Many fans confuse the four primaryanimedemographics (shōnen, seinen, shojo, and josei) for genres, but they are simply describing the age group for which the shows are intended. However, anime has countless popular genres, likeactionand Isekai, delivering stand-out shows such asOne PieceandKonosuba. But these are some of the most oversaturated genres since it is what’s popular.

As fans opt for these genres, too many other titles go under the radar since they aren’t mainstream. Isekais are already getting tiresome and unoriginal, andif anime wants to diversify and spice up its roster, it needsto make more anime with different genres. This list will highlight ten underused genres that are ripe with potential and storytelling opportunities.

The Promised Neverland’s main characters hugging.

Mystery used to be the most popular genre for novels, with most classics starting out with detectives. While the genre is still kicking, and arguably the most popular on this list, there can always be more of it. This genre is on this list because it has become a subgenre in too many shows, such asAttack on TitanandOne Piece, but the riveting plots are too good for a side story; they deserve to be the main thing.

Some of thebest anime of the decadeare mysteries, but the genre takes a backseat in too many shows. Mystery fans aren’t starving for content, but have noticed the lack of prominent shows using the genre. The most recent notable shows areThe Apothecary DiariesandPluto. Everyone can get behind a good mystery, so it is a shame that the genre continues to lose popularity.

Monster

Speaking of once-popular genres, Westerns were the pride of Hollywood, but have all since died off. However, the genre has never been popular in anime format, mainly because Japanese fans have no interest in the American Wild West. If any anime even touches this genre, it is usually mixed with something else, like sci-fi, which was the case forTrigunandCowboy Bebop.

The Western genre ranks low on this list because no one expects, or really needs, a Western anime; I just thought it would be unique and fun to see the take on this genre. However,Boichi, co-creator ofDr. Stone, has a new Western manga calledThe Marshal King, and it has rekindled my hope and excitement for Western anime.

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8Workplace

It is no secret that anime is mostly intended for a younger audience and that most of the popular shows are shōnen or shojo. However, as anime fans grow up, the school setting is no longer relatable, leading many fans to detach from the medium. However, that is where the workplace genre comes in, focusing on anime taking place in a work setting, whether that be in an office or as a teacher.

Watching kids or high schoolers in anime becomes increasingly awkward and annoying, especially if the shows are romances. That’s why we need more workplace series. They offera more relatable experience to the older audienceand keep them invested in the medium.Anime not for kidswould be a huge selling factor, as more viewers won’t grow out of anime and would instead shift their focus to workplace anime.

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7Mythology

Japan has a rich history and culture which has produced interesting folklore and mythology. However, mythology provides intriguing stories from all around the world, making it perfect to adapt into any TV format, including anime. Whether they retell ancient legends, mix folklore into urban series, or focus on fun little creatures, mythology anime is a good way to learn while being entertained.

There are manyexcellent mythology anime seriesthat fans can fall in love with and learn about some fascinating legends. However, there are not nearly as many as fans would hope. Studios have faithfully adapted legends or altered the story for more enjoyment, but each provides incredible content.Mythology anime is a great way to experience legends and classic folklore, keeping tradition alive.

Poster for Golden Boy with Kentaro, Reiko, Naoko, Ayuko, and Chie.

Natsume’s Book of Friends

6Organized Crime

Organized crime isn’t something that fans should idolize, but it does provide for some good TV. This genre includes a wide variety of options, from the Yakuza to hitmen to the mafia. Western media has made good use of the mafia genre, and Japan has undoubtedly put the Yakuza at the forefront, but that is just a taste of the possibilities they can provide.

In some shows, likeBlack Lagoon, the gritty anime action feels Western, providing a mature story that older fans can enjoy. Fans have always had an obsession with the inner workings of crime facilities because of their curiosity, and what better way to scratch that itch than to make more organized crime anime? It blends brutal nature with entertainment value and action, creating memorable plots.

Bungo Stray Dogs

5Iyashikei

Slice-of-life anime are beloved and popular, but they aren’t fully mainstream. However, the genre has a subgenre/theme that deserves more attention: Iyashikei. Meaning anime/manga that heals the audience, these shows have a calming and restorative feeling, often having mundane, nostalgic, and peaceful plots where not much happens, but they invoke a heartwarming, relaxing, or melancholy feeling.

Fans often use anime as a way to escape from reality and indulge in creative and entertaining stories, andthe Iyashikei genre is the perfect getaway. The relaxing atmosphere is an ideal way to unwindand take things easy, or fans can opt for a more melancholic show, wanting that nostalgia and sorrowful feeling. Either way, anime likeMushi-Shiproves this genre can be profound and entertaining, and it is just what some people need.

4Historical

History is one of the most important school subjects, as it teaches the past of the world and all the events that have shaped it. It is an interesting subject, but anime can make it even better. It is on the right track, since more and more historical anime seem to come out every year, fromVinland SagatoThe Apothecary DiariestoOrb: On the Movements of the Earth.

These three new anime aren’t just the most recent historical anime but areall critically acclaimed masterpieces, proving that this genre is essential.The best historical animeare some of the greatest series of all time, using history to shape their own stories, creating profound plots and captivating characters. With the recent success of this genre, fans need more of it to keep up with demand and establish it as a mainstream genre.

The Apothecary Diaries

3Adult Cast

Similar to the workplace genre, adult casts are more diverse, with workplace being more of a subgenre of this one. As the title suggests, adult cast consists entirely or mostly of, well, adults. There are so many school-based or teenager-focused anime because that’s who shōnen shows are aimed at, making adult casts a refreshing treat that older fans can relate to more.

There aremany adult-cast anime, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need more. In fact, we need more to make them just as popular as shōnen series.This focus allows shows to become more mature in their storytellingand more profound in their messages. More brutality, action, storytelling, and complex nature follow in adult-cast anime, which is exactly what fans need.

Solo Leveling

2Delinquent

The delinquent genre used to bean essential aspect of 1990s anime, with countless popular shows. However, it is all but extinct, with onlyTokyo RevengersandWind Breakerserving as a small return, even though they are vastly different in tone and story. This genre focuses on street punks, mostly in high school, beating up other delinquents for whatever reason they want.

The delinquent genre is a simple one, but one of the most entertaining that anime has to offer. Recent versions focus on the fighting andpsychological nature of delinquents, both the good and the bad. However,the 1990s versions were pure action comedies, following mostly scummy people beating up others just as badly as they are.This genre badly needs a resurgence, and would be just what anime needs to spice things up.

Wind Breaker

1Avant-Garde

Avant-garde is an experimental genre that aims to do things differently, whether through animation, storytelling, themes, or other techniques. Anime has embraced this genre perfectly, creating some of the most unique and inventive shows ever. Unfortunately, their confusing and complex nature doesn’t make them very popular, resulting in very few titles, especially recently.

This genre is almost dead, with only movies and specials using it anymore. The most recent series wasUzumaki, and the last notable one wasSonny Boyin 2021. We desperately need more avant-garde anime series since we can’t let this genre become obscure. There are manyphenomenal avant-garde anime shows, many of which are renowned works. Fans love anime for its creativity;this genre is the most imaginative and innovative.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

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