TL;DR Popular choices for best shonen anime include "Gintama," "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood," "Hunter x Hunter," and "One Piece."
Gintama
"Gintama" is frequently praised for its unique blend of comedy, drama, and action. Many fans consider it not only the best shonen but also one of the best anime overall [1:1]
[1:3]. Its ability to encapsulate various genres makes it stand out as a jack-of-all-trades
[1:7]. Despite not being a traditional battle shonen, its diverse storytelling and emotional depth resonate strongly with viewers
[1:9].
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is often cited as a perfect shonen due to its well-rounded elements—strong characters, compelling plot, balanced power system, and engaging fights [4:1]. It consistently appears in top lists because of its quality across all aspects of storytelling
[5:2].
Hunter x Hunter
"Hunter x Hunter" is another favorite among shonen fans, particularly the 2011 version. It is appreciated for its intricate plot and character development [3:2]
[5:1]. While it might not appeal to everyone, especially when introducing complex concepts like nen
[3:4], its storytelling and world-building are highly regarded.
One Piece
"One Piece" is often referred to as the "Shonen King" due to its long-running success and expansive world [3:6]
[3:9]. Fans appreciate its adventurous spirit and deep character arcs, making it a staple recommendation for shonen enthusiasts
[5:1].
Other Notable Mentions
Other popular shonen titles include "Bleach," known for its strong soundtrack and voice acting [2:4], "My Hero Academia" for its engaging story and characters
[3:4], and "Naruto: Shippuden" for its iconic battles and character growth
[3:3]. These series have left significant marks on the shonen genre and continue to be favorites among fans.
If somebody told you “I think Gintama is the best Shonen series!”, would you agree? Why or why not? I know a lot of series are considered shonen, but I guess in this context, the person is comparing Gintama to more battle-oriented shonen, like Naruto and Bleach.
For me Gintama is not only the best shonen but the best anime ever
For me Gintama is not
Only the best shonen but the
Best anime ever
- AryaAshirwad
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Same same! I mean, I love the Apothecary diaries, but I crave something else from there, while Gintama just has it all, the music, the characters, I love how much eye candy there is in general, just it has it all.
Lmao agreed. I have found very few anime that I enjoy as much as Gintama
It is best because I felt all sort of emotions watching it I wouldn't call gintama a full shonen though as it had alot blend it like some episode were pure comedy and emotional but that's what made it unique in comparison to your typical battle shonen.
It's a jack of all trades.
Literally what genre does gintama not emulate at some point? It's why it's the goat.
Gintama encapsulates life in general. It's the series that does everything. Not always perfectly, but that in itself makes it more special to me.
Gintama’s first 61 episodes were already better than both Naruto and Bleach combined.
I don't consider it a full shonen. It's a mix of slice of life and shonen. Honestly the best parts of the series are the slice of life. None of my favorite episodes take place during the main storyline.
Yesss that’s a good way of describing it. I love the main story but my favorite episodes will always be the one about Kagura’s exercise routine or when Madao goes to court. I also really love how the main story line ties in the side stories as well 💖💖
The fat kagura episode always cracks me up. The skiing episode with the shogun too.
I agree because God Nika chosen one existed, yes! But even so Gintama was always been better than One Piece.
When considering soundtrack, story, characters, etc (dub if you want to include that), what is the best shonen out there? Of course this is a subjective question, but I am curious of what people consider the best or at least high quality shonens, not just the number one best to clarify.
Mob Psycho 100 is one of the best shounen animes by far. Excellent characters, excellent world buildings, excellent backstories, top tier dub, great message, it's a fantastic anime.
Both Mob Psycho and OPM are listed as Seinen though...
Where? MyAnimeList doesn't list a demographic category for them at all.
My personal opinion: My Hero Academia and Kill La Kill
I have yet to see anything better than Bleach. I never really thought about it but it’s probably my favorite shounen, Jojo is great too since it keeps things fresh with every season so I’d say that’s a close second.
