7 Greatest Seinen Anime Of All Time

Seinen anime has evolved significantly over the years, offering a diverse range of genres and styles. From psychological thrillers to historical dramas, these series have captivated audiences worldwide. In this article, we’ll examine seven of the greatest seinen anime of all time that have shaped the medium.

1. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Excluding marginal sequels such as Re:Zero, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth stands out as the premier seinen anime of Fall 2024. Captivating, intense, and distinctive, this production by Madhouse is unlike any other series currently airing. Notably, it is a historical anime that shifts the focus away from Japan, instead immersing viewers in Europe during the 1400s.

Additionally, the narrative features a rotating cast of protagonists, each contributing to the development of the story established by their predecessors. Furthermore, it explores profound themes including religion, oppression, and astrology. As indicated by its title, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth examines humanity’s position within the cosmos. In a society that conditions its citizens to accept the church’s doctrines without question, certain individuals are compelled to seek knowledge beyond divine teachings. They aspire to comprehend the workings of the solar system and are prepared to sacrifice everything in their quest for understanding.

2. Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii

Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii has the potential to appeal to both the seinen and josei audiences, particularly attracting the latter with its female lead. The romance genre is well-represented in the Fall 2024 lineup, featuring numerous high-quality shows. Among these, Yakuza Fiancé stands out as the greatest seinen anime of all time, exhibiting a somewhat erratic tone as it oscillates between lighthearted humor and instances of violence, whether suggested or overt. Although the relationship depicted is unhealthy, the central romance is enriched by numerous heartfelt moments, largely due to the compelling nature of the two protagonists.

3. 100 Girlfriends

This represents the apex of harem anime. In a genre often characterized by intense waifu rivalries, 100 Girlfriends boldly poses the question, “What if all of them succeed?” Rentaro, who is unfortunate in matters of love, openly expresses his emotions, a trait that has led to his frequent rejections. Prior to commencing high school, he visits a shrine to seek divine guidance, only to receive a direct response from a deity who informs him that he will soon encounter 100 girls who are his destined partners. Additionally, he must ensure their happiness. Despite a moment of panic, Rentaro is more than capable of rising to the challenge.

100 Girlfriends serves as both a comedic and exaggerated parody of the harem genre, while also being a remarkable addition to it. With his straightforward demeanor and genuine innocence, Rentaro is an absolute joy, which is essential for the success of this concept. Although the anime is still in the early stages of adapting the manga, the female characters introduced thus far are ideal complements to the protagonist, and they contribute equally to the humor.

4. Oshi No Ko

Oshi no Ko has delivered two remarkable seasons that explore the intricacies of the entertainment industry, all while enveloped in a murder mystery and a narrative of revenge. The story is propelled by Aqua’s quest to uncover the individual responsible for Ai’s demise, yet it predominantly focuses on the fervent performers and creators striving to achieve extraordinary feats within a highly manipulative industry.

Both seasons are engaging, skillfully merging visual brilliance with endearing characters who often find themselves in conflict due to their ambitious pursuits. Despite the strength of its individual components, Oshi no Ko occasionally appears somewhat aimless and disjointed, particularly for viewers who are mainly drawn to the mystery elements.

5. Parasyte

Parasyte stands out as the greatest seinen anime of all time, garnering international acclaim for its striking visuals and compelling premise. The narrative revolves around an alien species known as parasites, which invade a human’s brain to exert total control over their body. In a departure from the typical scenario, 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 Shinichi and his parasite, Migi, as they navigate the challenges of an impending apocalypse.

6. 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 focus ultimately returns 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 the series does not shy away from typical vampire tropes—having originated many of them—it offers one of the most intense experiences in contemporary seinen anime. For those who crave suspense and found Berserk lacking in violence, Hellsing Ultimate promises to deliver an exhilarating experience.

7. Erased

What 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 of the story is that Satoru possesses the ability to travel back in time by eighteen years, where he must navigate these events as his younger self. The mystery presented in Erased captivates viewers, featuring a compelling mix of rapid action sequences and impressive visuals. Undoubtedly, many fans of the seinen genre will discover elements to appreciate in Erased.