Anime has something for everyone—whether you’re into action, romance, fantasy, or even psychological thrillers.
But not all anime is created equal, and some can be so poorly executed that they may turn off newcomers for good.
If you’re just getting into anime, it’s crucial to avoid certain series that might give you the wrong impression of the medium.
From confusing plots to lackluster characters, here are 10 anime that aren’t ideal for beginners.
1. Digimon Frontier
Anime Series by Toei Animation
While Digimon Frontier may have its nostalgic value for long-time fans, it’s the weakest entry in the Digimon franchise. With its repetitive storylines and flat characters, it’s not a great starting point for newcomers. If you’re new to Digimon, start with the earlier seasons to get a better feel for the series.
2. Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night
Anime Series by Doga Kobo
Although the series starts strong with beautiful visuals and interesting characters, Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night falls flat in its final act. The forced drama and lack of closure on important themes make it a less-than-ideal choice for anime beginners. There are other series, like Bocchi the Rock! or Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, that do a much better job of exploring similar themes.
3. Day Break Illusion
Anime Series by AIC
This magical girl anime set in a world plagued by powerful creatures lacks the emotional depth needed to make it engaging. The characters feel underdeveloped, and the story doesn’t deliver enough of a payoff, leaving newcomers to anime better off with more compelling magical girl series.
4. Beyond the Boundary
Anime Series by Kyoto Animation
Despite being visually stunning, Beyond the Boundary suffers from weak character development and pacing issues. It’s a great show for fans of Kyoto Animation’s work, but for beginners, it can feel slow and unfulfilling.
5. The Lost Village
Anime Series by Diomedéa
A psychological thriller with a complex and often confusing narrative, The Lost Village is hard to follow and doesn’t deliver on its potential. Newcomers might struggle with the lack of clear direction, making it a tough entry point into anime.
6. Rent-A-Girlfriend
Anime Series by TMS Entertainment
Rent-A-Girlfriend follows the awkward and cringe-worthy adventures of Kazuya Kinoshita, a college student who hires a girlfriend after a breakup. While the premise may sound interesting, the series is filled with frustrating characters and melodrama that may leave beginners feeling put off.
7. Uzumaki
Anime Series by Production I.G USA
Based on Junji Ito’s horror manga, Uzumaki is a disturbing and surreal series that delves into psychological terror. While it has its merits, the slow pacing and unsettling atmosphere make it more suited for seasoned anime fans rather than newcomers.
8. Berserk (2016)
Anime Series by GEMBA, Millepensee, & Liden Films
The 2016 adaptation of Berserk moves past the Golden Age arc of the manga and focuses on Guts’ quest for vengeance. However, the animation and pacing issues make it a poor choice for beginners. For those new to Berserk, it’s better to start with the earlier adaptations or the manga.
9. Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School
Anime Series by Lerche
As the final chapter of the Danganronpa franchise, Danganronpa 3 can be confusing for newcomers who haven’t seen the previous series. The two alternating storylines and complex plot twists can make it difficult to follow, so it’s best saved for those already familiar with the franchise.
10. Guilty Crown
Anime Series by Production I.G
Guilty Crown has a strong premise, but its melodramatic storytelling and plot holes make it a frustrating experience for new anime viewers. While it has its moments, the lack of emotional depth and unresolved conflicts make it a difficult series to recommend for beginners.
Starting your anime journey is an exciting experience, but choosing the right series is key to ensuring you stay hooked.
While these 10 anime might be worth watching for seasoned fans, they are not the best choices for newcomers.
Stick to anime with strong character development, engaging plots, and solid execution to get the most out of your first experiences with the medium.
