Best Seinen Anime

Anime is not a world for children’s eyes alone. While plenty of shows cater to a younger audience, some of the best in the medium fall under the seinen category. Distinguished from the teen-oriented shonen properties, these stories explore more adult topics.

Of course, some themes found in these types of anime may be a little uncomfortable for younger audiences; however, viewers looking for more mature stories might find that the best seinen anime series are more their speed. Like shonen or shojo, seinen covers a spectrum of genres that go beyond just action or thrillers. The demographic has produced romance, slice of life, isekai, comedy, and everything else.

Updated November 12, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Enough Fall 2024 episodes have aired to identify a few of the lineup’s best shows. Which new seinen anime are worth seeking out?

Best New Fall 2024 Seinen Anime

Fall 2024 is shaping up to be a stellar season, perhaps the best of the year. Seinen stories make up a fairly big part of the lineup, and that includes both sequels and newcomers. MF Ghost is an easy recommendation for any racing fans, and Re:ZERO and Arifureta are technically seinen sequels, even if they are mostly associated with light novels.

When it comes to new seinen anime, Fall 2024 has been a mixed bag so far. Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror lost its way after a great first episode. Die-hard horror fans should still check out the opener, but they should prepare themselves for a notable drop in quality after that. Trillion Game is mostly just OK, and Touhai is difficult to find.

Still, let’s highlight the season’s best seinen anime (so far).

365 Days to the Wedding

A potentially divisive recommendation due to both leads being fairly awkward, 365 Days to the Wedding presents a peculiar take on romance. To avoid relocation, Rika and Takuya decide to pretend they are getting married in a year, a decision that is celebrated by their coworkers. However, the newlyweds quickly find that maintaining this illusion is difficult, especially since they were practically strangers before their fake engagement. They are also not experienced or knowledgeable about romance or marriage.

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365 Days to the Wedding‘s protagonists will make or break this story for most viewers. Just to be clear, they are not arrogant or annoying, but they are not charismatic in any real way. They are just two introverts who struggle with social clumsiness.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

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Putting aside borderline sequels like Re:Zero, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is the best seinen anime of Fall 2024. Gripping, intense, and unique, Madhouse’s anime is unlike any other currently-airing show. For one, this is a historical anime that does not focus on Japan, instead dropping viewers in Europe during the 1400s. Secondly, the story cycles through protagonists, with each one building on their predecessor’s work. Thirdly, it touches upon themes of religion, oppression, and astrology.

As suggested by the title, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth revolves around Earth’s place in the universe. In a society that indoctrinates people to never question the church’s teachings, certain individuals cannot help but look beyond god’s word. They want to understand how the solar system works, and they are willing to die in pursuit of that knowledge.

Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii

Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii could hit the mark with both seinen and josei demographics, with the latter potentially gravitating towards its female protagonist. The romance genre has plenty of representation in Fall 2024, and most of the shows are pretty great. By far the darkest option, Yakuza Fiancé is a bit all over the place in terms of tone, with the story jumping back and forth between fairly silly humor and flashes of violence (be it implied or explicit). While very clearly shown to be unhealthy, the core love story still has plenty of romantic moments that work due to the strength of the two main characters.

Sent by her Yakuza grandfather to marry the grandson of another family in Kanto, Yoshino has no plans to see this engagement through, although she decides to stick around for a year to spite her future husband (Kirishima). However, this act of defiance backfires, causing Kirishima to fall madly in love with Yoshino. Although far from perfect, Yakuza Fiancé has a fun female protagonist who constantly pushes back against the unpredictable Kirishima, who is also entertaining in his own right.

Now, on to the best seinen anime ever…

25 The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You

MyAnimeList: 7.78

This is it, the pinnacle of harem anime. In a genre known for sparking waifu wars, 100 Girlfriends dares to ask “but, what if they all win?” Unlucky at love, Rentaro wears his heart on his sleeve, a personality trait that has resulted in constant rejection. Before entering high school, the teenager heads to a shrine to pray for guidance, only to be directly answered by a god who reveals that Rentaro will soon be meeting 100 girls who are his soul mates. Also, he has to keep all of them happy. Brief panic attack aside, Rentaro is more than up to the task.

