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High-quality shonen anime (also referred to as shounen anime) command immense popularity — classics like Attack on Titan and Dragon Ball are prime examples. This demographic is one of the most celebrated in the anime world, continually inspiring new manga adaptations and original shows for enthusiastic fans. Unlike traditional genres, shonen serves as a demographic that encompasses a wide range of series.
Given the multitude of anime available, selecting what to watch can be overwhelming. Yet, certain shonen titles rise above the rest, earning spots on every anime enthusiast’s must-watch list. But what are the most outstanding shonen anime of all time?
Latest Update (October 18, 2024) by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime season is filled with exciting shonen adventures, but which new entries should fans prioritize?
Top New Shonen Anime for Fall 2024
The Fall 2024 anime season is already proving to be remarkable. While there have been a few underwhelming titles, such as Uzumaki, the overall lineup is impressive, featuring both exciting sequels and original series that deliver on their promise.
As expected, the lineup is heavily skewed towards shonen titles, particularly notable sequels. For instance, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict has emerged as one of the year’s top action anime. Other standout sequels include Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Disturbance, Shangri-La Frontier Season 2, and the much-anticipated Dragon Ball Daima. Additionally, Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions Season 2 brings a refreshing element to mystery anime, despite Blue Lock being somewhat of a letdown in the lineup.
Among the new shonen entries this season, several titles merit special mention. Here are a few highlights:
- Dandadan – This highly popular new addition might be the standout of Fall 2024, even among sequels. Animated by Science Saru, it boasts remarkable visuals that enhance its blend of humor and action. The chemistry between protagonists Momo and Ken shines, making their encounters with supernatural creatures thoroughly entertaining.
- Blue Box – A unique sports romance, Blue Box follows Taiki’s journey to becoming a national-level badminton player, all in an effort to win over Chinatsu, a star basketball player. The animation quality is particularly impressive, especially regarding character expressions, and the narrative flows smoothly.
- Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. – This lesser-known title offers a refreshing twist on the magical girl trope. Here, magical girls function as specialized exterminators tasked with eliminating threats. After performing impressively during a crisis, Kana receives an invitation to join a fledgling company, shifting her to a career path she hadn’t imagined.
- Ranma ½ – This iconic shonen series has returned, much to the delight of fans old and new. Although there was already a beloved adaptation, this new rendition of Rumiko Takahashi’s work captures its charm beautifully with modern animation and humor, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a classic experience.
Now, let’s explore the best shonen anime of all time…
31 Call Of The Night
MyAnimeList Score: 7.99
At its core, Call of the Night champions the idea of freedom. Kou Yamori, a diligent student, finds it challenging to connect with his peers, particularly regarding romance. His struggle with insomnia leads him out into the night, where he has a life-altering encounter with Nazuna Nanakusa, a vampire.
Captivated by her unique perspective on life, Kou aims to transform into a creature of the night himself, but he must first fall for Nazuna to realize this dream. The series is whimsical, stylish, and filled with humor, showcasing the magnetic chemistry between Kou and Nazuna, among other memorable characters.
30 Kaiju No. 8
MyAnimeList: 8.34
Kaiju No. 8 was one of the most awaited anime of Spring 2024, based on the popular manga by Naoya Matsumoto. With production quality overseen by Production I.G, the initial episodes shine brightly compared to many ongoing shows, capturing viewers with its compelling premise.
Set in a Japan plagued by kaiju, the nation relies on a specialized team to combat these monsters. Kafka, burdened by a childhood tragedy, dreams of joining this team but fails the entrance exam. However, a sudden twist grants him the ability to transform into a kaiju, dramatically changing his fortune.
Kaiju No. 8 quickly captures its audience’s attention, opening with an exciting kaiju battle that effectively sets up key characters such as Kafka, Reno, and Mina. Kafka’s charismatic personality and humor resonate with viewers, as he turns from an everyman into a member of a talented rookie ensemble, navigating his new life.
29 Chainsaw Man
MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
Chainsaw Man emerged as one of the hottest anime of 2022, reflecting the immense popularity of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga. The series centers around a protagonist capable of transforming parts of his body into chainsaws, battling Yakuza and demons amid graphic violence.
This is a decidedly adult battle shonen, touching upon mature themes while retaining a juvenile perspective through Denji. While the anime largely met audience expectations, its lasting legacy will heavily depend on the quality of future installments. Chainsaw Man has the potential to dominate the shonen landscape for years to come.
