7 Most Visually Striking Anime Even Beginners Will Love

Anime is well-known for its imaginative worlds, engaging stories, and memorable characters. But what really draws people in is its stunning animation. Anime films and series come in all sorts of visual styles, from striking designs to smooth, flowing movement. It can be a little daunting for newcomers to get into anime, so starting with a shorter series is often a good idea. Fortunately, there are tons of amazing anime series and movies to choose from, many of which are beautiful to watch.

This list includes both well-known and hidden gem anime, but they all share stunning animation. Beyond the visuals, the stories are so engaging that even people new to anime will quickly become fans.

7) Lu Over the Wall

This beautiful and often overlooked anime film, which won several awards in 2017, takes place in the peaceful coastal town of Hinashi. The story follows Kai Ashimoto, a quiet and somewhat gloomy 9th grader who expresses himself through music he shares online. As he starts to connect with two classmates, he joins them on a trip to “Merfolk Island,” a local legend said to be home to mermaids. There, Kai meets Lu, a friendly mermaid, and discovers the legend is actually true. He then finds himself needing to protect Lu from the villagers, who believe merfolk bring bad luck.

6) The Colors Within

Naoko Yamada, the director known for the popular film A Silent Voice, brings a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story to the screen in this 2024 release. The film uses a beautiful palette of soft, pastel colors and a captivating soundtrack. It centers on Tosuko, a high school student who sees people’s feelings as colors, and her growing attraction to her classmate, Kimi, who radiates particularly vibrant hues. As they bond over their love of music with a boy named Rui, who collects instruments, a heartfelt connection blossoms.

5) Lost in Starlight

Lost in Starlight is a groundbreaking Korean anime, notable as the first to receive a worldwide release, and is also a visually beautiful film. The story takes place in 2050, combining old and new styles for a distinctive look, and is complemented by a relaxing soundtrack. It centers on Nan-young, an astronaut hoping to lead a mission to Mars. After not passing a psychological evaluation, she returns to Korea and meets Jay, a musician who gave up on his aspirations and now fixes old audio equipment. The film follows Nan-young and Jay as they rediscover their passions and navigate their developing feelings, knowing their time together might be limited.

4) Big Fish & Begonia

This beautiful Chinese animated series tells the story of Chun, a young girl who lives in a magical world hidden beneath ours. When she finally reaches the age to travel to the human world – specifically, the seas – things go terribly wrong. Transformed into a red dolphin, she’s accidentally caught in a fishing net. A boy tragically drowns trying to rescue her, leaving Chun overwhelmed with guilt. Driven to bring him back, she returns home, unaware of the significant sacrifice she’ll have to make.

3) Violet Evergarden

I’ve always been struck by how beautifully animated and emotionally resonant Violet Evergarden is. The story centers on Violet, a young woman who grew up as a soldier, completely devoid of feeling. After the war ends and she’s separated from Major Gilbert, the man she served, she starts a new life trying to understand human emotions. She becomes an ‘Auto Memory Doll,’ essentially a ghostwriter, hoping this work will teach her what feelings are. But she quickly discovers that learning about other people’s pain and the intricacies of their emotions is far more difficult – and heartbreaking – than she ever imagined.

2) Look Back

This touching film about growing up is inspired by a short story from Tatsuki Fujimoto, the author of popular manga like Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch. It centers on Ayumu Fujino, a high school artist who loves drawing four-panel comics for the school newspaper and receiving positive feedback. She becomes upset when she has to share her space with Kyomoto, a classmate who doesn’t come to school often. Ayumu decides to visit Kyomoto and is surprised to learn that Kyomoto is actually a fan of her work. Despite her initial frustration, the two girls end up collaborating on a manga together.

1) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is currently the most popular anime on this list, and for good reason. It’s celebrated for its stunning visuals and world, but also for its heartfelt and somewhat sad story. The series starts after a great adventure has already finished, and follows Frieren as she puts together a new team and revisits familiar places with a fresh purpose. The anime skillfully connects what’s happening now with glimpses into the past, showing Frieren starting a new journey while still cherishing the memories of those who came before.

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2026-01-15 07:40