Japanese ranking site goo Rank recently polled anime fans to find out which series had the most shocking first episode ever. With countless shows competing for attention, which premiere delivered a jaw-dropping hook that left viewers speechless?
With a tidal wave of new anime released every year, a show that fails to make a strong first impression often gets dropped after a single episode. That makes having a powerful, attention-grabbing premiere absolutely crucial. So, which series did Japanese fans crown as the ultimate master of the shocking debut? Let's dive into the top five.
Here are the top five vote-getters. See if your picks made the cut!
▼ 5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
It's no surprise that the global phenomenon Demon Slayer made the list. The first episode of the "Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc," titled "Cruelty," immediately throws viewers into a horrific tragedy: the massacre of the Kamado family. For anime-only fans, seeing the protagonist's entire family slaughtered right at the start was an absolutely brutal and shocking way to kick off the series.
▼ 4. [Oshi no Ko]
Anyone who's seen this one knows why it's here. The first season of [Oshi no Ko] dropped a feature-length, 90-minute bombshell of a premiere. The episode introduces Dr. Goro Amamiya, an obsessed fan of the idol Ai Hoshino, only for him to be reincarnated as her son. Just when you think you've wrapped your head around that, he's forced to witness his mother's brutal murder at the hands of a crazed fan. It was an unforgettable emotional gut punch.
▼ 3. Attack on Titan
Many fans probably expected this juggernaut to be a contender for the top spot, but it landed at number three. The first episode perfectly established the terrifying world of Attack on Titan, showcasing the sheer horror of the Titans. The protagonists and civilians are utterly powerless as they watch people being crushed and devoured. The scene where Eren sees his own mother eaten by a Titan remains one of the most shocking and iconic moments in anime history.
▼ 2. Yu Yu Hakusho
Now this one might be a surprise! While it might have a bit of a nostalgia boost, Japanese fans pointed out that seeing protagonist Yusuke Urameshi die in a car crash while saving a child was a massive shock back in the day. The concept of the main character getting killed off in the opening scene was an incredibly bold and impactful move for its time. While he returns as a "Spirit Detective," that initial twist was a game-changer that left audiences stunned.
Alright, it's time to reveal the number one pick from Japanese fans. Did your favorite make it to the top? Let's see if your choice matches theirs!
▼ 1. Detective Conan
The crown goes to the legendary, long-running series Detective Conan! According to Japanese voters, the premiere was a masterclass in suspense. We see ace high school detective Shinichi Kudo enjoying a day at an amusement park with his friend Ran, but his curiosity gets the better of him. After witnessing a shady deal, he's ambushed by a mysterious organization and forced to swallow a poison that... shrinks him into a child. The wild premise of having to live as "Conan Edogawa" while solving crimes and searching for a cure was an irresistible hook that immediately captured the audience's imagination.
So, what do you think of the results? With so many anime out there, popularity definitely plays a role, and everyone has their own personal favorite. This poll just represents one slice of the fandom, so take it as a fun look into what Japanese viewers found most memorable.
Here's the full top ten list:
9th (Tie) - Higurashi: When They Cry
7th - Mobile Suit Gundam
7th (Tie) - Tokyo Ghoul
7th (Tie) - Mr. Osomatsu
6th - Neon Genesis Evangelion
5th - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
4th - [Oshi no Ko]
3rd - Attack on Titan
2nd - Yu Yu Hakusho
1st - Detective Conan
via： goo Rank