WIRED curates accessible anime list for uninitiated viewers
From Studio Ghibli classics to modern action series, the guide prioritises self-contained films and emotionally resonant storytelling to bridge the gap for skeptics.
WIRED has published a curated guide titled "The 12 Best Anime to Watch if You Think You Hate Anime," designed to introduce the medium to viewers who may be deterred by stereotypes or limited exposure. The selection prioritises titles that do not require prior knowledge of Japanese culture or established anime tropes, offering a mix of films and series that serve as accessible entry points for the uninitiated.
The publication suggests starting with self-contained films that can be viewed in a single evening before committing to longer series. The recommendations span a diverse range of genres, including the action series Solo Leveling, the time-travel film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, and the reflective series Frieren. Other notable inclusions are the psychological thriller Death Note, the musical drama Blue Period, the horror-action series Jujutsu Kaisen, the folklore adaptation The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the drama Fruits Basket, and the demon-slaying adventure Demon Slayer.
A significant portion of the guide is dedicated to Studio Ghibli classics, reflecting the studio's enduring influence on global animation. The list includes Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away. The latter is noted as a 2001 masterpiece that became the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, underscoring the medium's capacity for serious cinematic storytelling.
WIRED emphasises that most of the recommended titles are available with both original Japanese audio with subtitles and English dubs, allowing viewers to engage with the content in their preferred format. The article notes that streaming availability varies, specifically mentioning that Hulu offers the English dub of Fruits Basket, while Crunchyroll provides both dubbed and subtitled versions of the series.
The guide aims to challenge the perception that anime is solely defined by exaggerated superpowers or sprawling fights. By highlighting works that focus on emotional resonance, moral complexity, and universal themes, WIRED presents a case for the medium as a legitimate and varied form of contemporary media that appeals to audiences regardless of their familiarity with Japanese animation history.
