The conversations that fans have about shojo anime don't often cross over with that of shonen anime because of the audiences they are aimed at. But this is also because many shojo anime are more romance-based and centered around the challenges of a young female character.
This is why scenes of fighting or high action are not commonplace in shojo anime. However, this has not stopped some shojo anime from showcasing characters that mirror previously popular shonen protagonists. From certain personality traits to fighting prowess, there are plenty of shojo candidates who would do well in a shonen story of their own.
10 Ryuuji Has Underdog Potential (Toradora)
Because Ryuuji Takasu is seen as Taiga's punching bag many times in Toradora, he may not be one of the first shojo protagonists to come to mind when thinking of a good fit for a shonen. However, his ability to be selfless and overly kind, while being discriminated against for his delinquent looks, makes him a good candidate for an underdog shonen anime.
Also, he has a knack for remaining calm in most situations, which would be good for a shonen story where the main character's world is turned upside down from some bizarre event or where he ends up awakening powers that he didn't know he had. Plus, he's already proven to have good defense stats thanks to Taiga.
9 Shota Might Make A Good Team Player (Kimi Ni Todoke)
The energetic Shota Kazehaya from Kimi ni Todoke has already shown he does possess athletic skills from the glimpses of his younger days playing baseball and then later when he helps Sawako with soccer practice. This is why he would fit in well into a sports-based shonen.
His want to reach out to different people no matter their background is a good sign of a team player. His short temper might cause some clashing but could also be helpful when competing against other teams. He also may do well in a superhero shonen where his sunny personality would do well in motivating people.
8 Tuxedo Mask Could Be A Gentleman Thief (Sailor Moon)
While his personality outside the costume may have needed some improvements, Mamoru Chiba as Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon is able to steal hearts like many gentlemen thieves who share a similar appearance to him. He not only shows up in the nick of time with his signature rose dart but has proven to be a capable fighter who can be rather charming at times.
Because of this, he could do well in a superhero series or a series that revolves around the heists of a world-renowned thief. He could even be given a whole new backstory to match and one that might make him nicer outside the costume.
7 Hayate Would Be The Protector Of A Kingdom (Pretear)
The backstory of the Leafe Knight of Wind, Hayate, in Pretear would make for an interesting shonen in itself. A shonen that went more in-depth about how he became a Leafe Knight, the training he went through, the meeting of the other knights, and of the original Pretear before Himeno.
However, because of his experience as a leader and his magic fighting capabilities, he would do well as a magical knight or high-ranking officer that protects a kingdom in a shonen that is set in some kind of fantasy world.
6 The Tales Of A Young Prince Zen (Snow White With The Red Hair)
After seeing a glimpse of Prince Zen Wistaria in his younger days in the anime Snow White with the Red Hair, it's not hard to picture him in shonen anime of his own detailing his life from boyhood to manhood.
His tales of growing up in the Calrines Kingdom could consist of his sword training, lessons of what it means to be a prince, secret adventures, and learning life lessons that are similar to the ones he learned (who to trust and who not to). Additionally, his sword skills alone would make him a good addition to any other fantasy shonen as well.
5 The Beginning Of Kazuya's Psychic Research (Ghost Hunt)
The narcissist Kazuya Shibuya is the young president of the Shibuya Psychic Research Company in Ghost Hunt and has been for a while before ever meeting Mai. Kazuya would do well in a shonen that follows the story of him forming his psychic powers, the beginning of his interests in the supernatural, the why behind it, and what led him to form his own company.
Also, the meeting of the different members along the way and some of the haunting adventures they went on together as possible newbies.
4 Takeo's Fight Story (My Love Story!)
The big softie Takeo Gouda from My Love Story! already has some traits of a shonen protagonist, such as rushing into things recklessly as well as not being the smartest cookie in the cookie jar. He also likes to talk about how protecting others is the responsibility of a man, but can be gullible to those trying to wrong him.
He is very good at fighting thanks to his Judo training. He could probably do very well in any kind of fighting or big battle anime while still having a sweet romance with his Rinko.
3 Yuki's Story Would Be A Dark One (Fruits Basket)
While the anime Fruits Basket has a few main protagonists to pick from, there are only a few of them that would do well in a shonen. While Kyo Sohma may seem like a better choice for a shonen, especially a fighting one, Yuki Sohma has shown the ability to grow immensely throughout the series.
Yuki would do well in a somewhat dark shonen of his growing pains through childhood, the abuse he faced, and learning how to function through life with his curse. Then showing how he grows as everything unfolds with the Zodiac curse and Tohru through mostly his perspective. It would make a good shonen that reflects inner growth as well as outer.
2 Tamaki Before The Host Club Was Formed (Ouran High School Host Club)
While any of the host members would be a good candidate for a shonen anime, the flamboyant Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host Club takes the lead in this seeing as he is the founder of the host club with a moldable back story that could be formed into his own shonen series that showcases events that took place as a child to make him into who he is now.
Then show his transition into high school and the challenges he faced to form the host club along with the meeting of the other members and their backstories. It'd be a school-based shonen that could include showdowns with teachers, rivals, and maybe the members themselves before they joined.
1 The Ancient Tales Of The Swordsman Syaoran (Cardcaptor Sakura)
The sometimes stubborn-headed Syaoran Li from Cardcaptor Sakura has shown to have impressive magic skills and fighting skills. His seriousness for his studies could make his intelligence a serious weapon in itself. A version of the series that focuses on the training he endured to become the new owner of the Clow Cards or the anime told from his perspective would make good shonen story set-ups.
However, a shonen set in a historical era would be plausible, too. He could be a highly skilled swordsman or even a powerful magic user who protects others from harm or fends off demonic forces.