28 My Hero Academia
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 7.88
While My Hero Academia was not the first superhero-themed anime, it stands as the most notable example in the medium. Spanning six seasons and several films, it has maintained its popularity, and the journey of Deku is set to continue.
At its peak, My Hero Academia delivers memorable fights, compelling villains, and ongoing development for its main character. Although some arcs are noticeably weaker, particularly seasons 4 and 5, season 6 marked a significant resurgence, and season 7 promises to continue this trend, albeit inconsistently.
27 Bleach
MyAnimeList Score (Original Series): 7.93
When it shines, Bleach competes beautifully with any action anime on the market. The Soul Society arc is widely regarded as one of the best early sagas in shonen, showcasing phenomenal action, world-building, and narrative depth. The Thousand-Year Blood War reigniting the series’s legacy has proven equally impactful since its debut in Fall 2022.
Though Bleach has significant strengths, its excessive filler arcs often disrupt the show’s pacing. While some arcs, like The Bount arc, contain memorable moments, they can feel overly prolonged, detracting from the overall experience. Fortunately, since these arcs are filler, they can be skipped for an enhanced viewing experience.
26 Dragon Ball Z
MyAnimeList Score: 8.17
Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball not only introduced global audiences to shonen but also to anime as a whole. It stands as arguably the greatest gateway anime ever created and has enjoyed enduring popularity for over forty years. The franchise’s peak lies in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z; the former highlights Toriyama’s comic prowess, while the latter set the standard for action-laden battle shonen series that emerged in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Despite some lows along the way, the enduring success of Dragon Ball is undisputed. At its finest, it achieves heights comparable to the greatest shonen anime. While some may contend that the original Dragon Ball outshines its sequel, DBZ remains the most significant and impactful entry in the franchise.
25 Spy X Family
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.58
Emerging as a highlight of both Spring and Fall 2022, Spy X Family follows the comedic escapades of the Forger family, which range from school escapades to high-stakes terrorist threats. The eponymous spy, Loid, crafts an elaborate facade as a family man while adopting Anya, a mind-reading girl, and marrying Yor, who leads a double life as an assassin.
The hidden truths about their identities both complicate and deepen their connection. As Part 2 progresses, the relationships within the family develop, hinting at the potential for genuine sentiments to surface amidst their artificial ties. Season 2 debuted in Fall 2023, remaining engaging overall, though some audiences noted a lack of narrative progression that became frustrating over time.
24 Naruto & Naruto Shippuden
MyAnimeList Score (Naruto): 7.99
For years, Naruto enjoyed the title of most popular anime in Western regions, surpassing long-standing favorites like Dragon Ball and the slowly gaining One Piece. This series chronicles the journey of its titular ninja, ostracized in the Hidden Leaf Village, as he strives for respect and dreams of becoming Hokage by undertaking shinobi training alongside Sasuke and Sakura under Kakashi.
Spanning over 700 episodes, Naruto showcases a blend of highs and lows, generally maintaining a consistent quality. The powerful dynamics between Naruto and Sasuke drive the narrative forward, supported by a strong cast of antagonists.
23 Dr. Stone
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.28
Dr. Stone captivates viewers with its intriguing premise and engaging protagonist. Following the mysterious petrification of most of humanity, the world descends into a primitive state. Eventually, Senku, a bright teenager, breaks free from his stone prison and seeks to revive humanity while racing against time to uncover scientific advancements.
The series champions scientific exploration while remaining grounded in reality as Senku endeavors to invent crucial technologies. The narrative is compelling, showcasing a cast of likable characters, including several antagonists who leave a lasting impression.
22 Your Lie In April
MyAnimeList Score: 8.65
While many would argue that shonen consists solely of battle-focused narratives, Your Lie in April emphasizes the emotional depth that can exist within the genre, showcasing heartfelt moments and a balance of humor.
The story revolves around a piano prodigy struggling to rekindle his passion for music after his mother’s death. His friendship with Kaori leads to pivotal character growth, making this anime one of the most touching experiences available. Prepare yourself with tissues; Your Lie in April is a genuine emotional journey.
21 The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.41
Kusuo Saiki wields formidable psychic abilities, yet yearns for normalcy in life. Despite his best efforts to remain inconspicuous, he continuously attracts an eccentric cast of characters in his school.
This sketch comedy series delivers a consistent flow of laughter, juxtaposing Kusuo’s deadpan demeanor against his quirky peers. The anime successfully balances comedic elements with heartwarming moments, fostering an entertaining viewing experience.
