Choosing the right anime genre to watch depends on your personal preferences and interests. Anime covers a wide range of genres, each offering unique themes, styles, and storytelling approaches. Here are some tips to help you figure out which anime genre might suit your taste:
Reflect on Your Preferences:
Consider your favorite genres in other forms of entertainment, such as movies, TV shows, books, or video games. If you enjoy certain themes or storytelling styles in other media, you may find similar elements in anime.
Explore Different Genres:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres. Anime has something for everyone, from action and adventure to romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, slice of life, and more. Give various genres a chance to see which resonates with you.
How many genre out there? As of 2025, anime is commonly divided into 12-15 or more genres, each with its own style and fanbase. Below is a list of the recognized genres (not all genre, as it may goes longer) along with examples of popular anime in each. This is only example and people may have vary in which anime belong to which genre.
- Shonen High-energy anime targeting young male audiences, often featuring action-packed storylines, epic battles, and themes of friendship and self-improvement:
Anime example – Solo Leveling, Naruto, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball Z - Shojo Heartfelt anime for young female viewers, focusing on romance, relationships, and character development, often with cute and stylish visuals:
Anime example – Fruits Basket, Sailor Moon, Ouran High School Host Club - Seinen Darker, more mature anime for adult men, exploring complex themes, politics, and psychological depth:
Anime example – Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, Vinland Saga - Josei Anime for adult women, tackling mature themes, relationships, and real-life issues, often with a more realistic tone:
Anime example – Nana, Paradise Kiss, Honey and Clover - Isekai Fantastical anime where characters are transported to another world, often featuring adventure, action, and self-discovery:
Anime example – Re:Zero, Sword Art Online, No Game No Life, Overlord - Slice of Life Charming anime showcasing everyday life, often focusing on character interactions, humor, and heartwarming moments:
Anime example – Clannad, March Comes in Like a Lion, Barakamon, K-On!, The Way of the Househusband. - Action Fast-paced anime featuring intense battles, martial arts, and thrilling sequences:
Anime example – Attack on Titan, Bleach, Demon Slayer - Adventure Exciting anime exploring new worlds, quests, and discoveries, often with a focus on exploration and camaraderie:
Anime example – One Piece, Made in Abyss, Hunter x Hunter, Pokémon - Fantasy Imaginative anime set in magical worlds, featuring mythical creatures, quests, and epic battles:
Anime example – Fullmetal Alchemist, Black Clover, Witch Hat Atelier, Made in Abyss - Romance Heartfelt anime focusing on emotional connections, relationships, and love stories, often with cute and tender moments:
Anime example – Toradora!, Your Lie in April, Horimiya - Comedy Humorous anime aiming to entertain and make viewers laugh, often with silly characters and absurd situations:
Anime example – Gintama, Konosuba, Nichijou, The Devil is a Part-Timer! - Drama Emotional anime exploring complex themes, character struggles, and intense storylines:
Anime example – Anohana, Erased, Orange, 5 Centimeters Per Second, A Silent Voice - Horror Chilling anime designed to scare and unsettle, often featuring supernatural elements and dark themes:
Anime example – Another, Tokyo Ghoul, Gachiakuta, Hellsing Ultimate - Mystery/Thriller Suspenseful anime featuring puzzles, mysteries, and thrilling plot twists:
Anime example – Steins;Gate, Death Note, Erased, Psycho-Pass - Sports Inspiring anime focusing on athletic competitions, teamwork, and overcoming challenges:
Anime example – Haikyuu!!, Kuroko’s Basketball, Blue Lock
This is only example and some notable titles. The list can go on and on..
Check Reviews and Recommendations:
Read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends, online communities, or anime forums. This can help you discover popular series within specific genres and get a sense of what might interest you.
Consider Themes and Settings:
Think about the themes and settings that captivate you. If you enjoy stories set in fantastical worlds with magic and mythical creatures, fantasy anime might be a good choice. If you prefer realistic, everyday scenarios with a focus on character relationships, slice of life or romance anime might be more appealing.
Explore Subgenres:
Anime genres often have subgenres that cater to more specific tastes. For example, within the action genre, you can find mecha, shounen, or supernatural subgenres. Exploring subgenres allows you to narrow down your preferences further.
Watch Trailers and Previews:
Watch trailers or previews for different anime series to get a sense of their animation style, tone, and overall atmosphere. This can help you determine if a particular series aligns with your preferences.
Start with Popular Titles:
Begin with popular and highly-rated anime series within different genres. These titles are often popular for a reason and can serve as a good introduction to various anime styles.
Consider Your Mood:
Your mood can influence the type of anime you might enjoy. If you’re in the mood for excitement and action, you might choose a shounen or action anime. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, slice of life or comedy genres might be suitable.
Experiment with Different Episode Lengths:
Anime comes in various episode lengths, from short series to long-running ones. If you prefer a quick watch, consider short series or movies. If you enjoy a more extended narrative, opt for longer series.
Remember that anime is a diverse medium with something for everyone, so don’t hesitate to explore different genres until you find what resonates with you. The key is to enjoy the storytelling, characters, and themes that align with your interests.
Great read! I appreciate the thorough analysis presented. The examples really helped to clarify complex concepts. Does anyone else have additional insights or experiences to share on this topic?
I truly appreciate this article post.Much thanks again.
Anime character like Naruto Uzumaki is very well designed.
I will watch sports and drama