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Not every anime hooks you right from the start. Some of the best anime take their time, moving at a slow pace that might even feel like a hassle to sit through. You might wonder if it’s worth continuing, questioning why nothing exciting is happening yet. But sometimes, patience leads to something truly special.
These anime transform in ways you’d never expect. What starts as slow, uneventful, or even confusing can turn into a masterpiece that leaves you speechless. The characters grow, the stakes rise, and before you know it, you’re completely invested. If you give them time, these anime will reward you with an unforgettable experience.
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10/10 The Rising of the Shield Hero
The first few episodes of Shield Hero are honestly painful to watch. The main character, Naofumi, gets betrayed, falsely accused, and thrown into a cruel world that absolutely hates him. It’s frustrating, and you might even feel like giving up on the show.
But that’s exactly what makes it so satisfying. As Naofumi slowly rises from being an outcast to one of the strongest heroes, the journey feels truly rewarding. Watching him prove everyone wrong is an experience that makes this anime so special.
9/10 Re:Zero
Re:Zero’s first few episodes can be a bit frustrating. Just like any other isekai anime, the main character, Subaru, gets transported to another world, but unlike most isekai protagonists, he’s completely useless. He keeps dying over and over, making it feel like the story is just repeating itself.
But once the real stakes kick in, Re:Zero becomes an absolute masterpiece. The emotional weight behind each of Subaru’s choices starts to hit hard. Every death means something, and every reset changes the way he sees the world. If you stick around past the slow setup of this anime, you’ll find one of the best and most intense character-driven stories in anime.
8/10 Neon Genesis Evangelion
At first, Evangelion looks like a typical mecha anime. There are giant robots, teenage pilots, and epic battles against mysterious creatures. It feels like something you’ve seen before. But don’t be fooled; this anime is nothing like a regular mecha show.
As the series progresses, the psychological depth of the characters takes the main focus. Evangelion becomes a deep, emotional, and sometimes disturbing exploration of human psychology. By the end, you might not even fully understand what happened, but you’ll know you watched something truly unique.
7/10 March Comes in Like a Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion starts off as a quiet anime about a lonely boy who plays shogi. The slow pace and calm atmosphere might make you wonder, is this just an anime about a board game? But no, it’s so much more than that.
This anime is about overcoming loneliness, battling depression, and finding warmth in unexpected places. Every episode peels back a layer of the main character’s emotions, making you feel deeply connected to his struggles. It’s the best anime that starts slow but turns into a heartwarming journey that leaves a lasting impact.
6/10 Attack on Titan
When Attack on Titan begins, it looks like a simple story about humans fighting scary giants. The first few episodes focus on Eren, Mikasa, and Armin as they train to become soldiers, and while the action is intense, it feels like just another survival anime. But any image you make about Attack on Titan is going to shatter; it's that unpredictable.
The moment secrets about the Titans start coming out, the entire story flips. Political conspiracies, betrayals, hidden powers, everything becomes way bigger than just fighting monsters. By the time you reach the later seasons, you’ll realize Attack on Titan isn’t just an anime, it’s a legendary story written by a legendary writer.
5/10 Made in Abyss
At first, Made in Abyss tricks you into thinking it's a sweet, adventurous anime about kids exploring a magical abyss. The art style is adorable, the music is relaxing, and everything feels like a cozy Ghibli movie. But then, something happens that turns this slow anime into your best watch.
Suddenly, the story turns dark, really dark. As the characters descend deeper into the Abyss, the true horrors of this world start to reveal themselves. Pain, suffering, and loss hit hard, and before you know it, you're watching something completely different from what you expected. Don't be fooled by the slow start, this anime is brutal in the best way possible.
4/10 Vinland Saga
When you hear Viking anime, you probably imagine nonstop action, bloody battles, and powerful warriors clashing. And sure, Vinland Saga has all that, but its first few episodes are more about world-building and character development. It takes its time setting up Thorfinn’s journey.
But once the story takes a turn, it becomes one of the most powerful tales of revenge, war, and redemption ever told. Instead of just ruthless fighting, this anime explores human nature, the cost of violence, and finding purpose beyond hatred. If you’re patient, Vinland Saga delivers an unforgettable experience.
3/10 Clannad: After Story
Clannad’s first season is mostly a cute slice-of-life story about high school romance. It has some emotional moments, but nothing too heavy. You might think it’s just another feel-good anime. But then comes After Story.
Suddenly, the story matures, and the emotional weight becomes overwhelming. It goes beyond high school and into the realities of adult life, loss, and heartbreak. If you make it past the slow start, Clannad: After Story will leave you in tears, and you won’t regret a single second of it.
2/10 Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter starts off as a fun adventure anime. A young boy named Gon sets out to become a Hunter, meeting interesting friends along the way. The early episodes have a lighthearted tone, making you think it's just another fun shonen story.
But this anime evolves in ways no one sees coming. By the time you reach arcs like Yorknew City or Chimera Ant, it becomes deep, emotional, and even philosophical. Villains who once seemed cruel show human sides, while some humans start to lose theirs. It’s one of the best anime that starts slow but grows into something far bigger than it first appears.
1/10 Steins;Gate
At first, Steins;Gate feels like a bunch of quirky science geeks hanging out and messing with microwaves. The main character, Okabe Rintarou, is a self-proclaimed mad scientist, and his group is more interested in weird experiments than anything serious. You might even wonder, where is this going?
But then, BAM! Time travel happens, and everything spirals into chaos. What started as lighthearted fun turns into a dark, emotional setting. Every choice matters, and the characters go through heartbreaking moments that will leave you speechless. If you’re patient with the slow start, Steins;Gate rewards you with one of the best sci-fi thrillers anime has ever seen.
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