20 Great Teacher Onizuka
MyAnimeList Score: 8.69
What’s more exciting than having a teacher who once led a biker gang? Great Teacher Onizuka follows Eikichi Onizuka’s humorous interactions with misfit students at Holy Forest Academy, providing plenty of laughs.
The series occasionally shows its age, and some jokes may not resonate as well with modern audiences. Nevertheless, it remains a classic, addressing serious themes through a comedic lens while ensuring engaging and humorous moments.
19 Bakuman
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.18
Bakuman offers an introspective look into the life of a mangaka through Moritaka’s journey. This unique series unveils the challenges and triumphs faced by aspiring manga artists, making it a rewarding watch as viewers cheer them on toward success.
While not laden with action like most shonen titles, Bakuman distinguishes itself with its compelling narrative.
18 Tomorrow’s Joe
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.30
Tomorrow’s Joe, or Ashita no Joe, is often hailed as one of the finest boxing narratives ever brought to animation. Released in the 1970s, its timeless appeal still draws in new fans, showcasing its remarkable staying power.
This influential series inspired a spiritual successor, Fighting Spirit, which has also garnered acclaim. It further paved the way for Megalo Box, where the main character’s name pays homage to the iconic Joe.
17 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.49
Demon Slayer has firmly established itself as a modern battle shonen classic, akin to legends like Dragon Ball and Naruto. Its widespread acclaim makes it an excellent entry point for those new to anime.
While enjoyable throughout, the series truly reaches its pinnacle with episode 19, igniting its meteoric rise to fame. Following this episode, the success of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train and season 2’s Entertainment District arc have both been major triumphs. Although the Spring 2023 season wasn’t quite as monumental, the Swordsmith Village arc still delivered excellence.
16 Fist Of The North Star
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 7.96
Fist of the North Star stands unmatched when discussing influential action shonen titles. Debuting in the early ’80s, both the manga and its adaptations achieved remarkable success, leaving an indelible mark on future works.
Though Fist of the North Star may feel dated by contemporary standards, its story has aged surprisingly well, providing a nostalgic experience. Rather than dismissing it as a relic, viewers can still enjoy an emotionally resonant narrative.
15 Jujutsu Kaisen
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.63
Blending humor, action, and captivating storytelling, Jujutsu Kaisen has garnered a considerable following. The visual quality of the animation is nothing short of stunning. Unlike many shonen leads, protagonist Yuuji is compelled into strength across his journey, providing a fresh narrative twist.
With two seasons and a film already released, the series has plenty of content for fans, and the plot continues to unfold. Despite critiques over season 2 focusing on action, the overall quality remains high, setting a new standard for fight sequences in shonen anime. Though fast pacing can hinder character development, Jujutsu Kaisen remains arguably the top action shonen anime of this era.
14 Death Note
MyAnimeList Score: 8.62
Death Note presents a psychological battle between a serial killer and the detectives striving to catch him. This unique shonen anime emphasizes intellectual warfare over physical confrontations. When Light Yagami stumbles upon the Death Note, he gains the power to eliminate anyone whose name he writes, transforming him into the vigilante Kira.
The gripping rivalry between Light and L takes center stage, with their strategic cat-and-mouse game woven throughout the narrative. It remains a standout in the psychological thriller genre, rivaled perhaps only by masterpieces like Monster.
13 Nichijou – My Ordinary Life
MyAnimeList Score: 8.46
Nichijou exemplifies the often-overlooked variety within shonen, serving as a sketch comedy featuring a group of high school girls, a talking cat, a genius child, and a robot. Although it begins with familiar slice-of-life elements, it quickly devolves into surreal and unpredictable antics.
Full of surprises, Nichijou balances heartwarming moments with unfiltered hilarity, surpassing most comedic series in quality and resulting in a satisfying experience with high replay value.
12 The Dangers In My Heart
MyAnimeList Score: 8.26
This Winter 2024 sequel, The Dangers in My Heart, has made a lasting impression. The first season unfolds slowly as it delves into the developing friendship between Anna and Ichikawa, ultimately culminating in a spectacular finale. The sequel not only captures but intensifies this momentum, establishing itself as a strong contender for the best romance anime of 2024.
Rather than relying on the cliched “popular girl falls for outsider” trope without justification, The Dangers in My Heart thoughtfully develops Anna and Ichikawa, presenting their positive attributes and genuine interactions, resulting in a refreshingly realistic romantic narrative.
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