Hey there, anime fans! Are you looking for some awesome shonen anime to add to your watchlist? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of the 28 best shonen anime that you absolutely need to check out. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned otaku, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into the world of shonen anime!
What is Shonen Anime?
Before we jump into the list, let’s quickly talk about what shonen anime actually is. Shonen literally means “young boy” in Japanese, and it’s a demographic category aimed at teenage boys. But don’t let that fool you – people of all ages and genders enjoy shonen anime!
Shonen anime typically features:
- Action-packed storylines
- Young male protagonists
- Themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement
- Epic battles and cool superpowers
Now that we’ve got that covered, let’s get to the good stuff!
1. Dragon Ball Z
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Let’s kick things off with a true classic. Dragon Ball Z is the granddaddy of modern shonen anime. It follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from increasingly powerful threats. With its iconic characters, epic battles, and unforgettable transformations, Dragon Ball Z has inspired countless other anime series.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re into super-powered martial arts, planet-destroying energy blasts, and characters screaming for entire episodes while powering up, Dragon Ball Z is the show for you!
2. Naruto
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Naruto is the story of a young ninja with dreams of becoming the leader of his village. Along the way, he makes friends, battles enemies, and uncovers secrets about his past. With its lovable characters and intricate ninja techniques, Naruto has become one of the most popular anime series of all time.
Why you’ll love it: Naruto’s journey from outcast to hero is incredibly inspiring. Plus, who doesn’t love ninja action?
3. One Piece
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Set sail for adventure with One Piece! This long-running series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. With its vast world, quirky characters, and emotional storytelling, One Piece has captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
Why you’ll love it: One Piece offers a perfect blend of action, comedy, and heart. Its world-building is second to none, and you’ll fall in love with the Straw Hat crew.
4. My Hero Academia
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
In a world where 80% of the population has superpowers (called “Quirks”), My Hero Academia follows Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero. This series puts a fresh spin on the superhero genre with its unique characters and exciting action scenes.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re a fan of superheroes, you’ll adore My Hero Academia. It’s got great character development, awesome fight scenes, and a really cool power system.
5. Attack on Titan
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Attack on Titan is a dark and intense series set in a world where humanity lives behind walls to protect themselves from man-eating giants called Titans. When the walls are breached, Eren Yeager and his friends join the fight against the Titans to save humanity.
Why you’ll love it: With its gripping plot, shocking twists, and intense action, Attack on Titan will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment. This series is widely regarded as one of the best anime ever made.
Why you’ll love it: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has it all – great characters, an engaging plot, awesome action scenes, and some really deep themes.
7. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss as he trains to become a Hunter, a licensed professional who specializes in fantastical pursuits such as tracking down treasures, exploring uncharted territories, or hunting down lawless individuals. This series is known for its complex characters and intricate plot.
Why you’ll love it: Hunter x Hunter starts off light-hearted but gradually becomes one of the most complex and well-written shonen series out there.
8. Demon Slayer
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
In Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado joins the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and cure his sister, who has been turned into a demon. With its breathtaking animation and emotional storytelling, Demon Slayer has become one of the most popular anime in recent years.
Why you’ll love it: The animation in Demon Slayer is absolutely stunning, especially during the fight scenes. Plus, the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
9. Death Note
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Death Note is a psychological thriller about a high school student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a supernatural notebook. This series is a cat-and-mouse game between the main character, Light Yagami, and the detective trying to catch him.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re into mind games and moral dilemmas, Death Note will blow your mind. It’s intense, thought-provoking, and full of unexpected twists.
10. Bleach
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who can see ghosts and gains the powers of a Soul Reaper. He uses these powers to protect the living from evil spirits and guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife. With its cool character designs and epic sword fights, Bleach is a shonen classic.
Why you’ll love it: Bleach has some of the coolest sword fights in anime. Plus, the character designs are awesome, and the soundtrack is killer.
11. Jujutsu Kaisen
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Jujutsu Kaisen is a recent hit that follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to fight against Cursed Spirits. With its dark themes, intense action, and unique power system, Jujutsu Kaisen has quickly become a fan favorite.
Why you’ll love it: The action scenes in Jujutsu Kaisen are incredible, and the characters are all interesting and well-developed. Plus, it’s got a great mix of humor and horror.
12. Black Clover
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
In a world where magic is everything, Black Clover follows Asta, a boy born without magic who dreams of becoming the Wizard King. Despite being looked down upon, Asta never gives up and works hard to prove himself. This series is known for its fast-paced action and underdog story.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re a fan of underdog stories and non-stop action, Black Clover is the anime for you. Asta’s determination is seriously inspiring!
13. Yu Yu Hakusho
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Yu Yu Hakusho is a classic series about Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent teenager who dies saving a child’s life and is brought back as a Spirit Detective to investigate supernatural activity in the human world. This series is known for its memorable characters and exciting tournament arcs.
Why you’ll love it: Yu Yu Hakusho has some of the best character development in shonen anime. Plus, the Dark Tournament arc is legendary among anime fans.
14. Haikyuu!!
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Who said shonen anime has to be all about fighting? Haikyuu!! is a sports anime that follows Shoyo Hinata as he pursues his dream of becoming a great volleyball player despite his short stature. This series is known for its intense matches and lovable characters.
Why you’ll love it: Even if you’re not into volleyball, Haikyuu!! will have you on the edge of your seat. The character dynamics are fantastic, and the matches are super exciting.
