Interested in learning about popular anime art styles? Want to draw anime and manga? Want to experience the beautiful work of famous anime artists? Just curious about what types of anime there are out there? It helps to start with a brief overview of the different anime styles.
Table of Contents
Chibi Anime Style
Chibi, also known as super-deformed or SD, is a style of anime and manga character design that is characterized by short, round characters with oversized heads and small bodies. This style is often used to depict characters in a cute or playful manner, and is a popular choice for anime and manga aimed at children and young audiences.
The origins of chibi can be traced back to Japan in the 1980s, where it first appeared in manga and anime. The style quickly gained popularity among fans of the medium, and soon spread to other forms of media, such as video games and comics.
One of the defining features of chibi is the oversized head, which can be as much as three times the size of the body. This gives the characters a childlike appearance, and emphasizes their innocence and cuteness. The small body, on the other hand, adds a sense of playfulness and adds to the overall whimsical feel of chibi characters.
Another common feature of chibi is the simplified art style. Chibi characters often have very basic facial features, such as large eyes and simple mouths, which adds to the cartoonish look of the characters. This simplicity also makes it easier for fans to create their own chibi versions of their favorite characters using fan art and other forms of creative expression.
Chibi style is often used in comedic and lighthearted anime, as the cute and playful style is well suited to lighten the mood in a show. This can also be used in certain serious scenes for comedic relief. However, it’s not exclusively for comedy, chibi style also used in certain serious and action scenes.
Check out our Chibi anime recommendations.
Chibi anime has a large and dedicated fanbase, and many anime and manga franchises have released chibi spin-offs, such as Naruto SD, Dragon Ball SD or Fruits Basket: The Three Musketeers Arc. Also, several anime and manga inspired video games, merchandise, and other forms of media have also been released.
Chibi is a fun and playful style that has become a staple of anime and manga, and continues to one of the most popular anime styles among fans of the medium.
Gakuen Anime Style
Gakuen, which translates to “academy” or “school” in English, is a popular subgenre of anime and manga that centers around high school or college students. The Gakuen subgenre has been around for decades and has produced some of the most popular and well-known anime and manga series.
The majority of Gakuen anime and manga takes place in a high school setting and often centers around a group of friends as they navigate through their teenage years. The series typically features a mix of comedy, romance, and drama as the characters deal with the struggles and joys of growing up. The stories often revolve around the characters’ personal growth and development, as well as their relationships with their peers and romantic interests.
A common trope in Gakuen anime is the “school club” which many of the characters join. These clubs often reflect the interests of the main characters, such as a music club, a literature club, or a sports club. These clubs provide a setting for the characters to bond, and often serve as a backdrop for their personal struggles and triumphs.
Another popular aspect of Gakuen anime is the use of school-based competitions or tournaments, such as sports games, cultural festivals, and beauty contests. These competitions are used to add excitement and tension to the story, as well as to showcase the characters’ abilities and strengths.
Gakuen anime and manga also often include supernatural elements, such as time-travel, magic, or superpowers, which add an extra layer of fantasy and make the stories more exciting.
Some examples of popular Gakuen anime and manga include “Kimi ni Todoke,” “Lovely Complex,” “Ouran High School Host Club,” “K-On!,” and “Kiss Him, Not Me.”
Gakuen anime and manga appeals to a wide range of audience, from high school students, college students, to adults who are looking for a nostalgic trip back to their own high school days. The Gakuen subgenre has something to offer for everyone, whether it is comedic moments, heartwarming romance or dramatic plot.
Gakuen anime and manga is one of the most beloved anime styles subgenres and continues to be popular among fans of the medium. It captures the joys and struggles of growing up and often provides a fun and exciting escape from the everyday.
Take a look at our Gakuen anime recommendations.
Gekiga Anime Style
Gekiga is a subgenre of anime and manga that emerged in Japan in the late 1950s, which is known for its serious, mature and often violent stories, as well as its more realistic and adult-oriented style of storytelling. The term “gekiga” translates to “dramatic pictures” in English, and the subgenre is considered to be a more mature and realistic alternative to the more lighthearted and comedic manga and anime of the time.
One of the defining features of gekiga is its art style, which is known for its use of dark, heavy lines and a muted color palette, in contrast to the more whimsical and brightly colored art of traditional anime and manga. The use of shadows and atmospheric lighting is also common in gekiga, and the artwork often has a gritty, realistic feel to it.
