There’s something distinctly electric about shonen anime. Perhaps it’s the action-packed fights, the outrageous transformations, or the fact that it reminds us just how powerful friendship can be—even in the heat of a world-destroying battle. If you’ve ever wondered which series embodies the best of the genre, search no further. These 10 selections sum up everything we adore about shonen—and then some.
10. Hikaru no Go
You wouldn’t think to find an ancient board game show keeping you on the edge of your seat—yet Hikaru no Go does it magnificently. Hikaru Shindou, who is being advised by the ghost of a deceased Go master, becomes involved in a passionate pursuit where the initial casual interest turns into a full-fledged passion, all due to intense rivalries and emotional development. Even if you’ve never held a Go board in your hands, this series will see you thoroughly engaged with every single game.
9. Elusive Samurai
Not all shonen heroes go forward sword in hand. Elusive Samurai turns the genre on its head with Tokiyuki Hojo, a young noble who gets by on his speed, not his combat skills. Adapted from a manga by the same mind behind Assassination Classroom, this historical underdog tale is packed with quirky characters and cunning twists, supported by smooth animation from CloverWorks. It’s a welcome surprise to what we think of a shonen hero.
8. Medaka Box
At first glance, Medaka Box looks like your standard school-life anime. But don’t be fooled—this is one of the smartest meta-commentaries on shonen out there. Medaka Kurokami is so perfect, it’s unsettling, and the show wastes no time turning genre clichés inside out. For fans who enjoy dissecting tropes while still getting their fix of action and drama, this one’s a hidden gem.
7. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters
Yu-Gi-Oh! didn’t merely initiate a trading card craze—it became a pop culture phenomenon. The original anime provided over-the-top duels, ridiculous fashion sense, and an unexpectedly heartfelt tale of friendship and destiny. Okay, it’s a little crazy (shadow games, ancient Egyptian reincarnations, etc.), but that’s all part of its enduring appeal. If you’re one of those people who cut their teeth on anime back in the early 2000s, chances are high this show made a lasting impact.
6. Major
Sports anime are never just about the game, and Major is no exception. This long-running series chronicles Goro Honda from the dreamy-eyed little leaguer through to his days as a professional in the majors. It’s inspiring, warm-hearted, and refuses to shy away from the tribulations and sacrifices involved in pursuing one’s dream over several decades. Few series accomplish long-term character development as well.
5. Saint Seiya
Way before most of today’s hits, Saint Seiya set the path. This ’80s anime classic brought a whole generation to mythical warriors clad in flashy armor fighting to defend Athena. It’s dramatic, fashionable, and full of old-school vibes. A classic or new to the fandom, Saint Seiya continues to provide awesome storytelling and legendary battles.
4. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes
A spinoff punching well above its weight, Vigilantes provides a more realistic glimpse of My Hero Academia’s universe. Years before the main series, it takes place with unlicensed heroes attempting to do some good in the backstreet depths behind society’s elite class. With more mature themes, an older age cast, and street-level concerns, Vigilantes brings emotional depth and richness to the already rich universe.
3. Yaiba: Samurai Legend
Resurrecting a cult classic is no simple feat, but Yaiba: Samurai Legend does so with panache. This remake brings fans back to the irreverent swordsman Yaiba, whose adventure is filled with wacky battles, silly hijinks, and refreshingly sharp sword fighting. Half-silly and half-serious, this remake is a fantastic way to enjoy one of the lesser-appreciated gems of shonen history.
2. Blue Box
Shonen doesn’t have to equal shouting and superpowers. Blue Box couples athletic aspiration with gentle, romantic tension, as high schoolers Taiki and Chinatsu pursue their respective sporting aspirations—and potentially something greater. Delicately animated and emotionally rooted, it’s a lovely reminder that sometimes, the greatest struggles take place within the heart.
1. Shaman King (2021)
At the top of this list is a Shaman King—more precisely, the theme of 2021 as the reboot that finally makes the entire manga. Yoh Asakura’s easygoing method of becoming Shaman King, combined with his relationship with the samurai spirit Amidamaru, provides a combination of soul and style few can beat. The innovative powers, spiritual mythos, and full cast of recognizably humorous characters in this remake finally reward fans with the unabridged story they have been waiting for decades.
Whether you’re here for the high-octane fights, emotional arcs, or just a good dose of anime nostalgia, these shonen series offer some of the best storytelling the genre has to offer.