Code Geass launches with a debut that masterfully establishes its complex world of war and rebellion. The episode introduces the brilliant, disillusioned Lelouch and immediately grants him the game-changing power of Geass. It's a thrilling and stylish introduction that pulls you directly into the high-stakes conflict from the very start. | © Crunchyroll
Elfen Lied's debut is a visceral and shocking introduction, using its graphic violence to establish the terrifying power of Lucy. Yet this episode also plants the seeds for a deeper story, hinting at the traumatic events that forged her into such a destructive figure. It's a brutal opening that immediately grabs you while promising a more complex narrative to come. | © Sentai Filmworks
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners immediately immerses you in the brutal poverty and desperation of Night City through its protagonist, David. A personal tragedy involving his mother pushes him past his breaking point, forcing him to embrace a dangerous cybernetic implant. This emotionally charged debut sets him on a fast-paced, tragic path to become a legend. | © Netflix
Yu Yu Hakusho immediately invests you in its delinquent hero, Yusuke Urameshi, with a shocking and selfless act of sacrifice. His unexpected death and subsequent resurrection grab your attention completely. This strong debut efficiently sets him on a new path as a Spirit Detective, kicking off his supernatural journey. | © Funimation
Akame ga Kill! begins with a deceptively simple and uplifting story about a naive hero entering the big city. The episode then masterfully pulls the rug out from under the viewer, revealing the dark and corrupt truth of this society. This sharp, exciting turn into darker territory immediately hooks any action fan and sets the stage for a series full of shocking twists. | © Sentai Filmworks
Tokyo Ghoul's debut episode throws the timid Ken Kaneki into a nightmare after a date ends in a horrific twist of fate. His brutal transformation into a half-ghoul is a masterfully crafted and unsettling introduction to this dark world. This strong start establishes a tragic and compelling foundation for his character, even if the anime's later seasons couldn't maintain that momentum. | © Funimation
The debut episode, Asteroid Blues, perfectly captures the essence of Cowboy Bebop's unique charm. It effortlessly blends a self-contained bounty hunt with the series' signature humor, style, and emotional weight. This first outing immediately establishes the show's cool, jazzy vibe and lets you know you're in for something special. | © Crunchyroll
Demon Slayer grabs you immediately with a heartbreaking and shocking tragedy as Tanjiro's family is brutally slaughtered. This cruel event effectively establishes the emotional core of his quest to become a demon slayer. It's a powerful and grim opening that instantly invests you in Tanjiro's journey from the very first moment. | © Crunchyroll
The Promised Neverland masterfully disguises its true nature, beginning as a sweet story about children in a caring orphanage. The episode takes a sharp, dark turn that is both unpredictable and deeply unsettling. This brilliant shift immediately hooks you, creating a desperate need to uncover the horrifying secrets hiding in plain sight. | © Crunchyroll
Death Note's debut episode instantly establishes the rules for a thrilling and unique cat-and-mouse game. It masterfully introduces Light Yagami and the god of death Ryuk, setting the stage for their dark partnership. This gripping first chapter makes it clear why the series is considered a classic right from the start. | © Viz Media
Erased takes a familiar time-travel concept and makes it feel fresh with a deeply personal and urgent mystery. The first episode immediately establishes high stakes and relatable characters that pull you into the story. Its fast-paced, bingeable style and gripping plot hook you right from the very start. | © Crunchyroll
Spy x Family immediately proves why it became a modern sensation with a pilot that is both hilarious and heartwarming. The episode perfectly introduces the charmingly chaotic dynamic between the spy Twilight and the telepathic Anya. It masterfully sets the foundation for their fake family, creating an irresistibly fun mix of action and comedy right from the start. | © Crunchyroll
Chainsaw Man kicks off with a brutal and tragic introduction to Denji, a down-on-his-luck teenager whose life is a mess. His shocking transformation into the Chainsaw Devil is an incredible spectacle of animation that immediately hooks you. The episode even makes a single-appearance character, his pet Pochita, an instant and beloved mascot, proving the sheer impact of this stellar pilot. | © Crunchyroll
Attack on Titan instantly pulls you into its terrifying world with a debut that is as disturbing as it is masterful. The episode makes you feel the same primal fear and hatred for the Titans that drives its main characters. It’s a shocking and powerful introduction that laid the groundwork for the series to become a modern classic. | © Crunchyroll
The first episode of To Your Eternity is a stunning emotional journey that had viewers across social media in tears. It introduces a unique story through breathtaking animation and an enchanting musical score. This debut is a powerful, must-see experience that immediately sets the series apart as a unique and profound adventure. | © Crunchyroll
A phenomenal first episode can hook an audience instantly, setting the stage for an unforgettable series. These debut episodes didn't just introduce a story; they became iconic moments in anime history, proving that a powerful start is just as important as a perfect finish.