Another defining feature of gekiga is its subject matter, which is often darker and more mature than that of traditional anime and manga. Gekiga stories often deal with themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the darker side of human nature, and often include elements of violence, crime, and sex. The stories are also known for their complex and morally ambiguous characters, and often explore the darker aspects of human behavior.
Gekiga was a very influential in Japan and several famous mangakas that started in this style before transitioning to more mainstream styles.
Some examples of popular gekiga anime and manga include “Lone Wolf and Cub,” “Black Jack,” and “AKIRA.”
Despite its niche appeal, gekiga has managed to maintain a dedicated fanbase and continues to be respected as a genre for mature and serious audiences. Its unique art style, complex storytelling and mature themes, set it apart from other subgenres of anime and manga.
Overall, Gekiga is an anime and manga style that offers a different perspective on the medium and it’s a great choice for fans of more mature, complex and realistic storytelling.
Want more? here are some top Gekiga anime recommendations.
Jidaimono Anime Style
Jidaimono, also known as “period dramas,” is a subgenre of anime and manga that is set in a historical setting. The stories often take place in feudal Japan, although other historical periods and locations are also used. Jidaimono anime and manga are known for their attention to historical accuracy, and their stories often revolve around real-life historical figures or events.
One of the defining features of jidaimono anime and manga is its art style, which is known for its attention to historical accuracy and detail. The characters often wear traditional clothing from the period in which the story takes place, and the architecture and settings are also designed to be historically accurate. The use of muted colors and traditional painting techniques is also common in jidaimono, which adds to the realistic and authentic feel of the stories.
The stories of Jidaimono anime and manga often revolve around real-life historical figures and events, such as the lives of samurai warriors, the rise and fall of feudal lords, and the battles and conflicts that shaped Japan’s history. These stories often include elements of action, adventure, and political intrigue, and they often explore themes of honor, duty, and power.
Jidaimono anime and manga are also known for their complex and morally ambiguous characters, who must navigate the harsh realities of life in feudal Japan. These characters are often faced with difficult choices and must contend with the consequences of their actions.
Some examples of popular jidaimono anime and manga include “Rurouni Kenshin,” “Vagabond,” “Berserk,” and “Shogun Steel.”
Jidaimono anime and manga is a subgenre that provides a glimpse into the past and help viewers to understand and appreciate the culture and history of Japan. It’s also a genre for fans of historical and action-adventure story, who seek a more authentic representation of the past.
Jidaimono is a fascinating and rich subgenre of anime and manga that offers a window into the past and provides an in-depth exploration of historical figures, events, and cultural practices.
If you’re interested in this style of period drama, take a peek at these top Jidaimono anime recommendations.
Josei Anime Style
Josei is a subgenre of anime and manga that is geared towards adult women. The term “josei” translates to “woman” in English, and the stories often revolve around the lives and experiences of adult women. Josei anime and manga is known for its realistic and mature storytelling, and its focus on the lives and perspectives of adult female characters.
One of the defining features of josei anime and manga is its art style, which is often more realistic and detailed than that of traditional anime and manga. The characters are often depicted as adults with more realistic body proportions, and the animation and art often have a more lifelike quality to them.
The stories of josei anime and manga often revolve around the lives and experiences of adult women, and explore themes such as relationships, career, family, and personal growth. These stories often deal with more mature and complex themes than those found in other subgenres, such as shoujo and shounen anime. They also often depict the realistic problems, romantic troubles, and emotional struggles that adult women face in their daily lives.
Josei anime and manga also often deals with mature themes like sex, relationships and career and are not shy to depict controversial topics, it often addresses the issues that adult women face in society and the complexities of modern adulthood.
Some examples of popular josei anime and manga include “Nana,” “Paradise Kiss,” “Ao Haru Ride,” and “Bunny Drop”.
Josei anime and manga is a subgenre that caters to adult women, providing a representation of their lives, experiences, and perspectives. It’s also a genre for people who enjoy realistic, mature storytelling, that addresses the complex issues of adulthood.
Here are some top Josei anime recommendations to get started.
Kawaii Anime Style
Kawaii is a Japanese term that means “cute” or “adorable,” and is often used to describe a style of anime and manga that is characterized by its cute and playful characters, pastel colors, and whimsical themes. Kawaii anime and manga often feature characters with large eyes, round faces, and small noses and mouths, which gives them a childlike and innocent appearance.
One of the defining features of kawaii anime and manga is its art style, which is known for its use of bright, pastel colors and cute and whimsical character designs. The characters often wear colorful and playful clothing, and the settings and backgrounds are also often brightly colored and fantastical. The use of chibi-style characters is also common in kawaii anime and manga, which adds to the cute and playful feel of the stories.
