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The Best Shounen Anime Of All Time
Among the many different types out there, shounen (or "shōnen") is one of the most popular genres of Japanese anime and manga. It is geared toward teenage boys and usually features a male protagonist who embarks on an adventure filled with challenges. The truth is, the world could always use more shounen animes because it is usually filled with several positive themes, such as believing in yourself and hard work paying off. The genre often crosses over with fantasy and action anime, even with some comedy elements here and there, and does not often focus too heavily on romance. Looking for the ultimate list of the best shounen anime of all time? Look no further!
Whether you're a seasoned anime fan or just getting into it, this ranked collection of awesome action-packed, coming-of-age titles has plenty of examples sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. For those looking to dive into the world of ninjas, Naruto is often ranked among the greatest and most successful anime in general, a must-watch classic following the titular character as he trains to become the strongest ninja in his village. If you're a fan of epic battles and power-ups, Dragon Ball Z is another iconic series that should be on your watchlist. Join Goku and his friends as they defend Earth, fighting powerful foes and exploring the depths of the universe.
If you're in the mood for a modern twist on the shounen genre, My Hero Academia is a perfect choice. Set in a world where almost everyone has superpowers, follow the story of Izuku Midoriya as he dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without powers. And for those who really love a darker, more mature storyline, Attack on Titan is a gripping tale of survival in a world overrun by giant human-eating creatures. Some of these series are ongoing and still airing, while others are completed and ready to binge in full; similarly, some are fairly short (think Death Note) while others are long running (like One Piece) and may be more of a trek to complete.
Below, you’ll find tons of great recommendations of popular shounen anime, with pictures and descriptions for easy reference. Vote up the best shonen anime to watch, and add your favorite shounen anime you've watched that is missing from the list. And don't forget to check out some of the other top series that have captured the hearts of anime fans around the world. Happy watching!
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Hunter x Hunter (2011) masterfully expands on the manga's story and world, deftly balancing intense action, thoughtful character growth, and mysterious intrigue. The complex nen magic system and menacing antagonists like the Phantom Troupe keep fights creative. It is regarded as one of the best shonen anime.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood faithfully adapts the manga with crisp animation and tighter plotting. The philosophical themes woven into the tragic journey of the Elric brothers resonate strongly with viewers. Spectacular alchemy battles demonstrate creative strategy and skill.
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With his swashbuckling Straw Hat Pirates crew, Monkey D. Luffy explores fantastical islands while battling rival pirates and government forces. His journey to become King of the Pirates and find the mythical One Piece treasure makes One Piece a long-running shonen great for its expansive and imaginative pirate world. Luffy's infectious charisma and loyalty to his crew endear him to readers.
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Inside the walled city, people live in fear of Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans seemingly without reason. After the Titans breach the outer wall, young Eren Jaeger joins the military along with Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, fueled by vengeance and the desire to explore the world beyond the walls. Attack on Titan steadily built up these mysteries while delivering increasingly high-stakes conflicts, expanding greatly in scope beyond fighting Titans to explore complex ideologies behind the warring factions.
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Naruto: Shippuden builds on the original series by maturing its narrative tone and animation quality. Seeing the rivalry between Naruto and Sasuke underscore the tragedy behind their divergent paths. Their final battle provides cathartic, spectacular shonen action.
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Death Note gripped readers early on by pitting mastermind adversaries Light and L against each other through intense mind games surrounding the Death Note's rules, creating riveting psychological tension and debates about justice.
