Known for its major focus on adventure, action, and fighting forces of evil, the Shonen genre has not only been one of the most prominent types of anime in the community, but has contributed immensely to its growth and impact. It’s widely considered the most popular and well-loved anime, it’s no surprise that the Shonen genre has captured more hearts than other genres with anime series like Naruto; Attack on Titan; Death Note; and, a personal favorite, Demon Slayer.

Of course, one cannot see all the gems this genre has to offer, so it’d only be rational to pick from the top, and probably work your way down. It is to this end that we’ve curated the perfect list of the top twenty best Shonen anime of all time.
But before we get to the list, let’s have an honorable mention: Kaiju No. 8!

Kaiju 8-oou, popularly known as Kaiju No. 8 is one the modern Shonen anime that premiered in Spring of 2024, and has earned great acclaim for itself. This is owing to its exceptional soundtracks, detailed and exemplary animation, story, and comic relief. While season 2 is set to be released in 2025 from the stables of Production I.G., this action anime has rocked the entire anime community. With a score of 8.34 (scored by over 200k users) on MyAnimeList, it is one of the best Shonen anime series out there.

With that out of the way, let’s get on with the list of the best twenty Shonen anime series of all time!

20. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, based on Hirohiko Araki's manga, follows the supernatural adventures of the Joestar family through different eras, from the 19th century to modern times. Fans are absolutely captivated by the series, which seamlessly combines intense action, imaginative storytelling, and offbeat humor.

Every arc brings in new characters and unique Stand abilities, guaranteeing captivating storylines. The unique art style, unforgettable characters, and intense battles set it apart from other Shonen series. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is widely acclaimed for its unique and long-lasting impact, solidifying its position as one of the greatest Shonen anime of all time.

19. Komi Can’t Communicate

The second season of this anime series further established it as one of the best slice of life anime ever made. The story revolves around Shoko Komi who has spent the better part of her life in solitude, as her silence has often been misinterpreted as snobbishness and aloofness. However, it’s actually due to her intense social anxiety.

With an overwhelming desire to make a difference during her high school years, Komi embarks on a mission to befriend a hundred people. Her journey begins when she becomes friends with Hitohito Tadano, another unpopular kid.

Komi Can't Communicate is a show that provides a genuine portrayal of anxiety, especially in its initial episodes. It has a positive and relatable tone that resonates with viewers. The relationship between Komi and Tadano is endearing and their friendship sets the stage for the introduction of more eccentric characters.

18. My Hero Academia

Boku no Hero Academia narrates the journey of Izuku Midoriya in a world where the majority of humanity possesses extraordinary abilities known as quirks. Izuku, a young boy without any special abilities, strongly desires to become a hero. His dreams are unexpectedly answered when his idol, All Might, selects him to inherit his extraordinary quirk.

Following rigorous training, Izuku gains admission to UA High, an esteemed institution for aspiring heroes where he discovers the essence of heroism as he navigates a world filled with skilled peers and formidable adversaries. Despite a slow start, the series has managed to captivate audiences with its intriguing characters, intense battles, and inspiring journey, establishing itself as one of the most remarkable anime series of all time.

17. Bleach

Bleach revolves around the life of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student whose world is turned upside down when his family is targeted by a Hollow. Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper after Rukia mistakenly passes her Soul Reaper powers onto him while defending him. Now, Ichigo is tasked with the responsibility of hunting down Hollows and safeguarding his town. Teamed up with Orihime, Sado, and Uryuu, who possess their own special powers, they confront a range of supernatural dangers that go beyond Hollows.

Bleach is considered one of the best due to its captivating plot, vibrant characters, and detailed setting. With its intense battles, deep emotional arcs, and exploration of themes like duty, friendship, and sacrifice, this series has become a timeless classic and one of the best anime series in the Shonen genre. Fans who have seen it are captivated by its blend of action, drama, and supernatural intrigue.

16. Call of the Night

A Shonen manga serialized by Shogakukan from the Summer of 2019 to the Winter of 2024, Yofukashi no Uta tells the story of Ko Yamori, a guy who quits school in search of solace and embarks on late-night wanderings. Ko meets Nazuna, a vampire who introduces him to the pleasures of the nocturnal lifestyle. Ko becomes intrigued by the idea of becoming a vampire, driven by his desire to be with her. However, there is a catch - he must first find love in his heart for her.

Visually, the anime adaptation is a masterpiece of creation. The story is also pretty straightforward, giving it a vibe that brings to mind Tokyo Ghoul, minus the action.

15. Fist of The North Star

Kenshirou, a warrior in a post-apocalyptic world, is seeking revenge on Shin, his fiancée's kidnapper. By employing his deadly Hokuto Shinken combat technique, Kenshirou defends the defenseless from vicious raiders, attracting strong adversaries, such as competing martial artists and warlords to him on his travels. Determined to recover the things he holds most, Kenshirou becomes the world's savior as he fights off escalating dangers and faces the Nanto Seiken Academy.

