Shounen anime is not a genre but rather a label for an anime’s intended audience. If you are a long-time anime fan, you probably know that such Japanese words describing an anime usually refer to the show’s target demographic. On that note, “shounen” literally means “boy” and typically refers to young boys below fifteen. Shounen, therefore, is an anime that is targeted at young boys.

Although these shows usually focus on action and adventures involving young male protagonists, it’s not uncommon to find Shounen comedies and series with female heroes.

Shounen Anime History

Manga historians and most anime/manga fans agree that manga has existed since the 18^th Century, but they were demographic-oriented and began rolling out in late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Shounen manga was popularized in Japan since that time, but Shounen anime came out much later. Tetsuwan Atom, an adaptation of the 1952 manga series Astro Boy, was the first Shounen anime broadcast. It aired in 1963.  

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The success of anime adaptations of popular Shounen manga titles was evident from then on. In the 60s, Speed Racer and Star of the Giants were adapted for young anime fans. Devilman, Shameless School and other titles were also available in the 70s. Most Shounen stories at this time were about sports and competition.

In its early days, women in Shonen anime didn’t serve any purpose other than looking pretty or just being a love interest. Battle Shounen was a popular genre in the 1980s. Most boys only cared about the testosterone-fueled fights or quick justice provided by heroes like Kenshiro. These heroes were truly overpowered, muscular male characters.

In the 90s, the manga series Dragon Ball, Yu Yu Hakusho and Slam Dunk became huge hits. These were adapted into anime that continued to be successful well into the 2000s. This time also saw the introduction of underdog young protagonists, like Deku from “My Hero Academia,” who cries a lot. They were created for meek anime fans with low social skills or muscular builds.   

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From then on, Shounen’s protagonists have been a mix of powerful unbeatable characters and underpowered heroes who undergo hardships to achieve their superior strength. Today’s plots are also more diverse and usually feature sports, robots, martial arts, horror, science fiction, or mythological creatures.

Most Popular Shounen Anime

1.  Death Note

Light Yagami, a bored high school prodigy, stumbles upon Death Note – a book which kills everyone whose name it contains. He discovers that he has a divine power and decides to use this to eliminate all criminals from the world, leaving behind a trail of bodies. The police quickly realize that they are dealing with a serial killer targeting criminals and seek the assistance of the world’s best detective to stop him.

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2.  Attack on Titan

Humans are at the edge of extinction and, after 100 years of peace, the monstrous Titans suddenly return and attack the human survivors. Eren Yeager, who witnessed this terrible attack, decides to dedicate his life to the destruction of the Titans and joins the Survey Corps.

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3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Edward Elric’s brother is killed in a failed attempt at human transmutation. Alphonse, however, finds his soul wrapped in an armor suit. A few years later, the brothers and their allies are on a mission to find the Philosopher’s Stone, believed to have the power to give them back what they have lost.

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4.  My Hero Academia

While the majority of humanity revels in their new superpowers, Izuku is one of those few who chooses to be ordinary. Izuku is determined to be a hero and meets All Might, his idol. He is able to enroll at a high school for heroes, despite not possessing any powers.

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5. Naruto

During Naruto’s birth, the destructive demon Kyuubi wreaked havoc on the village of Konohagakure. The Hokage died to protect his town and sealed the beast in Naruto’s womb. As the Kyuubi within him grows, a growing Naruto struggles for his place in the village. The young ninja is driven by his desire to be the Hokage and meets new friends as well as deadly foes.

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6.  Hunter x Hunter

Gon Freecss is twelve years old and dreams of becoming the best Hunter. He becomes friends with Killua and Kurapika as he pursues his dream. Together, the four of them embark on an adventure that will see them battle many monsters and strange creatures.

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Here are 10 anime you should watch after Hunter x Hunter

7.  Dragon Ball Z

Thought Dragon Ball Z isn’t the first shonen anime ever, it’s definitely the most influential. Nearly every other anime on this list is influenced by Dragon Ball Z. After all, what’s a shonen series without a transformation? A training sequence. This series also popularized time skips.

It’s true, Dragon Ball Z’s lack of character development and generally simplistic plots can leave something to be desired even amongst shonen series, but we still have to pay homage to the genre’s origins and acknowledge it’s one of the most popular series of all time.

8. One Piece

Gol D. Roger was the “Pirate King,” but his capture and execution by the World Government completely changed the world. His last words revealed the existence of One Piece, the greatest treasure in the world, ushering in the Grand Age of the pirates – men who dream of finding One Piece and claiming the unlimited riches and fame that come with the title of Pirate King. The story is about Luffy, a 17-year old boy who sets out on a quest for One Piece. He eventually becomes the Pirate King.

This unique anime has a captivating plot and lots of fantasy elements. It’s been popular for its 1,000+ episodes.

Check Out: The Ultimate Guide To One Piece Devil Fruit & Its Users

9. Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba

 After sheltering at a strange man’s house, Tanjirou Kamado returns home to find demons have slaughtered his family, and his sister turned into a bloodthirsty demon. He is angry and hurt and vows to avenge his family. He teams up with the Demon Slayer Corps and protects his beloved sister while slaying the responsible demons.

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10. Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki (15 years old) has the ability to see ghosts and spirits. He meets Rukia Kuchiki, a female death god (AKA Shinigami). Rukia gives her Shinigami abilities to Ichigo in order to save his friends and family from the evil spirits (Hollows) that seek out souls.

Rukia is transformed into a human shell by Ichigo, who together solve mysteries involving spirits, Hollows, and the spirit world. The two Shinigami then appear from the spirit world to tell Rukia that it is against the law to transfer Shinigami abilities to humans and that Rukia had exceeded the time limit for staying in the human realm. Ichigo snaps at everyone and promises to retrieve Rukia through the spirit world after she is sentenced to death for violating the law.

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