10 outstanding seinen anime series to binge

If you've moved on from childhood favorites like Naruto or One Piece, then seinen anime offers the next step up with darker, more mature storytelling. Seinen anime avoids the typical shonen tropes, featuring complex narratives, deep mythologies, and sometimes terrifying concepts.
Whether you’re into body horror or romance, seinen anime has plenty to offer.Here are some of the best seinen anime series, ranging from well-known titles to hidden gems, for your next binge-watch.
1. Hellsing Ultimate
Image Courtesy: IMDb
Kicking off the list is Hellsing Ultimate, a dark fantasy vampire tale unlike any other. Initially a manga series by Kouta Hirano in 1997, it has seen several anime adaptations, with the 2006-2012 version standing out as the best. The story follows Alucard, a powerful vampire, his master Sir Integra Hellsing, and the newly sired Seras Victoria. Set in present-day England, the Hellsing Organization battles vampires, ghouls, and other supernatural threats to maintain peace.
2. One Punch Man

Image Courtesy: One Punch Man Official X (formerly Twitter) account
One Punch Man is one of the most popular anime series of this generation, offering a hilarious parody of the superhero genre. Set in a Tokyo filled with superheroes and monstrous villains, it tells the story of Saitama, a man who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Despite his overwhelming power, Saitama struggles to find a worthy challenge. The series humorously explores his life as he navigates the world of heroes and villains.
3. Code Geass
Image Courtesy: Code Geass Official Website
Code Geass, an alternate history series, offers something for every anime fan with its blend of supernatural elements and mecha battles. Set in a world divided into three superpowers, the story follows former prince Lelouch Lamperouge’s quest for revenge against the Holy Britannian Empire. Armed with a new power and sharp tactical skills, Lelouch aims to destroy Britannia and restore justice for his family.
4. Tokyo Ghoul
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Tokyo Ghoul is a fan favorite, blending horror and emotional storytelling. The series follows Ken Kaneki, a university student who becomes a half-ghoul after a fateful encounter. As Kaneki navigates the dangerous world of ghouls, the anime delivers intense battles, gruesome scenes, and poignant moments, making it a classic introduction to the seinen genre.
5. Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War
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Breaking from the typical seinen mold, Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War is a romantic comedy that combines elements of seinen and shojo. Set in Shuchiin Academy, it follows student council members Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya as they devise elaborate schemes to confess their love to each other. The series offers a delightful mix of humor and heartfelt moments.
6. Made In Abyss
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Based on Akihito Tsukushi’s manga, Made in Abyss premiered in 2017 to critical acclaim. The story is set in a town surrounding a massive hole known as the Abyss, filled with ancient relics. Young orphan Riko and her part-robot friend Reg venture into the Abyss to find her lost mother. Their journey is filled with wonder and peril, making for a gripping adventure.
7. Vinland Saga
Image Courtesy: Vinland Saga Official Website
Vinland Saga is an award-winning historical drama known for its breathtaking action and deep character development. The story follows Thorfinn, a young Icelander seeking revenge on the Viking who killed his father. Based on real historical events, this series offers a compelling blend of action and drama.
8. Pluto
Image Courtesy: Pluto Official Website
Pluto, a murder-mystery thriller on Netflix, is based on Naoki Urasawa’s manga, a homage to Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. Set in a world where humans and robots coexist, the story follows robot detective Gesicht as he investigates a series of robot and human deaths. His quest uncovers dark secrets that some would prefer to remain hidden.
9. Monster
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Monster, adapted from Naoki Urasawa’s manga, is a critically acclaimed series recognized as a standout of its decade. It follows Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brain surgeon who saves a young boy over a city mayor, only to discover years later that the boy has become a serial killer. Haunted by his decision, Tenma must stop the "monster" he saved.
10. Psycho-Pass
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Psycho-Pass is a cyberpunk thriller set in a dystopian Japan where citizens are evaluated by a Psycho-Pass, determining their societal value and freedom. The story follows Inspector Akane Tsunemori and former Inspector Shinya Kogami as they hunt down the criminal mastermind Shogo Makishima. This series has spawned multiple films and manga, becoming a classic in the genre.
These ten seinen anime series offer a range of stories and genres, each with unique qualities that make them must-watch for any anime fan seeking more mature content.