The first episode of an anime series can make or break a viewer’s interest. The beginning sets the tone, introduces the characters, and presents a glimpse of the world the characters inhabit. The best first episodes create an instant connection, compelling viewers to journey alongside these characters.
From the mind-bending plot of Death Note, the intense emotion of Attack on Titan, and the cool aesthetic of Cowboy Bebop, these first episodes capture the imagination, setting the bar high for the rest of the series. As different as anime genres, these memorable beginnings exemplify the artistry and storytelling genius of the medium.
10 Steins;Gate – Turning Point
Steins;Gate begins with elements of humor, mystery, and time travel. We meet the eccentric, self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintarou Okabe and his fellow lab members in Akihabara, Tokyo. A mysterious murder, a peculiar message, and a seemingly malfunctioning microwave oven set the stage for a thrilling narrative.
Rintarou’s discovery that their microwave can send messages to the past piques curiosity. Despite a seemingly slow pace, the first episode lays the crucial groundwork, setting up complex character relationships and introducing the concept of time manipulation, keeping viewers engaged.
9 Demon Slayer – Cruelty
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’s first episode introduces Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who supports his family by selling charcoal. Returning home from a day’s work, he discovers his family slaughtered by demons, with only his sister Nezuko surviving, but transformed into a demon herself.
Despite her transformation, Nezuko still shows signs of humanity. The episode is a powerful mix of tragedy and resolve, setting Tanjiro on his path to becoming a demon slayer to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko.
8 My Hero Academia: Izuku Midoriya – Origin
In the first episode of My Hero Academia, we meet Izuku Midoriya, a regular boy in a world where possessing superpowers, or Quirks, is the norm. Izuku doesn’t have a Quirk but dreams of becoming a hero.
He’s bullied for his lack of powers, but his life changes when he meets his idol, All Might, the number one hero. When Izuku selflessly attempts to save his bully from a villain, he earns All Might’s admiration, setting the stage for his extraordinary journey to becoming the next great superhero.
7 Sword Art Online – The World of Swords
Sword Art Online’s first episode introduces us to a futuristic universe where Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (VRMMORPG) are the new norm. Protagonist Kazuto ‘Kirito’ Kirigaya and thousands of others log into the eagerly anticipated game, Sword Art Online.
However, excitement turns to dread when they find themselves unable to log out. The game’s creator reveals they must complete all 100 levels to escape, with the horrifying twist that death in-game means death in reality. The high-stakes setup promises an exciting, perilous virtual adventure.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood episode 1 offers a powerful introduction to the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse. Set in a world governed by alchemy, the episode quickly immerses viewers in a gripping adventure where the brothers confront a rogue alchemist in the city of Liore.
This encounter gives us glimpses of the Elrics’ tragic past, unique abilities, and unbreakable bonds. The story masterfully combines action and emotion, setting the stage for the epic journey the brothers will undertake to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed alchemy experiment.
5 Neon Genesis Evangelion – Angel Attack
In Neon Genesis Evangelion episode 1, viewers are thrown into a post-apocalyptic world under attack by mysterious beings called Angels. The episode centers on Shinji Ikari, a young boy summoned by his estranged father to pilot a giant bio-mechanical construct, an Evangelion, against these Angels.
The stark contrast between the reluctant Shinji and the brutal necessities of the world he’s drawn into sets the emotional tone for the series. This episode serves as a riveting introduction to the complex, existential narrative Neon Genesis Evangelion is celebrated for.
4 One Punch Man – The Strongest Man
In the first episode of One Punch Man, we meet Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Despite his incredible strength, he’s bored by the lack of challenging foes. The episode skillfully introduces the unique humor and action of the series, flipping traditional superhero tropes.
Saitama’s nonchalant attitude towards his overpowered abilities and his constant search for a worthy opponent set the stage for a comedic yet insightful exploration of what it means to be a hero in a world filled with typical superhero narratives.
3 Cowboy Bebop – Asteroid Blues
Cowboy Bebop episode 1 is a stylish introduction to a unique cyberpunk anime series where bounty hunters, or cowboys, traverse the solar system. The episode’s central story revolves around a drug deal gone wrong on an asteroid colony. We meet the cool and aloof Spike Spiegel and his pragmatic partner Jet Black.
By combining Western motifs with sci-fi noir, this episode introduces the show’s signature style of jazz-infused storytelling and dynamic action sequences. It also hints at Spike’s mysterious past, setting the tone for the episodic adventure drama and narrative.
2 Attack on Titan: To You, in 2000 Years – The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1
The first Attack on Titan episode introduces viewers to a chilling world where humanity lives in fear of gigantic creatures, the Titans. We meet Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and his friend Armin Arlert, all living within the seemingly safe confines of a walled city.
However, their world shatters when a colossal Titan breaches the outer wall, leading to a catastrophic Titan invasion. The horrifying imagery and the sheer despair and anger Eren experiences as he witnesses the destruction sets the grim tone for the entire series.
1 Death Note – Rebirth
Death Note episode 1 introduces Light Yagami, a high-achieving student dissatisfied with the world’s injustice. His life changes when he discovers the Death Note, a supernatural notebook dropped by a death god, or Shinigami, named Ryuk.
The Death Note grants its user the power to kill anyone simply by writing their name on its pages. Intrigued and somewhat skeptical, Light tests the notebook, leading to his transformation into Kira, a vigilante aiming to create a utopian world free of crime. This episode brilliantly sets up the gripping psychological thriller.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
