15 Best Shounen Anime to Ignite Your Inner Hero

Do you love anime that are full of action, adventure, comedy, and drama? Do you enjoy watching characters who overcome challenges, grow stronger, and fight for their ideals? If you answered yes, then you are probably a fan of shounen anime.

Shounen anime are anime that are aimed at young male audiences, but they can appeal to anyone who likes stories that are exciting, inspiring, and fun. Shounen anime often feature protagonists who have a strong sense of justice, courage, and friendship, and who face various enemies and obstacles in their quests. Shounen anime also tend to have diverse and colorful casts of characters, each with their own personality, abilities, and goals.

There are many shounen anime out there, but some of them stand out as the best of the best. These are the anime that have captivated millions of fans around the world, and that have left a lasting impact on the anime industry and culture. These are the anime that will ignite your inner hero and make you want to join the adventure.

Here are 15 of the best shounen anime that you should watch if you haven’t already, or rewatch if you have. We have ranked them from 15 to 1, based on their popularity, quality, and influence.

Let’s get started!

15. Noragami

Noragami is a supernatural comedy-drama that follows the adventures of Yato, a minor god who dreams of becoming a famous and revered deity. He offers his services as a delivery god for a cheap price, but he has no shrine, no worshippers, and no real power. His life changes when he meets Hiyori, a human girl who becomes connected to him after an accident, and Yukine, a spirit who becomes his weapon. Together, they deal with various problems involving gods, spirits, and humans, while also trying to find their place in the world.

Noragami is a shounen anime that balances humor, action, and emotion. It has a unique and interesting premise, a likable and charismatic main character, and a dynamic and heartwarming relationship between the trio of Yato, Hiyori, and Yukine. It also explores themes such as identity, destiny, and faith, and it has some thrilling and touching moments that will keep you hooked.

14. Haikyu!!

Haikyu!! is a sports anime that focuses on volleyball. It tells the story of Hinata, a short but energetic boy who loves volleyball and wants to become like his idol, the Little Giant, a legendary player who was known for his height and skills. He joins the Karasuno High School volleyball team, where he meets Kageyama, a talented but arrogant setter who was his rival in middle school. Despite their initial clash, they soon realize that they can make a powerful combination, and they work together with their teammates to revive the glory of Karasuno and reach the national tournament.

Haikyu!! is a shounen anime that will make you fall in love with volleyball, even if you have never played or watched it before. It has a realistic and detailed depiction of the sport, a captivating and fast-paced animation, and a catchy and upbeat soundtrack. It also has a diverse and lovable cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and development. It shows the growth, struggles, and triumphs of the Karasuno team, as well as their rivals and friends from other schools. It is a anime that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and feel inspired.

13. Fire Force

Fire Force is a fantasy anime that is set in a world where humans can spontaneously combust and turn into fiery creatures called Infernals. The Fire Force is a special organization that fights against these Infernals and tries to uncover the mystery behind their origin. The anime follows Shinra, a young and hot-headed fire soldier who has the ability to ignite his feet and fly. He joins the 8th Company of the Fire Force, where he meets other fire soldiers with different abilities and personalities. Together, they face various threats and challenges, both from the Infernals and from other factions that have their own agendas.

Fire Force is a shounen anime that will dazzle you with its stunning and explosive animation, its epic and intense battles, and its catchy and rocking soundtrack. It has a creative and intriguing world-building, a complex and mysterious plot, and a charismatic and badass main character. It also has a humorous and lighthearted side, with some funny and cute moments between the characters. It is a anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you feel the heat.

12. The Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins is a fantasy adventure anime that is based on a popular manga of the same name. It takes place in a medieval-like world where humans, demons, fairies, giants, and other races coexist. The anime follows the journey of Meliodas, the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of powerful and notorious knights who were accused of betraying the kingdom and trying to overthrow the king. He is joined by Elizabeth, the princess of the kingdom who seeks his help to stop the Holy Knights, a corrupted faction that has taken over the kingdom and plans to unleash a great evil. Along the way, they encounter the other members of the Seven Deadly Sins, as well as various enemies and allies.

