It was around 2012, when anime became a mainstream form of entertainment for the teens and young adults in Bangladesh. However, you still find many people who haven’t watched a single episode of any anime series yet.

This article is for those people who would love to give anime a try, but have absolutely no clue where to start. I have seen people show great deal of enthusiasm about watching anime. But after going through few episodes of some anime series, that enthusiasm just vanishes into thin air. The blame falls upon the people who point them towards over-complicated and monotonous anime series.

If you are one of those unlucky souls, then have no fear. These four series will hopefully get you hooked on anime.

Tokyo Ghoul

Genre: Action, Supernatural, Psychological Thriller
Episodes: 12
Release: Summer 2014

In a frictional Tokyo city. Where human-look-alike cannibal creatures called “ghoul” live alongside humans. Our story follows a simple human boy turned ghoul and his constant struggle to fit into the ghoul society. At the same time, survive and blend into the human society. As, ghouls are constantly hunted down for their merciless human murders for their own thirst for human flesh.

Most people would send you off to watch Naruto, Bleach, Death Note or even the infamous One Piece.  These series are bit too big and complex for someone, who just wants to take a peek at the world of anime. Compared to those mainstream anime, Tokyo Ghoul offers a simpler, more enjoyable plot and the fast-paced action will keep you at the edge of your seat. Do keep in mind, you’ll come across blood and gore scenes throughout the anime.

Parasyte: The Maxim

Japanese Title: Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Psychological Thriller
Episodes: 24
Release: Fall 2014

Out of nowhere, they fell from the skies; parasitic aliens, which take full control of the host’s body by infiltrating the human brain. Shinichi Izumi, a sixteen-year-old high school student, becomes the only exception to these parasites. When his parasite fails to take over his brain and has to settle for only his right hand to survive. Forced to co-exist, Shinichi and his new right hand, Migi, now face the dreaded task of surviving the horde of hostile parasites, who seek to eradicate them.

One of the most popular anime of 2014, Parasyte -The Maxim-, is based on 1989’s award winning manga. Story progression, character development and plot twists will continue to pique your interest till the end. But I must warn you; you might encounter a feel trip, so keep the tissue papers close by.

Your Lie in April

Japanese Title: Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso
Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
Episodes: 22
Release: Fall 2014

Piano prodigy Kousei Arima, fell into a downward spiral after his mother passed away. Psychological traumatized from his mother’s death, he becomes unable to hear sounds from his own piano. Leading Kousei to avoid piano and detach himself form the world of music. However, all is about to change when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a young violinist, who will shake up his world and force him to re-enter the world of music.

Music genre anime aren’t that many in numbers. But, among the few, Your Lie in April might be the best one to watch. Stunning animation paired up with an amazing story; Your Lie in April will make you fall in love with the colorful word of classical music. For anyone looking for a slice of life anime with a bit of romance; this is a must-not-miss.

Erased

Japanese Title: Boku dake ga Inai Machi
Genre: Mystery, Time Traveling, Psychological Thriller
Episodes: 12
Release: Winter 2016

Satoru Fujinuma, 29-year-old manga artist, who is still waiting for his big break, is blessed with a time-traveling phenomenon, which he calls “Revival”. Due to his bad luck, or rather good, he usually finds himself in-front of a tragedy. With the power of the “Revival”, Satoru gets send back to couple minutes earlier in the past, to prevent the tragedy from happening at all.

However, when someone close to him gets murdered and he gets wrongly accused of it. He gets send to the past once more, to prevent the murder. But, this time its 18 years into the past.

Erased is an interesting anime, perfectly bending Mystery and Time Traveling genre. From the first episode to the last; you will never be able to predict how the episode is going to end.