It is important for an anime to draw viewers in as soon as possible. There are dozens of different anime coming out every season, which means anime fans won’t stick around for a series that doesn’t interest them. The most popular series are loved by fans for their stories, but it is their first episodes that make fans stick around to see how the stories will play out.
Some anime like to shock viewers with intense action and drama during the first episode, but that is not the only way to get fans attached to a story. Even a slower first episode can be one of the best if it presents an atmosphere and characters that are easy for anime fans to fall in love with.
Updated by Alexandra Locke on April 23, 2023: The first episode of any show is vital for setting up the story, and letting audiences know what the rest of the show is about. Anime first episodes are especially important because the tales are often more fantastical. Some animes’ first episodes, though, are so epic or endearing that they stick with fans long after the first season. As more anime have recently come out, this list has been updated to include even more of anime’s greatest first episodes.
15 The Ice Guy And His Cool Female Colleague
The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague is a quiet, slice-of-life anime that has a lot of impact. In a world where Yokai descendants and humans coexist, two new hires for the same company meet accidentally. Fuyutsuki is worrying about her new position when she comes upon a man literally frozen next to a river. The man, Himuro, is descended from a Snow Woman and explains that he freezes when he is nervous. Himuro and Fuyutski share some tea to thaw before journeying on to their new jobs. Luckily, they discover they will be working together.
This adorable first episode ignites one of the most wholesome Josei romances. The show has a very slow pace, but that only adds to the anime’s uniqueness. This heartfelt show is all about longing and kindness and the power of compassion. The first episode displays all of these traits, helping audiences to see a glimpse of the beautiful story to come.
14 Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer does not hold back with its first episode. The frantic flash forward tells fans what is at stake and even though everyone could see the death of Tanjiro’s family coming, it still hit hard when he discovers his whole family has been murdered.
The first episode also has a lot of mystery. Fans are left wondering what the demons are and what it means that Nezuko has become one of them. Plus, the animation is so unique fans were excited to see what else this series could do.
13 Samurai Champloo
Anime fans are used to rock or pop songs for the opening theme so the rap song Samurai Champloo uses tells fans right away that this is a unique anime. The opening is not the only thing different about this anime.
The art style is iconic and still holds up to this day, but the series also has a hip-hop influence that is present throughout the entire episode. It helps that the story pulls fans in from the get-go and the characters have distinct personalities that are easy to fall in love with.
12 Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day begins with two friends hanging out, and playing games. It seems innocuous enough until Jintan Yadomi’s dad comes home, and does not acknowledge the girl dressed in white. As fans later learn, Menma is dead, and appears to Jintan as a ghost.
This first episode does a lot of heavy lifting as fans are not only introduced to Menma and her death but also the others in their elementary friend group. The dynamics between all the characters are also introduced, and Menma’s goal is presented. Though there is a lot of information in this episode, it never feels forced and is even touching as the old group comes together to help their departed friend.
11 The Promised Neverland
The first episode of The Promised Neverland is even more disturbing on a second watch. The innocent exposition of the Grace Field House mixed with Connie’s sweet hope for the future is almost too much to bear once fans learn the truth. Though the pristine orphanage seems a little austere at first, the reality of its purpose is brought into full view by the end of episode one.
This first episode is so impactful because of Emma and Norman’s shocking discovery of what happens to Connie. It is so jarring and horrifying that it completely changes new viewers’ perceptions of the show. Though second-season episodes disappointed many fans, The Promised Neverland should still be praised for its first impression.
10 Attack On Titan
The first episode of Attack on Titan is iconic. The series as a whole helped make anime more mainstream, but that would not have happened if it did not have a first episode that made fans want to see more. A world with man-eating titans seems like a weird premise, but this series does an excellent job of explaining the world without overdoing it.
The characters are likable and it is easy to understand the dynamic between Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. What fans love most about the first episode is the shocking attack on the city as well as the death of Eren’s mother. Fans were so blown away they had to keep watching just so they could learn what would happen next.