The stories of kawaii anime and manga often revolve around cute and playful themes, such as friendship, love, and adventure. These stories often have a lighthearted and comedic tone, and they often feature characters who are kind, innocent, and optimistic. The stories often also include elements of fantasy and magic, which adds to the whimsical and fantastical feel of the stories.
Kawaii anime and manga is also known for its merchandise, it’s often a lucrative market, with a wide range of products available, such as plushies, figures, and clothing, which are aimed at the young, and adult audience.
Some examples of popular kawaii anime and manga include “Sailor Moon,” “K-On!,” “Lucky Star,” and “K-On!”
Kawaii anime and manga is a subgenre that appeals to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, as it offers a fun and lighthearted escape from the everyday. It’s also a genre for fans of cute and whimsical stories, that often have a positive and heartwarming message.
Kawaii is a fun and playful style that has become a staple of anime and manga, and continues to be popular among fans of the medium. It offers a lighthearted and whimsical look at the world, and often has a positive and heartwarming message.
Dive into the cute fun with these Kawaii anime recommendations.
Kemonomimi Anime Style
Kemonomimi, which translates to “animal ears” in English, is a popular subgenre of anime and manga that features characters with animal ears and sometimes even tails, in addition to their human-like characteristics. The animal ears and tails are usually a representation of a character’s personality or abilities, and are often used to convey a sense of cuteness or playfulness.
One of the defining features of Kemonomimi anime and manga is its art style, which combines the traditional art style of anime and manga with animal-like features such as ears and tails. The characters are often depicted with distinct animal-like features, such as cat ears, wolf ears, or fox tails, which adds to the unique and fantasy feel of the stories.
The stories of Kemonomimi anime and manga often revolve around the lives of the characters and their unique abilities, as well as their interactions with other characters. These stories often include elements of fantasy and magic, which adds to the unique and fantastical feel of the stories. They can also include themes of friendship, love, and adventure.
Kemonomimi anime and manga has a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, as it offers a fun and lighthearted escape from the everyday. Fans of the subgenre enjoy the fantasy element and the cuteness of the characters.
Some examples of popular Kemonomimi anime and manga include “Kemono Friends,” “Neko no Ongaeshi,” “Kimi ni Todoke,” “ToraDora!” and “Kimi ni Todoke”
Overall, Kemonomimi is a fun and unique subgenre of anime and manga that offers a playful and fantasy-like look at the world, and often has a positive and heartwarming message. The addition of animal-like features to the characters adds an extra layer of cuteness and fantasy to the stories, making it popular among fans of the medium.
Want more? Enjoy these Kemonomini anime recommendations.
Kodomomuke Anime Style
Kodomomuke, which translates to “child audience” in English, is a subgenre of anime and manga that is specifically targeted at young children. These anime and manga are known for their simple storylines, colorful animation, and cute and relatable characters. They often cover themes such as friendship, family, and moral lessons.
One of the defining features of Kodomomuke anime and manga is its art style, which is known for its use of bright and vibrant colors, and simple and easy-to-understand character designs. The characters are often depicted as young children or animals, with large eyes and simple facial expressions, which makes them relatable and easy for young children to understand.
The stories of Kodomomuke anime and manga often revolve around the lives and adventures of young children or animals, and they often include themes such as friendship, family, and moral lessons. These stories often have a lighthearted and comedic tone, and they often feature characters who are kind, innocent, and optimistic. They are often designed to be educational, and aim to teach children important life skills, such as problem-solving and teamwork.
Kodomomuke anime and manga is also known for its merchandise, it’s often a lucrative market, with a wide range of products available, such as toys, games, and clothing, which are aimed at the young audience.
Some examples of popular Kodomomuke anime and manga include “Doraemon,” “Sazae-san,” “Chibi Maruko-chan,” “Anpanman,” and “Pikachu”
Kodomomuke anime and manga is a subgenre that is specifically targeted at young children, providing them with a fun and entertaining form of media that is also educational. It’s also a genre for parents and educators who are looking for a way to introduce anime and manga to young children.
Overall, Kodomomuke is a subgenre of anime and manga that provides a safe and entertaining form of media for young children, and it often aims to educate and teach important life skills. The use of bright colors, simple storylines, and relatable characters makes it an accessible and enjoyable form of entertainment for young children.
Get started with these top Kodomomuke anime recommendations.
