Why Funimation Is the Ideal Starting Point for New Anime Fans

Funimation has cemented itself as one of the most accessible gateways into Japanese animation, particularly for viewers who prefer English dubs. While the anime landscape includes several streaming giants, Funimation’s curated library and localization philosophy set it apart. For a first-time viewer, the sheer volume of available titles on any platform can be intimidating, but Funimation’s focus on providing high-quality English voice acting alongside subtitled versions removes one of the biggest barriers to entry. You don't have to learn to read subtitles while keeping up with fast-moving visuals; you can simply listen and absorb the story.

Beyond the dub advantage, the platform houses many of the most culturally significant and beginner-friendly series in the medium. From long-running shonen epics to tightly plotted thrillers, Funimation offers a cross-section of genres that function as perfect introductions to anime storytelling. The service also provides simulcasts—episodes that air in Japan and appear on the platform shortly after with subtitles—and SimulDubs, where the English dub version releases just weeks behind the Japanese broadcast. This means newcomers can participate in current anime conversations without feeling left out.

The user interface, while not flawless, is designed with discovery in mind. Curated lists like “Starter Anime” or “Most Popular” help newcomers bypass the paralysis of infinite choice. If you’re looking to explore a new form of entertainment that blends breathtaking animation, complex characters, and serialized storytelling, starting your journey on Funimation is a pragmatic and rewarding decision.

Understanding Anime Genres Before You Start

Anime is not a single genre; it’s a medium that encompasses everything from horror to romance, science fiction to slice-of-life. A common mistake beginners make is watching a show from a genre they would never enjoy in live-action and then judging all anime by that experience. Taking a few minutes to understand the primary categories can help you pick a series that genuinely resonates with your taste.

Shonen is the most visible genre, targeting young male audiences but beloved by all demographics. These series typically focus on action, adventure, friendship, and self-improvement. My Hero Academia, One Piece, and Dragon Ball Super fall here. Seinen, on the other hand, aims at adult men and often features darker themes, psychological depth, or graphic violence—Attack on Titan and Death Note blur these lines but lean heavily into sophisticated storytelling that appeals to older teens and adults.

Other genres worth noting include Isekai (characters transported to another world), Mecha (giant robots), Slice of Life (everyday experiences), and Sports. While your first few watches might stick to action-heavy titles, knowing the broader landscape allows you to pivot when you’re ready for something different. Funimation’s library filters let you sort by genre, making it easy to sample a few episodes of a slice-of-life show like Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid after binging a thriller.

The following five series represent a cross-section of what makes anime captivating. They are consistently recommended not only because of their popularity but because they showcase distinct storytelling styles and require little to no pre-existing anime knowledge. Each one serves as an excellent introductory course in the medium’s potential.

My Hero Academia – The Modern Superhero Classic

If you grew up on Marvel or DC films, My Hero Academia is the smoothest possible transition into anime. Set in a world where roughly 80% of the population is born with a superpower known as a “Quirk,” the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a powerless boy who idolizes the world’s greatest hero, All Might. Through a twist of fate, Midoriya inherits a powerful ability and enrolls in U.A. High School, an academy that trains the next generation of professional heroes.

The series nails the balance between over-the-top superhero action and intimate character drama. Each classmate has a distinct personality and ability, and the show dedicates real time to their struggles and triumphs. For a beginner, the emotional core is instantly accessible—themes of perseverance, self-doubt, and the meaning of true heroism transcend cultural boundaries. The animation, produced by studio Bones, is consistently dynamic, especially during the iconic tournament and villain arcs.

With six seasons available on Funimation (and a seventh on the horizon), the show has plenty of content without the burden of a decades-long commitment. The English dub is widely praised, making it a comfortable entry point. If you’ve ever cheered for an underdog in a cape, this is your starting line.

Attack on Titan – Epic Dark Fantasy and Suspense

For those who believe animation can’t deliver serious, adult storytelling, Attack on Titan is a swift rebuttal. The series takes place in a bleak world where humanity has been pushed to the brink of extinction by giant humanoid creatures called Titans. The remnants of civilization live behind three concentric walls, and the story ignites when a colossal Titan breaches the outer barrier, unleashing chaos.