Bleach’s first 63 episodes are close to flawless as far as shonen. The anime as a whole is elevated big time by sound, whether it’s voice acting or the OST. I love the dub too.
It doesn’t stick the landing after those first 63 episodes in either the anime or the manga. Too much filler in the anime, and the canon stuff dawdles over insignificant characters too much.
Regardless, I am stoked for the Thousand Year Blood War anime adaptation this winter. Really hope they simulcast it and dub it fast like Yashahime.
Yu Yu Hakusho
This is still mine. Incredible dub, near flawless pacing, just a great ride.
....... My man 👍🏾
I think they mean dragon ball z lol
did you want reasons why its the best imo
dbz
What anime series is the best Shonen of all time? my top 2 are FMAB and Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter.
If you want traditional shonen, my pick is Yu Yu Hakusho.
Personal favourite is Naruto: Shippuden, but Id say FMAB (which is my no2) is the best as its balanced all around.
Personally, my favorite is My Hero Academia. I also love Naruto/Boruto and FMAB. I tried HxH but it just wasn't for me, particularly once they brought in all of the ren/ten stuff.
Yeah, I'm tired of the MHA haters.
One Piece
One piece will be the Shonen King!
*is* the shonen king
Agreed
{Gintama} and {One Piece}
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I agree but I also like Naruto becuase that’s all I have watched!
Gintama
Bakuman
Hunter x Hunter 2011 (Anime)
Thx
I believe that it's Full Metal Alchemist
I mean, I can't find any error, any "it's good but...". Good characters, good plot, good power system, good length, good fights, good comedy.
It's not my favorite, but it's just good.
My top three is probably like this:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Attack on Titan (if you count it as a shonen but if not then Shippuden)
Demon Slayer(ok yes. I might be simple but this anime is awesome. Come on man..)
How about you guys? What are your top three?
I think Battle Shounen would be more specific since there are lots of shounen that are in completely different genre than the typical battle shounen.
Mine is One Piece, Hunter X Hunter and Naruto
Aria
Koe no katachi
Ruroken
Ashita no Joe
Kimagure Orange☆Road
City Hunter
Gintama
Hunter x Hunter (both versions)
One Piece (I'd put it at the top if we're talking manga, or even One Pace)
In your opinion what shonen has what it takes to be the best of best. Take into account story, characters, setting, dialogue, voice acting, and soundtracks. I would love to know what everyone thinks!
Hunter x Hunter (2011).
I would say Attack on Titan personally
real, its lowkey the best
Flying Witch is my favorite but I do have Aria high up there in my PTW.
Aria
JoJo's bizarre Adventure
Super unique, great voice acting and action scenes, emotional rollercoaster of crazy fun.
Not to mention an amazing soundtrack.
One Piece and Naruto really should be up there too.
NARUTO
I mean depends on what each individual thinks but some of them are super solid
Some of them...
Shonen or not, these are some solid choices
Rank them if you want
All shounen, or battle shounen? If we are counting all shounen, I'd probably say my personal favorites are;
Runner-Ups: City Hunter, Kyou kara Ore wa!!, Bloom Into You, Ika Musume, Haikyuu, Samurai Champloo, Dragon Ball, Yuu Yuu Hakusho, Hitori Bocchi, Digimon Tamers, Kekkai Sensen, Your Lie in April
Maoujou de Oyasumi could definitely make it into my top 10 once the last 2 episodes air. Hunter x Hunter would be WAY higher if it was more consistent, because I think Chimera Ant Arc is at least as good as any single arc in any of the other anime listed.
Yu yu hakusho has such a special place in my heart. Full metal as well. The characters are so so well written that it makes the story so much more deep and emotional for each characters predicament. I’d say FMA truly is a solid 10 for me.
I’ve never seen yu yu kahusho but I love hxh. Do you think I would still enjoy hakusho even though it’s a little older and maybe doesn’t have the greatest visuals?
