Shonen anime thrive on the amazing protagonists that lead these stories, and the best shonen heroes are some of the anime industry's most iconic characters of all time. Examples range from Son Goku the Saiyan hero to the punk protagonist Yusuke Urameshi and now, the likes of Yuji Itadori and Izuku Midoriya. There's a lot to like about them.
The most likable shonen heroes are the strongest, kindest, and bravest of all, and they are hugely popular in the anime fandom. Many of them are also downright lovable, having a charming innocence to them that makes them practically cuddly, even if most of them are also fearsome fighters. Some shonen heroes are compelling punks like Ichigo Kurosaki or Eren Yeager, while others are more like lovable teddy bears.
10 Joseph Joestar Is A Riot (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
While Jonathan Joestar was like a Victorian-era Kenshiro, his successor Joseph Joestar was downright hilarious in the Battle Tendency story arc. There are some strikes against this character such as his petty grudges and worst of all, his infidelity with his wife Suzie Q. In most other scenes, though, he's one of shonen's most lovable heroes.
Anyone can adore Joseph for his goofy, friendly nature, his whimsical sense of humor, and combat tactics. He started a food fight with Caesar, and he makes running away a slick strategy rather than a cowardly escape. And his outfit is cool, too.
9 Tanjiro Kamado Has A Good Heart (Demon Slayer)
The sword-slinging Tanjiro Kamado ranks among the most likable shonen heroes of all, what with his incredible work ethic, the power of friendship, and his unusual but impressive compassion toward most of his enemies. He is also quite lovable anytime he's not chopping heads off in battle.
Tanjiro is a naturally wholesome and lovable person who doesn't have a mean bone in his body. He might lose his patience with his wacky teammates sometimes, but his generous heart and innocent ways make him lovable, and the same goes for his sister Nezuko.
8 Alphonse Elric Loves Cats & Exploring (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Unlike his tsundere state alchemist brother, Alphonse Elric is a wonderfully lovable soul trapped in a cold metal suit. Alphonse may have lost his body, but he never lost his innocence or compassion. He is optimistic that he'll get his body back, and Ed feels the same way.
There's plenty to like about Ed, but overall, Alphonse is the more lovable co-protagonist of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a cheerful and kind boy who only wants to do what's best for others – and stray cats, too. He simply can't say no to any person or animal in need, adding to his boyish charm.
7 Monkey D. Luffy Won't Stop Smiling (One Piece)
The rubbery pirate captain Monkey D. Luffy is a modern icon, a shonen hero with legions of fans. It's easy to see why everyone likes him so much, even if he can be dense and obnoxious at times. Luffy is a boundlessly optimistic, friendly, and helpful person who's more like a good-hearted vigilante than a pirate.
Luffy's personality, not his combat record, is what makes him so lovable. He's a charming doofus who charms viewers with his goofy, good-hearted ways, and his endearing love for his shipmates and other friends, such as princess Vivi of Alabasta.
6 Yuji Itadori Is A Great Guy (Jujutsu Kaisen)
The shonen hero Yuji Itadori is easy to like thanks to his formidable combat skills and his willingness to fight alongside just about anyone to defeat the forces of evil, but there's more to it. Yuji, as a human being, is absolutely lovable.
Yuji, like Tanjiro, is naturally empathetic, compassionate, and selfless. He also has a goofy sense of humor and a habit of pranking others to lighten the mood. He's innocent and a tad naive, but not foolish, and that helps make him even more lovable. He won't let the darkness consume him.
5 Naruto Uzumaki Will Always Resist Hate (Naruto)
Shonen fans like Naruto Uzumaki for many reasons, including serious reasons such as how he resisted hate and his own inner darkness, despite the temptation. He also helped end the cycle of bloodshed and hate in the world, and impressed shonen fans with his courage and ingenuity in battle.
On a personal level, Naruto may not be perfect, but he's totally lovable thanks to his boyish charm, innocent ways, grounded perspective on life, and compassion towards others, such as Hinata Hyuga and even Gaara and Neji.
4 Gon Freecss Is A Funny Kid (Hunter X Hunter)
The delightful shonen hero Gon Freecss is determined to become a licensed Hunter, just like his mysterious father Ging, but it won't be easy. Despite the many dangers and hardships, Gon faces every challenge with infectious courage and enthusiasm, and at times, his youthful innocence actually benefits him. He's not too jaded or cynical to turn down a challenge.
Gon is inspiring thanks to his heroic feats in battle, but he is lovable on a personal level with his boyish enthusiasm and innocence. In fact, something similar could be said about his best friend Killua Zoldyck, despite being a deadly assassin.
3 Iruma Suzuki Is Gentle & Sweet (Welcome To Demon School, Iruma-Kun!)
As far as combat and inspirational moments go, the isekai hero Iruma Suzuki actually isn't that great in the anime, as he often relies on others to help him, and he doesn't often have the soul of a brave hero. But shonen fans don't love him for beating up demons or aliens.
Iruma is a lovable character because of his stubbornly good nature, refusing to show any anger, malice, or dislike toward anyone or anything whatsoever. He is a thoroughly grounded, cheerful shonen protagonist who enjoys the little things in life, meaning his wholesome, innocent charm is impossible to resist.
2 Izuku Midoriya Is Such A Cinnamon Roll (My Hero Academia)
Any anime character who's a "cinnamon roll" is just too wholesome and innocent for the dark and brutal world they find themselves in, so anime fans want to protect them at all costs. That could be said about the shonen hero Izuku Midoriya and his classmate, Ochaco Uraraka/Uravity.
Izuku is such a great kid. He is noble, kind, brave, and optimistic despite being born Quirkless, and he won't let his new power go to his head. In scene after scene, Izuku is a perfectly wholesome, charming boy who always knows just what to say or do, making him one of the cuddliest, most lovable shonen cinnamon rolls of all.
1 Shoko Komi Is The Shonen Princess (Komi Can't Communicate)
Most iconic shonen heroes are action-oriented boys or young men, as per the shonen demographic, but there are exceptions. Some of the best rom-com or slice-of-life anime are actually shonen, and that includes Komi Can't Communicate and its shonen heroine, the dandere Shoko Komi.
Shoko Komi is also a cinnamon roll, a beloved heroine whom the entire anime community wishes to protect. Komi is a perfectly innocent, charming, and friendly young lady who just wants to make friends and live the good life, and that, combined with her goofy antics and good looks, makes her the most lovable shonen hero yet.