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- Black Lagoon
- Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls
- Tokyo Ghoul
A lot of us anime watchers have started from big threes like Naruto, One Piece, and Dragon Ball. At some point, everyone wants to view concepts that exist beyond our understanding.
Likewise, we got through every genre including isekai, sci-fi, etc. But as your knowledge of anime grows, there are some must-watch anime shows out there. That’s where the Seinen anime genre comes in.
Just like every other anime show, seinen anime has regular aspects but one thing it doesn’t lack is the plot. Every seinen anime has a standard plot and it is always story-driven. So, it is simply meant for young aďults.
In other words, if you want to watch seinen anime, you need a bit of understanding of the concept, and this genre rocks in every aspect. So, are you ready to experience the more mâture genre in anime history?
Best Seinen Anime List !
13. Berserk
You probably have heard this name a lot more times than you think. Not to mention, Berserk manga has always been in the top-selling manga. It’s been almost 23 years since it started yet Berserk is in the first place in 2020.
Just imagine how good its story is to compete alongside One Piece. While manga is flawless, anime is pretty decent to watch. But if you’re a manga reader, we recommend you read its manga or anime is fine too. After all, it is one of the best seinen anime out there.
A young mercenary named Guts who was born from the corpse of his mother strives on the battlefield to ensure his survival. Every day by putting his life on the line, he moves onto the next battlefield. After an encounter with a Band of the Hawk, the leader named Griffith recruits him.
Soon he rises through ranks by adding his strength to the band. But soon he finds out that the world is not as shallow as it seems. Watch the dark tale of one man’s struggle who strives to find his path.
12. 91 Days
These days, most of the audience craves something new and in this list of best seinen anime, we have it right here. 91 Days is one of those works where any type of person would like it if he had a little bit of patience.
Since the story sets in the early 1900s, you get to view a completely different world from the anime shows you’ve seen until now. If nothing else, you’ll praise the premise and the way they presented it. Thus, we recommend this amazing seinen anime.
This revenge story sets in a lawless town where Angelo Lagusa witnesses the tragedy of his family’s murder by the Vanetti mafia family. After losing everything he holds dear, he leaves his hometown by leaving everything behind even his name.
After seven years, he receives a mysterious letter and comes back to his hometown. Soon he encounters Vanetti don’s son and befriends him to get revenge. It is one of the best seinen anime of all time.
11. Durarara
Durarara has a lot of mixed genres in it like romance, comedy, mystery, and supernatural but yet it retains the title as one of the best seinen anime out there.
The sole reason is it never deviates from the original plot and keeps you in check with the premise instead of focussing on other aspects. To put it simply, Durarara presents a dark theme with perfect humor to balance it.
Ikebukuro, a district in Tokyo downtown is well-known for strange rumors of dangerous gangs but one urban legend stands above the rest. Urban Legend, known as “Black Rider” is said to be seen driving on a motorcycle in the city streets.
Mikado Ryuugamine excitingly moves to Tokyo with the help of his friend and when he witnesses Black Rider, he thinks that his wish has been granted. However, later events that happen in the city change their perspective on excitement.
10. Space Brothers
Judging from the title, you might think it is an anime featuring two brothers who go to space. Indeed, you’re right but only to an extent. It shows the concept beyond your imagination of how difficult is to be an astronaut and how tough adventures can be.
But you’ll get plenty of entertainment from it in both adventures wise and humor wise. So, if you’re looking for a seinen anime with a sci-fi concept, then feel free to pick this one. After all, it is one of the best seinen anime.
Mutta Nanba and his younger brother Hibito believe that they witnessed a UFO and decided to become astronauts. But unfortunately, life hasn’t turned favorable for Mutta while Hibito is on his way to becoming an astronaut.
After losing his job, Mutta gets an unexpected offer from JAXA (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency) to participate in the next astronaut selection. Mutta embarks on a journey to fulfill his promise to his brother.
9. Erased
If nothing else, you must watch this seinen anime for its ending. It’s so beautiful and mind-flexing. Though no one expects such an ending, you’ll be satisfied with it. There are a few short anime with such an amazing premise and presentation.
With a unique atmosphere and good chemistry between the main leads, you’ll get to view some adorable moments. So, if you seek such a type of seinen anime, then you might as well go with it. After all, it is one of the best seinen anime of all time.
The story follows Satoru Fujinuma comes across a mysterious phenomenon known as “Revival.” It allows him to get back in time several minutes before an incident happens. While he uses this power to help others, one day he gets wrongly accused of a murder and when he comes to his senses, he is sent back to 18 years.
Soon he realizes that the murder is connected to the time where he came into the past. Can he solve the mystery and prove that he is innocent? Watch this seinen anime that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
8. Black Lagoon
There is nothing out there with as much thrill as a seinen anime with an action premise. Black Lagoon belongs to this genre, and it has some breathtaking action sequences which make you scream. You don’t even need to get through a few episodes to get hooked.
The characters are great, and the screenplay is amazing too. The soundtracks at every scene bring back the life to the show. So, if you’re looking for an action seinen anime, then here you go.
In Thailand, a depraved city full of crimes where even laws and authorities won’t work has now become a center of all dealings. Rokurou Okajima, a businessman who leads his life monotonously. When he finally gets a chance to experience a change of pace in his life, he gets captured by a mercenary group known as “Black Lagoon.”
When the negotiations fail with the group since his former employers abandon him, he joins Black Lagoon. To survive, he must adjust to this new life. Its dub is pretty great to watch if you’re not much into watching subbed anime.
7. Rainbow
Make sure to hold your breaths once in a while watching this seinen anime because the series is a rush of non-stop emotions and thrill. In simple words, it is one of the few iconic shows that Japan has ever made. The plot, characters, music, and what else.
