I want to equate an anime series playing on our screen to a hug from a loved one, and for some people it can be but I run the risk of sounding shallow. But hear me out. Anime offers a plethora of genres for its fanbase, from dark tales like Death Note to neck breakers like One Piece. There’s no doubt the genre provides much needed entertainment, a respite from the mundane. And when non-anime viewers enlist works like Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Dragon Ball Z, there’s plenty more to explore. Calmer, relatable, or a series that take them to a reality escape on a gloomy day.
If you’re someone who is new to the anime world and want to start with something humorous, stress-free, and easygoing, scroll for our top five picks for you.
1. SPY X Family
Based on a manga of the same title, the story follows a spy, Loid Forger, who has to build a fake family to execute a secret mission, not realising that the girl, Anaya, he adopts as his daughter is a telepath and the woman, Yor, he agrees to be in a marriage with is a skilled assassin. The fun begins when Loid struggles to get Anaya to study for her exams, but the little girl isn’t a big fan of numbers and sums.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Hataraku Mao-sama (The Devil is a Part-Timer)
You’d think this might be a spooky series for an anime that centres around Satan’s life. However, this series actually recounts the amusing tale of how a heroine named Emilia forced Satan to use a gate to escape from hell. They are transported to contemporary Tokyo through that gate. Now that he can no longer do evil, Satan must deal with everyday issues. Including the challenges of working at McDonald’s while trying to pay the rent each month.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
3. Haikyuu!
If you want something goofy and light, watch this anime and let Hinata, Kageyama, Nishinoya, and the rest elevate your spirits. Sugawara, the anime version of a warm cinnamon bun, will also be there to help you forget all your concerns.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Ouran High School Host Club
The story follows Haruhi, who got a scholarship to attend a school for the extremely wealthy, whereas she is a destitute tomboyish girl who cannot even afford a uniform. One day, she discovers the distinctly odd but wildly successful Ouran Host Club. But there she unintentionally breaks a vase while attempting to escape, and because she can’t afford to replace it, she is told that she must stay and work odd jobs. Until they decide she would be more valuable as a member of the club and then they fix her up and give her a male uniform because they didn’t realise she was a woman based on the way she looked.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Sket Dance
With a funny and entertaining story, anime feels like a comforting warm ramen bowl waiting for you. It follows the adventures of high school teenagers Bossun, Switch, and Hieko as they work to support others in need through their Sket Dance Club. The backstories can be a little over the top. But the concluding scenes are always heartwarming and upbeat.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Also, read 7 Times Anime Had Major Influence On The Fashion World For Good
