10 Anime That Are Impossible To Stop After Perfect First Episodes

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While it’s unfair to judge an anime solely on its first episode, a strong opening can really set a series up for success. Though some anime build slowly, gradually revealing characters and conflicts – like the enduring classics One Piece and Naruto – grabbing viewers with exciting twists or action right away is often a more effective way to keep them watching.

The first episode of an anime is crucial, as it often sets the stage for everything that follows. A strong start, whether it’s shocking, emotional, or unexpected, usually indicates a well-crafted story. The best anime truly nail their introductions, sometimes by sending characters to the past or immediately throwing them into intense battles. These episodes immediately capture your attention and leave you wanting more.

10) Erased

The anime Erased begins with Satoru Fujinuma heroically saving a child’s life. While this isn’t a new story idea, it quickly becomes unique when Satoru reveals he can travel back in time to prevent disasters. This intriguing setup promises a compelling anime, and the first episode delivers. After uncovering a disturbing connection to childhood abductions, Satoru’s mother is tragically killed, and he’s wrongly accused of being responsible.

The anime quickly grabs your attention, launching the protagonist into a compelling mystery involving his mother’s murder and the disappearance of his classmates. Just before the first season ends, he’s sent back in time, leaving viewers deeply invested in his story and eager to learn the truth. With only 12 episodes, it’s easy to recommend watching Erased from beginning to end.

9) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The first episode of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood does a lot of world-building, explaining the political situation and how alchemy works. It also introduces Edward and Alphonse’s past and hints at their quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. Despite covering so much, the episode doesn’t feel like a lecture thanks to an exciting subplot involving a battle against the dangerous alchemist, Isaac McDougal.

Looking back, the Freezing Alchemist’s attempt on King Bradley’s life was a smart way to begin the series. It subtly suggests future surprises without giving too much away to new viewers or spoiling the story for fans of the original manga. Considering how much Episode 1 accomplishes, it’s hard to find any flaws with the start of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. And after watching a few more episodes, viewers will likely find themselves completely hooked.

8) Death Note

From the very beginning, Death Note dives into the dark side of its main character. The story starts with Light Yagami finding a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill criminals. When the mischievous Ryuk appears, things get more complex, but the first episode mainly focuses on the central themes of the series: who should decide who lives and dies, and does taking control of life and death corrupt Light?

Although the rivalry between Light and L takes time to develop, Death Note immediately showcases Light as a fascinating and complex character perfect for a suspenseful thriller. His unsettling perspective immediately grabs your attention, and the mysterious Ryuk is equally intriguing. The sheer number of deaths in the first episode makes you eager to see how Light continues to use the Death Note and whether he’ll ultimately be caught.

7) Akame ga Kill!

Akame ga Kill! is a fantastic anime that doesn’t get enough attention, and the first episode immediately shows why. It starts with Tatsumi traveling to the Imperial Capital to earn money, which seems like a typical story. But things quickly take a dark and unexpected turn. After losing his companions and getting robbed, Tatsumi is offered help by a rich family who appear kind. He soon discovers the horrifying truth: they lure travelers in, only to torture and kill them for entertainment, and are targeted by a group of assassins called Night Raid.

This episode establishes the harsh and unforgiving reality of the world of Akame ga Kill!, showing both Tatsumi and the audience what to expect. Night Raid’s eagerness for Tatsumi to join them ends the first episode on a positive note, hinting at a story that will explore the widespread corruption within Tatsumi’s society—and perhaps even our own. While the show’s deeper themes may unfold gradually, the premiere effectively combines action, social commentary, and humor, making a strong case for continuing the series.

6) The Promised Neverland

The opening of The Promised Neverland is instantly memorable and takes a dark turn. The story begins with an orphanage where the children have never ventured outside, and quickly reveals a horrifying secret. What initially appears to be a loving home is shattered when a girl named Conny disappears, exposing the truth: the children aren’t being sent to families, but are actually being raised as food for demons. The discovery of Conny’s body is a shockingly dark moment for an anime introduction, and it immediately establishes the unsettling and intense atmosphere of the series.

The central mystery in The Promised Neverland – why adults are sacrificing children and the origins of the demons – is incredibly compelling. This, along with the promise of more shocking twists, will grab any horror fan. While the second season doesn’t quite live up to the source material, the first season is definitely worth watching all at once. You’ll be on the edge of your seat wondering if Emma, Norman, and Ray can avoid the terrible destinies awaiting them.

