The world of anime has been around for a long time, and many different genres and sub-genres come with that. Seinen is one of the most popular genres in Japan: it’s geared towards a more mature audience and is often associated with violence.
Seinen anime typically targets a demographic of male viewers aged 18-30. Generally, the seinen series is more mature and deal with darker subject matter, violence and horror themes, or radical social commentary. So let’s check out some of the Best Seinen Anime you should watch.
These titles are not sorted out from best to worst; your opinion will decide.… that’s up to you.
Best Seinen Anime
1. Cowboy Bebop
One of the best seinen anime to watch is ” Cowboy Bebop.” “Cowboy Bebop” is set in 2071 and follows the adventures of a group of bounty hunters who travel the galaxy in their ship, the Bebop. The show is known for its great action scenes, interesting characters, and catchy jazz soundtrack.
2. Devilman Crybaby
Episodes: 10
Gender: Horror, gore
The anime follows the story of Akira, who is a high school student, is informed by Ryō about demons who plan to take over the world. He learns that if a demon’s power can be seized, it is possible to fight against them. After succeeding in taking in the demon’s power, Akira transforms into Devilman, who has both the soul and heart of a human and the power of a demon.
The series is a more direct adaptation than previous works of the franchise. They modify the plot to be set in a modern environment and change characterizations to develop the show in new and different ways.
3. Death Note
Another great seinen anime to watch is “Death Note.” “Death Note” is about a high school student named Light Yagami who finds a notebook that allows him to kill people by writing their names. Light decides to use the notebook to rid the world of criminals. However, he soon finds himself being pursued by a brilliant detective named L. “Death Note” is an exciting and suspenseful anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This manga series is written and illustrated by Tsugumi Ōba, Tetsurō Araki directed the anime adaptation, and several movies and video games.
The anime show is available to watch on Netflix. Netflix also made a live-action version of the show in 2017, and it got mixed reviews on review sites because of how different from the original movie was.
4. Baccano!
Gender: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Episodes: 13
The Flying Pussyfoot transcontinental train is a legend. It has left a trail of blood through the country. Scientists Szilard and Ennis are on the train looking for an immortality elixir, while at the same time, a war between rival mafia groups is getting worse. Three hundred years ago, alchemists on board the Advena Avis had cause to regret immortality.
Based on the award-winning light novels, Baccano follows several people heading towards different goals. The story centers on an alchemist and his immortality experiments, people trying to survive, and two thieves.
5. Darker than Black
Ten years ago, a strange area called Hell’s Gate appeared in Tokyo and changed the physical appearance of the sky. Furthermore, people with paranormal powers started to appear. There were contract killers hidden from humanity by the government with strict rules that kept them in check.
As if the agents didn’t have enough to deal with, often, the Contractors are used by other nations as spies and hidden agents. The different false starts correspond to each contractor, and they vibrate whenever that contractor uses their power.
6. Ajin: Demi-Human
The story is about a high school student, Kei Nagai, who discovers he is immortal. Governments are so interested in him that they persecute Ajin. As he runs away from them, he does not know what awaits him.
7. One-punch man
One-Punch Man, written by One in early 2009. The main character is Saitama, who is unbeatable and gets bored because there’s no challenge.
Saitama has incredible power and decides to put it to good use. He joins the Heroes Association to prevent evil and gain recognition for his work. Even though he defeated much more powerful enemies than the heroes, most people don’t recognize his heroism because of how normal he appears on the outside and how little credit is given to his deeds. No one knows just how strong Saitama is; only a few admire him.
8. Berserk
Berserk is an excellent manga that deserves to be on a list of the best in the Seinen genre. Berserk is a manga series written and illustrated by Kentaro Miur. The story focuses on the characters of Guts, an orphan and solitary mercenary, and Griffith, the leader of a mercenary band called The Gang of the Falcon (or Falcons).
Toward the end of the novel, there are many struggles people go through. Different topics about human nature have come up in history, from friendship to betrayal.
9. Afro Samurai
In Afro Samurai, Black samurai in a futuristic feudal Japan must avenge his father’s death. Along the way he meets many friends and fights new enemies.
10. Psycho-Pass
The story takes place in a future where the Sibyl System, a powerful computer system, determines the threat level of each citizen by analyzing their mental state, emotions, and personality. Those judged to be a threat to society are deemed “Psycho-Passers.” The series follows Akane Tsunemori; a new Inspector tasked with hunting down these Psycho-Passers.
11. Gantz
Gantz is a seinen anime that follows the story of Kei Kurono, a young man who dies in a subway accident and is brought back to life by a mysterious black sphere known as ‘Gantz’. Kurono then joins a group of other people who have also been brought back to life by Gantz, and together they must complete missions given to them by the sphere.
12. Mushishi
Mushi-Shi is a seinen anime that tells the story of a man who travels around investigating supernatural creatures called Mushi. The anime is slow-paced and relaxing and has a unique art style that makes it stand out from other anime.
Ginko knows Mushi, legendary creatures in the shape of objects. He travels around old Japan to investigate and solve a Mushi case. Ginko usually takes things related to the cases of Mushi from people as payment, which he later resells to collectors.
13. Death Parade
After death, humans either reincarnate or head to the void. Before this happens, souls arrive at the Quindecim, a bar attended by an enigmatic judge with white hair and a white robe named Decim. To properly judge these souls before they reincarnate or go to the void, Decim tells them what kind of game he wants them to play before judging accordingly.
14. xxxHOLIC
The series xxxHOLIC focuses on Kimihiro Watanuki, an 18-year-old student tormented by ghosts. One day, he meets Yuuko Ichihara’s shop, which grants his wishes. However, the desire can be granted only if the seeker is willing to offer something of equal value in return. Watanuki agrees, but Yuuko informs him that the value is too big and he must wait to pay off the debt by working in her shop.
15. Samurai Champloo
This series follows the exploits of Fuu, Mugen, and Jin, who are saved from execution by Fuu. She then forces them to help her in her quest to find a samurai that smells like sunflowers.
Shamurai Champloo is classified as a shōnen anime (typically marketed to 13+-year-old children) but has inappropriate episodes for children because they deal with subjects such as mar***ana plantations, slave pro***tutes, and bloodthirsty combat. This can make it difficult to patiently watch the series until the end because the tragedies in life may not always turn out happy like they do in movies.