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100 Girlfriends is both a hilarious and over-the-top parody of harem and a stellar entry in the genre. Direct and oozing innocence, Rentaro is an absolute delight, which he has to be for this premise to work. While the anime is still in its early days of adapting the manga, the female characters introduced so far are perfect matches for the lead, and they are just as funny.

24 The Fable

MyAnimeList: 8.02

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The Fable had a pretty slow start, but it grew in popularity and quality throughout its two-cour run. While Katsuhisa Minami’s manga is respected, it is not a very well-known name either, which limits the adaptation’s reach to an extent. More importantly, Tezuka Productions’ animation style can seem awkward at first and requires some getting used to; even after crossing that threshold, the anime does not manage to replicate the source material’s realistic aesthetic.

Even with all those elements, The Fable is still fantastic and comfortably among the funniest anime of 2024, as long a viewer likes dark humor. The story follows an infamous hitman and his driver as they are forced to lie low for a year, which means moving to Osaka and trying to act normal. Rebranded as Akira, the eponymous Fable has no real idea of how to interact with people, and he tends to come across as creepy even when he is trying to be nice. Still, it is hilarious and oddly wholesome to see this trained killer bumble his way through ordinary life, all the while occasionally getting dragged into some rather intense Yakuza-related situations.

23 Skip And Loafer

MyAnimeList: 8.13

A small-town high school girl moves to the big city, aka Tokyo, in pursuit of a life-long dream. As basic as this premise sounds on the surface, Misaki Takamtsu’s Skip and Loafer should not be dismissed as just another run-of-the-mill slice of life. The manga has been on a roll since debuting in 2018, and it has steadily established itself as one of the better ongoing seinen properties. Mitsumi is the girl in question, and while she is wholly unprepared for a bustling city like Tokyo, she nevertheless dives headfirst into the challenge without stopping to take a breath. She also receives a helping hand from a classmate named Shima.

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Skip and Loafer blends comedy, introspection, and character development. While relatively relaxed, the story offers a grounded take on high school life, which can be dramatic and stressful. So far, P.A. Works has done a great job with the adaptation.

22 Oshi No Ko

MyAnimeList: 8.61

Oshi no Ko has produced two great seasons that dive into the entertainment industry, all the while being wrapped up in a murder mystery and a revenge fantasy. While driven by Aqua’s desire to find the person responsible for Ai’s death, the anime primarily revolves around passionate performers and creators, who are trying to achieve something special in a deeply manipulative industry.

For the most part, seasons 1 and 2 are captivating, blending visual spectacle with charming characters who tend to clash due to their ambitious natures. As strong as its individual elements are, Oshi no Ko can feel a bit directionless and scattershot at times, especially for viewers who are primarily interested in the mystery aspect.

21 Parasyte -The Maxim-

MyAnimeList: 8.33

Another modern classic of the seinen genre, Parasyte received global love for its horrific visuals and interesting concept. The story focuses on an alien species called parasites that drill into a person’s brain to control their body completely.

However, unlike how this process usually goes, the story’s protagonist Shinichi Izumi stops his parasite from taking his body, trapping it in his right hand instead. Viewers will then be held in the suspenseful pacing of the series, as they watch Shinichi and his parasite (called Migi) survive the incurring apocalypse.

20 Hellsing Ultimate

MyAnimeList: 8.35

Somehow, vampires have become their own genre among fantasy anime. From apocalyptic Seraph of the End to the dramatic Strike the Blood, vampires became commonplace. That said, it all comes back to one seinen classic in particular: Hellsing Ultimate.

The story takes audiences into the shoes of Alucard, a vampire and faithful servant of the evil-hunting Hellsing family. While the series doesn’t escape common vampire clichés (after all, it started most of them), it does make for one of the most brutal experiences in modern seinen anime. For suspense lovers who didn’t get enough violence from Berserk, Hellsing Ultimate will be sure to thrill.

19 Golden Kamuy

MyAnimeList: 7.88 (Season 1)

Golden Kamuy is bizarre, and that should be taken as a compliment. Set in the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese war, the anime centers around a rat race as various groups strive to discover the Ainu people’s hidden gold, a treasure that requires stitching together a map spread across the skins of various prisoners. Seeking to make amends for the blood he shed throughout the war, Saichi Sugimoto aids an Ainu girl named Asirpa as they try to keep the riches out of the wrong hands.

