Shonen anime (also spelled shounen) consistently delivers iconic hits like Attack on Titan and Dragon Ball, making it one of the most beloved demographics in the anime world. It encompasses a wide range of genres, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales, all aimed primarily at a younger male audience, though fans of all ages and genders enjoy them.
Given the sheer volume of shonen anime available, it can be overwhelming for newcomers or even longtime fans to decide where to start. However, some series stand out due to their exceptional storytelling, memorable characters, and breathtaking animation. These are the must-watch shonen anime that deserve a place on every fan’s list. The Summer 2024 season of shonen anime may not feature many big franchises, but it still offers an array of engaging shows. Ongoing series like My Hero Academia and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime continue to dominate the scene, keeping the excitement high for fansOne of the most exciting new series this season is Wistoria: Wand and Sword, a fantasy-action anime adapted from a manga by Fujino Ōmori, the creator of Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?. The show draws several parallels with DanMachi, particularly in its dungeon-crawling adventures and underdog protagonist.The story centers around Will, an outcast attending a mage academy who, despite being unable to use magic, strives to become a Magia Vander. While Will shares some similarities with DanMachi’s Bell, he is a more experienced fighter from the outset, yet still grapples with his limitations.Wistoria sets itself apart with its compelling take on the magical school setting and some of the season’s best action sequences. The animation has been praised for its fluidity and intensity, making each battle a visual spectacle. For fans of high-stakes battles and underdog protagonists, Wistoria is shaping up to be one of the most entertaining shonen series of the summer.
10. Great Teacher Onizuka
MyAnimeList Score: 8.69
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release Date: June 30, 1999
Number of Episodes: 43
Studio: Pierrot
Creator: Tooru Fujisawa
Streaming Service(s): Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll
A former biker gang leader turned teacher, Eikichi Onizuka, transforms the troubled students at Holy Forest Academy with his unorthodox methods. Onizuka’s outrageous behavior includes suplexing the Vice-Principal, making for a comedic yet insightful journey. Despite its age, Great Teacher Onizuka remains a beloved classic, blending humor with deeper themes, although some of its jokes may feel dated. The anime is a hilarious yet emotional ride, addressing issues like bullying, depression, and academic pressure with surprising depth. Onizuka’s tough-love approach and his ability to connect with even the most difficult students leave a lasting impression.
9. Bakuman
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.18
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Release Date: October 2, 2010
Number of Episodes: 75
Studio: J.C.Staff
Creator: Tsugumi Ohba
Streaming Service(s): Hulu, Peacock, Tubi
Bakuman follows the journey of Moritaka Mashiro, a teenager aspiring to become a successful manga artist. The story revolves around his partnership with Takagi Akito, a scriptwriter, as they chase their dream of serializing a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump. This anime takes a behind-the-scenes look at the manga industry and portrays the challenges and rewards of creating manga. Its realistic depiction of hard work, failures, and perseverance makes it inspiring. While it lacks the action seen in other shonen series, Bakuman stands out as a rare mix of creativity, strategy, and personal growth, giving fans a glimpse into the world behind their favorite manga.
8. Tomorrow’s Joe
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.30
Genre: Sports
Japanese Title: Ashita no Joe
Release Date: April 1, 1970
Number of Episodes: 126
Studio: Mushi Production
Creator: Ikki Kajiwara
Streaming Service(s): Amazon Prime Video
One of the most iconic sports anime of all time, Tomorrow’s Joe follows the story of Joe Yabuki, a delinquent-turned-boxer. Set against a backdrop of post-war Japan, the anime touches on themes of poverty, redemption, and ambition, capturing the spirit of underdog stories. The animation and art style might feel outdated to modern audiences, but Tomorrow’s Joe has an enduring appeal. Its impact on the anime industry was immense, influencing future boxing anime like Fighting Spirit and Megalo Box. Its raw portrayal of human struggles and determination to rise against the odds continues to resonate with audiences even decades later.
7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.49
Genre: Action, Adventure
Japanese Title: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Release Date: April 6, 2019
Number of Episodes: 63
Studio: ufotable
Based On: Manga
Creator: Koyoharu Gotoge
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Demon Slayer has quickly risen to modern shonen fame, drawing comparisons to other giants like Dragon Ball and Naruto. The series follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who embarks on a journey to save his sister from a curse that turned her into a demon. While the first season is captivating, it was episode 19 that truly catapulted Demon Slayer into international stardom with its stunning animation and emotional storytelling. The series continues to excel with cinematic arcs such as Mugen Train and The Entertainment District. Demon Slayer balances intense action with heartfelt moments and moral complexity, making it a new-age shonen phenomenon.
