Magic encompasses the supernatural, the mysterious, and the unknown. Shonen anime incorporates many of these themes throughout their stories and often explores and presents magic in unconventional ways. Some characters may have inherent, extraordinary magical abilities while others have to work extremely hard to obtain their powers.
Throughout many of these popular anime, heroes use magic to triumph over evil, but it becomes very clear that the possession of magical abilities can be the root cause of evil itself. While some anime revolve around drama and superpowered beings or aliens, certain popular Shonen series highlight the importance of magic through intense fights and tear-jerking moments that fans will love.
10 Lucy Heartfilia Dreams Of Joining A Top Wizard Guild In Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail features wizard guilds in constant conflict with each other and the world around them. The anime follows Lucy Heartfila as she pursues her dream of joining the Fairy Tail Guild. She is a celestial wizard using Keys to summon the Zodiac.
Natsu Dragneel uses Dragon Slayer magic, Gray Fullbuster uses Ice Magic and Erza Scarlet has mastered Requip, the power to change weapons and armor at will. Wizards go through many trials and tribulations that any fan can relate to. Fairy Tail showcases a diverse selection of magic that the wizards use to fight evil within Fiore.
9 Asta Turns His Lack Of Magical Abilities Into Mana In Black Clover
Black Clover is about Asta and Yuno, two children fascinated by the Wizard King, a title given to the strongest mage in the kingdom. They vow to obtain the title of Wizard King. Unfortunately Asta was unable to use magic whereas Yuno was quite a gifted mage. The series is a great anime for those that not only enjoy magic but also love the growth of underdogs.
Black Clover uses the mana magic system, and presents itself as Grimoires. Yuno received a Grimoire of a four leaf clover while Asta received a five leaf Grimoire known as Black Clover. Asta's Grimoire sparks their journey to become Wizard King.
8 The Seven Deadly Sins Use Magical Weapons To Protect The World
In Seven Deadly Sins, characters search for justice in an unjust world. The European setting features the Holy Knights, a group that uses powerful magic to protect their kingdom. Rumors suggest there is a group of knights who betrayed their kingdom known as The Seven Deadly Sins.
The series follows Elizabeth Liones in her search for The Seven Deadly Sins, consisting of seven warriors who use magic to protect the world from The Ten Commandments. The Seven Deadly Sins summon magic-infused weapons. Their leader, Meliodas, uses The Demon Sword Lostvayne, enabling him to counter most attacks. The anime perfectly blends magic and history and the fight scenes are beautiful.
7 Harutora Comes From A Magical Family But His Powers Were Sealed In Tokyo Ravens
Tokyo Ravens takes place in Japan during World War II filled with magic used to combat demons. Despite being born without powers, Harutora Tsuchimikado is part of a distinguished magical family. The magic system used in the series is Onmyouji, Imperial Style magic, a combination of all of Japan's magical techniques.
Harutora is unable to accomplish very much due to his lack of powers, so he settles for a normal life. Harutora's powers, such as Spirit Sight, were sealed when he was a child. He goes to school to hone his Onmyouji. Tokyo Ravens is a story about growth and change through magical means. The setting and time period are unlike any other popular Shonen anime.
6 Cursed Energy In Jujutsu Kaisen Portrays Magic In An Unconventional Way
Jujutsu Kaisen presents a unique twist on magic, where cursed energy is manipulated by the user to exorcise curses. Cursed energy is born from negative emotions, which users can transfer into magical abilities. The series follows Jujutsu sorcerers on their journey to eliminate curses in a grueling and daunting world which Yuji Itadori accidently finds himself a part of.
Yuji mistakenly swallows a cursed object and learns about his newfound powers with the help of Gojo Satoru and many others. The world of sorcerers is not all fun and games. Jujutsu Kaisen encompasses a corrupt political system that plays a role in the presence of curses.
5 Aladdin Explores The World Of Dungeons And Magic In Magi
Magi is about magicians that are supposedly so magically powerful that they shape the world. Aladdin is a young Magi on a journey of self-discovery, attempting to understand the full purpose of a Magi. Aladdin searches for friendship alongside a dijinn, Ugo, who he summons through a flute.
Within the Magi universe lie Dungeons where a Magi can choose a representative to become king, take them into a Dungeon, and acquire the power of a mythical dijinn. Aladdin guides Alibaba to a nearby Dungeon, beginning their magical journey together. Magi is a tale about friendship, discovery, and magic, of course.
4 Fire Magic Puts Out Flames In Fire Force
Fire Force is about a Human Combuster phenomenon where people were randomly turned into violent flaming creatures called Infernals. Infernals only make up the first generation of Human Combustion, or pyrokinetics, while those in the second and third generations can turn it into power known as Iginition Ability. Those with Ignition Ability can manipulate their fire magic into many forms.
Shinra Kusakabe uses it through his feet, boosting the strength and speed of his kicks, whereas Arthur Boyle can fabricate a blade and generate electricity. The fire-based magic system is incredibly inventive and leads to some stunning action sequences.
3 Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood Explores The Dangers Of Alchemy
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood fuses the worlds of magic and science into alchemy. In the anime, the Elric brothers conduct an experiment that goes horribly wrong, leaving Alphonse without his physical body and Edward without an arm.
The Elric brothers journey to reclaim their physical bodies, attempting to find the Philosophers Stone, a gem that allows the user to defy the laws of equivalent exchange. Viewers will see how dangerous alchemy is, and the mythical art of manipulation will draw any science fiction fan towards the story.
2 Hunter X Hunter Shows How One Can Manipulate Energy Into Magical Abilities
Hunter X Hunter mixes magic and adventure in a story that follows Gon Freeccs on his journey to find his father, an exceptional hunter. Gon traverses the dangers of the Hunter Exam and accomplishes hazardous tasks once becoming a Hunter.
Nen is a complex and mysterious form of energy that can be manipulated into magical power. Chrollo Lucifer copies the Nen manipulations of others into a book called Bandit's Secret, whereas Killua manipulates his Nen into electricity. One must both see and feel the Nen auras of other users in order to truly master the magical technique.
1 Tatsuya Shiba Can Fight Any Foe In The Irregular At Magic High School
The Irregular at Magic High School turns magic into systemized technology. Magic was part of this universe's folklore, but it was transformed into technical skill. The anime is set at First High School, a school for magicians occupied by First Course students, those who are gifted, and Second Course students known as Weeds.
This anime is perfect for fans of magic and secrecy. Miyuki and Tatsuya Shiba are siblings. Miyuki is a gifted magic prodigy, placed in the First Course, while Tatsuya is a Weed. Tatsuya displays extraordinary technical knowledge, unique magic, and amazing combat abilities that allow him to defeat anyone in the First Course, making him the irregular within the school.