Shonen anime has held a high standing in the medium for many years and still does well to hold its ground in the modern world. It is a genre that many old-school anime fans are more familiar with than any other, especially in America, due to it having the most memorable anime series that often served as introductory series into the anime world.

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However, while there were a great number of shonen releases from the days of nostalgia, there are not many that still hold up or are sought by newer audiences. Aside from visual or audio issues, many stories and characters do not fulfill the cravings of today's audience. However, there is a small group that still do.

10 Dragon Ball Z Is Famous Even Among People Who Don't Watch Anime

Dragon Ball Z Group of Vegeta Piccolo Goku Gohan Tien Chiotzu Krillen Yamcha

Still a fan favoriteDragon Ball Z is often recognized by even non-anime fans. It's often credited with helping put anime on the map in America. DBZ has massive fighting action, a simplified story, and strong but humorous characters. It has many good arcs throughout that make it hard for fans to choose a favorite. However, the length of these arcs is one of its shortcomings because of how drawn out the fights are, which is often joked about. Regardless, it remains one of the most talked-about anime and is still highly recommended for anime newcomers.

9 Case Closed Proves Even Through The Years That One Truth Prevails

The Junior Detective League with Conan looking through his magnifying glass in Case Closed

The series Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan, this popular anime is often watched for the episodes alone rather than the overarching story. It is an anime that can easily be introduced to a fan at almost any episode and still be drawn in. The series is full of cases that keep the audience guessing and intrigued.

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Fans often give Case Closed credit for introducing them to the detective genre. Even though it was stopped short in America, it is still ongoing in Japan. It is a show that many fans still return to re-watch and works well as an introductory anime series.

8 Fullmetal Alchemist Is Full Of Traumatic Dark Twists

Fullmetal Alchemist

The series Fullmetal Alchemist was so well received that it was one of the first anime to get a revival. Even though the revival series receives a lot of praise, there is still a lot to love about the original. While many of the action-packed fights are memorable, it's the dark twists that fans remember more. One of the series' main allures is the easy attachment to main characters and side characters. So when something horrific happens to one of these characters, many fans have trouble talking about it without getting choked up or still feeling traumatized. Despite this emotional rollercoaster, fans return to re-watch it and still recommend it but with a heartbreak warning.

7 Death Note Shows What The Power Of The Pen Can Really Do

L and Light looking at something in Death Note

An anime that took the world by storm and is still considered one of the most controversial to date is the series Death Note. The heavy dark notes and shocking topics that led it to be banned in multiple countries are also what drew fans to it. Fans enjoyed the constant guessing of who was the good guy and who was the bad guy, the unexpected character deaths, and the fast but engaging pacing of the story. Most of all, the ability to have a book, that with the flick of a pen, could take the life of anyone was a big enticement, especially to fans who face oppression daily. Death Note is still flocked to by old and new fans alike.

6 Bleach Is Still One Of The Most Loved Underdogs

Ichigo Kurosaki

While the story of Bleach may fall short at times and half the show itself is full of fillers, this underdog series still receives lots of love. The love is so strong that almost 10 years after the anime's sudden end, it is finally receiving a new arc.

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The gusto-filled fights throughout the series, even the ones that take place in filler arcs, are praised and rewatched often. The characters themselves are unique but relatable, especially the main character whose main drive is to be strong enough to protect those he loves, and fans can easily relate to his feelings of helplessness when he is unable to.

5 Rurouni Kenshin Shows The Path Of Redemption Is Not An Easy One

Kenshin slightly smiling in front of cherry blossoms in Rurouni Kenshin.

Even though the series Rurouni Kenshin ended, OVAs and movie adaptions still continued to be made years after. Furthermore, it was announced recently that an anime revival was in the works. Fans are drawn to the real-world historical aspects of story events, characters, and fighting styles. Some differences from other shonen anime that appeal to old and new fans are the low number of arcs and straight-to-the-point but still satisfying fights. Also, the story of seeking redemption through a new life while overcoming past closet skeletons is something many fans find relatable.

4 Hajime No Ippo Is A True Zero To Hero Protagonist

hajime no ippo

The biggest draw to Hajime no Ippo was its main protagonist who had no special powers or skills, just his natural strength and a meekness that made him a bully magnet. Upon discovering boxing, he becomes determined to know what it feels like to be strong while remaining true to himself. The story progresses in a way for fans to deeply get to know the character. They even get to see a vulnerable side as he fights the depression of defeat. The relatability of starting from nothing, putting in the work to become something while remaining true to themselves, but not immune to failure is why many fans are still drawn to this anime.

3 Trigun Still Fights For A World Of Love And Peace

Vash wielding an AGL Arms .45 Long Volt in Trigun.

The beginning of Trigun is deceptive with its light-hearted protagonist and hilarious scenarios. This story takes a dark turn after delving deeper into the protagonist's past and learning why he sticks firmly to his pacifistic beliefs despite the body scars he endures. Even by his closest friend, these beliefs are challenged, but he does his best to stick by them even after a moment of breakage. This alone is a big draw to fans, even new ones today, because of the relatability of living in a world where beliefs are constantly challenged and having to learn how to adapt.

2 Slam Dunk Still Remains A Top MVP

Shohuku Basketball Team group shot from Slam Dunk

The series Slam Dunk is one that has stood the test of time. It is credited with setting the standard for shonen sports anime and ushering in an era of basketball love in Japan. This anime appeals to sports and non-sports fans alike. The story has steady pacing that many shonen have not been able to replicate, drawing fans further and further in as it progresses.

RELATED: The 10 Most Intense Sports Matches In Anime, Ranked

The character's motivations and conflicts off and on the court, as individuals and as a team, add to the relatability aspect. Slam Dunk is still held in high regard today; it even has a scholarship named after it and is still considered a must-see for shonen fans everywhere.

1 Yu Yu Hakusho Is The Delinquent That Stays Strong In The Hearts Of Shonen Fans

Yu yu hakusho

Whenever the question is posed to anime fans about nostalgic anime in general, Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the first shows that rolls off the tongue. Its Dark Tournament arc is considered one of the most memorable fighting arcs in shonen history. The fighting action is never subpar, and there are many villains who are beautifully complex. There is a good story balance of seriousness and comedy. The inner and outer struggles the main characters, as well as side characters, must face in order to grow is something any fan can relate to. Overall, this is a well-rounded shonen for old and new fans alike.

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