15 Best Shonen Anime, Ranked

If you are here, you are probably looking for the best shonen anime, packed with amazing fights, screaming power-ups, and characters who’d die for their friends. But with so many shows out there, which ones actually deserve your time? Don’t sweat it. We’ve ranked the 15 best shonen anime that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yell at your screen. From classic gems to new bangers, this list has it all.

These picks aren’t just popular, they’re iconic. We’re talking wild plot twists, villains you’ll hate to love, and heroes who start weak but become unstoppable. Whether you’re into ninjas, pirates, or monster slayers, there’s something here for every vibe.

UPDATE: This article was updated by Daksh Chaudhary on March 18th, 2025. We have added 5 more entries to the list, updated the photos, and added better content for our readers.

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15/15 My Hero Academia

In a world where almost everyone has superpowers, Izuku Midoriya is born powerless; until the number one hero, All Might, passes his quirk to him. Now, Izuku trains at UA High to become the next Symbol of Peace. What makes MHA special? The villains aren’t just evil for fun. Stain, the Hero Killer, wants to purge fake heroes, and Shigaraki’s trauma makes him relatable

Why watch it? The show balances epic battles with emotional growth. Characters like Bakugo and Todoroki have layers you’ll peel back episode by episode. Plus, the soundtrack slaps harder than One For All. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a hero, this is your hype manual.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 2016	7.84	Bones	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

14/15 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

Jojo’s is a wild ride through generations of the Joestar family, each with their own over-the-top adventure. From Jonathan Joestar’s 1800s vampire feud to Jolyne’s prison escape in Stone Ocean, every arc reinvents the series. The magic? Stands, psychic ghosts named after bands like Led Zeppelin and Queen.

This show doesn’t care about logic. Characters pose mid-battle, villains cry about their tragic backstories, and the art style shifts from hyper-muscular to glam-rock fabulous. Fans love it for meme-worthy moments and battles where brains beat brawn. If you want anime that’s 100% unpredictable, Jojo’s is your golden ticket.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2012	7.87	David Production	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

13/15 Bleach

Bleach is a popular anime that aired on Toonami and Adult Swim, introducing Western audiences to one of the best shonen anime. It follows Ichigo, an ordinary guy who becomes a powerful Soul Reaper, battling Hollows and saving humanity.

Bleach drips with style. The sword fights, Zanpakuto spirits, and Ichigo’s inner Hollow are legendary. If you love edgy heroes, tragic villains, and battles like no other, Bleach is the one you're looking for. Plus, the TYBW arc released recently takes the series to a whole new level.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2004	7.97	Pierrot	Action, Adventure	Netflix

12/15 Naruto

This popular anime follows the inspiring journey of Naruto from an orphan to a hopeful Hokage. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and setbacks, making the show highly rewatchable.

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Naruto, a skilled shinobi, carries the burden of great power while dealing with the loss of his parents and social rejection. The show's fantastic worldbuilding, intriguing characters, and unique ninjutsu continue to have a significant impact on pop culture, even after nearly two decades since its first episode aired.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2002	8.01	Pierrot	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

11/15 Black Clover

Black Clover revolves around Asta, a magic-less kid in a world of wizards, who wields a giant anti-magic sword to become the Wizard King. His squad, the Black Bulls, are misfits - a drunk battle nun, a shy girl who controls water, and a captain who sleeps 20 hours a day. The series delivers jaw-dropping team battles, where strategy trumps raw power.

The show starts slow but becomes a hype train. Asta’s screams are iconic, and the magic system - fire, lightning, even time magic, keeps fights fresh. If you love underdog stories with a found-family vibe, Black Clover is the best shonen anime for you.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2017	8.14	Pierrot	Action, Fantasy	Netflix

10/15 Dragon Ball Z

Goku's peaceful life takes a turn when his long-lost brother Raditz arrives, bringing trouble from the Saiyan race. To tackle the threat, Goku and Piccolo, once enemies, must work together. Adding to the excitement, and Vegeta, the Saiyan prince, is on his way to join the action.

This anime is a classic for a reason, filled with awe-inspiring moments like Goku's epic Super Saiyan debut. It's an energetic and thrilling shonen series loved by many. Despite its long run, there are occasional slow parts, but they're all part of the DBZ experience. Goku's journey is an enjoyable ride for anime lovers, both new and old.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 1989	8.19	Toei Animation	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

9/15 Solo Leveling

Sung Jin-Woo is the weakest Hunter in a monster-infested world, until he gains a RPG-like System to level up. Soon, he’s soloing dungeons, summoning Shadow soldiers, and fighting dragons. The Jeju Island arc shows Jinwoo's ruthless side, as he protects allies while embracing his dark power. The animation by A-1 Pictures makes every fight feel cinematic, especially Jin-Woo’s glowing red eyes mid-battle.

