nationals. Internal asides precisely pair the mental states and character growth to the moment-to-moment plays. Furthermore, Production I.G. intensifies each game with a considered combination of slow-mo, reaction shots, and powerful poses. VERDICT For those wanting to experience the “feel” of sport, Haikyu!! comes quite close to the real thing.

Little Witch Academia. Trigger. 2017. 25 episodes, 25 min. ea.
TV-Y7–With its guiding mantra of “believe in yourself,” this anime invites viewers to the Luna Nova Witch Academy. As a newly inducted witch, Akko wholeheartedly fumbles her way through misadventures and trials to restore magic. With her classmates and role model Shiny Chariot backing her, each resolution is chaotically funny and amiable. Akko has an infectious worldview. Spells sparkle and flow, and eyes shine with wonder, even as she gradually realizes that dreams aren’t enough. VERDICT  With frivolity coating its messages, and its European influences, fans of American animated series like the “The Owl House” will eagerly resume their magic lessons to join in.

Liz and the Blue Bird. Kyoto Animation. 2018. 90 min.
PG–This anime film tenderly depicts the relationship between the shy Mizore and outgoing Nozomi as they prepare for a school concert band competition. Moved by their flute and oboe duet, and post-graduation decisions, they reflect and take flight. While the movie does not progress beyond the friend stage, it strongly implies that they have feelings for each other. Both the animation and sound are an utter treat to music students who will recognize their playing experiences replicated. Also, as a bonus, the painterly fairy tale that mirrors the girls’ story serves as inspiration for a stunning four-movement piece. Bands will thoroughly enjoy playing it. VERDICT While tied to Ayano Takeda’s “Sound! Euphonium” novel series, this musical drama is a standalone work.

Medalist. ENGI. 2025–. 13 episodes, 23 min ea.
TV-14–This anime series keeps a figure skater’s passion and dedication foremost in its center, as the story glides into the hearts of viewers. Former Nationalist hopeful Tsukasa is feeling washed out until 11-year-old Inori ignites the coaching spark in him. Inori’s dream is to become a top skater, but with rivals and anxieties, she has a steep slope to climb. While skaters will gravitate to Medalist because of its realism, Inori’s journey will endear itself to many tweens and adults. As it models paths to self-fulfillment, confidence, and the joys of mentorship, it gives hope. VERDICT Expressive 2D animation blends with camera-tracking 3D to portray the artistic and dynamic flow of this sport, but it’s the charming characters that win the gold.

My Hero Academia. Bones. 2016–. 159 episodes, 24 min. ea.
TV-14–This is the anime to recommend to superhero fans. Its inspirational plot follows the transformation of Izuka “Deku” Midoriya from quirkless boy to the greatest hero while attending U.A. Academy. As the inheritor of the One for All power, Deku and his classmates become ensconced in heart-pounding battles between heroes and villains. While interspersed with bond-building moments, both plot and character usually develop during these crises of ideology and skill. As an action series for teens, there is a medium level of violence and swearing. VERDICT Between the quirky designs, cleverly intense battles, and jaw-dropping cinematic moments, this underdog story will sweep superhero fans into the stratosphere.

Solo Leveling. A-1 Pictures. 2024–. 26 episodes, 24 min. ea.
TV-MA–Sung Jinwoo started as a lowly E-rank Hunter, but after a brutal reawakening within one of the otherworld Gates plaguing Earth, it’s time to level up—monsters and hunters alike beware. The anime adaptation updates the plot of the wildly popular webcomic, while retaining elements like the sharply punctuated movements of its almost nonstop action. Its strength originates in its power fantasy, raising viewer thrills as the lead becomes more overpowered. With Jinwoo’s skills and wickedly designed shadow army, fights vary between intense duels to big brawls. Most are graphically violent. Aside from this, the plot offers a long-term hook on the nature of the game-based System facilitating his growth. VERDICT  With its similarities to action-driven movies and games, this is one teens will devour in a binge watch.

Spy x Family. WIT Studio. 2022–. 38 episodes, 24 min. ea.
TV-14–The wild premise of a spy, assassin, and esper living a double life as a father, mother, and daughter garnered this anime many coveted crowns. Twilight’s mission: prevent conflict between two Cold War–esque countries, while keeping his identity hidden, even from his adopted family. Being the spy-loving esper she is, Anya tries to help. As for the world’s best agent and assassin, they have a lot to learn about raising a child. From thrills worthy of a spy flick, to the floor rolling laughter and genuine bonding moments of a family sitcom, Spy x Family smoothly pivots between each brilliantly drawn moment.VERDICT Every inner monologue, priceless expression, and character introduction makes it an outstanding choice best watched with friends or family.

Trigun Stampede. Orange. 2023–. 12 episodes, 24 min. ea.
TV-14–Through a Western and sci-fi blend, Trigun Stampede offers an ideological glance into our world’s environmental and social unrest. On the frontier planet Noman’s Land, people depend on humanoid plants to survive the desert landscape. Among them wanders the affable and clumsy Vash, an atypical male protagonist who desires to save everyone without causing harm. These ideals put him at odds with his brother, the spine-tingling Millions Knives, who aims for a genocide-inducing eco-revolution. In this reboot, Orange’s 3D animators imbue personality into every movement, from Vash’s lanky run to harrowing set pieces with partially obscured dismemberment. While eye-catching, this gun-slinging drama captivates because it questions the tug-of-war between morality and survival. VERDICT Even though tragedy follows Vash like a typhoon, his faith is just as mighty.

Rachel Forbes is a librarian with both collections and programming experience at the Oakville Public Library.