Death Note to Demon Slayer: 6 must-watch anime series for beginners on Netflix, JioHotstar and Prime Video

Whether you prefer mind games, magical battles, emotional adventures or comedy, these anime offer a simple way to begin exploring the genre. The best part is that you do not need to know anything about anime before starting, just pick the story th...

A look at must-watch anime for beginners on OTT in India (Credit: IMDb)
If you are thinking about entering the world of anime but do not know where to begin, the good news is that you do not have to start with a 1,000-episode series. From thrilling mysteries and supernatural battles to emotional adventures and hilarious family chaos, there is an anime for every kind of viewer. Here are six must-watch anime series for beginners that are available across Netflix, JioHotstar and Prime Video.

Death Note - Netflix

I started my anime-watching journey with Death Note and immediately fell in love with the storyline. Created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, the psychological thriller follows Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student whose life changes after he discovers a mysterious notebook.


The notebook has a terrifying power, anyone whose name is written in it dies. Light decides to use it to eliminate criminals and create what he believes will be a better world. However, his actions soon attract the attention of L, an exceptionally intelligent detective.

What follows is a gripping battle of minds between two brilliant characters. With its dark storyline, supernatural elements and constant twists, Death Note is one of the easiest anime series to get hooked on. The series is available on Netflix.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - Netflix
If you want an anime that combines fantasy, adventure, comedy and emotional storytelling, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a must-watch. The story follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who make a dangerous attempt to bring their dead mother back to life. The experiment goes horribly wrong, leaving Edward with serious physical injuries and Alphonse without a human body.

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The brothers then begin a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, hoping it can restore what they lost. Along the way, they encounter powerful enemies, lovable characters and secrets connected to war, science and politics.

The anime is known for balancing funny moments with serious themes. It has 64 episodes across one season and is available on Netflix.



Jujutsu Kaisen - JioHotstar
For viewers who want fast-paced action, supernatural powers and a little dark humour, Jujutsu Kaisen is a strong choice.

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The story follows Yuji Itadori, an ordinary student whose life changes after he swallows a cursed object to save his friends. He becomes the host of Ryomen Sukuna, one of the most powerful curses in the world. Yuji then joins Tokyo Jujutsu High, where sorcerers train to fight dangerous supernatural beings known as Curses. The anime combines intense battles with memorable characters and impressive animation.

Jujutsu Kaisen first premiered in India on Netflix in 2021 and is now available across multiple platforms, including JioHotstar. Its first two seasons together have 47 episodes.

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Netflix
Anime is famous for its spectacular fight scenes, and Demon Slayer takes them to another level. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose life changes after a demon attack kills most of his family. His sister Nezuko survives but is transformed into a demon. Determined to save her, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer and begins searching for a cure.

The series combines a deeply emotional story with stunning animation, memorable characters and some truly spectacular battles. It is a particularly good choice for beginners who want an anime that immediately looks and feels cinematic.

Demon Slayer currently has four seasons, along with the Mugen Train movie, and is available to stream on Netflix.



Naruto - Netflix and Prime Video
For many anime fans, Naruto was the series that started everything. It follows Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who grows up as an outsider in his village because of the powerful Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him.

Despite being rejected by others, Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage, the leader of his village. His journey is filled with friendship, rivalries, emotional losses and some of the most memorable battles in anime.

One of the show's biggest strengths is Naruto's ability to turn enemies into friends. His journey from an outcast to a powerful ninja makes the series especially engaging for new viewers. The original Naruto has 220 episodes across nine seasons, while Naruto: Shippuden has 500 episodes across 21 seasons. The franchise is available across platforms including Netflix and Prime Video.

Spy x Family - Prime Video
If you want something lighter, funnier and more wholesome, Spy x Family is a perfect starting point. The story follows Loid Forger, a spy who creates a fake family for an important mission. However, his wife Yor is secretly a deadly assassin, while their daughter Anya can read minds. The funniest part is that none of them knows the other's real identity - except Anya.

The series combines action, comedy and family moments, making it easy to watch even for people who are completely new to anime. Spy x Family has 50 episodes across three seasons and is available on Prime Video in India.
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