Anime for Newbies: 10 Shows to Watch When You’re High (or Just Curious)

Some stories write themselves. Others roll themselves up.

After talking with folks like Lotta Brathwaite from Bakersmen Collective, budtender Jordan Rainey, our guy Kevin Cranford, and Ryan Johnson from Indie Nerd Collective, one thing was clear — the bond between anime and weed is very real.

So we pulled together the ultimate list for the anime-curious — the ones who just lit up and hit play, the ones still deciding which streaming service to commit to, and the ones tired of pretending they know what a Super Saiyan is.

Here’s a beginner-friendly list of anime that pairs perfectly with your sesh. Each one comes with a strain rec to elevate the watch. Light one, press play, and thank us later.

1. Dragon Ball Z

💨 Strain Pairing: Green Crack – for the energy boost you’ll need to power up with Goku.
This is the anime that started it all for a lot of us — the first time we saw a brother really break down a cartoon like it was life or death. Iconic fights, slow burns (pun intended), and peak nostalgia.
Why Watch: It’s a cultural cornerstone, and half your homies already quote it.

2. Naruto

💨 Strain Pairing: Sour Diesel – focused, energetic, and hits right when the hand signs start flying.
From childhood trauma to saving the world, Naruto’s journey is the blueprint for modern anime. Lotta got pulled in by her best friend’s little brother and never looked back.
Why Watch: It’s emotional, action-packed, and lowkey spiritual when you’re lifted.

3. Bleach

💨 Strain Pairing: Gelato – smooth, chill, and just a little icy — like Rukia.
Jordan puts Bleach in his top 3, and for good reason. Big swords, big drip, and big plot twists. Plus, Ichigo’s soundtrack could double as a workout playlist.
Why Watch: Think streetwear fashion meets ghost-hunting samurais.

4. Attack on Titan

💨 Strain Pairing: Durban Poison – for clarity during chaos. You’ll need it.
Dark, dramatic, and full of “what did I just watch?” moments. Jordan’s a fan, but he also warned us: this ain’t light viewing.
Why Watch: Political allegory and giant titan fights. Come correct or come confused.

5. Cowboy Bebop

💨 Strain Pairing: Blue Dream – creative, chill, and built for jazz.
Kevin said this one had him locked in back in college. Classic animation, fire soundtrack, and lowkey existential vibes.
Why Watch: If you like weed + lo-fi beats, Bebop is your show.

6. Samurai Champloo

💨 Strain Pairing: Purple Haze – artsy, retro, and makes you appreciate the visuals.
Imagine if The Boondocks and The Last Samurai had a baby and set it to a Madlib beat. Kevin mentioned this one too, and it’s easy to see why.
Why Watch: Breakdancing samurais. You already know it’s different.

7. Inuyasha

💨 Strain Pairing: Forbidden Fruit – sweet, relaxing, and slightly magical.
Kevin’s college-era gateway. There’s time travel, demons, romance, and feudal vibes — all good ingredients for a mellow high.
Why Watch: It’s cozy with just enough action to keep you alert.

8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

💨 Strain Pairing: King’s Kush – deep, dramatic, and not for the faint of heart.
Philosophy, alchemy, race, war — it gets heavy. But as Lotta said, those emotions hit different when you’re high.
Why Watch: It’s one of the greatest stories in anime — period.

9. Gundam Wing

💨 Strain Pairing: Cereal Milk – smooth, nostalgic, and surprisingly deep.
Jordan and Ryan both repped for the Gundam gang. This one’s all about war, politics, and the beauty of big-ass robot fights.
Why Watch: It’s got Saturday morning cartoon energy with grown-man themes.

10. Demon Slayer

💨 Strain Pairing: Pineapple Express – strong, fast-hitting, and visually stunning.
Lotta called out the fit inspo in Nezuko’s kimono pattern — which is actually based on the hemp leaf. If that ain’t crossover energy, we don’t know what is.
Why Watch: Gorgeous animation, intense fights, and Zenitsu on sativa is a whole mood.

This Ain’t Just a List — It’s a Whole Vibe

This list came straight from convos with real fans — some new, some seasoned, all high-key passionate. Whether you’re sparking up or just sparking your curiosity, know this:

There’s room for you here. No judgment, no gatekeeping. Just good smoke, good shows, and good company.