This is not a light watch. The show deals with themes of war, oppression, freedom, and moral ambiguity. The protagonist, Eren Yeager, undergoes one of the most dramatic character evolutions in modern fiction. Newcomers will appreciate the relentless pacing; the first episode plunges you into a visceral tragedy that refuses to let go. The mystery behind the Titans and the world’s history unfolds deliberately across four seasons, building to a finale that sparks intense discussion.

Because the series relies heavily on plot twists and foreshadowing, it’s ideal for viewers who enjoy piecing together clues. The animation by Wit Studio and later MAPPA is cinematic, and Hiroyuki Sawano’s score elevates every emotional peak. Funimation offers both the subtitled and dubbed versions, though many argue the Japanese voice acting carries an unmatched raw intensity. Regardless of your preference, Attack on Titan demonstrates anime’s capacity to match and even surpass prestige television in narrative ambition.

One Piece – The Ultimate Adventure Saga

With over 1,000 episodes, One Piece might seem like the polar opposite of beginner-friendly. Yet it remains one of the most frequently recommended starter anime for a reason: its world-building, humor, and emotional resonance are unmatched. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a rubber-bodied pirate with the dream of finding the legendary treasure known as the One Piece and becoming the King of the Pirates. Along the way, he gathers a diverse crew, each with their own tragic backstory and dream.

What makes One Piece work for newcomers is its episodic adventure structure in the early arcs. You don’t need to grasp a complex magic system or political web immediately; you simply sail from island to island, meeting quirky characters and overcoming threats. The humor is universal—slapstick gags, absurd character designs, and heartfelt moments that can make you cry for a ship, literally. The series teaches viewers to embrace the journey rather than sprint toward a distant conclusion.

Funimation includes all major arcs in both sub and dub, and many beginners choose to watch selectively or follow a curated watch guide to skip filler episodes. Because the show has been running since 1999, the animation quality evolves, giving new viewers a fascinating visual timeline of the industry. If you’re willing to commit to a long-term storytelling experience, few works in any medium reward that investment as richly as One Piece.

Dragon Ball Super – Action-Packed Nostalgia for Newcomers

The Dragon Ball franchise is a cornerstone of anime’s global popularity, and Dragon Ball Super serves as a modern continuation that requires minimal prior knowledge. While longtime fans appreciate callbacks to Dragon Ball Z, the series reintroduces its world and characters in a way that first-timers can follow. Goku and his friends defend Earth from increasingly powerful deities and warriors from across the multiverse, all while pursuing greater strength.

The appeal lies in pure, unadulterated spectacle. The fights are kinetic, colorful, and driven by straightforward motivations: protect loved ones, surpass limits, and enjoy the thrill of combat. There’s a joyful simplicity that makes it an easy watch after a long day. The humor, often centered on Goku’s naive love for fighting and food, provides a lighthearted contrast to the universe-shattering battles.

With 131 episodes and a feature film (Dragon Ball Super: Broly) available on Funimation, it’s a manageable entry point compared to the original 291-episode run of Dragon Ball Z. The English dub features iconic voice performances that have defined the series for Western audiences. For anyone curious about the loud, energetic side of anime action that has influenced countless other series, Dragon Ball Super is a worthy introduction.

Death Note – A Mind-Bending Psychological Thriller

If you’re less interested in physical battles and more drawn to cerebral cat-and-mouse games, Death Note is the quintessential starter anime. Light Yagami, a brilliant but disillusioned high school student, discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name and face he knows. He embarks on a secret crusade to rid the world of criminals, adopting the alias “Kira.” His actions attract the attention of L, an eccentric and unparalleled detective, and the two engage in a high-stakes battle of wits.

The series hooks viewers immediately with its ethical quandaries and tension-filled mind games. Episodes often end on cliffhangers that make a “just one more” mentality impossible to resist. At just 37 episodes, it’s a lean, complete story that doesn’t overstay its welcome—a major advantage for beginners not yet accustomed to sprawling anime lengths.

Death Note showcases how anime can deliver sophisticated, morally gray narratives. The direction by Tetsurō Araki is stylish and atmospheric, employing dramatic visual metaphors and a haunting soundtrack. The English dub is exceptional, with Brad Swaile’s portrayal of Light capturing the character’s descent from righteous crusader to unhinged god. This series has been a gateway for millions because it transcends the “cartoon” stigma, functioning as a tight thriller that happens to be animated.

