Best New Anime to Start with in 2025 (Summer Picks for Beginners)

Just getting into anime? Well, you're about to open a door to wild fight scenes, ridiculous friendships, magical vending machines, and a whole lot of emotional damage (in the best way possible).

But luckily for you, it doesn't have to feel like flipping to a random page in a 1,000-chapter book. We've handpicked the best new anime for beginners in 2025—fresh releases that are easy to follow, highly rated, and actually fun from the very first episode.

Whether you love action, romance, or fantasy, these picks skip the confusing lore and get straight to the good stuff. Also, for all the parents out there, we've included tips to keep anime exploration safe and fun for younger viewers too.

Best New Anime to Start With in 2025

If you're new to anime and want to jump in without drowning in 300 episodes of backstory or endless filler arcs, these shows are the perfect entry points. Before we cover each one in detail, here's a quick summary to help you pick your starter show based on what you're into:

1 Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8 is everything you expect from an anime that's big on action. It's filled with that perfect high-energy while being easy to follow for any beginner.

The story is set in a world where giant monsters, called kaiju, keep popping up and causing chaos. The main character, Kafka, works on the cleanup crew… until something unexpected gives him a chance to actually fight back.

Kaiju No. 8 deserves a spot on every beginner's watchlist because:

• It jumps into the story quickly
• The animation looks great
• The plot doesn't get too tangled

Plus, Kafka isn't your usual teenage hero. He's older, a little tired, and kind of funny in a way that makes him super relatable.

You'll get action, monster fights, a bit of mystery, and just enough emotion to keep you hooked. And don't worry—there's no complicated lore or ten seasons of homework to catch up on. Just press play and enjoy the ride.

2 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Most fantasy stories end with the big battle and a happy goodbye. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End starts right after that. It's the best anime to start with if you want something a little slower and more heartfelt, with fantasy elements that don't feel overwhelming.

The war is over, the heroes have gone their separate ways, and Frieren, the elf mage who helped save the world, is left wondering what comes next in her centuries-long life.

It's perfect for beginners thanks to its episodic storytelling: Most adventures wrap up in 1–2 episodes, so you can watch at your own pace.

Unlike typical action-heavy fantasy, Frieren is calm, emotional, and beautifully drawn, balancing quiet character moments with bursts of spellbinding magic. Sounds deep? Well, it is, but it's told in such a gentle, thoughtful way that you'll find yourself easing right into it, even if you've never watched anime before.

3 The Dangers in My Heart

At first glance, this might look like your typical school romance, but it's got a fun little twist. The Dangers in My Heart follows a shy, awkward boy who spends most of his time in his own head… usually imagining over-the-top, dramatic scenarios.

The main character, Ichikawa, is convinced he's the “dark” and mysterious loner, until he starts talking to the popular girl in class, and things slowly begin to change.

This show does a great job balancing sweet moments with just the right amount of humor. It doesn't rush the romance, and the characters actually feel like real, awkward teenagers figuring things out.

No awkward cringe factor, over-the-top drama, or confusing love triangles—just a gentle, offbeat love story that's easy to follow and hard not to smile at. Also, each episode is just around 24 minutes each, so it's super easy to binge.

4 Sakamoto Days (Summer 2025)

Ever wonder what happens when the world's most feared assassin retires, gets married, and opens a convenience store? Sakamoto Days answers that—sort of.

It's an action-comedy about Taro Sakamoto, a quiet, chubby shopkeeper who just wants a peaceful life… but his past won't stop showing up, and when it does, things get wild. Now, he must fend off assassins while keeping his no-kill promise to his wife.

This one's perfect for beginners who want a mix of laughs and fast-paced action without too much heavy plot. The animation is fun, the fights are slick, and the tone never takes itself too seriously. Plus, Sakamoto himself is oddly lovable—kind of like John Wick, but with reading glasses and grocery coupons.

With its fresh 2025 release, this is one of the most talked-about new shows of the year, and it's built to be easy to jump into. No backstory needed.

5 My Dress-Up Darling

If you're looking for a feel-good anime about friendship, creativity, and a dash of romance, My Dress-Up Darling is one of the best new anime for beginners in 2025. It's a high school rom-com about two total opposites: Wakana Gojo, a shy high schooler who secretly loves crafting traditional Japanese dolls, and Marin Kitagawa, an outgoing classmate obsessed with cosplay.

When Marin discovers Wakana's sewing skills, she recruits him to help bring her cosplay dreams to life, and their unlikely friendship blossoms from there.

Here's what makes this anime great for beginners:

• Easy-to-love characters: Wakana's social anxiety and Marin's infectious energy make them a delightful duo.
• Wholesome with a side of humor: Yes, there's some fan service (Marin's outfits can get revealing), but it's balanced by Wakana's hilarious panic attacks over measuring her proportions.
• Sweet, slow-burn romance: Marin's obvious crush vs. Wakana's obliviousness is both funny and endearing.
• Positive message: Celebrates embracing your hobbies, no matter how "weird" they seem.