Solo Leveling is power fantasy done right. Jin-Woo’s rise from “E-rank loser” to god-tier badass is addictive, and the show’s pacing hooks you fast. If you’ve ever grinded in a game and dreamed of being OP, this is your anime.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
January 2024	8.28	A-1 Pictures	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

8/15 Demon Slayer

Tanjiro Kamado’s family is slaughtered by Demons, leaving his sister Nezuko cursed. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps, mastering Water Breathing to fight the Demon King Muzan. The Entertainment District arc is a visual masterpiece - flaming swords, exploding buildings, and epic battles. Ufotable’s animation turns every fight into art, like cherry blossoms swirling during attacks.

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Why watch it? The villains aren’t just evil; they’re tragic. Rui, a demon who craves family, and Akaza, a martial artist turned monster, make you question who’s right. Plus, Zenitsu’s thunder breathing and constant panic attacks add comedy gold. Demon Slayer is a feast for your eyes and soul.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 2019	8.44	Ufotable	Action, Supernatural	Netflix

7/15 YuYu Hakusho

Yusuke Urameshi starts as a deadbeat teen who dies saving a kid, and then gets resurrected as a Spirit Detective. His job? Fight demons in the underworld. The Dark Tournament arc is peak shonen, with teams battling to the death in a colosseum. The show’s humor is gold, like when Yusuke’s teacher is a smoking toddler.

YuYu Hakusho is raw 90s nostalgia. Villains like Toguro have depth, and Yusuke’s growth from punk to hero feels earned. The final arc tackles moral gray areas, asking if demons can change. It’s a must-watch for fans who love grit mixed with heart.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 1992	8.69	Pierrot	Action, Supernatural	Crunchyroll

6/15 Chainsaw Man

Denji is a broke orphan who becomes a human-chainsaw hybrid to pay off debt. His goals? Touch a girl and eat toast with jam, unlike most shonen protagonists with big dreams. But working for the Devil Hunters means facing horrors like the Eternity Devil and Katana Man. The show’s tone whiplashes from gory battles to dark comedy, like Denji’s crush on Makima, his manipulative boss.

Chainsaw Man isn’t afraid to kill fan favorites or get weird, a shark demon driving a car, for instance. The amazing animation by MAPPA is gritty and stylish, especially Denji’s chainsaw revving sound. Watch Chainsaw Man for a fresh take on shonen tropes, where heroism is messy and selfish.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2022	8.46	MAPPA	Action, Fantasy	Netflix

5/15 Jujutsu Kaisen

In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, powerful individuals known as Jujutsu Sorcerers take on the role of protecting humanity from malevolent creatures called Curses. These Curses are born from the negative emotions of living beings, and they pose a serious threat to people.

However, the Jujutsu Sorcerers possess unique powers and abilities, thanks to their Cursed Energy, allowing them to confront and eliminate these dangerous entities. With exciting battles and a compelling storyline, Jujutsu Kaisen has gained widespread acclaim among anime fans.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2020	8.56	MAPPA	Action, Supernatural	Netflix

4/15 Attack On Titan

In a world devastated by monstrous humanoid creatures called Titans, humanity is on the brink of extinction. Eren Yeager, who has lost everything to these creatures, joins the Survey Corps to fight back.

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Attack on Titan is an incredible anime known for its intense action scenes, captivating music, and well-developed characters. The story might be a bit complex for some, but if you enjoy twisted plots, this show is considered one of the greatest shonen anime of all time. It's a thrilling and dark tale of survival and heroism in a messed-up world.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
April 2013	8.56	Wit Studio, MAPPA	Action, Drama	Crunchyroll

3/15 One Piece

Luffy’s quest to be Pirate King takes him across oceans filled with Marines, fish-men, and ancient treasures. The Marineford arc, where we witness Ace’s death and Whitebeard’s rage, and Wano Country are emotional bombshells. The world-building is unmatched, and the islands like Skypiea and Whole Cake feel alive.

With so many episodes, One Piece is a commitment, but it’s worth it. Luffy’s loyalty, Zoro’s bad sense of direction, and Nami’s greed make the Straw Hats feel like family. The story of One Piece is all about chasing dreams and living life to its fullest.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 1999	8.73	Toei Animation	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

2/15 Hunter x Hunter

It is an incredibly popular manga and anime series loved by many, especially younger audiences. HXH follows the exciting journey of a boy named Gon, who discovers that his absent father is a Hunter. Inspired, Gon decides to become a Hunter too.

The anime has had different versions over time, but they all stay true to the manga's storyline. Hunter x Hunter has had a massive impact on multiple generations of anime fans, and its unique and always changing story makes it stand out among other anime shows. Fans even say that if HXH hadn't been on hiatus, it would have been a bigger hit than Naruto or One Piece.

Release Year	MAL Rating	Animation Studio	Genre	Watch On
October 2011	9.03	Madhouse	Action, Adventure	Netflix

1/15 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Ed and Al Elric try to revive their mom with alchemy and pay a horrific price. Now, they seek the Philosopher’s Stone while uncovering government conspiracies. The Promised Day arc ties every plot thread together, with fights like Mustang vs. Envy (fire vs. shapeshifting) and the truth behind Father’s god complex.

FMAB is flawless. Every character matters, from scarred warrior Scar to vengeful homunculus Wrath. The themes of equivalent exchange (“A human life can’t be created from nothing”) hit hard. No wonder it's the number-one anime on MAL for such a long time.