While it's completely common to hear someone claim to be a fan of anime, anime is a very wide genre and has thousands of shows that are specifically for a particular demographic. Within the medium of anime itself are different genres; with shonen anime being one of the most well-known genres among anime lovers.
The line between shonen and seinen anime is a fine one and "dark shonens" (like Death Note or Attack On Titan) are often mistaken as seinen anime. While shonen is the most popular genre of anime, seinen anime is following right behind, with amazing titles to claim as its own. Here are the most iconic seinen anime protagonists that truly define this genre as their own.
10 Ryuko Matoi
- Series: Kill la Kill
- Release Year: 2013
Ever since the initial release of Kill la Kill, both protagonist Ryuko and buddy, Senketsu, quickly grew in popularity overall corners of the seinen fandom. Ryuko's signature red striped hairstyle paired with her cute yet tough schoolgirl aesthetic has become an incredibly iconic look; simple yet unique in its own way.
However, it'd be nothing short of disrespectful to praise Ryuko's aesthetic without mentioning Senketsu. Senketsu is the sentient uniform/armor that Ryuko often wears into battle. Ryuko may be the one taking the spotlight, but it's clear that she owes a lot of her dashing appearance to the kind and loyal Senketsu. Hopefully, Ryuko is ironing him regularly!
9 Vash The Stampede
- Series: Trigun
- Anime Release Year: 1998
Despite first coming out over 20 years ago, Vash still stands his ground as one of those few anime protagonists that are still instantly recognizable. However, it isn't as shallow as Vash's signature outfit and hairstyle that made him stand out as an unforgettable protagonist. Vash's cheery attitude and famous "love and peace" catchphrase was what made audiences fall in love with him.
Despite being an incredibly skilled gunman, Vash believed in spreading the message of peace and always did his best to get out of any sticky situation without ever killing any of his enemies. A perfect combination of Vash's signature look and overall personality was what made him truly stand out as a loveable seinen protagonist.
8 Re-l Mayer
- Series: Ergo Proxy
- Anime Release Year: 2006
This cyberpunk anime from the early 2000s was truly ahead of its time. Its artwork and the overall atmosphere were reflected in both the world of Ergo Proxy and also within protagonist Re-l Mayer's character design. Her look was an incredibly refreshing take on the usual bright-haired and goofy seinen protagonist archetype that was rather popular at the time.
Re-l's unique look matched the often dark environment of the heavy story and lets audiences know how tough and competent she truly is. Her signature blue eyeshadow and slightly grungy eyeliner look made her easy to recognize in an instant.
7 Chii
- Series: Chobits
- Anime Release Year: 2002
A sure way to rise to the top as a well-known protagonist is via a strong "cute factor," and Chobits' female protagonist, Chii, definitely has that down perfectly! Although the series allows the role of the main character to be shared between Persocom, Chii, and her beloved Hideki, Chii truly serves as the face of Chobits.
Her adorable childlike playfulness and curiosity won fans over quickly and her big eyes, beautiful blonde hair, and her iconic cat-like ears were the perfect cherry on top.
6 Jotaro Kujo
- Series: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
- Anime Release Year: 2012
Although Jojo's Bizarre Adventure has gone through a small handful different protagonists throughout the entirety of the series, there is one specific main character that almost every anime fan knows. While Jonathan Joestar was the first protagonist the series saw and was quite the gentleman, Jotaro is the JoJo most people will recognize as the face of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.
While Jotaro only appears as the main protagonists in Part 3, he and his Stand, Star Platinum, are the series' most iconic duo. Jotaro is the first JoJo to be a Stand user and so it's only natural that he stood apart from other protagonists right from the beginning.
5 Madoka Kaname
- Series: Puella Magi Madoka Magica
- Anime Release Year: 2011
Madoka's signature bright and colorful look is easily recognizable. Among the many magical girl protagonists out there, Madoka still manages to stand out as one of the most prolific. However, it's Madoka's tragic story that fans are reminded of when they see her adorable pink outfit.
It's Puella Magi Madoka Magica's story that sets it apart from many other magical girl senin or shonen anime. While Madoka dons a cutesy, typical magical girl outfit, her story is anything but typical. Madoka's story is notorious for luring unsuspecting viewers in for a heartfelt and tragic journey. It is her disarmingly dark story that makes her bubbly signature appearance impossible for fans to forget.
4 Ken Kaneki
- Series: Tokyo Ghoul
- Anime Release Year: 2013
Perhaps Kaneki seemed like an ordinary university student at the beginning of his story, but as Tokyo Ghoul progressed and Kaneki began divulging more and more into his life as a ghoul, his character became unforgettable.
When fans first met Ken Kaneki, he was a simple university student and didn't exactly stand out as a remarkable protagonist. But the moment his transformation was well on its way and Kaneki finally took on his iconic white hair and put on his signature mask, he ensured his place as one of the coolest anime protagonists out there. His tough and mysterious appearance strikes fear into fans hearts, while at the same time capturing them with his powerful charms and relatable vulnerability.
3 Motoko Kusanagi
- Series: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
- Anime Release Year: 2004
Sometimes, in the era of massive series overhauls, remakes, and adaptations, it can be easy to forget the value of the original source material. While Ghost in the Shell hasn't been in the media as of late because of good reasons (or good reviews), it's important to look back and remember that an unfavorable copy shouldn't speak for the original masterpiece.
The original Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex was a seinen anime series, loved by fans everywhere. The series' powerful protagonist, Motoko, is actually a cyborg with a fully cybernetic body, despite her very human-like appearance. Major Kusanagi's unique purple hairdo, paired with her stylish cropped jacket gives her a polished yet tough look. Not only does the series allow her to showcase her hardened exterior for the battlefield, but it also allows her to explore her more personable side via her intricate relationships with others.
2 Saitama
- Series: One Punch Man
- Anime Release Year: 2015
Infamous for his plethora of memes floating around to the farthest corners of the internet, One Punch Man's Saitama is a protagonist almost everyone knows. His iconic egg-shaped face is the perfect meme material for fans.
Perhaps Saitama is a genuine threat to his enemies and possesses astronomical amounts of raw power, but it's his goofy side that fans know and love him for.
Saitama's versatility is what he's famous for. One second he's a terrifying threat and in the next moment he's a simple round egg, and One Punch Man fans wouldn't change him for the world!
1 Guts
- Series: Berserk
- Anime Release Year: 1997
Guts is by far one of the most easily recognizable protagonists across both longtime anime veterans and newcomers; his fame even reaching audiences that have never even read or watched Berserk! From his oversized sword and rugged black armor to his signature 90's hair and elf-like ears, Guts is an incredibly prolific seinen anime protagonist.
Berserk has an astonishingly large and dedicated fanbase and the fandom is never tired to hear about a newly released chapter. Berserk's legacy will forever continue on as glorious as it was from the very beginning. A big heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kentaro Miura; his work is never going to be forgotten. Leave it to the courageous Guts to carry on good Miura's name.