6 The Summer Hikaru Died

If you're in the mood for something a little darker (but not full-blown nightmare fuel), The Summer Hikaru Died is one of 2025's most unique horror anime.

It's a quiet, eerie story set in a sleepy rural village where something just feels... off. The story follows Yoshiki, a teenage boy whose best friend, Hikaru, vanishes in the mountains, only to return as something not quite human.

This one leans more into atmosphere than gore or jump scares. It's slow and suspenseful, with a haunting vibe that stays with you in the best way. Even if you're not usually into horror, this is a good “soft” entry. It's more unsettling than scary, and the emotional core keeps it grounded, plus the lush countryside visuals create a stunning and surreal experience.

7 Blue Lock

Not into swords or spells? Blue Lock is one of the most thrilling anime for those who love high-stakes competition and intense sports action.

It's a story about a group of teenage strikers all vying for a single spot on Japan's national team. Yoichi Isagi, a young striker, joins a brutal training program designed to forge Japan's next soccer superstar through pure, unfiltered ego.

Even if you don't know anything about soccer, you can still enjoy this one; the rules are pretty simple and explained naturally during matches. To top it off, the fast pacing and animation makes everything feel big. It's dramatic, it's stylish, and it'll probably have you yelling at the screen by episode three (in a good way)..

Best New Anime of This Summer

Craving something hot off the press? These brand-new summer 2025 debuts are perfect if you want to start with something fresh, exciting, and totally beginner-safe. No confusing timelines, no deep lore—just new stories you can jump into right now:

1Gachiakuta

Gachiakuta is a dark fantasy revenge story, but with a twist. Rudo, a boy falsely accused of murder, is exiled into a trash-filled world where junk transforms into monsters. Now, he must master newfound powers to survive and seek vengeance against those who cast him away.

Gachiakuta brings slick animation, intense battles, and a surprisingly emotional story, all without drowning you in drawn-out storylines or complex theories.

• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Drama
• Why watch: Unique world-building, stunning animation, and an easy-to-follow underdog story
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll

2Lord of Mysteries

Lord of Mysteries is a steampunk mystery show based on a hit Chinese novel with intricate world-building.

Zhou Mingrui, a lowly clerk, stumbles upon an ancient book that opens the door to forbidden knowledge, secret rituals, and eldritch-style powers. As he unravels supernatural secrets, he must navigate a web of warring factions.

• Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery
• Why watch: Slow-burn intrigue, dark magic, and a gripping premise that's easy to get hooked on
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll

3The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity

The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is a quiet romance that follows a shy, misunderstood guy and a popular girl as they grow closer through shared secrets and unexpected kindness. It's sweet, slow, and seriously wholesome, just like emotional bubble tea.

• Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
• Why watch: Soft storytelling, lovable characters, and perfect for fans of gentle school romances
• Where to watch: Netflix

4Leviathan

Another steampunk adventure set in a world on the brink of destruction, where humanity faces off against terrifying beasts known as "Leviathans." The flawless 2D/3D animation blend by Studio Orange (Beastars) and Joe Hisaishi's (Studio Ghibli) score further elevates the epic tone. With striking visuals and a tone that balances action with mystery, this one's made for binging.

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Dark Fantasy
• Why Watch: Cinematic animation, high-stakes plot, and a fresh take on the monster apocalypse theme
• Where to watch: Netflix

Bonus: Stay in Control While Letting Your Kids Explore Anime Safely

Anime can be a great way for kids and teens to discover new stories, explore different cultures, and get totally hooked on something creative. But let's be honest: not all anime is made with younger audiences in mind. While many beginner-friendly anime are wholesome, others might include:

• Mature themes (e.g., Kaiju No. 8's monster violence)
• Fan service (awkward romantic scenes in some comedies)
• Binge risks (24-episode seasons can lead to late nights)

If you're a parent trying to help your child explore anime while keeping things age-appropriate, a little backup can go a long way. That's where AirDroid Parental Control comes in.

With AirDroid Parental Control, you can:

• Block mature content: Restrict access to specific apps (like Crunchyroll or Netflix) based on ratings.
• Set screen time limits: Prevent marathon sessions with scheduled breaks.
• Monitor watch history: Check what they're viewing without hovering.
• Remote app management: Pause streaming instantly if bedtime's ignored.

The best part? Kids still get to enjoy all the fun, art, and storytelling anime has to offer, just within boundaries you control.

Conclusion

Choosing the best new anime of summer 2025 to start with should be easy with this guide. Pick a show that clicks, follow the story, and let yourself enjoy the ride. Whether you're watching to unwind, to connect with your kids, or just out of curiosity, there's something out there for everyone.

And if you're a parent guiding younger viewers through their first shows, a little help goes a long way. Tools like AirDroid Parental Control make it easy to set healthy boundaries, so your kids can explore safely, and you can relax knowing what's on their screen.

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