Filtering down the top 10 Shonen anime of all time is a huge task, especially when new anime shows are released almost daily.
Moreover, getting started with shounen anime can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the genre.
But don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 shounen anime sure to please even the most discerning viewer.
These anime series are well-made, engaging, and full of action and adventure.
So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fan, you’ll find something to love on this list. Let’s go!
Top 10 Shonen anime of all time
One Punch Man
This anime is a popular comedy series that follows the story of Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch.
ONE’s inaugural masterpiece contains a plethora of heroes and monsters seeking to become the strongest.
As we delve deeper into the series, we witness Saitama’s trials and tribulations, his journey as a member of the Hero Association climbing the ranks, and his personal journey of fulfillment as he gains a sense of purpose.
One Punch Man strikes a fine target of humor and action with its engaging dialogue and soundtracks.
One Punch Man is a must-see for any anime fan. ONE PUUUUNCH!!!!
Black Clover
![Black Clover - Trailer [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MH4pWlX4LqI/mqdefault.jpg)
This anime is a popular fantasy series that follows the story of Asta, a young boy who dreams of becoming the Wizard King despite being born without magical powers.
This Yuki Tabata special sets the stage for Asta, a kid without magical powers but blessed with a five-leaf grimoire: the rarest.
With enough effort and training, Asta hones his magical mastery in the Clover Kingdom and slowly seeks to achieve his dreams.
The insane magical power dynamics in the show are astounding. The contrasting abilities of each and every character give the viewer an insanely dynamic experience and truly deserve a view.
However, this power system comes short of the following entry on this list.
Hunter x Hunter
This anime is a popular adventure series that follows the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Hunter, a professional specializing in hunting down dangerous creatures.
Inspired by Yoshihiro Togashi’s earlier entry, Yu Yu Hakusho, Hunter X Hunter elevates Shounen to the next level.
As Gon embarks on his joyful journey to find his enigmatic father, Ging, Gon encounters multiple threats and challenges and Killua, his soon-to-be lifelong friend.
It is a testament to Togashi’s talents: Hunter X Hunter’s smooth animation and tactical battle approach are rounded off by the Nen power system, one of anime’s most critically acclaimed power systems.
The final arc? One of the best arcs in anime history ~
Watch it. You’ll love it.
My Hero Academia
This anime is a popular superhero series that follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who dreams of becoming a superhero despite not having any powers.
Ever since he was young, Izuku has wished to become like All Might, the strongest hero of all.
However, when he learns that he’s quirkless, he feels defeated… until he meets All Might himself. Will he gain powers? Will he defeat the villains of Musutafu? Will he surpass All Might?
Written and originally depicted by Kohei Horikoshi, this anime has gained a cult following all over the internet.
The visual symphony of the fights is an absolute masterpiece, worthy to be watched.
My Hero Academia features a gargantuan amount of quirks and various characters, with the weird combinations producing some of the most creative fights in anime history.
Check it out!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
This anime is a critically acclaimed series known for its complex story and well-developed characters.
It follows the story of two brothers searching for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.
Despite its 64-episode run, Fullmetal Alchemist can amalgamate the amazing story of the Elric brothers with a glorious cast of unique characters, fluid and expressive animation, nuanced themes and great soundtracks into one fluid masterpiece.
This is one of the few anime series reminiscent of Avatar’s Last Airbender. With so many themes acting all at once, it’s best to go in blind.
Mini Spoiler: Here’s a name you’re going to hate… Shou Tucker.
Just watch it…
Bleach
Bleach is a popular action series that follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a young boy who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper.
Bleach is one of the classic “Big 3” shounen, along with Naruto and One Piece.
As Ichigo continues to live as a ‘normal’ teenager – he can see ghosts (yes, quite normal, isn’t it?) – he fatefully meets a shinigami, a soul reaper, as the following events change his life forever.
The truth about his abilities slowly unfolds as he and his posse (Uryu, Orihime and Chad) proceed to cleanse Hollows in Karakura Town. Unbeknownst to him, one of the biggest conflicts in history is about to manifest….
Tite Kubo’s exposition of Hollows as evil spirits created by humans who die with regrets humanizes the shinigami; when they’re cut with zanpakuto (soul cutters), Hollows are successfully cleansed and sent back to soul society.
However, each zanpakuto has different abilities, and each shinigami can use different kido (spells), where Kubo gets to flex his creative muscles.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> follows the story of Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a Jujutsu Sorcerer after swallowing a cursed object.
Yuji is an overly athletic kid who casually breaks records when he’s enthusiastic, and he just so happens to be a member of the school’s ghost club – typical nerd stuff.
One night, his club mates encounter a cursed object, changing his life forever.
You’ve probably seen videos about a white-haired character from the show.
That’s probably Gojo Satoru, the strongest Jujutsu sorcerer alive and the first sensei to overshadow the protagonist (kinda).
He’s Gege Akutami’s first Magnum Opus, followed by Ryomen Sukuna, his sworn enemy, the King Of Curses.
Similarly to Bleach, Curses are exorcised by sorcerers to cleanse the world of the living using cursed energy, tools and techniques.
Jujutsu Kaisen<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> is full of goofy and action-packed moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The anime is currently in Season 2. However, prepare yourself for the JJK experience.
Naruto
This long-running series has been popular with fans of all ages. It follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young boy who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village.
It’s no surprise to see Naruto on this list. This “Big 3” classic features Naruto, an orphan and the outcast of the Village Hidden In The Leaves.
Why is he always on the swing? It’s because of the walking disaster trapped inside of him – Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Beast.
<So, you give him every reason to destroy you instead of befriending a tactical nuke. Why?> One fateful day, he meets Sasuke Uchiha, and one of the most iconic anime pairs is born. As for Sakura, she’s a divisive character. Watch the series to find out why.
The anime features a well-fleshed-out chakra system, conjured into different elemental projections or can be used to augment the user’s body.
This fighting system has given birth to techniques in the series, which can only be fully appreciated by watching the anime.
The fluid animation, the character’s emotional development, the complex villains and the loveable heroes of Konoha sum this anime into a visual Masashi Kishimoto masterpiece.
The anime currently has three parts: Naruto, Naruto Shippuden and Boruto.
Watch it. I highly recommend it.
Dragon Ball
Dragonball is a classic that fans have enjoyed for decades. It follows the adventures of Goku, a young boy destined to become a great warrior.
Who doesn’t know Dragonball? Goku is pretty much the Superman of the East and a pretty unique character.
From defeating the likes of Piccolo, Vegeta, and even Frieza in Dragonball and Dragonball Z to achieving multiversal feats in Dragonball Super, everyone’s heard of his name at this point. If you don’t know him, just watch Z and Super.
*disappointed fan noises*
One Piece
One Piece is a popular anime that has been running for over 20 years.
It follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who dreams of becoming the Pirate King.
The anime is set in a world of pirates and adventure and features a large cast of colorful characters. One Piece is known for its humor, action, and adventure.
The first 50 episodes of One Piece are a great introduction to the series.
They introduce the main characters, setting, and the story’s basic premise.
If you’re unsure if One Piece is for you, I recommend watching the first 50 episodes. You’ll be well surprised.
Well, that’s it for this list. Are you into manhwa and webtoons? Click here for a must-read list.
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