Have you ever wondered about certain types of anime you like but don’t know the terminology for them? We’re here to help clear up the confusion and provide guidance! Anime is a diverse and engaging medium that offers a wide variety of genres to suit different tastes and preferences. Anime genres range from action adventures to heartwarming romances, and there’s something for everyone. Each film offers a unique experience, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re drawn to intense battles, touching stories or thought-provoking stories, the world of anime has something special to offer. Dive into these genres and explore the vast landscape of anime storytelling! Let’s dive into 8 popular anime genres, explain their main characteristics, and make recommendations for each.
Explanation of anime genres
Shonen
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The genre is aimed at a younger male audience and often features action-packed storylines, close friendships, and characters trying to grow stronger or accomplish their goals. Movies often feature male protagonists embarking on adventurous journeys, facing challenges, and trying to become stronger both physically and mentally. Furthermore, it contains elements of comedy and humor as well as themes of justice and morality.
Examples of popular shounen anime include Naruto, where a young ninja tries to become the strongest in his village, Dragon Ball, which follows Goku’s adventures as he searches for powerful artifacts and battles with formidable enemies; and One Piece, the story of pirates searching for the ultimate treasure in a vast world.
Shojo
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This genre is mainly aimed at a young female audience. It is characterized by a focus on romance, relationships, emotions and personal growth. It is known for its emotional depth and the way it delves into the characters’ emotions and inner thoughts. Furthermore, it has a delicate and expressive art style. Character designs can be very detailed, emphasizing facial expressions to convey emotions effectively.
Some popular examples include Sailor Moon, which follows the adventures of a group of young girls who transform into magical warriors to protect the world; Fruits Basket tells the story of a girl with ties to a cursed family that turns into an animal of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex and Ouran High School Host Club is a comedy parodies shoujo jokes.
Seinen
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This genre is aimed at an adult audience, both men and women. Unlike other genres that cater to younger viewers, anime seinen offers more mature themes and complex character development, while often exploring deeper emotional and psychological aspects of the story. human experience. They often face internal conflicts and grapple with personal dilemmas, making them more relatable and multidimensional. Furthermore, stories can involve political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and complex world-building. Due to the maturity of the target audience, these anime may include more obscene content, such as violence, sexual themes, and objectionable images.
Some popular examples include Ghost in the Shell, which delves into philosophical questions about human identity and technology, and Berserk, a dark fantasy series that explores human psychology and ambiguity about human psychology. Moral and Tokyo Ghoul, about a boy who is turned into a half-vampire and half-human, while building a bridge between the two species and questioning us. morality.
Josei
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This genre is specifically aimed at a mainstream female audience. The term “josei” means “woman” in Japanese, and these anime series delve into the challenges, emotions, and experiences of adulthood. Unlike shoujo anime that focus on the romantic and emotional aspects of adolescence, josei anime explores the complexities of life after the teen years. Additionally, art styles are often more realistic and detailed, reflecting the genre’s focus on depicting the complexities of adult life.
Here are a few recommendations, Nana, which follows the lives of two women named Nana as they navigate the challenges of relationships, dreams, and friendships in Tokyo. Honey and Clover explores the lives of art students as they face unrequited love, creative pursuits, and the transition to adulthood. Paradise Kiss follows a high school girl entering the world of fashion design, struggling with personal growth and romance.
Also read: 10 anime supporting characters who stole the main characters’ shows: Levi Ackerman, Makima, Satoru Gojo and others
Isekai
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Anime Isekai is an anime genre that has become extremely popular in recent years. The term “isekai” means “other world” in Japanese and that’s exactly what these anime are about. Characters from the real world are transferred, reincarnated, or imprisoned in a parallel reality, often one that contains fantasy or supernatural aspects. The main characters are constantly faced with difficulties, experiences, and opportunities for growth in this new world that they have never experienced in reality before.
Mushoku Tensei is one of the popular ongoing anime of this genre. No Game No Life is another example of sibling gamers being transported to a world where all conflicts are resolved through games.
Mecha
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This genre of anime revolves around the use of giant robots, known as “mecha”, usually controlled by humans. These shows often combine elements of science fiction, action, and often drama. Anime Mecha explores themes such as war, technology, human-machine interactions, and the ethical implications of using advanced weapons.
Some popular examples of this genre include the Mobile Suit Mobile series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Code Geass, Gurren Lagann, Aldnoah.Zero, Knights of Sidonia and many more.
Slice of Life
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Anime Slice of Life is a genre that captures the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Instead of focusing on grand adventures or epic battles, these shows revolve around the mundane moments, emotions, and interactions that make up our everyday lives. The genre aims to offer an easy-to-understand and often touching look at the characters and their relationships, giving viewers a chance to reflect on their own experiences. It offers an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the small moments that shape our lives.
Clannad, Barakamon, Oregairu, March Comes in Like a Lion, Usagi Drop are a few examples of the genre that you should look out for!
Fiction
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Fantasy anime is a fascinating genre that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and great adventures. These shows often combine elements of myth, legend, and folklore to create unique and engaging settings. At the heart of many fantasy anime lies the characters’ journeys of adventure, self-discovery, or rescuing the world from darkness. These missions often involve overcoming challenges, battling powerful enemies, and uncovering hidden truths.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Attack on Titan and Made in Abyss are some of the popular anime in this genre.
Which genre do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: 10 animated movies that make viewers frown: Midori, Attack on Titan, Pokémon and more
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