Let’s be real—a long time ago, anime wasn’t “Japanese cartoons” anymore. It’s this massive, thriving universe with something for everyone. With genres that go from epic battle sequences to quiet strolls in the forest, anime encompasses every single vibe. And for each genre, there’s that one show that did it right and made us all fall in love. So, whether you’re already up to your neck in anime canon or are still figuring out what “isekai” means, here’s a genre-leaping list of 10 fan-favorite categories—and the timeless shows that made them so. Starting from the laid-back and moving all the way up to the epic—because, well, countdowns are more fun that way.
10. Iyashikei – Mushishi
Sometimes you don’t require explosions or huge robots—you just require relaxation. Cue iyashikei, the “healing” genre that’s a spa day for your mind. And Mushishi? Your therapist. Slow pacing, nature-heavy scenery, and a pinch of the supernatural, and this anime gives you room to breathe. It’s mood over plot. Soft rain, forest spirits, and a brooding dude who goes village to village to help people come to mind. You’ll never look at moss the same way again.
9. Supernatural Romance – Fruits Basket
Anime romance is not always simple, and Fruits Basket is the poster child for that. Imagine discovering your crush transforms into a cat when hugged. That’s just the beginning. This series blends emotional drama with zodiac curses and soft, slow-burn romance. Tohru Honda’s kindness is contagious, and watching her heal a broken family is oddly therapeutic. It’s a story that somehow combines magical realism with real raw emotions—and lots of “aww” moments, too.
8. Isekai – Fushigi Yuugi
If you’ve been anywhere near anime in the last decade, you’ve heard the word isekai. Basically: person gets yanked into another world and chaos (or adventure) ensues. While newer titles like SAO and Re: Zero dominate now, the ‘90s classic Fushigi Yuugi walked so they could run. It’s got it all—romance, friendship, betrayal, and a fantasy world based on Chinese myths. Bonus: Miaka, the main character, is relatable, awkward, and gets put through the emotional wringer. Prepare for feels.
7. Romantic Comedy – Recovery of an MMO Junkie
Not all rom-coms are about high school students. Sometimes they’re about burned-out adults who just want to shed their corporate lives via online RPGs. Recovery of an MMO Junkie follows Moriko, a woman who finds friendship (and maybe more) via her online character. It’s cute, cringeworthy, and full of PG gaming jokes. You don’t need to be a gamer to appreciate the charm—it’s about finding happiness in unexpected places.
6. Family Drama – When Marnie Was There
Grab a blanket and some tissues—affecting is this one. When Marnie Was There, a lesser-known Studio Ghibli gem, dives deep into identity, loneliness, and memory. It does not shout or bling, but its emotional impact is indisputable. Watching Anna gradually unwrap her pain and open up is equally heartbreaking and heartwarming. If you have ever had issues with where you belong, this little film will stay with you long after the credits roll.
5. Environmental – Princess Mononoke
Eco-anime isn’t an actual genre, but Princess Mononoke is a solid argument that it should be. This Ghibli staple dives headfirst into the struggle between industrialization and the natural world, and it does so without demonizing anyone. San, the wolf girl, is feral and passionate. Ashitaka is conflicted. The visuals? Stunning. The message? Still relevant. If this won’t make you recycle and preserve the woods, nothing will.
4. Horror – Hellsing
Haunted houses are a bore. Anime horror goes for the throat—literally, in Hellsing’s case. This gothic, stylish anime centers around Alucard, a gun-toting vampire who makes other creatures of the night regret they ever got out of bed. With the gory shootouts and atmospheric spookiness, it’s a visual feast for fans of dark anime. But it’s not all blood and fangs—it’s about power, control, and what it is to be a “monster.” And Alucard is quite possibly the coolest vampire ever animated.
3. Chosen One Fantasy – Berserk
The traditional “chosen one” trope—except in Berserk, where it’s reversed. The protagonist Guts isn’t so much chosen as cursed, and the chosen one (Griffith) is. Well, if you do know, then you know. This series is gory, gritty, and replete with existential horror. Fantasy does not get any darker than this, with epic battles and stomach-lurching betrayals. Not for the faint of heart, but it’ll leave a mark. And perhaps some psychic scarring.
2. Psychological Thriller – Death Parade
Think of this: you die and end up at a hip bar owned by a bartender named Decim, and he decides the fate of your soul based on whether you cheat in air hockey or not. That’s Death Parade. It’s weird as it’s profound. Each episode explores morality, regret, and humanness. With a fashionable color scheme and head-scratching plotlines, it’s the type of anime that will have you questioning everything. And that opening song? Total bop.
1. Magical Girl – Revolutionary Girl Utena
When you hear “magical girl,” you think pink hair and sparkly transformations. Revolutionary Girl Utena flips that on its head. Yes, there are duels and roses, but also layer upon layer of symbolism, surrealism, and gender commentary. Utena wants to be a prince, not a princess—and her romance with Anthy breaks every convention in the book. It’s beautiful, strange, and unforgettable. Magical girl anime, but make it deep.