Anime is a beloved form of entertainment with a vast array of genres, ranging from action and adventure to romance and drama. However, even the most successful anime series can have a rocky start with poorly received first episodes. A bad first episode can deter viewers from continuing the series and can even result in a show’s cancellation. Here’s a list of the Top 5 Anime with the Worst First Episodes.
We’ll explore the impact of a weak pilot episode on the rest of the series, but also take a closer look at whether it gets better or not. Also taking in note that these are highly subjective and personal preferences, and other fans might have different opinions.
Why is it important for Animes to have a good pilot episode?
Trash basically means the same formulaic fantasy-isekai story with almost same setting, characters
Troupes, cliches. These anime are not particularly bad but if you have been watching anime for a good time then you can tell half of the story just by watching the first episode.— Anime News And Facts (@AniNewsAndFacts) January 31, 2021
Having a good pilot episode is crucial for any anime as it sets the tone of the series and determines whether viewers will continue watching it or not. Although not all shows can be judged by their pilot episodes.
- First episodes often try to do too much as they need to establish characters, world, and tone for the rest of the series. This is often true for shows that are long-running and features dozens, if not hundreds of episodes to catch up on.
- Building suspense could be another point that leaves viewers wanting more. It should introduce enough conflict or tension to make viewers invested in the story and curious about what will happen next.
Alright then, enough with the opinions that the creators are already aware of. Let’s get on the list!
5. Nichijou
In our list of Top 5 Anime with Worst First Episodes, Nichijou could have been confusing for some viewers at first. It did feature several seemingly unrelated sketches and did not provide a clear introduction to the main characters or the world of the show.
- This unconventional approach may have turned off some viewers who were expecting a more traditional narrative structure.
- But the blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary to create comedy is quite a challenging juggling act. And, Nichijou does it very well in the coming episodes.
Does it get better?
Nichijou has since become a cult classic and is beloved by many for its surreal humor and unique storytelling style. While the first episode might need to improve upon repeating views, the show’s humor becomes much more enjoyable after the first few episodes.
4. Katekyo Hitman Reborn
Katekyo Hitman Reborn had another awful start, with both the manga and anime debuting as gag series before transitioning to full-blown shounen products. This is another show that has been criticized for its slow pacing and lack of action in the pilot episode and even more.
- As it primarily focuses on introducing the characters and world of the show, which may not have been engaging enough for some viewers.
- The initial twenty to thirty episodes of Katekyo Hitman Reborn are quite unfunny and it takes a dozen of episodes to make the protagonist remotely likable.
Does it get better?
The first episode is a must-watch as it establishes the basic premise of the anime, but that is the only thing in its favor. Although the series picks up quickly and delivers exciting battles and compelling storylines as it progresses.
3. Gintama
It may take some time for “Gintama” to hit its stride, with the anime not truly finding its footing until around episode 25. This is largely due to the series taking its time to introduce its roster of characters and their peculiarities.
- The initial episodes should still be watched as it puts the effort to establish things early on. Which can lead to significant payoffs later in the series.
- The best thing that Gintama does after its first few episodes, is that it surprises you with a very serious arc. Just after you’ve gotten comfortable with the SOL comedy episodes.
Does it get better?
It definitely does. Most fans’ biggest turnoff about Gintama is that they go in expecting like for something exciting like Naruto or Bleach. And we promise you won’t regret passing those first few episodes.
2. Fate/Zero
We all know how Fate/Zero features breathtaking animation, dynamic fight scenes, high stakes, and unforgettable characters. And the series wastes no time in diving straight into the action. But the opening episode does a massive information dump, with the show seeking to display all its characters within its first 40 minutes.
- The franchise fans might enjoy this exposition-heavy roll call, but newcomers will be left confused, overwhelmed, and perhaps even a bit bored.
- This is because of the show’s huge and complicated watch order list, which makes the fans more confused and even leaves the show in between.
Does it get better?
In order to fully understand and appreciated the Fate/Zero universe, it’s recommended to follow a specific watch order that takes into account the various storylines and adaptations. And it should be said that the Fate series become great immediately after its introductory episodes.
1. Berserk
Berserk is considered one of the greatest of all time. But the anime couldn’t do well as compared to the manga, making it first in our list of Top 5 Anime with Worst First Episodes. In a brutal medieval world, Guts wields his enormous sword in the service of any army that will pay him.
- The first episodes couldn’t hook the fans as the manga had managed to, making it pretty much set on dropping the show.
- Another reason could be because of the 90’s anime effect, as it can be boring more many viewers. For that, you can check out the movie trilogy which is a lot shorter with newly animated action scenes.
Does it get better?
Berserk doesn’t take long to get to its “better” episodes. It has been seen that the 2nd episode of Berserk made many fans stick with the anime. They say that it was a total of 180 turns compared to the first one. Not just a tonal shift, but it seemed like the show had restarted as something completely different. So, maybe give it a watch now?
Conclusion
There you have it. Top 5 Anime with worst first episodes, but gets better later on. It is sort of a tribute to the fact that viewers may need to give the anime a proper chance to show their greatness.
Are there any series you enjoyed but hated the first episodes of? Let us know in the comments down below!
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