Mecha Anime Style
Mecha anime and manga, also known as “robot anime,” is a subgenre of anime and manga that focuses on giant robots or machines, known as “mecha,” and their pilots. The stories often revolve around the use and operation of these giant robots, and the battles and conflicts that ensue. Mecha anime and manga is known for its action-packed storylines, high-tech designs, and complex characters.
One of the defining features of mecha anime and manga is its art style, which often features detailed and intricate designs for the giant robots or machines. The mecha designs are often inspired by real-world technology, such as tanks, jets, and spacecraft, and they are often equipped with a wide range of weapons and abilities. The animation style is also often more dynamic, with more elaborate and fast-paced action scenes.
The stories of mecha anime and manga often revolve around the use and operation of giant robots or machines, and the battles and conflicts that ensue. These stories often include elements of science fiction, technology, and military tactics, and they often explore themes such as power, technology, and the human condition. The characters are also often complex, and the stories often explore the psychological and moral implications of using and operating giant robots.
Mecha anime and manga has a dedicated fanbase, it’s also a lucrative market, with a wide range of merchandise available, such as toys, models, and video games. The subgenre also has a broad appeal, attracting fans of action, science fiction, and technology.
Some examples of popular Mecha anime and manga include “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” “Gundam,” “Macross,” “Code Geass,” and “Eureka Seven.”
Mecha anime and manga is a popular subgenre that offers a unique blend of action, science fiction, and technology. The giant robots and machines, known as “mecha,” provide a visually striking and exciting aspect to the stories, and the complex characters and themes add depth and meaning to the stories. It’s a subgenre that attracts a wide range of audience, from fans of action and science fiction, to fans of technology and engineering.
Overall, Mecha anime and manga is a subgenre that offers a unique blend of action, science fiction, and technology. The giant robots and machines, known as “mecha,” provide a visually striking and exciting aspect to the stories, and the complex characters and themes add depth and meaning to the stories. It’s a popular subgenre that continues to attract new fans and inspire new creators in the anime and manga industry.
If you want to know where to start, you can’t go wrong with our top Mecha anime recommendations.
Moe Anime Style
Moe is a subgenre of anime and manga that is known for its cute and innocent characters, often featuring young girls, and the focus on their relationships and emotional connections. The term “moe” is derived from a Japanese word that can mean “budding” or “fascination,” and it is often used to describe a feeling of affection or attachment to the cute and innocent characters.
One of the defining features of Moe anime and manga is its art style, which often features cute and innocent-looking characters, with large eyes, round faces and small noses and mouths, which gives them a childlike and innocent appearance. The characters are often depicted in pastel colors and cute clothing, and the animation and art often have a more playful and lighthearted feel to them.
The stories of Moe anime and manga often revolve around the relationships and emotional connections of the characters. The stories often have a lighthearted and comedic tone, and they often feature characters who are kind, innocent, and optimistic. These stories often explore themes such as friendship, love, and personal growth, and they often depict the characters in everyday situations, such as school, work, and home life.
Moe anime and manga is also known for its merchandise, it’s often a lucrative market, with a wide range of products available, such as plushies, figures, and clothing, which are aimed at a wide range of audiences, from young children to adults.
Some examples of popular Moe anime and manga include “K-On!”, “Lucky Star”, “A Silent Voice”, “K-On!” and “K-On!”
Moe anime and manga is a subgenre that appeals to a wide range of audiences, from children to adults, as it offers a fun and lighthearted escape from the everyday. It’s also a genre for fans of cute and innocent stories, that often have a positive and heartwarming message.
Overall, Moe is a subgenre of anime and manga that provides a unique perspective on the medium and offers a refreshing change of pace from the more traditional and youthful subgenres. It explores the lives and relationships of cute and innocent characters with a lighthearted and comedic tone, often providing a positive and heartwarming message.
Seinen Anime Style
Seinen is a subgenre of anime and manga that is geared towards adult men. The term “seinen” translates to “young man” in English, and the stories often revolve around the lives and experiences of adult men. Seinen anime and manga is known for its mature storytelling, and its focus on the lives and perspectives of adult male characters.
One of the defining features of Seinen anime and manga is its art style, which is often more realistic and detailed than that of traditional anime and manga. The characters are often depicted as adults with more realistic body proportions, and the animation and art often have a more lifelike quality to them. The themes and content also tend to be more mature and darker.
The stories of Seinen anime and manga often revolve around the lives and experiences of adult men and deal with mature themes, such as violence, sex, politics, and social issues. These stories often deal with more mature and complex themes than those found in other subgenres, such as shounen and shoujo anime. They often depict the realistic problems, conflicts and emotional struggles that adult men face in their daily lives.
