These 10 anime series prove you don’t have to wait for a show to get good, delivering unforgettable stories in their first five episodes.
10. Yuri on Ice
Nearly half of Yuri on Ice’s run is contained in its first five episodes — and it’s the strongest part of the series. The early chapters focus on struggling skater Yuri Katsuki, taken under the wing of champion Victor Nikiforov, while developing both their sport and romance. Stunning animation, heartfelt character work, and a beautiful score make these opening episodes unforgettable.
9. Death Note
Few anime can match the gripping start of Death Note. The series introduces Light Yagami, a student who gains the power to kill with a mysterious notebook, and detective L, his intellectual rival. The first arc is a masterclass in tension, drama, and psychological warfare before the series’ later twists shift its tone.
8. The Promised Neverland
From its perfect first-episode twist to the chilling revelations about Grace Field House, The Promised Neverland’s early episodes keep viewers on edge. Emma, Norman, and Ray’s desperate escape plan is as emotional as it is suspenseful, making the first season one of the genre’s best — even if later episodes falter.
7. Erased
In its opening episodes, Erased sends protagonist Satoru Fujinuma back to his childhood to prevent a string of murders. The blend of small-town nostalgia, winter atmosphere, and razor-sharp suspense makes for a gripping watch before its finale shifts the tone.
6. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The series opens with the emotional aftermath of a hero’s journey, showing the mage Frieren coping with the passage of decades. The next few episodes follow her adopting an apprentice, Fern, and setting out on a new quest. It’s a slow, poignant introduction to a deeply moving fantasy.
5. Death Parade
From the start, Death Parade plunges viewers into the eerie Quindecim bar, where the dead face twisted games to determine their fate. Decim’s mysterious role and the heartbreaking stories of one-off characters make these initial episodes chilling and captivating.
4. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
What begins as a seemingly lighthearted magical girl story turns into a dark, genre-defining masterpiece. Episode 3’s shocking twist cemented Madoka Magica’s place in anime history, with early episodes blending gorgeous visuals and compelling mysteries.
3. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
The first five episodes dive into the battle of wits between elite students Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane, both refusing to confess their love first. It’s romantic comedy at its most clever and consistently funny.
2. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
In just five episodes, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners builds a brutal yet beautiful world in Night City. Following David Martinez’s descent into the life of an Edgerunner, these episodes blend emotional storytelling, jaw-dropping action, and devastating turns.
1. Takopi’s Original Sin
This heartbreaking sci-fi drama follows Takopi, an alien trying to bring happiness to Shizuka Kuze, a deeply troubled young girl. With only six episodes total, the first five deliver gut-wrenching twists, flawless storytelling, and stunning visuals before its perfect finale.