Yeah, a lot of younger kids are enjoying it. Almost all shounen is the same in a way but this one has a great story even though the third arc does drag a lot but it’s worth it to stick it to the end! If you don’t like it after 3-5 episodes it probably isn’t for you but I recommend it
for battle shounen its hunter x hunter and attack on titan
Attack on titan is considered a battle shounen?
Top 10 Shounen:
No HxH or AoT in your top 10?
That's why I didn't put them there (tbf I haven't seen AoT yet).
Ara-ara~
Devilman Crybaby
Fist of the North Star
Azumanga Daioh
Getter Robo Armageddon
I’ve already watched naruto, one piece, black clover, HxH and some of the common ones but i just want to watch more. I really love shonen but i cant find anything more
Fist of the North Star is the best battle shounen in my opinion.
5 fantastic shounen anime (as in their manga being published in a shounen magazine):
Monogatari Series
Mahoujin Guru Guru 2017
Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
Ashita no Joe
Shirobako
5 great battle shounen anime (as in the sub-genre):
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
Yu Yu Hakusho
Attack on Titan
Rurouni Kenshin
saying that monogatari is a shounen anime cause the manga that is an adaptation of the anime that is an adaptation of a light novel is published in a shounen magazine is pretty dumb.
the law of ueki
Ashita no Joe
Only ONE Shonen Anime that you think is the Greatest. Which sets the the Bar for the whole anime genre. You can name incomplete or ongoing animes also.
HUNTER X HUNTER set some pretty high standards for shonen and also introduced character tropes like killua (badass white haired character) and hisoka( creepy bloodlust character)
I finised the season 1 of Gintama and I have mixed review. Can you tell when it gets serious?
It's never really completely serious. After all it's comedy anime.
But some upcoming arcs are really good and ofcourse serious, completely worth it.
First serious arc is from episode 58 to 61 (benizakura arc) , then its from 101 to 105(shinsengumi crisis arc) . So its really selective , but these arcs definitely make the show worthwhile in terms of action
Hunter x Hunter for me
Gintama is …. just there. Then there are a lot of shonen animes like Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach, Dandadan, Fire Force.
From Shuiesha, my favourite are Gintama, Dandadan, One Piece, Bleach
Havent seen much from Kodansha, but my favourites are Fire Force, Noragami, Attack on Titan.
Overall, Gintama and Fullmetal Alchemist for me stood as the best definition of Shonen.
best shonen anime
Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Shonen Anime:
Storyline and Themes: Look for anime with engaging plots that resonate with themes of friendship, perseverance, and adventure.
Character Development: Strong character arcs and growth are essential. Characters should evolve throughout the series, facing challenges and learning from their experiences.
Animation Quality: High-quality animation enhances the viewing experience. Look for studios known for their impressive visuals and fluid action sequences.
Popularity and Reception: Consider the anime's popularity and critical reception. Fan ratings and reviews can provide insight into its quality.
Genre Variety: Shonen anime can range from action-packed to comedic. Choose based on your preferred sub-genres (e.g., fantasy, sports, supernatural).
Top Recommendations:
My Hero Academia: A modern classic that combines superhero themes with character development and a diverse cast. It explores the journey of aspiring heroes in a world where superpowers are the norm.
Attack on Titan: Known for its intense plot and deep themes, this series features humanity's struggle against giant humanoid creatures. It has received critical acclaim for its storytelling and animation.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Praised for its stunning animation and emotional storytelling, this series follows a young boy's quest to save his sister and avenge his family.
One Piece: A long-running series that has captivated audiences for decades. It combines adventure, humor, and a vast world-building experience, following the journey of pirates in search of treasure.
Naruto/Naruto: Shippuden: A beloved classic that follows the journey of a young ninja striving to become the strongest and earn the respect of his peers. It features rich character development and epic battles.
Recommendation: If you're new to shonen anime, starting with My Hero Academia or Demon Slayer is a great choice due to their accessibility and engaging storylines. For long-term commitment, One Piece offers a vast world and deep lore, perfect for binge-watching.
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