What’s up Nerds!

We know not every anime starts out strong, but there are some that keep you so entertained you can’t wait long enough for season 2. A bit of a disclaimer, I’m only evaluating these shows off of season 1 only. So if the show is trash after season 1 that’s got nothing to do with this list. I’m also going to try to keep titles like older shows like One Piece, and DBZ off the list. I mean if their 1st seasons weren’t fire there’s not way they would still be as popular now. So anything before 2000 won’t be on the list. And also anything after 2010 won’t be up here as there’s enough to make a another list.

Toradora (2008)

This was on of the first romance anime I ever watched. I loved how the female protagonist was not this cutesy, bashful and docile character. Taiga is fiesty and straightforward despite her short stature. Everyone is kind of intimidated by her but she doesn’t let that change her goals. This story is a friends-to-lovers trope and I think it’s done pretty well. If you are dabbling in the romance genre this is a great segue into the genre. The first season does a great job introducing you to the characters and their backstoryies and motivations. Because it is a friends-to lovers trope, it is a slow burn fright from the start. But season 1 leaves you questions who protagonist Ryuji will choose between Taiga and Minori.

Fairy Tail (2009)

This is a classic shonen whit a love for dragons. Fairy Tail was my first official anime that I watched that wasn’t DBZ anything. You follow a girl named Lucy as she joins the Fairy Tail guild to do magic and search for her celestial keys. The first season for me had a great start and it was pretty fast paced. I got a handle on who we would be seeing throughout the anime while simultaneously introducing new characters without it feeling overwhelming. The first season is on the longer side at 48 episodes but it gives you good fights that keep you coming back.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

It took me a long time to watch this one (and I still technically haven’t finished it. I know I know don’t come for me). But I have to say it deserves all it’s praise. It’s like a perfect combination of shonen and sci-fi. At first I didn’t think I was going to be into the whole alchemy concept but it grew on me quickly. I also loved the bond between the Elric brothers, but how they also kept them as realistic as they cold. Meaning they both had to deal with the consequences of their actions by using alchemy without fully understanding the weight it. There’s also a storyline that deals with discrimination that is introduced in season 1 that really helps make this worlds seem bigger. It’s a classic that’s worth the hype.

Death Note (2006)

Another classic that’s worth the hype. It’s mystery, it’s suspenseful and it’s absolutely crazy. Light is one of the best protagonist in anime. Period. And the show, is fast paced that keeps you engaged after each episode. Will they discover his secret? How will he get away with it? I loved how the writers had to be ten steps ahead to keep everyone on their toes. The character development is also top tier. The range of emotions you see from Light is incredible. You get to see what happens when a high schooler has all the power in the world. I’m talking about life and death. If you ever want to know what you would do if you could control who die and who lived.

Inuyasha (2000)

This is my OG love. One of the anime I would get up early to watch when it would come on Toonami. I love this anime. It’s romance mixed with Feudal Japan and sorcery. Now this one is a slow burn as well, but it’s worth it. There’s a love triangle. Inuyasha has to decide between an old love and a new love. All the while trying to save the world from the evil being that is Naraku. You have your intense episodes with lots of rivalry and fighting. And you also have your chill episodes with funny side stories to help give you a break before the next arc. Inuyasha and Kagome are an OG anime couple and if you want to join the bandwagon please come over. Hang out we’re all friends here.

Naruto (2002)

I’m not going to spend a whole lot of time on Naruto, because most of us know that Naruto is good. I mean it wouldn’t be classified as one of the big 3 if it wasn’t. But what hooked me in season 1? Man I just connected with Naruto immediately and felt for him and his loneliness. Oh and definitely the ending outro song. It was called Wind by Akeboshi. It was the most fitting song I’ve ever heard paired with a anime. Not only will you love the characters, but the fights are top tier. If you haven’t watched Naruto, I mean there’s no better time to start then now.

Bleach (2004)

And to close out I have to include one my favorites, Bleach. Bleach has the characters, the fighting, and the music is fire. Ichigo is one of my favorite protagonists. Season 1 does a great job establishing his character and letting you see how his friend group forms. While friendship is a pretty strong characteristics for most shonen I would say besides Fairy Tail, this is very evident in Bleach. Ichigo is that delinquent with a heart of gold type of character. He makes friends surprising easily although not trying and is willing to go and fight whoever to help save his friends. And he is pretty strong. Now you might meet the naysayers who don’t agree with the power structure in Bleach, but I say don’t let them rain on yo parade. Bleach is a good watch and season 1 will definitely have you hooked.

I plan to make another list with more recent anime but wanted to talk about some of the classics from the early 2000s. What anime show had you hooked with season 1? Let me know in the comments below and keep nerding out!