Shonen anime is one of the most popular genres of anime. Even so, it does have its detractors. Opponents of shonen dislike it for its formulaic nature and "chosen one" protagonists. However, some shonen anime are so captivating that they make fans out of their haters.
These amazing anime all have things that are unique about them, but the threads that tie them together as great shows are dynamic characters, compelling stories, and breathtaking animation. Anime fans may have disliked shonen before watching these titles, but afterward, they could not get enough of these stories.
10 Spy X Family Blends Multiple Genres
Spy X Family is a recent addition to the shonen collection, but it has already made a name for itself. The spy action-comedy draws crowds in with the adorable Forger family and their many tribulations. With a spy father, an assassin mother, and a telepathic daughter, the Forgers sneak their way into fans' hearts.
Although there is plenty of traditional shonen action in the series, Spy X Family has many heartwarming moments between the Forgers, as well as some romantic tension between the parents - Loid and Yor. It also has a good helping of comedy that appeals to a wide variety of fans.
9 Haikyuu!! Makes Fans Feel Like Part Of The Team
Haikyuu!! is a shonen sports anime about a volleyball team on the rise. Shoyo Hinata is an aspiring volleyball player, but his middle school does not have any members. Not to be deterred, Hinata eventually recruits enough people for a team. While they end up losing, Hinata's resolve to play in the Nationals stays strong when he attends Karasuno High School and realizes his rival is now his teammate.
Fans cannot resist this coming-of-age story about a young boy refusing to give up on his dreams. The inspiring tale of the "Wingless Crows" makes fans feel like part of the team as they strive to reclaim their school's reputation. Whether viewers are shonen fans or not, this story is irresistibly motivating - making audiences believe in the power of hard work and persistence.
8 Horimiya Finds Love Among The Fighting
While most shonen anime are action-centric, others focus on romance. One such endearing anime is Horimiya. The story follows two teens, Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, who fall for each other after learning secrets about one another that no one else knows. It is a deeply heartwarming tale about two people who love each other despite their differences.
People who dislike traditional shonen shows are sure to fall for this heartwarming love story. Horimiya has brilliant characters and a relatable romance that highlights Hori and Miyamura's insecurities. Yet, the teens fight to be together because, ultimately, they love each other. This anime is perfect to watch with a loved one who may not enjoy typical action shonen stories.
7 Bleach Has Action In Spades
Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary high schooler until his family is attacked by a mysterious being. Eager to save his family, Ichigo accepts the powers of an equally enigmatic figure, Rukia Kuchiki, and becomes a Soul Reaper. While this sounds like the premise of most shonen shows, Bleach stands out for its impressive fight scenes.
Fans of this series love it for its action and mystical story. Plus, with the new Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War that just came out, audiences old and new can witness the ending of their beloved series. Full of great combat and heart, this anime has been popular for so long for a reason.
6 Jujutsu Kaisen Has Dark Themes & Relatable Characters
Although it was not the first, Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark shonen anime that is not afraid to terrify its audience. Yuji Itadori trains as a Sorcerer after becoming the host of an evil Cursed Spirit. To keep an eye on him, the teachers and Sorcerers of Jujutsu High take him in and teach him about the dismal world of Cursed Spirits.
Not only does this show boast gorgeous animation and thrilling fight scenes, but it also has extremely relatable characters. Though they have magical powers, each character feels like they would exist in the real world. Fans watch this show to see the students grow and witness what terrifying new Cursed Spirits await them.
5 Demon Slayer Has Stunning Animation
Like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer is not afraid to get a little gory. The story of Tanjiro Kamado's crusade against demons pulls audiences in with its tragic but moving plot. However, what draws fans in the most is the gorgeous animation.
Due to the various types of Breathing Styles in the story, the animation heavily focuses on making each style not only distinct but beautiful. The effort makes for a visual feast that is as alluring as it is haunting. Plus, the series is filled with mind-boggling fight scenes and incredible feats of heroism that inspire even the most cynical of anime fans.
4 My Hero Academia Puts A Spin On Superheroes
Izuku Midoriya is realizing his dream of becoming the greatest hero of all time in My Hero Academia. Yet, evil forces seek to control the world and Izuku's inherited powers. This superhero origin tale is universally appealing for a coming-of-age story involving superpowered characters.
The people in this series are all unique and have distinct personalities, unlike a lot of other shonen titles. Plus, the fight scenes are that much more dynamic due to the variety of powers displayed in the show. Even non-anime fans can enjoy this tale of overcoming adversity at all costs.
3 Naruto Depicts Young Ninja
Naruto is another coming-of-age tale about a group of young ninja in training. The titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, is particularly motivated to become the leader of his village, despite his bad reputation as the holder of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Viewers get to watch Naruto and his friends learn and grow throughout the series from fledgling fighters to some of the best shinobi in the land.
Although this anime does have many filler episodes, it also has some of the most iconic characters. Naruto was also many fans' first introduction to anime alongside Pokémon and Sailor Moon. This beloved series has been the impetus for many anime fans to fall in love with the genre.
2 Attack On Titan Is A Gory Tale Of Survival
Attack on Titan took the world by storm when it first aired. The horrifying story of survival at all costs resonates with fans for its brutality. Eren Yeager and his comrades fighting against the man-eating Titans makes for a must-watch series.
Unlike most shonen, this anime is extremely brutal. Practically no character is safe, as even beloved or important characters perish in the line of duty. Horror fans, whether they like the action genre or not, are sure to enjoy the dark shonen that is Attack on Titan.
1 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Portrays The Brutality Of War
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the harrowing tale of two brothers searching for a cure after they perform an alchemical taboo. Edward and Alphonse Elric are simultaneously relatable and awe-inspiring as the brothers successfully overcome powerful obstacles despite their age. Meanwhile, another war is brewing within their country that might mean the end of Amestris altogether.
This vastly popular show is so beloved because it tackles various themes and tones throughout its run. There are just as many hilarious scenes as there are tense ones, which gives more depth to the story. Additionally, the characters are distinct, with their own motivations that drive the story and show all sides of a war. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the perfect show to convert shonen haters due to its universal appeal and human story.