How to Choose Your First Anime Based on Your Taste

The best starter anime is the one that aligns with the stories you already love. Mapping familiar Western genres to their anime counterparts can simplify the selection process.

  • If you love superhero stories: My Hero Academia is the obvious pick, but also consider One-Punch Man for a comedic twist on the genre.
  • If you prefer deep psychological drama: Death Note and Steins;Gate (also on Funimation) offer intricate plots and moral complexity without requiring heavy action investment.
  • If you want an epic long-term journey: One Piece or Attack on Titan provide serialized sagas that build worlds and emotional stakes over many hours.
  • If you enjoy lighthearted comedy and action: Dragon Ball Super and shows like Fairy Tail balance humor with fantastical battles in a welcoming, low-stress way.
  • If you’re a sci-fi fan: Cowboy Bebop—a classic that blends jazz, space noir, and bounty hunting—is essential viewing and remains one of the most acclaimed anime of all time.

Don’t feel pressured to start with the most popular title if it doesn’t appeal to you. Giving yourself permission to sample three or four first episodes across different genres is a low-commitment method to discover your personal taste. Funimation’s watch history and “continue watching” row make it easy to bounce between trials until something clicks.

Viewing Tips for First-Time Anime Watchers

Jumping into a new medium comes with a few unique considerations. First, decide between subtitles (sub) and English dubs. Funimation’s strength is its extensive dub catalog, and for many beginners, hearing a story in their native language reduces fatigue and helps them connect emotionally. However, some performances and translations lose nuance in dubbing, and longtime fans often prefer the original Japanese voice acting. There’s no wrong answer; try both for an episode and stick with what feels natural.

Be mindful of cultural references and storytelling conventions that may differ from Western media. Exaggerated facial expressions, internal monologues, and episode-long battles can feel unusual at first but quickly become part of the charm. Anime often front-loads character exposition, especially in early episodes, so patience pays off.

Avoiding spoilers is particularly challenging with popular series. Be cautious when searching for character images or browsing forums—autocomplete and unrelated comment sections can be ruinous. If you’re watching a long-running show with filler episodes (content not based on the original source material), consider following an online filler guide. Sites like Anime Filler List can help you skip non-essential arcs without missing core plot, though some filler is genuinely enjoyable.

Finally, embrace the community but at your own pace. Platforms like Reddit’s r/anime or MyAnimeList offer episode discussion threads, but wading in too early can color your personal interpretation. It’s often best to form your own impressions before diving into critical analysis.

Additional Beginner-Friendly Anime on Funimation (Honorable Mentions)

Once you’ve sampled the big names, broaden your palate with these highly accessible series that are also available on the platform.

  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – A visually breathtaking tale of a boy fighting demons to save his sister. Its emotional clarity and stunning fight sequences make it an instant favorite for new viewers.
  • Dr. Stone – After humanity is petrified for millennia, a science-loving teen rebuilds civilization from scratch. This series mixes education with survival adventure and is perfect for curious minds.
  • Cowboy Bebop – A genre-defining space western with a legendary soundtrack. At just 26 episodes, it’s a compact masterpiece that serves as a litmus test for whether you prefer episodic or serialized storytelling.
  • Steins;Gate – A sci-fi thriller about time travel that starts slowly but pays off with one of the most gripping second halves in anime. It rewards attentive viewers and demonstrates the medium’s narrative ambition.
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Often cited as the greatest anime of all time, this series follows two brothers seeking the Philosopher’s Stone in a world governed by equivalent exchange. Its tight plotting and philosophical depth are unmatched.
  • Assassination Classroom – A class of misfits must assassinate their tentacled teacher before he destroys the Earth. The absurd premise belies a heartwarming story about education and self-worth.

Each of these shows has a strong English dub on Funimation, making them safe bets for beginners who want to explore beyond the top five.

Building Your Watchlist and Engaging with the Community

As you explore, you’ll likely want to track what you’ve seen and discover what to watch next. Creating a free account on MyAnimeList or AniList allows you to catalog your anime journey and receive tailored recommendations based on your ratings. These databases also include user reviews, genre tags, and episode counts, which can prevent accidental deep dives into a 900-episode series when you only have a weekend.