Seinen anime and manga also often deals with controversial and taboo topics, and are not afraid to explore the darker side of society, it often addresses the issues that adult men face in society and the complexities of modern adulthood.
Some examples of popular Seinen anime and manga include “Akira,” “Berserk,” “Death Note,” “Monster,” and “Vinland Saga”
Seinen anime and manga is a subgenre that caters to adult men, providing a representation of their lives, experiences, and perspectives. It’s also a genre for people who enjoy realistic, mature storytelling, that addresses the complex issues of adulthood.
Seinen is a subgenre of anime and manga that provides a unique perspective on the medium and offers a refreshing change of pace from the more traditional and youthful subgenres. It explores the lives and experiences of adult men with realism, depth, and complexity, often dealing with mature and controversial themes, and addressing the issues that adult men face in society.
Shojo Anime Style
Shojo, which translates to “young girl” in English, is a subgenre of anime and manga that is specifically targeted at young girls and women. These anime and manga are known for their romantic and emotional storylines, as well as their focus on the relationships and personal growth of the characters. The art style often features delicate and detailed character designs, and pastel color schemes.
One of the defining features of shojo anime and manga is its art style, which is known for its use of delicate and detailed character designs, with an emphasis on the eyes and hair of the characters. The characters are often depicted in pastel colors, and the animation and art often have a more romantic and emotional feel to them. The stories in shojo anime and manga also often include a strong emphasis on the relationships and personal growth of the characters.
The stories of shojo anime and manga often revolve around the relationships and emotional connections of the characters, particularly the romantic relationships. These stories often explore themes such as love, friendship, and personal growth, and they often depict the characters in everyday situations, such as school, work, and home life. They also often include elements of fantasy and magic, which adds to the unique and fantastical feel of the stories.
Shojo anime and manga is also known for its merchandise, it’s often a lucrative market, with a wide range of products available, such as plushies, figures, and clothing, which are aimed at the young, and adult audience.
Some examples of popular shojo anime and manga include “Fruits Basket,” “Nana,” “Kimi ni Todoke,” “Ao Haru Ride,” and “Bunny Drop”.
Shojo anime and manga is a subgenre that appeals to a wide range of audiences, particularly young girls and women, as it offers a representation of their lives, experiences, and perspectives. It’s also a genre for fans of romantic and emotional stories that explore the relationships and personal growth of the characters.
In summary, Shojo is a subgenre of anime and manga that provides a unique perspective on the medium and offers a refreshing change of pace from the more traditional and youthful subgenres. It explores the lives and relationships of the characters with a romantic and emotional tone, often providing a positive and heartwarming message.
Shonen Anime Style
Shonen, which translates to “young boy” in English, is a subgenre of anime and manga that is specifically targeted at young boys and men. These anime and manga are known for their action-packed storylines, as well as their focus on the growth and development of the main characters. The art style often features dynamic and detailed character designs, and bright color schemes.
One of the defining features of shonen anime and manga is its art style, which is known for its use of dynamic and detailed character designs, with an emphasis on the muscles and movements of the characters. The characters are often depicted in bright colors, and the animation and art often have a more energetic and action-packed feel to them. The stories in shonen anime and manga also often include a strong emphasis on the growth and development of the main characters.
The stories of shonen anime and manga often revolve around the action-packed adventures of the main characters, and their growth and development as they face challenges and obstacles. These stories often explore themes such as friendship, perseverance, and overcoming adversity, and they often depict the characters in fantasy or science fiction settings. They often include elements of action, adventure and fantasy, which adds to the unique and exciting feel of the stories.
Shonen anime and manga is also known for its merchandise, it’s often a lucrative market, with a wide range of products available, such as toys, games, and clothing, which are aimed at the young audience.
Some examples of popular shonen anime and manga include “Naruto,” “One Piece,” “Dragon Ball,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Hunter x Hunter”
Shonen anime and manga is a subgenre that appeals to a wide range of audiences, particularly young boys and men, as it offers an exciting representation of their lives, experiences, and perspectives. It’s also a genre for fans of action-packed and adventure stories that explore the growth and development of the main characters.
Overall, Shonen is a subgenre of anime and manga that provides a unique perspective on the medium and offers a refreshing change of pace from the more traditional and youthful subgenres. It explores the action-packed adventures and growth of the main characters with energy and excitement, often providing a positive and empowering message.