Top 10 Seinen Anime of All Time You Shouldn’t Miss

Anime is not solely intended for children. While numerous series are designed for younger viewers, some of the most acclaimed works in the medium belong to the seinen genre. Unlike the shonen series aimed at teenagers, these narratives delve into more sophisticated and adult themes.

• Top 10 Best Ecchi Anime of All Time [Latest Updated]
• Top 10 Best Josei Anime of All Time: A Detailed Review

It is true that certain subjects present in these anime may be somewhat unsettling for younger audiences; nevertheless, those seeking more nuanced storytelling may discover that the top 10 seinen anime of all time align more closely with their preferences. Similar to shonen and shojo, the seinen genre encompasses a wide array of genres, extending beyond mere action or thrillers. This demographic has given rise to romance, slice of life, isekai, comedy, and much more.

Now, checkout a list of the greatest seinen anime of all time in the section below:

1/ Hellsing Ultimate

Vampires have established themselves as a distinct genre within the realm of fantasy anime. From the post-apocalyptic narrative of Seraph of the End to the intense drama of Strike the Blood, these creatures have become a familiar presence. However, the discussion inevitably leads back to a particular seinen classic: Hellsing Ultimate.

This series immerses viewers in the life of Alucard, a vampire who serves the Hellsing family, renowned for their mission to eradicate evil. While it does incorporate several familiar vampire tropes—many of which it originally popularized—it also delivers one of the most intense experiences found in contemporary seinen anime. For those who crave suspense and found Berserk lacking in violence, Hellsing Ultimate deserves to be one of the top 10 seinen anime of all time.

2/ Berserk

Graphic seinen narratives featuring muscular, sword-bearing heroes are not typically regarded as suitable for family audiences in the realm of anime. This is exemplified by Kentaro Miura’s Berserk. With its formidable protagonist wielding a sword and accompanied by a similarly fierce group of mercenaries, the anime captivates viewers for reasons that may not appeal to everyone.

In truth, the tale of Guts and the Band of Hawks offers an exhilarating experience for those prepared to engage with it. The intense and violent nature of the story enhances its significance, as it is devoid of superficial plot protections. Overall, Berserk presents a captivating emotional journey, ideally suited for those who appreciate the combative aspects of shonen anime.

3/ Oshi No Ko (Season 1)

Aka Akasaka’s Kaguya-sama stands out as one of the top 10 seinen anime of all time; however, it is far from being the sole work of brilliance from the mangaka. While it contains elements of humor and moments of inspiration, Oshi no Ko presents a more sobering perspective on the entertainment industry, deliberately avoiding any romanticized portrayals of its ruthless nature and hidden vices.

In order to refrain from revealing any spoilers, as this series is best enjoyed with minimal prior knowledge, Oshi no Ko appeals to those in search of a murder mystery that explores themes of fame, obsession, and sorrow. It is no surprise that Doga Kobo delivers exceptional animation quality, and the voice acting in the anime is equally impressive.

4/ Skip And Loafer

A high school girl from a small town relocates to the vibrant city of Tokyo in pursuit of her lifelong aspirations. Although this premise may appear simplistic at first glance, Misaki Takamatsu’s “Skip and Loafer” should not be regarded as merely another typical slice-of-life narrative. Since its debut in 2018, the manga has gained significant traction and has firmly positioned itself as one of the more distinguished ongoing seinen series. The protagonist, Mitsumi, finds herself ill-equipped for the fast-paced environment of Tokyo, yet she boldly embraces the challenges that lie ahead without hesitation. She is also supported by a classmate named Shima, who lends her a helping hand.

“Skip and Loafer” artfully combines humor, self-reflection, and character growth. While the narrative maintains a relatively laid-back tone, it provides a realistic portrayal of high school life, which can often be filled with drama and tension. Thus far, P.A. Works has excelled in adapting this engaging story.

5/ Mushi-Shi

Mushi-Shi presents a complex narrative that is difficult to categorize, as it encompasses elements of slice of life, the supernatural, drama, and even horror. The story centers around Ginko, a Mushishi who journeys throughout Japan in pursuit of Mushi, ethereal beings that are intertwined with the natural world. Although Ginko occasionally engages actively in events, his primary role is that of an observer, absorbing the experiences of others and the Mushi that coexist with them. Mushi-Shi envelops its audience in a captivating realm characterized by wonder, beauty, and melancholy. While it may exhibit a slow pace at times, the anime is exceptionally well-crafted.

6/ Parasyte -The Maxim-

Parasyte stands out as a contemporary classic within the seinen genre, garnering international acclaim for its chilling imagery and captivating premise. The narrative revolves around an extraterrestrial species known as parasites, which penetrate the human brain to seize full control of the host’s body.

In a departure from the typical narrative, the main character, Shinichi Izumi, successfully prevents the parasite from overtaking him, confining it to his right hand. Audiences are then drawn into the gripping tension of the series, following the journey of Shinichi and his parasite, Migi, as they navigate the challenges of an impending apocalypse.

7/ Erased

Imagine if it were possible to reverse any event from an individual’s past. This concept is central to the narrative of the seinen anime Erased. The series follows Satoru Fujinuma as he grapples with the enigmatic occurrences that led to the deaths of his mother and childhood friends. The intriguing aspect is that Satoru possesses the ability to travel back in time by eighteen years, forcing him to confront these incidents as his younger self. The allure of Erased lies in its captivating mystery, complemented by a dynamic array of fast-paced sequences and impressive visuals. Undoubtedly, many fans of the seinen genre will discover elements to appreciate in Erased.

8/ Pluto

For an extended period, Naoki Urasawa’s esteemed Pluto manga appeared to be fated to remain without an adaptation. However, this changed in 2023 when Studio M2 and Netflix unveiled an 8-part OVA. Given the legendary status of the source material, the adaptation was expected to be nearly flawless, and the series largely succeeded in meeting these elevated expectations.

The narrative, which encompasses an arc from Astro Boy, centers on Gesicht as he delves into a series of murders involving both humans and robots. While the investigation itself is compelling, Pluto’s true achievement lies in its exploration of human behavior, as it reinterprets familiar sci-fi conventions to deliver a poignant and impactful story that resonates with socially relevant themes.

9/ Fate/Zero

As a notable installment in the renowned Fate series, it is evident that Fate/Zero qualifies as a seinen work. Released as a seinen manga, it presents a significantly darker atmosphere compared to other titles within the Fate franchise. The narrative captivates audiences for various reasons, including its intricate storytelling, extensive world-building, stunning artwork, impressive sound design, and remarkably beautiful combat sequences, all of which contribute to the anime’s distinctiveness. Nevertheless, viewers should be mindful of the recommended viewing order for the Fate series. While Fate/Zero can be appreciated independently, it also functions as a prequel to Fate/Stay Night for those interested in exploring the broader narrative of the series.

10/ Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

There is hardly anything more contrasting than Berserk and a school-life romantic comedy series. Nevertheless, Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War has undeniably established itself as a highly proficient seinen series.

The narrative centers around Miyuki Shirogane, the student council president of Shuchiin Academy, and Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president, as they engage in a battle of wits to compel one another to confess their feelings—employing clever dialogue and psychological tactics, naturally. Kaguya-sama is one of the top 10 seinen anime of all time for anime enthusiasts seeking a remarkable comedy that also delves into more mature themes.