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Brain’s Base’s series flip-flops between visceral acts of gory violence and comedic silliness that would not look out of place in something like Gintama. More importantly, the anime manages to balance these two tones perfectly, a triumph many shows struggle to experience.

18 Erased

MyAnimeList: 8.30

What if any event in a person’s past could be undone? Well, this is exactly the situation that the seinen anime Erased focuses on. The anime tells the story of Satoru Fujinuma and the mysterious incidents that took the lives of his mother and his childhood friends.

The twist? Satoru must use the ability that sends him eighteen years in the past, in which he must solve the incidents as his childhood self. The mystery of Erased is eye-catching, offering a good variety of fast-paced scenes and striking visuals. To say the least, most seinen fans will find something they enjoy about Erased.

17 Land Of The Lustrous

MyAnimeList: 8.39

Anthropomorphic anything has become a common trope in anime. Warships, animals, and even countries have been made into people. However, few know about the series focused on anthropomorphic gems. Following the story of Phos, Land of the Lustrous explores an intricate world where Earth is too toxic for human life and Lunarians are on the assault.

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It’s hard to say that there is a more unique seinen anime series than this. Living gemstones make for a world that is hard to beat in that regard, but all of this makes the series so entertaining. The metallic art style that strays from the standard, the unique properties of the characters, and even the unusual factions at play, make Land of the Lustrous a series hard to predict.

16 Made In Abyss

MyAnimeList: 8.66 (Season 1)

Mystery is one of the best sub-genres of seinen anime, and for good reason. These types of series fascinate audiences with information manipulation and clever world-building, allowing the author to regulate tension and suspense far more than in another type of series — something that Made in Abyss does very well.

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The series tells the story of an orphan named Riko and her connection with a gaping hole near her town called the Abyss. As more about the mysterious abyss becomes revealed, viewers will find themselves growing more and more connected to the characters of the series. A truly great seinen anime for viewers looking for a mix of mystery and character development.

15 Space Brothers

MyAnimeList: 8.49

As children, the brothers Mutta and Hibito dreamed of heading into space; as adults, Hibito is on the verge of actualizing his goal, while Mutta has largely floundered. After being fired from his sales job, Mutta realizes that he is at a crossroads in his life, and he decides to chase after his boyhood dream.

Space Brothers falls within the sci-fi genre but is very much rooted in reality. The anime chronicles Mutta’s journey as he tries to become an astronaut, covering the trials and tribulations such a path entails.

14 Delicious In Dungeon

MyAnimeList: 8.57

Now, here is a unique take on the gourmet genre. Set in a fantasy world that is reminiscent of D&D and MMOs, Delicious in Dungeon follows a group of adventurers as they make their way through a challenging dungeon. As they are on a tight schedule, they cannot afford to waste time carrying unnecessary weight like food; consequently, they decide to eat the dungeon’s monsters. While not everyone is equally excited by this prospect, they all have to chip in to ensure their collective survival.

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With excellent animation, likable characters, and a dark sense of humor, Delicious in Dungeon is an absolute treat. Each episode feels like a mini-adventure, although they all connect seamlessly to produce an epic story that rarely takes itself seriously. The world-building is generally creative, and it is always fun to see what dishes the party conjures up next. Initially opting for a comedic tone, the anime’s direction gradually shifts, a change that proves to be for the better.

13 Pluto

MyAnimeList: 8.49

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For the longest time, Naoki Urasawa’s beloved Pluto manga seemed destined to remain unadapted, but that changed in 2023 when Studio M2 and Netflix finally released an 8-part OVA. An adaptation of such a legendary property had to be as close to perfect as possible, and the show largely managed to live up to these very high expectations.

Covering an Astro Boy arc, the story follows Gesicht as he investigates a series of murders that involve both humans and robots. While the case is quite interesting, Pluto‘s success lies in its study of human behavior as it reconfigures well-worn sci-fi tropes to tell a poignant and effective narrative driven by socially relevant themes.

