According to one of the largest anime databases, MyAnimelist, the shonen genre is one of the most popular in the world. The protagonist of such works has a predominantly strong-willed and kind character, capable of successfully overcoming difficulties. The original target audience for shonen was boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18, but with the rise in popularity, new audiences of both genders over 18 have emerged. Here's our list of the best shonen anime movies and TV series.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood TV series, 2009 - 2010
- Genre: Shounen, Magic, Comedy, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.6, IMDb - 9.1.
In the world of this anime, there is the art of alchemy, thanks to which substances and materials can be transformed. The basic law of alchemy is equal exchange - in order to receive something, it is necessary to donate an equivalent one in return. Because of this, alchemists are strictly prohibited from performing transformations on humans. But the Elric brothers decided to break the ban by trying to resurrect their mother ...
Gintama TV series, first season 2006 - 2010
- Genre: Comedy, Parody, Historical, Samurai, Action
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.5, IMDb - 8.6.
Not a single inhabitant of feudal Japan could have imagined that his country would be conquered not by anyone, but by real aliens! As a result, a lot of space technologies hit the ground, which are tightly mixed with medieval foundations. The samurai were abolished, so Gintoki Sakate was left without a job. But you have to live on something? Therefore, our hero decides to open the "Jack of all trades" agency.
Hunter x Hunter TV series, 2011 - 2014
- Genre: Adventure, Shounen, Fantasy, Action
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.5, IMDb - 8.9.
One of the most unusual and highly rated shonen, it includes several different concepts. In this anime, hunters are considered true adventurers, able to overcome various difficulties and find treasures, so they have special privileges. But the title of a hunter is not given just like that, because first you need to pass a deadly exam. A boy named Gon seeks to get this title, but not for the sake of fame, but to find his father.
Voice Shape (Koe no Katachi) full-length, 2016
- Genre: Drama, Shounen, School
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 8.2.
As a child, Shoya Ishida was a real bully and constantly hurt his classmates. Shoko Nishimiya got the most, and all because of the fact that she was deaf. Growing up, Shoya realized how cruel he was and hated himself. Although many years have passed, the guy decided by all means to sincerely apologize to Shoko. But can he get his word across?
The Blade that Cuts the Demons (Kimetsu no Yaiba) TV series, 2019
- Genre: Supernatural, Demons, Shounen, Action
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.1, IMDb - 8.8.
The series and manga are one of the most famous titles of 2019-2020. The anime takes place in 1912. The family of Tanjiro Kamado perishes at the hands of an unknown demon, who only left his sister Nezuku Kamado alive, turning her into a monster. But, fortunately, Nezuka has not lost the remnants of humanity and is able to fight the "inner" demon. Not wanting to put up with this fate, Tanjiro decides to track down the killer and find a way to heal his sister.
Great Teacher Onizuka TV series 1999 - 2000
- Genre: school, comedy, drama, everyday life
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.6, IMDb - 8.6.
The main character of the anime is Eikichi Onizuka, a twenty-one-year-old boy, an avid biker and a member of the local Onibaku gang. Who would have thought that such a person would want to become a teacher. But Eikichi was determined to achieve this goal, and he did not take perseverance. Will the school board and students be able to tolerate such an unconventional teacher? And most importantly, what can he teach them?
First Step (Hajime no Ippo) TV series, 2000 - 2002
- Genre: shounen, comedy, sports, drama
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.4, IMDb - 8.8.
The feeling of bitterness is not by hearsay familiar to Ippo Makunouchi, since he endured humiliation from his peers all his life. At one of these moments, he is rescued from trouble by Mamoru Takamura, who is a boxer in a local training hall. The guy decides to give Ippo a chance to fend for himself, and offers to teach him boxing. From that moment on, the life of Ippo Makunouchi completely changes, and he decides to climb to the top of the boxing world.
Samurai Champloo TV series, 2004 - 2005
- Genre: Samurai, Shounen, Action, Comedy, Adventure
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.4, IMDb - 8.5.