The Seven Deadly Sins is a shounen anime that will entertain you with its action-packed and adventurous story, its colorful and vibrant animation, and its catchy and energetic soundtrack. It has a fun and engaging main character, a lovable and loyal heroine, and a diverse and awesome group of supporting characters. It also has a lot of humor, romance, and fanservice, as well as some dark and dramatic moments. It is a anime that will make you laugh, cry, and feel the thrill.

11. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is a fantasy adventure anime that is based on a long-running manga of the same name. It takes place in a world where magic is common and where wizards form guilds to take on various jobs and quests. The anime follows the adventures of Natsu, a fire mage who is a member of the Fairy Tail guild, one of the most famous and notorious guilds in the world. He is accompanied by Lucy, a celestial mage who joins the guild after meeting him, and other members of the guild, such as Erza, a swordswoman who can change her armor and weapons, Gray, an ice mage who has a habit of stripping, and Happy, a talking and flying cat. Together, they face various enemies and dangers, as well as other guilds and factions, while also having fun and forming bonds.

Fairy Tail is a shounen anime that will charm you with its magical and adventurous story, its bright and cheerful animation, and its upbeat and catchy soundtrack. It has a lively and spirited main character, a sweet and brave heroine, and a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and development. It also has a lot of humor, friendship, and fanservice, as well as some emotional and epic moments. It is a anime that will make you smile, cry, and feel the magic.

10. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a cult classic anime that is based on a legendary manga that spans multiple generations and genres. It tells the story of the Joestar family, a lineage of heroes who possess a special power called Stand, a manifestation of their spirit that can have various abilities and forms. Each part of the anime focuses on a different descendant of the Joestar family, who faces a different enemy and adventure, while also being connected to the previous and future parts.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a shounen anime that will amaze you with its bizarre and creative story, its stylish and expressive animation, and its memorable and catchy soundtrack. It has a diverse and charismatic cast of characters, each with their own personality, design, and catchphrase. It also has a lot of humor, action, and drama, as well as some references to pop culture, history, and art. It is a anime that will make you say “Oh my god!” and “Nani?!”.

9. Gintama

Gintama is a comedy anime that is set in an alternate version of Edo Japan, where aliens called Amanto have invaded and taken over the country. The anime follows the misadventures of Gintoki, a lazy and eccentric samurai who runs a freelance business called Odd Jobs Gin, where he takes on various odd and dangerous jobs along with his friends and employees, Shinpachi, a glasses-wearing boy who is the straight man of the group, and Kagura, a super-strong alien girl who loves to eat. Together, they encounter various characters and situations, ranging from hilarious to serious, while also dealing with the conflicts and changes in their world.

Gintama is a shounen anime that will make you laugh out loud with its absurd and hilarious story, its parody and satire of various anime, manga, and other media, and its breaking of the fourth wall and meta-humor. It has a lovable and funny main character, a supportive and loyal sidekick, and a cute and savage heroine. It also has a large and colorful cast of supporting characters, each with their own quirks and gags. It also has some action, drama, and emotion, as well as some arcs that are more serious and epic. It is a anime that will make you laugh, cry, and feel the joy.

8. Seraph of the End

Seraph of the End is a dark fantasy anime that is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where a mysterious virus has wiped out most of humanity, and vampires have emerged from the shadows and enslaved the remaining humans. The anime follows the story of Yuichiro, a young boy who escapes from the vampire’s clutches and joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, a military organization that fights against the vampires using cursed weapons. He vows to avenge his family and friends who were killed by the vampires, and to find his childhood friend Mikaela, who was turned into a vampire.

Seraph of the End is a shounen anime that will thrill you with its dark and dramatic story, its smooth and crisp animation, and its haunting and beautiful soundtrack. It has a brave and determined main character, a loyal and tragic best friend, and a strong and mysterious love interest. It also has a complex and intriguing plot, a rich and detailed world-building, and a dynamic and diverse cast of characters. It also has some humor, romance, and fanservice, as well as some gore, violence, and tragedy. It is a anime that will make you shiver, cry, and feel the pain.

7. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural action anime that is based on a popular manga of the same name. It takes place in a world where curses, manifestations of negative emotions and malice, exist and threaten the lives of humans. The anime follows the story of Itadori, a high school student who has extraordinary physical abilities, but no interest in anything. He becomes involved in the world of jujutsu, the art of exorcising curses, when he consumes a finger of Sukuna, the king of curses, and becomes his host. He joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, where he meets other jujutsu sorcerers and learns to control his power and fight against curses.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a shounen anime that will impress you with its action-packed and thrilling story, its fluid and dynamic animation, and its catchy and cool soundtrack. It has a likable and relatable main character, a powerful and charismatic antagonist, and a supportive and badass mentor. It also has a gripping and mysterious plot, a fascinating and original world-building, and a fun and diverse cast of characters. It also has some humor, horror, and fanservice, as well as some blood, violence, and death. It is a anime that will make you gasp, cheer, and feel the hype.

6. InuYasha

InuYasha is a classic anime that is based on a beloved manga by Rumiko Takahashi, the creator of Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura. It is a fantasy romance anime that is set in both modern and feudal Japan, where demons, magic, and legends exist. The anime follows the story of Kagome, a teenage girl who falls into a well and travels back in time to the Sengoku period, where she meets InuYasha, a half-demon who is bound to a sacred tree by a sacred arrow. She accidentally frees him and shatters the Shikon Jewel, a powerful and coveted jewel that can grant any wish, into many pieces. Together, they embark on a journey to find and restore the jewel, while also facing various enemies and allies, as well as their growing feelings for each other.

InuYasha is a shounen anime that will captivate you with its romantic and adventurous story, its nostalgic and charming animation, and its soothing and catchy soundtrack. It has a sweet and brave heroine, a hot and stubborn hero, and a cute and loyal sidekick. It also has a long and epic plot, a rich and diverse world-building, and a large and memorable cast of characters. It also has a lot of humor, action, and drama, as well as some fanservice, violence, and tragedy. It is a anime that will make you swoon, cry, and feel the love.

5. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a legendary anime that is based on a manga by Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dr. Slump and Dragon Quest. It is a sequel to the original Dragon Ball anime, which follows the adventures of Goku, a monkey-tailed boy who is a martial arts prodigy and who searches for the Dragon Balls, mystical orbs that can grant any wish. Dragon Ball Z continues the story of Goku, who is now an adult and a father, and who faces new and powerful enemies, such as aliens, androids, and gods, who threaten the peace and safety of the Earth and the universe. He is joined by his friends and family, who also have incredible abilities and who help him in his battles.

Dragon Ball Z is a shounen anime that will inspire you with its action-packed and epic story, its iconic and expressive animation, and its energetic and powerful soundtrack. It has a heroic and kind main character, a loyal and fierce rival, and a supportive and loving wife. It also has a thrilling and adventurous plot, a vast and imaginative world-building, and a huge and diverse cast of characters. It also has some humor, friendship, and emotion, as well as some blood, violence, and death. It is a anime that will make you scream, cry, and feel the power.

4. Blue Lock

Blue Lock is a sports anime that is based on a manga of the same name. It is a soccer anime that takes place in a near future, where Japan has failed to qualify for the World Cup and has decided to create a radical and controversial project to produce the best striker in the world. The project is called Blue Lock, a high-tech and high-security facility where 300 talented high school soccer players are gathered and forced to compete against each other in a ruthless and survival-of-the-fittest game, where only one will emerge as the winner and the ultimate goal scorer. The anime follows the story of Yoichi, a talented but arrogant player who is chosen to participate in Blue Lock, and who faces various challenges and rivals in his quest to become the best.

