The first episode of an anime series is crucial. It’s the hook, the promise of what’s to come, and it often determines whether viewers will continue watching. Sometimes, however, a premiere is so exceptionally well-crafted that the rest of the series struggles to maintain the same level of quality. This can be due to various factors, such as changes in animation, pacing, or story direction. Here are 10 anime series that had outstanding first episodes, but failed to consistently reach the same heights:
Attack on Titan
The opening episode of Attack on Titan is a masterclass in tension and world-building. The sudden appearance of the Colossal Titan, the destruction of the wall, and the chaos that ensues are all incredibly impactful. It sets up a desperate fight for survival and establishes the tone of the series perfectly. The first episode leaves you with a sense of terror and hopelessness, compelling you to know what happens next. While the rest of the series is still highly acclaimed, the initial impact and shock value of the premiere episode remains a high point. The intensity and mystery were unparalleled in subsequent episodes, making the first a standout.
The Promised Neverland
The Promised Neverland begins with an atmosphere of idyllic childhood, depicting the orphans at Grace Field House living a seemingly happy life. The twist at the end of the first episode, when Emma and Norman discover the horrifying truth about the orphanage, is a gut punch that leaves a lasting impression. This dramatic shift completely changes the tone of the show, instantly transforming it from a heartwarming story to a suspenseful thriller. The premiere is expertly crafted, and subsequent episodes, while solid, could not quite replicate the shock and dread of that initial reveal. The first season of the show is widely praised, but the second season is considered a disappointment by many, further solidifying the pilot as the peak of the series.
Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online had an incredibly strong start, immersing viewers in the virtual reality world of Aincrad. The premise of being trapped in a video game with life-or-death consequences was innovative and engaging. The initial episodes, focused on surviving the game, were thrilling and full of suspense. However, as the series progressed, it often veered into harem tropes and plot lines that weren’t as captivating as the initial survival concept. The Aincrad arc is frequently cited as the show’s best, making the first episode a prime example of when the series was at its most compelling, before shifting its focus.
Death Note
The first episode of Death Note, titled “Rebirth,” is a stellar introduction to the complex cat-and-mouse game between Light Yagami and L. The episode effectively showcases Light’s discovery of the Death Note and his descent into a god-like figure, and the concept is both unique and thrilling. The strategic planning and moral ambiguity introduced in the pilot set a high standard for the rest of the series, and this episode perfectly sets up the high-stakes conflict. While the series remains engaging, the initial setup and promise of this intellectual battle made the first episode particularly gripping.
Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul‘s premiere is brutal and shocking, effectively establishing the dark and violent world the main character, Kaneki, is thrown into. The transformation of Kaneki into a ghoul and the subsequent struggle he faces with his newfound identity is a compelling start. The initial horror and internal conflict were powerful elements, making it a standout. However, the series has faced criticism for later deviations from the source material and a decline in animation quality, leading some to consider the first episode the series’ peak. The first episode presented a unique and dark narrative, which became somewhat diluted in later installments.
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
The first episode of Re:Zero is a fantastic introduction to the concept of “Return by Death,” a bittersweet power that forces the main character, Subaru, to relive his death over and over. The initial shock of being transported to another world and then the brutal reality of dying is a powerful hook. This initial episode shows the beginning of Subaru’s often torturous journey and the stakes that he will be dealing with, setting the stage for a complex story. While the series remains popular, the pilot stands out due to its fresh concept and the emotional punch it delivers in those first 22 minutes. The first episode also effectively sets up the tone and dark nature of the series which some viewers might not expect in later episodes.
Oshi no Ko
Oshi no Ko begins with a feature-length premiere, titled “Mother and Children”, that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The episode masterfully introduces the idol Ai Hoshino and the complex world of the entertainment industry, leading to a shocking conclusion that sets the tone for the rest of the series. The episode’s storytelling, animation, and voice acting are all top-notch, capturing both the glitz and the darkness. While the series continues to be strong, this first episode has a unique emotional depth and impact that’s hard to beat. The unique narrative and the way it unravels make the pilot exceptionally memorable.
Violet Evergarden
The first episode of Violet Evergarden is a showcase of stunning animation and emotional storytelling. The introduction of Violet, a former soldier learning to understand human emotion, is beautifully executed. The pilot highlights her stoic nature and her journey to discover what “I love you” means. The animation quality and poignant narrative of the initial episode are incredibly high, setting a standard that was hard to consistently maintain in every subsequent episode, although the show did not significantly decline. The premiere episode is often cited as an example of how anime can blend technical perfection with emotional depth.
Steins;Gate
The pilot episode of Steins;Gate is a slow burn, setting up the characters and the core concept of time travel, and establishing the setting of Akihabara. While seemingly slow, it effectively lays the groundwork for the complex narrative to come. The introduction to Okabe Rintaro and his eccentric personality and the initial mysterious elements make for an intriguing start. The show builds a world and sets up its central mysteries effectively, but some fans consider this initial build up the most captivating part of the series as its later episodes tend to get complex and challenging to follow, making it hard to keep up for some.
Spy x Family
Spy x Family had a fantastic pilot that introduced the core family dynamics in a hilarious and endearing way. The introduction of Twilight and Anya is near perfect, and the groundwork for the lovely fake family is set from the get-go in the pilot, with a great balance of action and comedy. The initial humor and the establishment of the family made it instantly popular and set a high bar. Subsequent episodes maintain the charm, but the initial setup and charm of the pilot remains the series’ peak for many. The freshness and originality of the concept were at their highest in the first episode.
While these series might have had some ups and downs, their excellent premieres made them all the more memorable. These first episodes serve as examples of how a strong start can capture the imagination of viewers, even if the series cannot quite maintain that initial magic.
