How to find the right anime for you

I think I’ve watched Anime forever, but I never even recognized that I have. I’ve got so many favorite characters, animes, and themes. I could go on forever and I know millions of other people that can too. But I remember the many times I’ve lost interest in an anime or completely stopped watching anime for periods of time. I would find myself taking weeks to get back to an anime that dragged out the plot or was something about a sports team. This was mainly because I had a hard time looking for new ones that I’d like but, over time I have gained this love for anime back because I’ve learned to find and watch ones that I actually do enjoy! Personally, I wish I had more information about how to search for my interests in the anime world so I made this list! Hopefully, you will be able to use these different searching strategies to find anime that you can enjoy.

1. Genre Variety/Blurb Comparison 

Those who don’t exactly understand what a genre is, are most likely to be set up for disinterest in Anime. Of course, everybody has unconscious or specific standards of what they like or dislike in a book, movie, TV show, play, etc. but this usually consists of the genres that you like. 

A genre, in simple terms, is the kind of theme. For example, I like romantic literature where people can see and relate to characters’ human feelings. Other genres besides romance are thriller, high school life, action, mystery, educational, and so on. You get the point

You are more likely to appreciate romantic anime if your favorite genre in movies and plays is also romantic. However, you may also be able to explore other romantic-connected genres like wholesome or family-themed anime. I don’t think that you need to stick to any certain anime genre as well, if you find one uninteresting, do the best thing which is to find a new one. Overall, you should just keep in mind that to find more anime that you like quickly, continue to find the kinds that revolve around your preferred genres! Most of all, never, ever, be scared to try a new one out because exploring and having whims like that makes it all better!

2. Online Websites? Overviews? Blurbs?

In search of an Anime, it can be very useful to use online websites where you can get a basic overview of an entire show. For example, an anime that I enjoyed watching is HoriMiya which I found by using the website, Anime-Planet. When you want a quick, concise telling of anime, specific characters, and what anime they come from, sites are good to use. On the website, the summary of the anime is very vague so you don’t exactly know the whole thing. You are given simple tags of what the anime will consist of and related animes that might suit your interests! Although these kinds of tips might not be as informative as others to some people, this is still really important for a beginner or anyone. Starting with simple insights like this, where you see your basic interests such as “School Life,” teaches you how to spot what you’d like even quicker in the future. 

3. Manga 

A lot of anime follows its manga such as the famous “Naruto,” “One Piece,” “Attack on Titan” and many more. Of course, not all anime come from the manga but reading manga is a good way to find worthy animes as well. For example, the anime, “Demon Slayer,” is widely recognized around the world as one of the most successful anime there is, however, it also started as a common manga. It is not hard to understand how amazing manga can be when the majority of the most famous anime come from them. Many people have come to enjoy manga especially as it is new to them, so it may influence you to try reading some too. Manga is formatted in a right-to-left comic book and isn’t at all like your average American, boring book. Besides the storyline or plot, the graphics and writing are the easiest and most engaging to read. And depending on whatever manga you read, you can invest your time into learning whatever genres you like and apply them.

4. TikTok/Social Media clips 

Many people put their reviews and thoughts on anime so that others can gather their own bias beforehand! But where exactly can you find these very heartfelt, and personal opinions to help you — Social Media! Apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, etc. are the most popular kinds that are used all over the world since they capture attention. So imagine a quick 30 seconds of learning about a certain anime! 

Social apps are personally my most recommended way to find a new anime and learn about different genres, this is because it doesn’t require any safety issues for you to simply search and investigate many topics while only scrolling through elaborate 15-second reviews. Sometimes people will use these apps to share their opinion by giving a small but concise summary of the anime. Many social media videos include clips of anime so that you don’t have to rely on what someone else says and thus, conclude your opinion. 

The overall point here is that there are so many good ways to get started, be interested, and maintain a love for anime. You now know that the internet provides you with the tools you need to find a random but good anime. Do you also know why the anime you’re watching right now is kind of off? It just doesn’t have what you were looking for. 

I can say that when I started watching anime, I didn’t know at all how I would feel or that I needed to recognize and apply my standards to the shows that I chose. But to reassure me now, I remember that being a beginner to anime doesn’t mean I need to give up on the whole thing entirely but instead to try and look for a better show. There are many people online, in person, at school, or even your neighbors who have watched anime and seem to be experts but this is because of their techniques and experience rather than time.

To send you off, just know that anime is nothing like a study or requirement in life but is only meant to have fun with. Take these tips, approach anime with hope for excitement, relaxation, and a deep, deep love for a future favorite character!