Every aspect of the anime is made to satisfy the audience. If you’re a fan of the seinen anime genre, then this is the one show you shouldn’t be missing at any cost.
The story of Rainbow follows the seven cellmates who have been arrested on serious criminal charges. However, these cellmates become closer in less time but they had to endure the brutal suffering from the guard who holds a grudge against one of the cellmates.
In addition, a doctor who takes pleasure by torturing boys appears and now these people had to endure this until the sentences are over. Even if they did do it, there might not be a better life after they get released from the cell.
6. Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte is probably one of those shows where you get a completely different experience than you imagined. You might think this show is gore and violent but once you get into it, you’ll know how beautiful it is. In my opinion, this show is still underrated.
In many ways, it needs more attention, and the way the show ends is truly astonishing. There couldn’t be a better ending and overall, we can say that this seinen anime deserves to be one on the list of best seinen anime of all time.
The story revolves around Shinichi who falls victim to one of the parasites that take possession of the hosts. However, unlike any other parasite in the world, his parasite ends up taking possession of his right hand to survive.
Now Shinichi and Migi (parasite) have to coexist with each other, but it is not the end. There are also numerous hostile parasites along with them in the world. Aren’t you excited by looking at the premise already?
5. Ping Pong The Animation
In the whole list, Ping Pong The Animation is an exception and it isn’t because it being a sports anime. To be more precise, this seinen is unconventional, and nothing about it feels ordinary.
It has everything, a good premise, wonderful characters, and more importantly, stunning visuals. And it is not a light watch since anybody can enjoy this anime if they crave a decent premise. After all, it is one of the best seinen anime out there.
Makoto Tsukimoto has great ambition in his life and to achieve it, he also has his friend Yutaka Hoshino. Since childhood, they have grown up by playing ping pong together, and now they’re in their inter-high tournaments.
While Makoto is brimming with confidence, Hoshino shows little ambition. Now they need to show their talent in the inter-high competitions where only the very best preserve. Can they do it regardless of their years of cooperation?
4. Mushi-shi
Mushishi is definitely not an anime that you can marathon because it is based on East Asian Legends and Folktales. But there’s one thing you should keep in mind that the depiction of these stories in the anime is absolutely beautiful.
From the first minute to the end of the episode, the representation of the setting is breathtaking. It is worthy of being called a masterpiece in the seinen anime universe for a reason. So, it is one of the best seinen anime out there.
“Mushi” is a term that refers to basic life forms in the world. They exist in the world without any purpose or goals and we can’t determine whether they’re good or evil. However, these life forms can mimic things from the natural world such as diseases, plants, and even some phenomena like rainbows.
Mushishi, a person who researches these life forms to track out the essence of their existence and to find out the reason why they exist. Simply, this anime is a journey of Ginko, a Mushishi who chases the rumors regarding Mushi.
3. Vinland Saga
Seinen anime is all about a mature plot and if you’ve come across Vinland Saga, then you’ve already witnessed a gem. To some people, this anime is a depiction of history while for others, it is a seinen anime with an influenceable plot.
The best thing is its visuals are simply fantastic and no wonder it was one of the best anime of 2019. There’s still more to this anime, so we’ve yet to witness an even more fascinating plot. So, if you’re wondering whether to watch it or not, we suggest you do it right away.
Thorfinn grew up listening to the stories of a place named Vinland Saga where there would be no fighting and it was a peaceful land. While the war between England and Danes is going on, Thorfinn gets caught in an incident where a mercenary pirate kills his father.
Possessed by revenge, Thorfinn starts his journey to avenge his father who was murdered by Askeladd. Can his desire to kill him will become possible or will it lead to a greater change in history?
2. Monster
Monster is one of those shows where you’ll jump out of the bed by witnessing the way the plot goes. Some people might say that it is a slow pace but in order to witness a masterpiece, you need to endure a few episodes.
It is a psychological thriller with a strong plot and unpredictable moments. And it is also one of those shows that come close to being flawless. So, if you’re looking for a seinen anime with a great amount of thrill, then this show is a must-watch.
Dr. Kenzou Tenma is a neurosurgeon with some amazing skills and with his performance, he is even engaged to his hospital director’s daughter. But one single night turned his life upside down.
When a situation of choosing the patient comes first and on the verge of death and the mayor comes later but he ends up operating the boy. But soon Tenma realizes terror is waiting for him and it isn’t just about getting fired.
1. March Comes in Like a Lion
It is a rare thing to see an anime with the genres slice of life and seinen. However, March Comes in Like a Lion made it possible. It has a unique way of presentation throughout the series. The protagonist has his own story, and we’ll see what happens in his day-to-day life.
Despite being a little bit slow-paced, the show has a lot of memorable moments. Every aspect of the anime will immerse you completely, and you’ll love it to the end. So, it is one of the best seinen anime of all time.
Rei Kiriyama is one of the few elite shogi players who reached the professional league in middle school. However, he faces an enormous amount of pressure from both his family and the shogi community.
To escape from those, he moves to an apartment, and he takes care of himself. But soon he meets his three sisters who live with their grandfather. This meeting changes everything for him by healing his poorly sustained life. But first, Rei must learn how to interact with others.
Conclusion
Well, it seems like we’ve reached a conclusion of our list of best seinen anime. Since you’re looking for some good ones, you don’t need to think much because we chose the best ones for you.
So, make sure to check all of these recommendations to find the best one that suits your taste. The great thing about seinen anime is that it covers rare concepts in the anime industry and keeps the viewer entertained.
If you don’t like one simply pick another one from the list. We hope you’ll find the right one and what do you think about our list of best seinen anime? Do you think any other anime should be on the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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