14. Naruto

The story of Naruto revolves around Naruto Uzumaki, who had the Nine-Tailed Fox demon sealed within him following its assault on his home, Hidden Leaf Village. Shunned by the villagers, Naruto aspires to become the Hokage to earn their recognition. Regardless of his lack of skill in basic ninja techniques, his unwavering determination shines through. Working alongside the talented Sasuke, intelligent Sakura, and their leader Kakashi, Naruto encounters countless obstacles and formidable enemies as he pursues his ultimate goal of becoming the village chief.

Debuting in the early 2000s, Naruto stands as a remarkable Shonen anime, captivating viewers with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and profound emotions, making it a beloved choice for anime fans around the globe. The enduring popularity of this anime showcases its timeless appeal and profound impact as a good gateway anime for a good number of new anime fans.

13. Kuroko’s Basketball

While it shares some similarities with the 1993 classic anime series titled Slam Dunk, Kuroko’s Basketball is a way better and more modern sports anime that offers an exhilarating experience. This is an exciting story of high-stakes games, fierce rivalries, and teamwork. The storyline revolves around the mysterious Tetsuya Kuroko and fiery Taiga Kagami in Seiren High's basketball team.

For someone who has zero presence on the court, Kuroko was previously a member of the famous "Generation of Miracles," a group of extraordinary athletes feared throughout Japan. Though he doesn't score or show presence, Kuroko has unmatched passing ability and strong game knowledge. Together, Kuroko and Kagami create an odd squad with one aim in mind: to beat the "Generation of Miracles" and show that real basketball glory lies in teamwork, rather than individual abilities.

As Seirin progresses through the high school basketball competition, they face off against each of these special opponents. The anime series is one that expertly balances intense sports action with personal development, making it a must-see for any sports anime fan.

12. Toradora!

Toradora! is arguably the best romance anime that seamlessly combines heartwarming romance with comedic antics as it tells Ryuuji and Aisaka's story. Ryuuji Takasu is a high school student who, despite his intimidating appearance that often leads others to mistake him for a delinquent, is kind-hearted. On the other hand, Taiga Aisaka is a petite student who displays a strong and fiery personality, earning her the nickname "Palmtop Tiger."

An accident makes them friends and leads to a heartwarming moment where Taiga opens up about her feelings for Ryuuji's best friend. Meanwhile, Ryuuji has developed strong emotions for Taiga's closest companion, Minori Kushieda. This unique pair forms an unexpected relationship, supporting one another in their individual romantic pursuits.

Apart from being a romance anime, Toradora! is also a great comedy that enchants viewers with its intricately crafted characters, clever banter, and heartfelt scenes.

11. Fullmetal Alchemist

Whoever said that “life is give and take” must’ve taken this quote from the Fullmetal Alchemist anime series, as this same quote is one of the underlying principles of Alchemy. This award-winning Shonen anime series tells the story of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, as they seek to replace all they lost in their attempt to resurrect their mother.

After becoming the lead fullmetal alchemist in his state, Edward and his brother embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, which is rumored for its ability to amplify an alchemist’s abilities. The quest for this stone was meant to help them regain the life they’ve lost and even alter alchemy’s founding principle. But the Elric brothers quickly realize that the legendary stone holds secrets beyond their wildest expectations, as it guides them towards a terrifying conflict of unparalleled magnitude.

10. Black Clover

Black Clover, created by mangaka Yuuki Tabata, tells the story of Asta, a determined child born without magic in a world where magic is essential. Despite its clichéd narrative and conventional characters who mirror those of Naruto and Fairy Tail, Black Clover captivates with its unrelenting action and Asta's unwavering tenacity. The animation quality varies slightly and the voice acting, especially Asta's, is pretty good. However, the series' potential for growth, as well as its humorous twist on shonen cliches, make it an enjoyable anime to watch.

9. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a quintessential classic Shounen anime that is renowned for its epic fight scenes, thrilling storyline, and iconic characters. Following Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from powerful foes, the series masterfully blends action, adventure, and humor. Its major strengths include unforgettable battles, such as Goku's clashes with Cell, Frieza, and Majin Buu, which are both intense and strategically complex.

The series also excels in character development, showcasing the growth of characters like Vegeta, Gohan, and Piccolo. The intrigue is heightened by dramatic plot twists and the exploration of themes like friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance. Dragon Ball Z has left a lasting impact on anime culture and fans and remains a must-watch for fans seeking an exhilarating and timeless experience in the Shonen genre.

8. Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files

This anime series is a classic that has likely served as inspiration for many other mangakas and anime creators, including Bleach and Naruto. The characters' designs, personalities, and writing bear a striking resemblance to those found in Naruto. There are resemblances between certain sections of this anime and Bleach's Lost Agent and Bount arcs. It appeared to explore similar themes of friendship and emotions, much like Fairy Tail and One Piece.

The animation style is flawless, with a captivating storyline that progresses smoothly. The mood is set perfectly, making it impossible to resist binge-watching the entire series. The voice acting is fantastic and expertly captures the essence of each character.

