What are the 5 Different Types of Anime?

Anime, the captivating world of Japanese animation, isn’t just a one-size-fits-all experience. It’s a diverse universe that caters to various interests, age groups, and tastes. If you’re new to anime or simply looking to expand your horizons, join us as we dive into the exciting world of different anime types. Whether you’re a teenager seeking action-packed battles, an adult craving thought-provoking stories, or a child ready for playful adventures, there’s an anime waiting just for you!

Let’s break down these anime types and bring the magic of each one to life: shonen, shojo, seinen, josei and kodomo.

1. Shonen Anime (少年) – Adventure Awaits Young Boys!

Pronunciation: Show-nen
Age Group: Teenagers
Category: Action, Adventure
YouTube Example: Watch a Shonen Anime Scene

Shonen anime is like a whirlwind adventure made especially for young boys. Imagine epic battles, heroic quests, and friendships that feel like they’re happening right next to you.

This type of anime packs a punch with action-packed scenes, teaching valuable life lessons while exploring themes of courage, determination, and the power of friendship. If you’re a teenager looking for an adrenaline rush, shonen anime is your playground.

Check out these classics to get started on your journey.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Bleach (Sennen Kessen-hen)
Gintama
Attack On Titan
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Dragon Ball
One Piece
Naruto
Attack On Titan
Fairy Tail
Chainsaw Man
Jujutsu Kaisen

2. Shojo Anime (少女) – Heartfelt Stories for Young Girls!

Pronunciation: Show-jo
Age Group: Teenagers
Category: Romance, Drama
YouTube Example: Watch a Shojo Anime Scene

For young girls seeking emotional journeys and romantic tales, shojo anime is the perfect fit.

These shows dive deep into emotions, love stories, and personal growth. They touch your heart with themes of relationships, empowerment, and the magic of self-discovery.

If you’re a teenager who enjoys stories that tug at your heartstrings, explore the following titles:

Fruits Basket
Ouran High School Host Club
Natsume Yuujinchou
Nana
Banana Fish
Kamisama Hajimemashita: Kako-hen
Versailles no Bara
Hotarubi no Mori e
Mimi wo Sumaseba
Cardcaptor Sakura
Sailor Moon

3. Seinen Anime (青年) – Intriguing Narratives for Young Adult Men!

Pronunciation: Say-nen
Age Group: Adults
Category: Psychological, Thriller
YouTube Example: Watch a Seinen Anime Scene

Seinen anime takes you into a world of complexity, intrigue, and mature themes.

Designed for adults, this type of anime delves into deep thoughts, politics, and psychological intricacies. Even though it’s not the focus of this category, seinen animes normally have a sexual or pornographic nature.

One of the earliest seinen manga published was Weekend Egao by Sunao Hari, and one of the earliest seinen anime was Lupin III: Pilot Film, released in 1969.

If you’re an adult who craves thought-provoking stories that make you ponder societal complexities, dive into series like these:

Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Ultra Romantic
March Comes In Like A Lion
Monster
Kingdom
Vinland Saga
Mushishi
Ping Pong The Animation
Bungou Stray Dogs
Berserk
Hellsing
Gantz
Tokyo Ghoul
One-Punch Man
Ghost In The Shell
AKIRA

4. Josei Anime (女性) – Insights into Young Adult Women’s Lives!

Pronunciation: Jo-say
Age Group: Adults
Category: Romance, Slice of Life
YouTube Example: Watch a Josei Anime Scene

Josei anime offers a glimpse into the lives of young adult women, exploring friendships, romance, careers, and life’s challenges.

Tailored for adults, josei anime captures growth, love, and the intricacies of adulthood. It delves into themes of self-discovery, relationships, and personal aspirations.

Normally josei protagonists are female, but there can be male protagonists in josei as well, usually when it comes to male homosexual stories. Josei anime became stigmatized in the late 1980s as they were associated with pornographic manga. However, today josei focusses more on social issue-related stories.

If you’re an adult seeking relatable stories, give the anime a watch:

Honey and Clover
Nana
Paradise Kiss
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
Chihayafuru
Usagi Drop
Sakamichi no Apollon
Nodame Cantabile
Hachimitsu to Clover
Princess Jellyfish

5. Kodomo Anime (子供) – Adventure and Play for Children!

Pronunciation: Ko-do-mo
Age Group: Children
Category: Fantasy, Adventure
YouTube Example: Watch a Kodomo Anime Scene

Kodomo anime is a whimsical playground for kids, filled with cute characters, exciting adventures, and valuable life lessons. There are more than 6,000 titles available, so it is one of the biggest type.

As an art style, kodomo uses simple character and creature design with bright and joyful colors. It is directed towards kids so it is fun to watch.

If you’re a child eager for playful giggles and enjoyable learning, kodomo anime is your magical gateway.

Explore the following titles to join adorable characters on their fun-filled escapades:

Tanoshii Muumin Ikka (Moomin)
Sazae-san
Pokemon
Doraemon
Digimon
Anpanman

What now?

Ready to dive into the world of anime tailored just for you? Look for the titles above above and immerse yourself in the captivating universe of Japanese animation and the different anime types!

Remember, the world of anime is as diverse as your interests, and there’s something magical waiting for you to discover. So grab your popcorn, find your favorite type, and let the anime adventure begin!