6. Fist of the North Star
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 7.96
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Japanese Title: Hokuto no Ken
Release Date: October 11, 1984
Number of Episodes: 152
Studio: Toei Animation
Creator: Buronson
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll
Fist of the North Star is a legendary action-packed shonen series from the 80s. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the anime follows Kenshiro, a martial artist who uses his deadly Hokuto Shinken techniques to battle violent gangs and protect the innocent. With iconic lines like “You are already dead,” Kenshiro’s stoic demeanor and explosive combat sequences have become staples in anime culture. While the series’ animation may seem archaic by today’s standards, its intense storytelling and emotional depth continue to impress. The anime’s influence on the action genre can still be seen in series like JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Berserk.
5. Jujutsu Kaisen
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.63
Genre: Action, Supernatural
Japanese Title: Jujutsu Kaisen
Release Date: October 3, 2020
Number of Episodes: 47
Studio: MAPPA
Creator: Gege Akutami
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll
Jujutsu Kaisen exploded onto the anime scene with its blend of action, dark fantasy, and humor. The anime follows Yuuji Itadori, who becomes involved in a secret world of curses after swallowing a cursed object. His journey is not one of simple self-improvement, but rather one forced upon him by tragic circumstances. The series stands out for its jaw-dropping animation and intense battle sequences. The narrative manages to balance traditional shonen tropes with fresh storytelling and complex characters. With a movie and a second season in the mix, Jujutsu Kaisen has already established itself as a modern masterpiece in the action genre.
4. Death Note
MyAnimeList Score: 8.62
Genre: Thriller, Supernatural
Release Date: October 4, 2006
Number of Episodes: 37
Studio: Madhouse
Creator: Tsugumi Ohba
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube
Death Note remains one of the most gripping psychological thrillers in anime. The story revolves around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. What follows is a tense cat-and-mouse game between Light, who seeks to create a utopia by eliminating criminals, and L, a genius detective intent on stopping him. The intellectual rivalry between Light and L is at the heart of Death Note, as both characters push each other to their limits. With its complex moral themes and intense suspense, Death Note remains a must-watch for anime fans.
3. Nichijou – My Ordinary Life
MyAnimeList Score: 8.46
Genre: Comedy
Japanese Title: Nichijou
Release Date: April 3, 2011
Number of Episodes: 26
Studio: Kyoto Animation
Creator: Keiichi Arawi
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll
Nichijou is far from ordinary. The anime takes the seemingly mundane events of everyday life and transforms them into surreal, laugh-out-loud scenarios. The cast includes a robot, a talking cat, a child genius, and a group of high school students who all experience bizarre occurrences, from a principal wrestling a deer to explosions caused by simple misunderstandings. Nichijou’s absurd humor and beautiful animation make it a standout in the slice-of-life genre. Despite its unconventional approach, the series also manages to capture heartfelt moments, creating a unique balance between chaos and charm.
2. The Dangers In My Heart
MyAnimeList Score: 8.26
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Japanese Title: Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu
Release Date: April 2, 2023
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Creator: Norio Sakurai
Streaming Service(s): HIDIVE
In the sea of romance anime, The Dangers in My Heart stands out for its realistic portrayal of relationships. The story follows Ichikawa, a shy and misunderstood high school student, and Anna, a popular girl, as their unlikely friendship blossoms into something more. While the “loner meets popular girl” trope is common in anime, this series elevates it with carefully developed characters and moments that feel genuine rather than forced. The second season builds on this dynamic, intensifying their bond while adding depth to their individual growth. It’s a refreshingly slow-burn romance with a balance of comedy and heartfelt drama.
1. Attack On Titan
MyAnimeList Score (Season 1): 8.54
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Japanese Title: Shingeki no Kyojin
Release Date: April 7, 2013
Studio: WIT Studio, MAPPA
Based On: Manga
Creator: Hajime Isayama
Streaming Service(s): Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, Funimation
Attack on Titan began as a gritty action-packed story of humanity’s desperate struggle against giant, man-eating titans, but it has evolved into one of the most profound and thought-provoking series in anime. The protagonist, Eren Yeager, transforms from a hopeful hero into a morally complex anti-hero as the story delves deeper into politics, freedom, and the cost of survival. With its intense, visceral action scenes and shocking plot twists, Attack on Titan constantly keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Its final season has sparked widespread debate, further cementing its place as a modern masterpiece.