MLModels

Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown)

by 3Blue1Brown / Grant Sanderson

BeginnerVideoFree~2-3 hours (series)

The most beautiful visual explanation of how neural networks and transformers actually work.

Start LearningReviewed July 3, 2026

Overview

3Blue1Brown's neural network series is a masterpiece of mathematical animation. It builds intuition for what a neural network is, how gradient descent and backpropagation train it, and — in newer videos — how attention and transformers/LLMs work internally. It won't teach you to code models, but it will give you a mental picture that makes every other resource easier to understand. Free on the site and YouTube.

At a Glance

Topic
ML
Level
Beginner
Format
Video
Cost
Free
Duration
~2-3 hours (series)
Provider
3Blue1Brown / Grant Sanderson
Hands-on
No
Certificate
None

What You’ll Learn

  • What a neural network computes, visually
  • Gradient descent and backpropagation intuition
  • How attention and transformers work inside LLMs

Highlights

  • World-class mathematical animation
  • Includes an intuitive LLM/transformer explainer

Who It’s For

Best For

  • Visual learners building deep intuition

Prerequisites

  • High-school math

FAQ

What is Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown)?

Grant Sanderson's celebrated animated series building deep visual intuition for neural networks, backpropagation, and transformers.

Is Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown) free?

Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown) is free to access.

What level is Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown) for?

Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown) is aimed at a beginner audience. Recommended background: High-school math.

How long does Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown) take?

Expect roughly ~2-3 hours (series). Most learners work through it at their own pace.

What will I learn from Neural Networks (3Blue1Brown)?

You'll learn: What a neural network computes, visually; Gradient descent and backpropagation intuition; How attention and transformers work inside LLMs.

Topics

neural networksbackpropagationtransformersvideo