Funimation’s own “My List” feature lets you bookmark titles directly on the platform. When you finish a series, browsing the “Because You Watched” section often surfaces hidden gems that align with your taste. The key is to avoid binge burnout. Because many anime seasons run 12 or 24 episodes, it’s easy to consume an entire show in a single sitting, but pacing yourself preserves the emotional impact.

Engaging with fellow fans can enrich the experience, but choose spaces wisely. The r/anime subreddit hosts “rewatch” threads where newcomers and veterans watch a few episodes a week and discuss them without spoilers. Discord communities dedicated to specific shows also offer a guided, welcoming environment. Sharing your reactions, theories, and questions turns a solitary hobby into a shared adventure, and part of what makes anime special is the passionate community that surrounds it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Funimation for Beginners

Is Funimation free?
Yes, Funimation offers a free, ad-supported tier that lets you watch a rotating selection of episodes—often the first few of a series—in subtitled format. To unlock the full library, dubbed episodes, and offline viewing, you’ll need a premium subscription starting at $7.99 per month. Newcomers can take advantage of a 14-day free trial to explore premium features without commitment.

Can I watch anime offline with Funimation?
Premium subscribers can download episodes to the Funimation mobile app for offline viewing. This feature is a lifesaver for commutes or travel, and it works seamlessly across iOS and Android devices. Downloaded content remains accessible as long as your subscription is active and you periodically connect to the internet to verify your license.

Do I need to start with episode 1 or are there movies that can act as an intro?
With very few exceptions, you should always start a series from its first televised episode. Movies associated with long-running franchises (like My Hero Academia: Two Heroes or Dragon Ball Super: Broly) often assume familiarity with the characters and may spoil plot points. Standalone films like those from Studio Ghibli or Mamoru Hosoda are excellent starting points, but those are primarily available on other platforms like HBO Max or Netflix. On Funimation, episodic series are the best entry path.

What if I start a show and don’t like it?
Drop it without guilt. Anime fandom sometimes pressures viewers to “stick with it until episode X,” but life is too short. If after three or four episodes you aren’t engaged, move to something else. The goal is to discover what you enjoy, not to complete a curriculum. You can always revisit a series later when your tastes have evolved.

How do I avoid major spoilers?
Be cautious with social media and video platforms. YouTube thumbnails and recommended feeds are notorious for spoiling character deaths and plot twists. Use incognito browsers when searching for specific information, and consider installing browser extensions that block keywords. For community discussions, stick to officially marked “first-time viewer” threads where spoilers are actively moderated.

What to Expect After Your First Anime

Completing your first anime often sparks a hunger for more. You might find yourself drawn to a particular director, animation studio, or genre. If you loved the kinetic fight choreography of Demon Slayer, seek out other works by studio Ufotable like Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. If the philosophical depth of Death Note hooked you, try Psycho-Pass or Monster. The rabbit hole deepens quickly, but it’s also infinitely rewarding.

You’ll also begin to notice industry patterns: seasonal release schedules, the influence of manga source material, and the distinct visual signatures of different studios. This growing literacy transforms you from a passive viewer into an active appreciator of the medium. And as your taste develops, you might venture beyond the blockbuster hits into niche genres like josei (women-focused drama) or avant-garde films—a journey that often starts on a single platform like Funimation.

Where Funimation Fits in the Broader Streaming Landscape

Funimation has undergone changes, including merging much of its content into Crunchyroll following Sony’s acquisition of both services. While the standalone Funimation app still operates, many of its titles are now available on Crunchyroll, and new subscribers are directed there. For beginners today, a Crunchyroll subscription will provide a massive library that includes the Funimation catalog mentioned here. Regardless of the platform name, the entry points remain the same: high-quality dubs, curated recommendations, and a focus on accessibility. You can read more about the transition on Crunchyroll’s official announcement.

Start Your Journey With Confidence

Anime is more approachable than ever. The stereotypes of impenetrable fandoms and endless episode counts are increasingly outdated. With platforms like Funimation (and its successor Crunchyroll), you can stream a tightly written thriller in an afternoon or embark on a months-long pirate adventure—all in crisp high-definition with professional English voice acting. The five series detailed here—My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, and Death Note—represent a spectrum of what anime can offer: inspiration, suspense, laughter, and profound moral exploration. Choose the story that resonates, press play, and welcome to a medium that has captured hearts across the globe.