Seinen manga andanimerefer to media that is targeted at young adult and adult men. Within this category, you’re able to find many genres, ranging from gritty fantasy to relaxing slice-of-life. In general though, seinen feels a bit more mature than shonen, which is perfect for an older audience.
Wondering what the best seinen anime are? In this list, we’ll take a look at some of the best seinen anime out there, ranking them as we go. It’s important to note that there is no objective ‘best’ for any anime genre; if you’re favorite isn’t here, that doesn’t mean that it is bad!
9Psycho-Pass
First up, we have Psycho-Pass. This is a sci-fi seinen, set in a world where even thinking about committing a crime can make you guilty. The overall tone of this anime is dark and dystopian, which is perfect for those looking for a show that’s a little more gritty than others.
If you are a fan of movies like Minority Report, then Psycho-Pass is right up your alley. Both pieces of media approach crime in a similar manner, but they are unique enough that both are worth the watch!
8Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is an interesting addition to this list because although it’s seinen, it appeals to a wide range of people. The anime has something for everyone; humor, romance, loveable characters, and outlandish scenarios set at a school for the ultra-rich.
Overall, the heart of Kaguya-sama: Love is War revolves around thegrowing love between the two main characters, but the episodic antics and comedic narration make the anime so much more than a high school romance.
7Kingdom
Kingdom is a long-running manga and anime set in a fictionalized version of the Chinese Warring States period, which was around 220 BC. Although the events are fictional, the characters have real-life equivalents, such as Li Xin, who was a military general.
For the Fate/Grand Order fans out there, the real Li Xin served under Qin Shi Huang, who appears in the game as a Ruler class servant.
Alongside Li Xin, Kingdom will follow along on his journey to become the greatest general in the… kingdom. His ultimate goal is to become emperor, but this doesn’t go smoothly or quickly, so you can follow along for well over 100 episodes.
6Parasyte: The Maxim
Parastye follows Shinichi, who lives in a world where alien beings have invaded Earth. Rather than succumbing to the violent creatures, Shinichi befriends Migi, who is an alien that somehow becomes his right hand.
Together, the two fight other parasites that they encounter. Make no mistake though, Parasyte is a horror anime, filled with chilling monsters and creepy animation. While it’s not necessarily scary, it’s definitely gory and eerie.
5Mushishi
Next up, we have Mushishi. This anime follows Ginko, a supernatural Mushi who is traveling around to learn more about himself. This also includes his journey to help others and ultimately, find the meaning of his life.
Mushishi is unique among anime that deal with supernatural concepts. Rather than being a hero or a chosen figure, Ginko is simply a relaxed guy who is trying to understand both himself and the world around him.
4Berserk
At this point, most of us know what Berserk is. If you still haven’t seen it though, take this as your sign to begin. Berserk follows Guts,whose main goal is to get revenge. While many people consider the anime to be inferior to the manga, it’s worth the watch, especially if you read the manga first.
We suggest checking out the original anime series from 1997 first. The newer series that came out in 2016 is often criticized due to the poor use of CGI. If you want to experience as much Berserk as possible though, it’s still worth the watch.
3Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga tosses us into the land of Vikings and follows along Thorfinn, who is the main character. Along the way, you can experience the hardships that Thorfinn faces. Overall, Vinland Saga is packed with great character development, amazing writing, and a compelling plot.
This anime does a great job of weaving together history and the violence that comes with the Vikings in a way that will leave you wanting more after every episode.
2March Comes In Like A Lion
Doing a complete 180 from Vinland Saga, we have March Comes In Like A Lion. Set in modern Tokyo (Shinkawa, to be exact), this show follows Rei Kiriyama. Without any family, Kiriyama lives alone while also being a professional shogi player.
March Comes In Like A Lion is my favorite anime on this list! The story is deeply compelling and emotional, and will stick with you for a while.
March Comes In Like A Lion deals with serious topics and drama, taking us through the life of an introverted young adult just trying to survive in the world. If you’ve ever struggled with depression or anxiety, March Comes In Like A Lion is worth the watch.
1Monster
In first place, we have Monster. While the show is immensely popular, it can be a bit underrated at times. Monster follows along with Dr. Tenma, who starts off as a brain surgeon. Of course, things don’t go according to plan, and Tenma is accused of being a serial killer.
It’s hard to say much about Monster without spoiling the plot, but just know that this show has 74 episodes full of phenomenal storytelling and character development. Overall, Monster is a much-watch for any anime fan.
