Gateway Anime 5o3h50
Anime
Approachable shows that require no prior knowledge of anime to appreciate. Determined by lack of tropes, lack of fanservice, resemblance to western media, and short length
Cowboy Bebop 4o1p6p

TV, 1998, 26 eps Me:- Author:9
An absolute classic. Was heavily influenced by western cinema and doesn't include any common anime tropes. Balances light hearted humor with deeper themes.
Kimetsu no Yaiba 511627

TV, 2019, 26 eps Me:- Author:9
Incredible animation by ufotable, you really get to see their style refined here. Great dynamics between the main cast. Very by the books story but also relatable and approachable. There's a reason why 19% of Japanese households are watching this.
Jujutsu Kaisen 2b102q

TV, 2020, 24 eps Me:- Author:8
Incredible animation and fight choreography while still maintaining a light hearted tone. A good introduction to what anime is all about while still staying very approachable.
Spy x Family 5q5o68

TV, 2022, 12 eps Me:- Author:9
Mixes comedy, action, and drama with an overarching spy theme. It has something for everyone and you'll end up liking at least one of the main characters, no matter who you are.
Shiguang Dailiren 4w1k63

ONA, 2021, 11 eps Me:- Author:9
Technically not an anime but I had to put this in. Story's amazing, hooks you in immediately while still being an absolute vibe the whole way through. I showed this to my family who are very closed minded about anime and we all loved it.
Aggressive Retsuko (ONA) 50326g

ONA, 2018, 10 eps Me:- Author:8
Funny and light hearted while still showing the dark truth behind the Japanese workplace, all done with a really cute art style. Relatable to just about any employed adult. I showed this to my mom and she cried by the end.
Violet Evergarden 443567

TV, 2018, 13 eps Me:- Author:7
A slow burn but is able but tells a very touching story about a girl learning what it means to be human. Animation is peak KyoAni
Odd Taxi 3n305s

TV, 2021, 13 eps Me:- Author:9
Really clever dialogue and well thought out story. Manages to be a complete package while still being relatively short in length. Despite the anthropomorphic animal characters, the dialogue is very believable and gives off the vibe of a live action western show
Death Note 3tg6s

TV, 2006, 37 eps Me:- Author:9
Another classic I had to put on here. There's a reason why it's so popular on MAL, it hooks you in from the very beginning and doesn't let go.
Vinland Saga 3j5i3b

TV, 2019, 24 eps Me:- Author:9
Some of the most compelling character development and well thought out story. I can see the world building hooking western viewers in. Theres a lot of historical accuracy and I recommend this to especially those interested in history.
Akira 3v5516

Movie, 1988, 1 ep Me:- Author:3
This was able to get anyone into anime during a time when anime was unheard of. If that isn't a reason for Akira to be on this list, I don't know what is. While the story is far from standard in my opinion, it still remains as one of the best looking anime to date.
Ousama Ranking 5c4i5r

TV, 2021, 23 eps Me:- Author:7
Great art style and animation by Wit with amazing worldbuilding. Takes commonly seen fairy tale tropes and flips them on its head.
One Punch Man 69361j

TV, 2015, 12 eps Me:- Author:9
The humor is definitely suited towards western audiences. Especially recommend to people who are interested in superheroes. Has a great mix of action and comedy
Boku no Hero Academia 484s4g

TV, 2016, 13 eps Me:- Author:6
I was reluctant to put this in because of its length and its tropes, but it serves as a good introduction to anime. There's a reason why the premise of quirks and heroes has captivated so many people in the west. Especially recommend to those who are interested in superheroes.
Sword Art Online 735f2e

TV, 2012, 25 eps Me:- Author:4
I may personally not be a fan of this but there's a reason why it's as popular as it is. It serves as a good introduction to light novel adaptations and the premise of being trapped inside of a game is appealing to many
Kimi no Na wa. 5p6d3p

Movie, 2016, 1 ep Me:- Author:8
Absolutely gorgeous visuals. Has a simple premise but has got many hooked on the romance genre.
Koe no Katachi 3t4oq

Movie, 2016, 1 ep Me:- Author:9
Has characters just about anyone can relate to and tells a heartbreaking story about the effects of bullying. Gorgeous animation by KyoAni as always.
Monster 3w5f57

TV, 2004, 74 eps Me:- Author:-
I've only read Monster and didn't watch it so take what I say with a grain of salt. The dialogue is very believable, it gives off the vibe of a really good western live action show. The dynamic between the main protagonist and antagonist is amazing. I'd give the manga an 8/10 because it is a slow burn at times
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 5u5w6q

ONA, 2022, 10 eps Me:- Author:8
Based off a western game and Trigger's art style is very distinct. It was clear from when this was first announced that this was a project catered towards western audiences, and I'm all for that if it means this is what we're getting.
Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso 4j2d5a

TV, 2014, 22 eps Me:- Author:9
Incredible romance anime. As a piano player myself, I thought the characters were really relatable, especially the main lead. It isn't afraid to show how unforgiving reality can be while still balancing it with lightheartedness.
Boku dake ga Inai Machi 2y3p3f

TV, 2016, 12 eps Me:- Author:6
I personally wasn't a huge fan as I thought it was a rushed adaptation, but the mystery aspect for the most part was amazing. Characters are very likeable.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 6j2z5c

TV, 2009, 64 eps Me:- Author:9
Another classic. It's hard to not say what's already been said. The story is one of the best in anime and has one of the most thought provoking endings ever. There are so many likeable characters and they all shatter the tropes commonly seen in anime
Gakkou no Kaidan 24m20

TV, 2000, 19 eps Me:- Author:9
The humor from the dub is so unique to Ghost Stories when compared to any other anime. It's very distinctly American and feels like an edgy sitcom
Yakusoku no Neverland 6t5v2

TV, 2019, 12 eps Me:- Author:9
This is referring to season 1 only. Hooks you in from the very beginning and doesn't let go. I loved the dynamics between the three main leads and the mysteries always keep you guessing.