7. Attack On Titan

Shingeki no Kyojin, popularly known as Attack on Titan is probably one of the top three best dark fantasy anime of all time. It effortlessly combines the themes of horror, fantasy, drama, action, suspense, gore, and military life. Attack on Titan tells the story of young Eren Yeager and his transition from hero to villain.

With stunning animation and everything an anime fan would love, Attack on Titan is set in a post-apocalyptic world where mankind resides in cities surrounded by fortified walls, shielded from colossal man-eating humanoid creatures called Titans. Together with friends who were also victims of a Titan attack, Eren and his friends become scouts. Their new life becomes a barrage of crazy twists and turns which leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.

6. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. The anime adaptation of this modern Shonen masterpiece rocked the anime community when it aired in the Fall of 2020. With colorful action scenes and crazy plot twists, it tells the story of Yuji Itadori, as he finds himself pulled into the Jujutsu community. With his newly found power, he not only exorcises curses but also uncovers hoards of conspiracies within his new world.

Unlike countless other anime, Jujutsu Kaisen’s power system offers a wide range of possibilities for expression. It is exceptionally well-crafted as a Shonen anime with a clearly defined power system and incredibly well-written supporting characters, going beyond the typical focus found in other popular anime.

5. Death Note

A psychological thriller, Death Note presents an almost endless streak of mind games. In a world where vigilantes, serial killers and the supernatural roam, it fills the minds of its viewers with twists unlike any before seen.

Out of sheer amusement, Ryuk, a shinigami of death, decides to release his Death Note somewhere on Earth. Upon discovery, Light Yagami finds the initial rule to be utterly absurd: any individual whose name is inscribed within this notebook will die. Nevertheless, the allure proves irresistible, and Light decides to experiment by writing down the name of a criminal, resulting in a chilling reenactment when he finds out the book works.

With a terrifying godlike power at his disposal, Light, posing as Kira, pursues his twisted sense of justice, driven by the desire to rid the world of all those he deems evil. The highly skilled detective L tries to uncover Kira's real identity, but with Light's exceptional intelligence matching L's, the thrilling pursuit of Kira transforms into a fierce mental showdown that will only end when one of them is dead.

4. One Piece

Since it premiered in the fall of 1999, the One Piece manga and anime series have continuously fed fans a perfect blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy in this spectacular story about pirates. In the center of it all is simple-minded captain Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of budding pirates, who all dream of obtaining the treasure at the Grand Line, the most unpredictable and treacherous sea of all.

One Piece stands out as one of the best Shounen anime ever, thanks to its flawless story, complex world-building, and emotional depth. Despite having over a thousand episodes, it still provides limitless thrills and suspense. The animation and visuals have advanced dramatically from the 1990s to the present, making it visually stunning. Fans appreciate its distinctive characters and spectacular adventures, making it a timeless favorite in the anime world.

3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

With 40 overall nominations and 17 Crunchyroll Anime Awards in categories like Best Art Direction and Best Animation, Demon Slayer has been tagged as the Most Influential Anime of the Decade, understandably so. The stellar animation and perfect use of CGI isn’t Demon Slayer’s only strong point, as its adept handling of normal Shonen tropes and its distinctive setting in the Japanese Taisho era.

Following the thousand-year war between Demons and Demon Slayers, the plot focuses on the story of Tanjiro. He’s one of the two remaining Kamado siblings who survived a Demon attack on their family. He strives to join others in slaying demons and uncovering means to turn his demon-sister back to human.

The life and journey of a Demon Slayer is perilous enough even for older and skilled fighters, much less someone like Tanjiro. But, seeing how adeptly the story and entire series are woven, Demon Slayer just might get crowned “Best Shonen Anime Ever”.

2. Gintama

For 16 years, Studio Sunrise, and later Bandai Namco Pictures steadily curated and dished out the anime adaptation of the lengthy Gintama manga series. Ushering in a new wave of fans at the time it was airing, the anime series falls more to the comedic side than it does with action, as it incorporates aliens in its feudal Japan story, with touches of drama, sci-fi, and swordplay.

It was a post-apocalyptic world for the Samurai in Japan, who had to surrender to an alien force of greater power. Despite the limitations placed on all remaining Samurai, Gintoki Sakata is not one to cower or bow to any such oppression, but how will that turn out for him?

1. Hunter X Hunter

Hunter x Hunter is a standout Shounen anime that captivates viewers with its intricate storytelling, rich character development, and unique battle system. The captivating arcs, like Greed Island and Chimera Ant, feature gripping battles and stunning emotional depth. They tell the story of terrifying creatures, unexplored lands, and the lives and motivations of Gon Freecs and his friends.

Fans are captivated by the unexpected plot twists, the intricate world-building, and the growth of characters like Gon and Killua. This series strikes the perfect balance of fantasy, monsters, and thrilling fight scenes in a world where only a select few possess extraordinary powers.