Blue Lock is a shounen anime that will excite you with its intense and realistic story, its smooth and detailed animation, and its hype and catchy soundtrack. It has a confident and ambitious main character, a cunning and mysterious mentor, and a competitive and diverse group of rivals. It also has a gripping and suspenseful plot, a unique and innovative world-building, and a dynamic and complex cast of characters. It also has some humor, drama, and fanservice, as well as some violence, injury, and betrayal. It is a anime that will make you sweat, cry, and feel the passion.

3. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is a superhero anime that is based on a manga of the same name. It takes place in a world where most people have superpowers called Quirks, and where heroes and villains are common and popular. The anime follows the story of Izuku, a boy who is born without a Quirk, but who dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, the number one hero and the symbol of peace. He gets a chance to achieve his dream when he meets All Might and inherits his Quirk, One For All, a power that can be passed down from one person to another. He enrolls in U.A. High School, a prestigious school for aspiring heroes, where he meets other students and teachers who have their own Quirks and personalities. Together, they face various challenges and threats, both from the villains who want to destroy the society and from the school itself, which tests their skills and abilities.

My Hero Academia is a shounen anime that will inspire you with its heroic and motivational story, its colorful and expressive animation, and its upbeat and catchy soundtrack. It has a relatable and determined main character, a supportive and charismatic mentor, and a friendly and competitive rival. It also has a exciting and compelling plot, a creative and diverse world-building, and a fun and dynamic cast of characters. It also has some humor, action, and emotion, as well as some violence, injury, and tragedy. It is a anime that will make you cry, cheer, and feel the plus ultra.

2. Black Clover

Black Clover is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga of the same name. It takes place in a world where magic is everything and where people are born with a grimoire, a book that contains spells and enhances their magic. The anime follows the story of Asta, a boy who is born without any magic, but who dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest and most respected mage in the kingdom. He joins the Black Bulls, one of the nine squads of the Magic Knights, where he meets other mages who are also considered as outcasts and misfits. He also discovers that he has a rare and powerful grimoire that contains a five-leaf clover, a symbol of anti-magic. Together, they face various enemies and dangers, both from the kingdom and from other realms, while also trying to prove their worth and achieve their goals.

Black Clover is a shounen anime that will surprise you with its magical and adventurous story, its smooth and flashy animation, and its epic and rocking soundtrack. It has a optimistic and hardworking main character, a loyal and cool best friend, and a cute and tsundere love interest. It also has a thrilling and mysterious plot, a vast and imaginative world-building, and a large and diverse cast of characters. It also has some humor, friendship, and fanservice, as well as some blood, violence, and death. It is a anime that will make you scream, laugh, and feel the magic.

1. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is a dark fantasy anime that is based on a manga of the same name. It takes place in the Taisho era of Japan, where demons, creatures that feed on human flesh and blood, exist and terrorize the people. The anime follows the story of Tanjiro, a kind and gentle boy who becomes a demon slayer, a warrior who hunts and kills demons, after his family is slaughtered and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization that fights against the demons and their leader, Muzan, the first and most powerful demon. He is accompanied by Nezuko, who retains some of her human emotions and protects him, and other demon slayers, such as Zenitsu, a cowardly but skilled swordsman, and Inosuke, a wild and boar-headed fighter. Together, they face various demons and challenges, while also trying to find a way to cure Nezuko and avenge their loved ones.

Demon Slayer is a shounen anime that will stun you with its dark and emotional story, its gorgeous and breathtaking animation, and its beautiful and touching soundtrack. It has a compassionate and brave main character, a adorable and loyal sister, and a hilarious and supportive friends. It also has a gripping and tragic plot, a rich and detailed world-building, and a stunning and diverse cast of characters. It also has some humor, action, and drama, as well as some gore, violence, and death. It is a anime that will make you cry, gasp, and feel the beauty.

Conclusion

We have listed 15 of the best shounen anime that you should watch if you haven’t already, or rewatch if you have. We have ranked them from 15 to 1, based on their popularity, quality, and influence. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you found some new anime to watch or some old anime to revisit. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to leave them below.

Thank you for reading and happy watching!