5) Demon Slayer

I’m completely hooked on Demon Slayer, and the popularity of the Infinity Castle arc just shows how many people feel the same way! But honestly, it all starts with that incredible first episode. It reminds me a little of The Promised Neverland – you get to meet Tanjiro and his family, and things seem pretty good at first. Then, tragedy strikes. The very beginning hints at trouble, but nothing prepares you for what Tanjiro finds after Muzan Kibutsuji kills his family. It’s a truly shocking and heartbreaking scene.

Nezuko is the only one left alive, which kicks off the main story of Demon Slayer: finding a way to change her back into a human. Her actions at the beginning of the series show just how difficult this will be. Things are complicated further by the Demon Slayer Corps, immediately raising the stakes. Viewers will be eager to see what happens to Tanjiro and Nezuko after Giyu saves them in the first episode. Luckily, the anime continues to improve, delivering on the promise of its strong start.

4) Jujutsu Kaisen

The first episode of Jujutsu Kaisen immediately grabs your attention with a surprising premise: the main character, Yuji Itadori, is scheduled for execution. As the episode unfolds, we see his normal life and start to wonder how he got into such a dire situation. We learn about the dangerous curses that exist in his world right alongside him, leading to an exciting fight scene. The merging of Itadori and the powerful Sukuna is a pivotal moment, ending the episode with a cliffhanger that makes you want to know more and establishes Sukuna as a terrifying villain.

What makes Itadori so compelling isn’t just his good heart, but also his relatable flaws. Even when he makes a reckless decision like consuming Sukuna’s finger, you still find yourself hoping he succeeds. The first episode expertly draws you into both his personal story and the larger mysteries of the world. Once the series starts building on that foundation in episode two, it’s incredibly hard to stop watching.

3) Chainsaw Man

The first episode of Chainsaw Man is a fantastic start, covering everything you’d hope for. It immediately addresses serious issues like poverty through Denji’s difficult life; even working as a devil hunter hasn’t helped him pay off debts he didn’t even create. He’s so poor he has to eat very little and even sell parts of his body just to get by. This explains why Denji simply wants a normal life. However, that dream is shattered when he encounters the Zombie Devil, leading to his death and unexpected rebirth as a devil himself.

Denji is a relatable and sympathetic character, even to creatures like Pochita, which makes viewers immediately want to support him. Chainsaw Man expertly builds this connection, then quickly throws him into a terrible situation. The exciting transformation and battle with the Zombie Devil make a strong first impression, and the introduction of Makima leaves you wanting more. It’s a brilliantly told story, and it’s no surprise the anime has become so popular.

2) Yu Yu Hakusho

The first episode of Yu Yu Hakusho immediately grabs your attention. It starts with the main character being hit by a car and dying – and the narrator quickly explains he was meant to be the hero! This unexpected beginning perfectly sets the anime’s tone, mixing funny moments with deeper, more serious ideas. The story doesn’t waste any time exploring big themes like death and the possibility of earning a second chance, as Yusuke has to accept his fate and decide if he wants to fight to return to life.

I was immediately hooked by the dynamic between Yusuke and Botan when he first died – it just made me need to see what happened next! And that cliffhanger at the end of the first episode? Brilliant! It totally left me wondering what Yusuke would have to do to earn his life back. The show does such a great job of introducing these interesting characters and making you care about Yusuke, it expertly pulls you in and makes you hit ‘next episode’ without even thinking!

1) Attack on Titan

The first episode of Attack on Titan is considered one of the most impactful anime openings ever. It immediately throws the central characters, Eren, Armin, and Mikasa, into a terrifying situation. They live in a world constantly threatened by giant, man-eating Titans, so danger always felt likely. However, when the Titans breach the protective walls and obliterate their district, Shiganshina, the characters’ sense of security is completely shattered. The episode is incredibly powerful, demonstrating the sheer devastation caused by the Titans before making the tragedy deeply personal with the death of Eren’s mother.

The premiere episode establishes Eren’s desire for freedom and rebellion, hinting at his future actions. The story then follows Eren and his friends as they head into battle against the Titans. As the series unfolds, it explores complex themes of violence and revenge, building on ideas introduced in the premiere. The episode effectively makes viewers care about the characters, even as their motivations become more complicated, and promises exciting action and political twists that the rest of the series delivers on.

What’s your favorite anime opening theme? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-11-09 21:12