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 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 : Solo Leveling, Naruto, My Hero Academia
- Shojo : Fruits Basket, Sailor Moon, Ouran High School Host Club
- Seinen : Berserk, Tokyo Ghoul, Vinland Saga
- Josei : Nana, Paradise Kiss, Honey and Clover
- Isekai : Re:Zero, Sword Art Online, No Game No Life
- Slice of Life : Clannad, March Comes in Like a Lion, Barakamon
- Action : Attack on Titan, Bleach, Demon Slayer
- Adventure : One Piece, Made in Abyss, Hunter x Hunter
- Fantasy : Fullmetal Alchemist, Black Clover, Witch Hat Atelier
- Romance : Toradora!, Your Lie in April, Horimiya
- Comedy : Gintama, Konosuba, Nichijou
- Drama : Anohana, Erased, Orange
- Horror : Another, Tokyo Ghoul, Gachiakuta
- Mystery/Thriller : Steins;Gate, Death Note, Erased
- Sports : 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?
Anime character like Naruto Uzumaki is very well designed.