Shonen anime undeniably dominates the landscape of animated series, boasting an extensive array of titles. As we approach 2025, the release schedule reveals over 20 new shonen stories alongside highly anticipated sequels to classic series. With enduring favorites like One Piece and Case Closed continuing to deliver episodes for more than two decades, it’s no surprise that shonen remains a powerhouse in the anime industry.
However, the appeal of shonen goes beyond mere quantity; the best shonen anime of the 2020s compete triumphantly in terms of quality against offerings from other demographics. Many of these series have managed to maintain their prominence in popular culture, thanks to successful sequels and adaptations. To help navigate through the multitude of over 100 shows flourishing today, let’s spotlight some of the standout anime from this decade.
Before diving into the highlights, here are a few essential criteria we consider:
- Anime must originate from shonen manga as its source material, excluding adaptations of light novels with shonen themes.
- To be included, an anime must have premiered with more than 50% of its episodes released in the 2020s, disqualifying series like Attack on Titan, Black Clover, and One Piece. Only episodes aired during this decade will be considered.
- This list focuses exclusively on television series, not films.
Honorable Mentions
The 2020s are poised to be a renaissance for shonen anime. While the following titles might not make the final cut, they are all exceptional in their own rights and could easily be considered among the best shonen anime of the decade, depending on individual taste.
- Shangri-La Frontier
- Romantic Killer
- Blue Box
- Chainsaw Man
- Wistoria: Wand and Sword
- Ranma 1/2
- The Case Study of Vanitas
- Call of the Night
- Undead Unluck
- Kaiju No. 8
- Moriarty the Patriot
- My Hero Academia (Seasons 6 & 7)
- Komi Can’t Communicate
10 Blue Lock
A Visionary Sports Shonen
Blue Lock redefines the shonen sports genre in an ambitious way. The series centers around a revolutionary project aimed at developing a self-centered, top-tier soccer striker who can elevate Japan’s chances in the World Cup. Recruits compete fiercely, knowing that only one can emerge victorious, while the rest are barred from representing their country again.
This series is filled with exaggerated scenarios, thrilling action, and a unique take on character abilities that feel otherworldly. While the animation can vary, the sheer entertainment value of Blue Lock delivers a fresh perspective to the sports narrative.
While Season 1 is consistently exciting, Season 2 features a somewhat rocky start but concludes with outstanding episodes.
9 Horimiya
Exploring Versatility in Shonen
Shonen anime showcases a broader range of genres than typically recognized. While action-centric titles often receive the spotlight, there’s a wealth of comedy, romance, and slice of life narratives within this demographic. A prime example is Horimiya, which adeptly blends these genres.
The first season portrays the charming romance between Miyamura and Hori, unfolding their journey from strangers to a delightful couple. As the tale transitions into a slice of life comedy, it continues to entertain through relatable themes centered around friendship and growth.
8 Dr. Stone (Seasons 2-4)
A Consistent Journey Through Science
Dr. Stone consistently captivates viewers with its unique premise that diverges from classic adventure shonen narratives. After a mysterious phenomenon petrifies humanity, Senku, a scientifically gifted teenager, awakens in a post-apocalyptic world and embarks on an ambitious quest to revive civilization using the power of science.
The series unfolds beautifully, each arc expanding both the scope of the story and the challenges Senku faces against equally clever antagonists. With a careful balance of humor, action, and insightful commentary, Dr. Stone remains a notable participant in the 2020s shonen landscape, highlighted by strong animation that complements its engaging storytelling.
7 Spy x Family
A Hilarious Family Espionage
Emerging as one of the most successful shonen titles of the decade, Spy x Family has had an interesting journey. The first season was met with widespread acclaim for its humor, charming characters, and spy-themed storyline. However, subsequent seasons have leaned heavily on comedic elements, occasionally neglecting the core plot, resulting in some repetitive segments.
Nevertheless, when evaluated purely as a comedy, Spy x Family ranks among the funniest anime of recent years. A significant part of its charm comes from the character Anya, who not only generates laughs but also serves as the emotional core of the narrative, supported by her endearing adoptive parents.
6 Dandadan
A Genre-Bending Masterpiece
Dandadan defies expectations by adeptly merging elements of science fiction, supernatural phenomena, action, comedy, and romance, achieving a balance that is rarely seen in anime. In a bet to uncover the existence of aliens or yokai, protagonists Momo and Ken discover that both are indeed real, thrusting them into both worlds.
The series stands out due to its stunning animation, clever humor, and captivating action sequences, not to mention the adorable relationship between Momo and Ken, which adds heartfelt depth to the narrative. With the upcoming season 2 scheduled for release in Summer 2025, fans have much to look forward to.
5 Demon Slayer (Seasons 2-4)
The Quintessential Shonen of the 2020s
Since its explosive rise to prominence at the tail end of the 2010s, Demon Slayer has set a benchmark in the anime world, largely due to Ufotable’s exceptional animation quality that often outshines the original manga. The series innovatively elevates the battle shonen genre through a flawless amalgamation of stunning visuals, an engaging soundtrack, and a compelling narrative.
Although some argue that the series peaked with its second season, the subsequent installments still deliver gripping content that surpasses many competitors in the action genre. Moreover, a trilogy of films is currently in the works, promising to conclude the storyline with the same vibrance and creativity.
4 Summer Time Rendering
A Captivating Mystery Within Shonen
Summer Time Rendering unfolds a thrilling narrative that captivates with its unique premise. After the tragic death of his childhood friend, Shinpei returns to his coastal hometown, only to become embroiled in a series of events that lead to his untimely demise on the very first day of his return. This triggers a time loop where he must confront the mysteries surrounding his friend’s death.
The series skillfully weaves elements of suspense, horror, and friendship, creating a plot that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats. Each reveal adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, making the journey through heartbreak and triumph deeply engaging.
3 The Dangers in My Heart
The Pinnacle of Romance in Shonen
At first glance, The Dangers in My Heart seems to adhere to typical clichés of shonen romance, particularly with its trope of a popular girl falling for an introverted boy. However, the series evolves into a nuanced exploration of character growth and connection as Ichikawa and Anna delve deeper into their relationship.
As they spend time together, their interactions transcend simple clichés. Both characters face relatable insecurities and undergo genuine personal growth, transforming Anna from just a supporting character into a well-rounded individual. By season two’s end, The Dangers in My Heart establishes itself as a remarkable entry in the romance anime genre.
2 Jujutsu Kaisen
The Standard for Battle Shonen
Alongside Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen has redefined the battle shonen landscape, showcasing a level of excellence that few can match. MAPPA’s adaptation is renowned for its breathtaking animation and extraordinary fight sequences, setting a high bar for the genre.
While the series retains traditional shonen structures, it distinguishes itself through its fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged. Each arc progresses swiftly, ensuring that every moment contributes to an overarching sense of urgency and excitement.
1 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
The Pinnacle of Shonen in the 2020s
Often deemed the best anime of the decade, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End represents the pinnacle of what shonen can achieve. This captivating narrative follows an elf who, having been part of the legendary party that defeated the Demon King, reflects on her lost connections as she embarks on a journey to revisit those memories alongside a young mage and warrior.
With masterful storytelling interlaced with themes of melancholy and hope, Frieren stands out in a decade saturated with fantasy narratives. The animation by Madhouse complements the profound narrative craftsmanship, leading to a well-rounded experience for viewers. Excitingly, the second season is set to debut in early 2026, promising more adventures from this beloved series.