10 Anime Series to Avoid for Beginners – Essential Tips for New Fans

Anime has experienced remarkable growth in popularity over recent years, attracting a wave of new fans eager to delve into the genre. Classic titles such as Dragon Ball, One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood often emerge as the go-to recommendations due to their captivating narratives and impressive animation quality. These series frequently succeed in transforming casual viewers into dedicated anime enthusiasts.

However, amid the plethora of accessible anime for beginners, there exists a disheartening reality: some anime are so poorly crafted that they could potentially deter newcomers from exploring the medium further. It’s crucial to highlight a selection of these less favorable titles so that new viewers can avoid being misled during their initial steps into the anime world.

10. Digimon Frontier

Anime Series by Toei Animation; Directed by Yukio Kaizawa

The fourth installment in the enduring Digimon franchise, Digimon Frontier, finds a group of children summoned to the Digital World to combat an enigmatic evil. What sets this series apart is its unusual premise where characters themselves transform using Digimon powers rather than partnering with them, blending elements of Digimon and the tokusatsu genre.

Despite its unique approach, Digimon Frontier ranks as the weakest entry in the franchise due to its unremarkable character development and monotonous plotlines. It misrepresents what Digimon is truly about, making it an unsuitable starting point. Newcomers would benefit more from beginning with more straightforward narratives before exploring this unconventional adaptation.

9. Jellyfish Can’t Swim In The Night

Anime Series by Doga Kobo; Directed by Ryohei Takeshita

Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night portrays Mahiru Kozuki, a former artist revitalized by the inspiration of idol Kano Yamanouchi. The plot unfolds as Mahiru and Kano connect with a skilled pianist and a popular VTuber, culminating in the formation of the artist collective JELEE.

While the series commences with vibrant visuals and strong character arcs, it ultimately collapses in its final act due to forced dramatic elements and a lack of thematic depth. In contrast, other shows like Bocchi the Rock!, Ya Boy Kongming!, and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! handle similar themes far more effectively, making them better alternatives.

8. Day Break Illusion

Anime Series by AIC; Directed by Keizo Kusakawa

Day Break Illusion is set in a reality overrun by Daemonia, creatures that thrive on negative emotions and convert innocent people into monsters. While it showcases decent animation and writing, the series fails to differentiate itself from other dark magical girl narratives, rendering it largely forgettable.

Created to capitalize on the success of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Day Break Illusion ultimately lacks the depth and creativity found in superior dark magical girl anime titles. Viewers are better served watching Madoka or other options with more compelling content.

7. Beyond The Boundary

Anime Series by Kyoto Animation; Based on the Light Novel by Nagomu Torii

Beyond the Boundary introduces a world where Spirit World Warriors combat the malevolent Yomu. Featuring Mirai Kuriyama, the last of her clan, the series attempts to weave a tale of action and fantasy. Nevertheless, its standard narrative and lackluster writing fail to resonate, especially when compared to the often brilliant works of Kyoto Animation.

Although lauded for exceptional visuals, Beyond the Boundary pales in comparison to Kyoto Animation’s more refined series, making it less worthy of a viewer’s time.

6. The Lost Village

Anime Series by Diomedéa

The Lost Village follows a group of thirty individuals from an online forum who converge in the enigmatic Nanaki Village, believed to be a utopian refuge. However, they soon find that the reality is far more sinister than anticipated.

Marred by subpar visuals, convoluted plot twists, and increasingly unlikable characters, The Lost Village struggles as a dark mystery. Its creator, Mari Okada, known for her exceptional writing in titles like Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine, disappointingly fails to deliver in this series.

5. Rent-A-Girlfriend

Anime Series by TMS Entertainment; Based on the Manga by Reiji Miyajima

In Rent-A-Girlfriend, college student Kazuya Kinoshita hires Chizuru Mizuhara, a girl from an escort service, following a breakup. Their rocky start leads them to engage in a pretense of dating for the sake of friends and family.

As a harem anime, Rent-A-Girlfriend falls victim to common genre pitfalls, marked by poor pacing, predictable developments, and a protagonist that leaves much to be desired. While other harem series like Nisekoi and Girls Bravo exemplify the potential for entertainment in the genre, Rent-A-Girlfriend fails to capture that charm.

4. Uzumaki

Anime Series by Production IG USA; Based on the manga by Junji Ito

Uzumaki follows Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito, navigating a string of horrific supernatural events in their once-peaceful town of Kurouzu, each centering around disturbing spiral patterns.

Despite promising promotional material, the final product suffers from atrocious animation and pacing issues that dilute the suspense integral to Junji Ito’s stories. Uzumaki remains a disappointing adaptation of a master of horror, failing to properly realize the source material.

3. Berserk (2016)

Anime Series by GEMBA, Millepensee, & Liden Films; Based on the Manga by Kentaro Miura

The 2016 adaptation of Berserk continues the journey of Guts beyond the Golden Age arc, focusing on his quest for vengeance against Griffith. While anticipated, it became infamous for its dismal CGI, compounded by lackluster direction and pacing.

For those unfamiliar with Miura’s legendary work, the 2016 Berserk anime fails to capture the manga’s profound complexity. Viewers are encouraged to begin with the acclaimed 1990s anime instead.

2. Danganronpa 3: The End Of Hope’s Peak High School

Anime Series by Lerche; Based on the Video Game by Spike Chunsoft

Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School serves as the conclusion of the saga surrounding Hope’s Peak Academy. The anime alternates between two narratives: the Future Arc, where the Future Foundation faces new threats, and the Despair Arc, detailing the backstory of the Remnants of Despair.

Sadly, Danganronpa 3 falters due to convoluted retcons, an overload of new characters, and a flawed plot aimed at imposing an artificial happy ending. This lackluster finale is best skipped by both seasoned and new fans of the franchise.

1. Guilty Crown

Anime Series by Production I.G; Directed by Tetsuro Araki

Guilty Crown portrays a dystopian Japan, ostensibly governed by the GHQ, which attempts to manage the Apocalypse Virus’s outbreak. The narrative follows high schooler Shu Ouma, who unintentionally inherits a formidable genetic weapon from the enigmatic Inori Yuzuriha.

Though lauded for its high production quality, Guilty Crown is mired in poor pacing, lackluster characters, and subpar writing. It attempts to evoke the charm of series like Code Geass but ultimately misses the mark, making it one of the worst introductions for potential new fans.

Source & Images