Major anime genres listed and explained: which one is right for you?
Numerous people from all over the world enjoy reading or watching anime. Anime is a style of Japanese film and television animation enjoyed by children and adults. There are multiple anime genres to choose from for your entertainment.
Source: UGC
Various anime genres are suited for different audiences. It is important to know the various genres to decide which one you enjoy the most or is appropriate for kids and teens. Discover which they are and more about them.
Anime genres explained
Anime has become increasingly popular in the world in recent decades. There are various types of anime that could appeal to both children and adults. Below is a detailed look at the types of anime genres you should explore.
1. Shonen/ Shounen
Shonen/ Shounen is listed among the major anime genres. It is arguably the most popular among all the different anime genres. Did you know the literal meaning of Shōnen is a boy?
This genre is primarily targeted at teen boys aged between 12 and 18. Teen girls also enjoy watching them.
Usually, the Shōnen genre has a central male protagonist. In rare cases, the protagonist is female. A story can be adventure, action, drama, or sci-fi.
The plot of a Shōnen book or animation is normally adventurous and revolves around the protagonist, who faces enthralling battles to achieve their goals.
The Shōnen genre often preaches the importance of family and friendship. It inspires teens to pursue their dreams and achieve big things in life. Examples of Shōnen are listed below.
- Attack on Titan
- Bleach
- Dragon Ball
- Hunter x Hunter
- Inu-Yasha
- Komi Can't Communicate
- Naruto
- The Promised Neverland
- One Piece
2. Kodomomuke
Kodomomuke is one of the most common anime categories. It is created specifically for kids, especially those aged 12 and below.
Kodomomuke is one of the most popular Japanese cartoon genres. It features colourful animations to catch children's fancies and interests.
The storylines in these comic books or animations are light-hearted. Kodomomuke stories can be action, adventure, or comedy.
They mainly teach children about the values and morals of life that make one a good person. Examples of Kodomomuke are listed below.
- Beyblade
- Digimon Adventures
- Doraemon
- Pokemon
- Yo-Kai Watch
Source: UGC
3. Shojo/ Shoujo
Shojo/ Shoujo is among the different types of anime in the contemporary world. The word Shōjo translates to a young girl. Therefore, young girls aged between 12 and 18 are this genre's primary target audience.
Shōjo storylines explore the feminine side of things. They have a female lead who the entire storyline revolves around. Yaoi (romance between men) and Yuri (romance between women) are the main Shōjo sub-genres. Examples of this genre are listed below.
- Banana Fish
- Cardcaptor Sakura
- Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
- Fruits Basket
- Nana
- Sailor Moon
- The Heart of Thomas
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Violet Evergarden
4. Josei
Josei means a woman or a female. This genre is built for adult women aged 18 and above. It is a more mature version of Shōjo.
In Josei, the realistic lives of women are portrayed. Storylines feature issues like romantic relationships, parenting, LGBTQIA+ issues, and other challenges faced in life. Examples of Josei are listed below.
- Aggretsuko
- Chihayafuru
- Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
- Given
- Kids on the Slope
- Mr. Osomatsu
- Ooku: The Inner Chambers
- Princess Jellyfish
- Usagi Drop
5. Seinen
Seinen means youth. This type of anime targets adult men aged 18 and above. Adult females can also enjoy this genre.
Since the age is more mature, the storylines have no theme or story restrictions. They often feature mature themes, including violence, romance, action, gore, etc. Examples of Seinen anime are listed below.
- Akira
- Berserk
- Dorohedoro
- Hellsing
- Kaguya-sama: Love is War – Ultra Romantic
- Monster
- Oshi no Ko
- Vagabond
- Vinland Saga
Source: UGC
6. Iyashikei
Iyashikei means healing. This genre often overlaps with other types. Its distinguishing feature is that it soothes the audience.
It is defined by the feeling or experience of watching it instead of the storyline. It gives you the feeling of a long, hot bath.
The backgrounds in Iyashikei are painted in soothing colours. There are gentle nature scenes, and characters work together towards a common goal. Examples of this type of anime are listed below.
- Kotaro Lives Alone
- Mushi-shi
- Natsume's Book of Friends
- Non Non Biyori
- Rilakkuma and Kaoru
7. Slice of Life
The Slice of Life of genre contains stories of everyday life as it is lived by an individual or group of characters. It includes the finer details of life.
It takes a keen approach, even if that approach is being used on very unique people and places. Life is lived in whatever form it takes. Examples of this genre are listed below.
- Aria
- Azumanga Daioh
- Barakamon
- Flying Witch
- Hyouka
- Ms. Kobayashi's Dragon Maid
- The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
- Your Lie in April
8. Mecha
The Mecha genre is unique because it features giant robots that fight in wars. The enormous humanoid robots have incredible powers. Examples are listed below.
- Gigantor
- Knights of Sidonia
- Promare
- RahXephon
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
9. Isekai
In Isekai, there is plenty of escapism. In this genre, ordinary characters are whisked away to fantasy worlds.
By virtue of being transported to a fantasy land, the characters become extraordinary. Examples are listed below.
- Log Horizon
- No Game No Life
- Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon
- Re:Creators
- Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World
- Sword Art Online
Source: UGC
10. Harem
Harem is considered to be one of the most traditional genres of anime and manga. It normally depicts romantic relationships, usually heterosexual.
The storylines normally feature an average man between 15 and 30, unsure of what he wants or desires in life.
He then discovers he is the heir to a great destiny and is suddenly surrounded by girls who are desperate to be his partner. Examples of Harem are listed below.
- High School DxD
- My Next Life as a Villainess
- Rent-a-Girlfriend
- The Quintessential Quintuplets
- The World God Only Knows
The anime genres list: a recap
The major anime genres are listed below.
- Shonen/ Shounen
- Kodomomuke
- Shojo/ Shoujo
- Seinen
- Josei
- Iyashikei
- Slice of Life
- Mecha
- Isekai
- Harem
What are the 5 main genres of anime?
The top five main anime genres are Kodomomuke, Shonen, Shoujo, Seinen, and Josei. Each is explored in detail in this article.
What is the most-watched anime genre?
Shonen/ Shounen is arguably the most popular and most-watched anime genre. It is primarily targeted at teen boys aged between 12 and 18.
What genre of anime is Naruto?
The Naruto series falls under the Shonen/ Shounen genre. The series tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the village leader.
There are multiple anime genres in the contemporary world. Some are ideal for kids, while others require an adult audience.
Source: Original
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