12 Berserk

MyAnimeList: 8.58

Bloody seinen stories with buff, sword-wielding protagonists aren’t exactly the most family-friendly choices in anime. At least, Kentaro Miura’s Berserk proves that much. With a brutish sword-wielding protagonist and a band of mercenaries just as violent, the anime is thrilling for the same reasons that it isn’t meant for everybody.

Frankly, the story of Guts and the Band of Hawks makes for a great time for willing viewers. Its gory, life-threatening nature makes the story more meaningful, knowing that cheap plot armor isn’t in play. All in all, Berserk is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions, perfect for viewers who love the battle elements of shonen anime.

11 Bungo Stray Dogs

MyAnimeList: 7.82 (Season 1)

Bungo Stray Dogs is kind of like Psycho-Pass, but it instead focuses on detectives in alternate-reality Yokohama modeled after the 1920s with supernatural abilities. Okay, in reality, the only thing in common is the focus on detective-like characters. Nonetheless, Bungo Stray Dogs makes for an interesting alternative for viewers who don’t like the dark atmosphere of something like Psycho-Pass.

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Bungo Stray Dogs’ biggest draw is its characters. In a way, the story was built around the characters rather than the other way around. All this means is that the series offers a more complex insight into character development in the supernatural genre. It’s really a perfect series for people who enjoy getting attached to every character.

10 Mushi-Shi

MyAnimeList: 8.66 (Season 1)

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Mushi-Shi is a challenging series to describe since it contains slice of life, supernatural, drama, and even horror elements. The anime follows Ginko, a Mushishi who travels across Japan in search of Mushi, supernatural entities connected to nature. Although he takes on an active role on occasion, Ginko primarily acts as an observer soaking in the lives of others and the Mushi that exist alongside them.

Mushi-Shi immerses viewers in a beautiful world filled with wonder, beauty, and sadness. While slow-paced at points, the anime is very well written.

9 Fate/Zero

MyAnimeList: 8.28 (Season 1)

Part of the infamous Fate series, it’s hard to say that Fate/Zero isn’t seinen. Published as a seinen manga, it has a much darker tone than other entries in the Fate series. This story is alluring for a multitude of reasons. Deep narratives, heavy world-building, exquisite artwork, sound, and breathtakingly, beautiful fight scenes all make this anime stand out.

That said, audiences should take into consideration the watch order of the Fate series. Of course, Fate/Zero can be watched on its own conclusively. However, for those looking to watch the rest of the series, Fate/Zero serves as the prequel to Fate/Stay Night.

8 Kingdom

MyAnimeList: 7.92 (Season 1)

Based on Yasuhisa Hara’s highly regarded manga, Kingdom is an ambitious historical anime set during China’s Warring States Period. The story follows two orphans, Xin and Piao, pursuing their dream of serving as generals. Eventually, the anime shifts focus to Xin, who becomes one of King Zheng of Qin’s most loyal soldiers.

Kingdom‘s animation can be off-putting since the anime combines 3D CGI with 2D backdrops. The show’s first season has a particularly divisive presentation, but the animation does improve in the sequels. While the art style takes some getting used to, Kingdom‘s story and characters are strong from the start, and they only get better as the anime progresses. By season 3, the series has evolved into a war epic defined by ambitious writing that successfully juggles an expansive roster of nuanced characters.

7 March Comes In Like A Lion

MyAnimeList: 8.38 (Season 1)

Granted, March Comes In Like A Lion may not have the mainstream popularity of some other seinen anime, but its exploration of depression, loneliness, and hopefulness set it apart from the crowd. The story focuses on Rei Kiriyama, an introverted, professional shogi player, and his relationship with the Koda family.

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The story can be truly heartwarming, which is a little uncommon for many seinen series that tend to stray more into tragedy. That said, March Comes In Like A Lion deals with several heavy themes and topics, including bullying and depression. The anime handles these subjects with sensitivity and realism, providing no easy answers but not taking away hope either.

6 Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

MyAnimeList: 8.41 (Season 1)

Almost nothing can be more different from Berserk than a school-life romantic comedy series. Yet, Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War has more than proven itself to be a very competent seinen series.

The story focuses on Shuchiin Academy’s student council president, Miyuki Shirogane, and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya, as they try their best to get each other to confess — via witty commentary and psychological warfare, of course. Kaguya-sama is perfect for anime fans who want an amazing comedy that also explores some mature themes.