15. The Promised Neverland
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The Promised Neverland is a dark thriller about a group of orphans who discover a terrible secret about their orphanage and plan to escape. This series subverts many shonen tropes with its focus on strategy and psychological warfare rather than physical fights.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re looking for something a bit different from the usual shonen fare, The Promised Neverland offers a unique and thrilling experience.
16. Assassination Classroom
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
In Assassination Classroom, a powerful creature who destroyed most of the moon becomes the teacher of a class of misfits, challenging them to assassinate him before he destroys the Earth. This quirky series balances action, comedy, and heartwarming moments.
Why you’ll love it: Assassination Classroom has a really unique premise, and it’s full of both hilarious and touching moments. Plus, Koro-sensei is one of the most memorable anime characters ever!
17. One Punch Man
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
One Punch Man is a hilarious parody of shonen and superhero tropes. It follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch and is bored because of it. This series is known for its over-the-top action and deadpan humor.
Why you’ll love it: One Punch Man is absolutely hilarious, but it also has some of the most epic fight scenes in anime. It’s a perfect blend of action and comedy.
18. Gintama
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Gintama is a comedic sci-fi series set in an alternate version of feudal Japan that has been conquered by aliens. It follows the misadventures of Gintoki Sakata and his friends as they take on odd jobs to pay the rent. This series is known for its wacky humor and pop culture references.
Why you’ll love it: Gintama is probably the funniest anime out there. It can also be surprisingly touching and action-packed when it wants to be.
19. Food Wars!
IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
Food Wars! is a unique shonen anime that takes place in a prestigious culinary school. It follows Soma Yukihira as he competes against other talented chefs in high-stakes cooking battles. This series is known for its over-the-top reactions to delicious food.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Food Wars! The dishes look amazing, and the cooking battles are as intense as any fight scene.
20. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. is a comedy about Kusuo Saiki, a high school student with powerful psychic abilities who just wants to live a normal life. This series is full of rapid-fire jokes and hilarious situations.
Why you’ll love it: Saiki K. is absolutely hilarious. The deadpan humor and fast-paced comedy make it a joy to watch.
21. Dr. Stone
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
In Dr. Stone, a mysterious event turns all of humanity to stone. 3,700 years later, science genius Senku Ishigami awakens and sets out to rebuild civilization using science. This unique series combines shonen action with real scientific concepts.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re into science, you’ll love Dr. Stone. It makes learning about chemistry and physics fun and exciting!
22. Mob Psycho 100
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a powerful esper who tries to live a normal life despite his incredible psychic abilities. This series is known for its unique art style and character development.
Why you’ll love it: Mob Psycho 100 has some of the most creative and visually stunning action scenes in anime. Plus, Mob’s personal growth throughout the series is really touching.
23. The Seven Deadly Sins
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
The Seven Deadly Sins is a fantasy series about a group of powerful knights who were framed for plotting to overthrow the kingdom. Years later, they reunite to clear their names and save the kingdom. This series is known for its colorful characters and epic battles.
Why you’ll love it: If you’re into fantasy settings and powerful characters, The Seven Deadly Sins is a lot of fun. The characters each represent one of the seven deadly sins, which is a cool concept.
24. Blue Exorcist
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Blue Exorcist follows Rin Okumura, who discovers he is the son of Satan and decides to become an exorcist to defeat his father. This series blends supernatural elements with typical shonen action.
Why you’ll love it: Blue Exorcist has a really cool concept and some great action scenes. The dynamic between Rin and his brother Yukio is also really interesting.
25. Noragami
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Noragami is about Yato, a minor god who dreams of having millions of worshippers. He meets a girl named Hiyori whose soul keeps slipping out of her body, and together with Yato’s Regalia (human weapon) Yukine, they face off against phantoms and other dangers.
Why you’ll love it: Noragami has a great balance of action, comedy, and drama. The mythology behind the gods and spirits is really interesting too.
26. Kuroko’s Basketball
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Another sports anime on our list, Kuroko’s Basketball follows the Seirin High basketball team as they aim to become the best in Japan. The series focuses on Tetsuya Kuroko, a player with a unique ability to misdirect attention away from himself on the court.
Why you’ll love it: Even if you’re not into basketball, Kuroko’s Basketball makes the games incredibly exciting. The special moves are almost like superpowers!
27. Soul Eater
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Soul Eater is set in a world where Weapons (humans who can transform into weapons) and Meisters (the ones who wield them) train at the Death Weapon Meister Academy to protect the world from evil. The series follows several teams of Meisters and Weapons as they collect the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch.
Why you’ll love it: Soul Eater has a really unique and cool art style. The concept of humans turning into weapons is awesome, and the characters are all really fun.
28. Fire Force
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Last but not least, we have Fire Force. This series is set in a world where spontaneous human combustion turns people into living infernos called Infernals. It follows Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic who joins Special Fire Force Company 8 to fight Infernals and uncover the truth behind a mysterious fire that killed his family.
Why you’ll love it: Fire Force has some of the coolest fire-based powers you’ll ever see in anime. The animation during the fight scenes is absolutely stunning.
Wrapping Up
That’s a lot of awesome anime to check out! Whether you’re into action, comedy, sports, or something in between, there’s definitely a shonen anime on this list for you. Remember, these are just my picks for the best shonen anime – there are tons more great series out there to discover!
So, which ones are you going to watch first? Or if you’ve already seen some of these, what did you think? Do you agree with my list, or do you think I missed some great shows?
