The past decade gave us some great shonen anime series. And with great shonen series come great shonen heroes. Shonen is a genre of anime that aim towards young males under thirteen. Themes of these series typically follow a protagonist aiming to be the best at something, such as Deku aiming to be the number one hero in My Hero Academia or Naruto trying to be Hokage in Naruto.
All the anime characters on this list are a hero in some way. They may not be the main character of their series, but each share a goal of bettering themselves or the world they live in. The list is restricted to the past decade. Anime that started airing prior and continued into the decade will not be counted. Be sure to check out all the anime on the list.
10 Worst: Boruto Uzumaki – Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017)
Kicking off the list is a Brouto Uzumaki. Unfortunately for Boruto, he just hasn’t lived up to the legacy his father created. If this list spanned all decades, Naruto would surely be one of the best heroes. Boruto constantly changes his goals throughout the series. At first it was to be noticed by his father but has evolved into helping Sarada Uchiha become Hokage. This isn’t a set goal as Boruto changes his focus depending on what’s happening in the show. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations was adapted by Studio Pierrot during the spring 2017 season. The anime is currently still airing.
9 Best: Eren Yeager – Attack On Titan (2013)
At the start of Attack on Titan Eren was an impulsive kid that wanted to save humanity no matter what cost. While he has retained this outlook throughout the seasons, Eren has learned that somethings are out of his control and not everyone sees the world the way he does. Eren has matured, learning how to sacrifice himself when beneficial, but also being able to restrain himself if it’s best for Scouting Legion. Attack on Titan was adapted by Wit Studio during the spring 2013 season. The anime is 25 episodes and is projected to air its final season during the fall 2020 season.
8 Worst: Eiji Hoshimiya – Big Order (2016)
A hero is someone who wants to save the world, not someone who wants to destroy it. Eiji Hoshimiya only cares about the well-being of his sister. Other than that, the world is boring to him. Eiji wishes for the world to be destroyed and his wish is granted by a book.
However, he regrets this decision when numerous assassins target him because of his wish. Eiji must now find a way to keep him and his sister alive. Big Order was adapted by studio Asread during the spring 2016 season. The anime is 10 episodes and aired for one season.
7 Best: Senkuu – Dr. Stone (2019)
After winning best protagonist at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Senkuu had to make the list. He represents a type of shonen hero that doesn’t rely on physical strength, but rather his intelligent prowess. Senkuu’s goal is to revive the petrified stone world of Dr. Stone and restart civilization.
To do so, he recruits a team of individuals each good at a specific thing. Together he manages to create inventions that push towards modern civilization. Dr. Stone was adapted by studio TMS Entertainment during the summer 2019 season. The anime is 24 episodes and is projected to air its second season sometime in 2020.
6 Worst: Zenitsu Agatsuma – Demon Slayer (2019)
Zenitsu Agatsuma is a member of the Demon Killing Corps in Demon Slayer, traveling with fellow members Tanjurou Kamado and Inosuke Hashibira. However, Zenitsu is frightened by demons. He is the weakest member of the trio and is often petrified to the point of passing out when demons are around. This proves to be his strength as when he falls asleep, he is at his most powerful. Training to become stronger is a detriment to Zenitsu because as he gets stronger awake, he really gets weaker, taking longer to get to his true power. Of course, he doesn’t realise this because he’s asleep when he’s strongest. Demon Slayer was adapted by studio Ufotable during the spring 2019 season. The anime is 26 episodes and is projected to have a sequel film in 2020.
5 Best: Yami Sukehiro – Black Clover (2017)
Everyone’s favorite trial captain, Yami Sukehiro is the captain of the Black Bulls in Black Clover. The anime is centered around Asta, a member of the black bulls and his rival Yuno, but it’s Yami who proves himself time and time again. Yami surpasses his own limits taking down opponents, becoming a reliable figure for the other Black Bulls and for the people of the Clover Kingdom to look up to. Black Clover was adapted by Studio Pierrot during the fall 2017 season. The anime is currently still airing.
4 Worst: Takuma Akutsu – Val X Love (2019)
Takuma Akutsu has a rather large task in Val x Love. He is tasked with saving the world with the help of nine Valkyries by his side. He is given this task by the God Odin, but you have to wonder…why him? Takuma was often feared as his face resembles that of a demon. This caused him to become a shut in, with a fear of social interaction. Great qualities for a hero to have. Takuma is more focused with his studies than saving the world. He gained the habit of studying hard from a young age from wanting praise by his mother. Val x Love was adapted by studio Hoods Entertainment during the fall 2019 season. The anime is 12 episodes and aired for one season.
3 Best: Mirio Toogata – My Hero Academia 4 (2019)
Not all heroes wear capes, but this one certainly does. As Mirio Toogataonce said, “A hero puts on his cape so he can use it to wrap up a hurting girl who’s suffering and in pain”. Mirio, also known as Lemillion is part of the Big Three at Yuuei High. Before All Might met Deku, Lemillion was one of the top candidates to becoming All Might’s successor and to some, he probably should have.
Saving heroes with a smile Lemillion never hesitates to go Plus Ultra putting his life, and quirk, on the line to save anyone he can, as seen when he went head to head with Overhaul in the fourth season. My Hero Academia 4 was adapted by studio Bones during the fall 2019 season. The anime is 25 episodes and aired for four seasons.
2 Worst: Ken Kaneki – Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Rounding out the worst heroes is Ken Kaneki. Ken isn’t necessarily a “hero” per se but does have a goal of integrating both ghouls and humans together in society. He fights against the bad ghouls that eat humans alongside Banjou Kazuichi and Tsukiyama Shuu. Anteiku, a café in the 20th ward that provides for ghouls in need, is the headquarters for Ken’s group. Ken’s character growth throughout the series makes him a much better hero in the later series of Tokyo Ghoul, but in the first season, Ken makes zero effort to become stronger as a character. Tokyo Ghoul was adapted by Studio Pierrot during the summer 2014 season. The anime is 12 episodes and aired for four seasons.
1 Best: Seiya Ryuuguuin – Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious (2019)
Rounding out the list is Seiya Ryuuguuin from Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious. Seiya is summoned to another world by Ristarte a goddess. The series parodies isekai anime as Ristarte is searching for an otaku given their track record in isekai anime. Seiya, as the title implies, is overly cautious grinding up his stats on even the weakest of enemies. Despite being ridiculously overpowered he is also smart. Seiya is constantly asking himself the “What if” and prepares for every type of scenario that could happen. Cautious Hero was adapted by studio White Fox during the fall 2019 season. The anime is 12 episodes and is in talks for a second season.