9 Yona of the Dawn
At first glance, Yona of the Dawn seems like any other reverse-harem anime. A beautiful, naive princess is surrounded by handsome young men who all vie for her attention. Yet, Yona of the Dawn’s first episode has many surprising things in store for new viewers.
Though Yona is a typical, sheltered royal in this first episode, her world is quickly turned upside-down when the love of her life, Su-Won, murders her father in cold blood. She is then chased from her own palace with only her teasing, but faithful bodyguard. This episode throws off the typical Shojo tropes, and forces Yona to start to learn how to protect herself.
8 My Hero Academia
A world of superheroes is easy for fans to get behind, but that does not mean anime fans will watch any old superhero anime. My Hero Academia establishes a colorful world of superheroes, but with a protagonist that lacks superpowers.
Midoriya’s struggles immediately endear fans to him because of his personality and his relentless pursuit of his dreams. The idea of Quirks is also incredibly unique. Within the first episode, fans meet a hero made of wood as well as a hero who can become a giant, which makes them wonder what other types of Quirks are out there.
7 Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is a newer anime, but it has already established itself as one of the best modern series. The story is unlike any other, which is hard to achieve considering how much anime exists these days. Chainsaw Man put its best foot forward with its first episode.
Fans feel for Denji’s situation and they are intrigued to learn more about the world of demons that he finds himself in. Chainsaw Man also has some of the best animation of recent years and the opening is so good even people who have never seen the series were aware of it.
6 Yuri On Ice!!!
Yuri on Ice!!! broke the internet with its dramatic story and unexpected romance. Anime fans expected this series to be just like any other sports anime, but it is clear from the very beginning that Yuri on Ice is a completely different beast.
While it is the seventh and ninth episodes that fans remember most fondly, the first episode does an amazing job of establishing the story and drawing fans in. Fans immediately related to Yuri’s sense of failure and anxiety, and they are intrigued by Victor’s unusual personality. Yuri on Ice!!! subverts expectations which is especially true for its first episode.
5 Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is best known for its quality animation and engaging fight scenes. It is one of the best modern series, particularly when it comes to establishing characters with interesting personalities and backstories.
This is especially true for the first episode, which showcases how much of a likable protagonist Itadori is. He has an unusual strength and a need to protect the people around him. After the first episode fans were left with tons of questions that made them want to learn more about him as well as the world he lives in.
4 Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica seems like it would be like any other magical girl anime, but the first episode makes it clear this is a very different story. The opening theme has a unique style that is unlike any other anime.
Plus, the opening sequence to the series is a flash forward to a future event, and fans cannot help but want to know what could have happened to the characters. Even though the characters are all super cute there is an underlying darkness throughout the entire first episode that makes fans want to learn more about the story.
3 Skip and Loafer
Skip and Loafer is a new show in 2023 about a country girl attending a big city school. Despite having a solid plan, and being determined to make a great first impression, Mitsumi Iwakura’s entire first day goes completely wrong – almost. Fortunately, the handsome and helpful Sousuke Shima comes to her rescue and the day does not become a total loss.
The first episode of Skip and Loafer sets up an adorable and awkward relationship between Mitsumi and Sousuke by showing how everyone has insecurities about high school. Plus, the dichotomy between Mitsumi’s home and her new school is a stark, but familiar reminder of where she came from.
2 Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is considered to be one of the best Shojo anime series of all time. Its characters are incredibly charming and its comedic take on romance is something fans remember even years after watching it.
The first episode does an especially good job of establishing the story and the characters’ relationships with each other. The premise is easy for new fans to understand, but that is what makes this story so great. Fans come back to this series for its characters. Their over-the-top personalities are so likable it is almost impossible not to binge this series after episode one.
1 Spy X Family
Spy X Family was an overnight hit because of its amazing story and characters. Anya has become a beloved character because of her funny personality and extreme cuteness.
The first episode does a perfect job of portraying the relationship between Loid and his new daughter Anya. Even in the beginning, it is clear he cares about her deeply and that kind of found family dynamic is something fans want to see more of. Plus, this series has fantastic fight sequences, which all anime fans can appreciate.
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