Mugen and Jin are two completely different people in character, who clearly cannot get along with each other. By a twist of fate, they had a chance to meet in one of the Japanese taverns, which resulted in a fight, fire and their imprisonment. But no, this is not an opening for shonen-ai, but a real samurai action movie in the best traditions of classic shonen. A girl named Fu comes to the aid of our heroes, and for their freedom she asks for help in finding a samurai "smelling of sunflowers."
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken) TV series, 2012 - 2013
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Vampires, Shounen
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.6, IMDb - 8.4.
The anime begins in the 19th century, when a family of aristocratic Josters adopted a reclusive boy named Dio Brando. The son of the head of the family, Jonathan Joestar, rejoices at this event and shows friendliness to the named brother, but Dio himself does not burn with such feelings. He constantly strives to piss Jonathan out of himself and tries to escalate any conflicts, proving his superiority. What can the enmity of the brothers lead to?
Dragon Ball TV series 1986 - 1989
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Shounen, Martial Arts, Adventure
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.0, IMDb - 8.5.
A legendary anime, elements of which have migrated to many modern shonen series. It takes pride of place in the top anime from Toei Animation studio. The plot of the series unfolds in a fantasy world through which a blue-haired girl named Bulma travels. She is trying to find a mysterious dragon ball, with which you can call the wishmaker. While traveling, she meets an incredibly strong boy named Goku who wants to help her search for pearls.
Naruto TV series, 2002 - 2007
- Genre: shounen, martial arts, adventure, action, comedy
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 7.4, IMDb - 8.3.
A young boy named Naruto wants to become a real Hokage - the strongest ninja in his village. Although he lacks talent, he is brave and tenacious. To achieve this goal, he trains diligently with his fellow villagers. Some villagers dislike Naruto, as it contains an ancient demon - the Nine-Tailed Fox. Will the boy succeed in achieving his dreams and gaining universal recognition?
One Piece TV series, 1999
- Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Action, Drama, Fantasy
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.2, IMDb - 8.7.
Legend has it that whoever finds the amazing One Piece treasure will be able to become a real Pirate King. Learning about this, the seventeen-year-old boy Monkey. D Luffy decides to gather his team and go on a treasure journey. Each of his team members has their own motives to get what they want. On the way, they will meet many obstacles, enemies, adventures and new friends.
Trigun TV series, 1998
- Genre: Drama, Adventure, Science Fiction, Action
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.1, IMDb - 8.3.
The plot of the anime takes place in the world of fantasy westerns, where poverty and devastation reign, and shooting in broad daylight is no longer surprising. Meryl Stryfe and Millie Thompson are young employees of the insurance agency. They travel the world trying to figure out the company's problems. At one point, they notice that wherever the destruction occurs, the mysterious person Vash Hurricane appears everywhere. Hmm, is this by any chance the person they met the day before?
My Hero Academy (Boku no Hero Academy) TV series, 2016
- Genre: Comedy, School, Shounen, Action
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 7.6, IMDb - 8.5.
In the anime world, superpower is not unique as many of the people have a special gift. Well, Izuku Midoriya was out of luck as he was born with no abilities at all. For this he endured ridicule from his classmates and secretly hated himself. He dreams of becoming a great hero and is trying with all his might to achieve this goal. At one point, his efforts are noticed by the legendary Almighty, ready to help the boy on his way to his dream. Izuku won't let anyone look down on him again!
Attack on titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) TV series, 2013
- Genre: Fantasy, Shounen, Drama, Action
- Rating: Kinopoisk - 8.2, IMDb - 8.8.
Mysterious giants are the main threat to humanity, since they devour everything in their path, and their size allows them to destroy the city in a matter of hours. To fight them, people surrounded the city with a giant wall and created special mobile units of warriors who use their vulnerable spots to fight the giants. One of the squad members is a boy named Eren, who has vowed to avenge his eaten mother. This series ends our selection of the best anime movies and series in the shonen genre.