7 Most Popular Shonen Anime Characters From the Last Decade, Ranked

Shonen anime thrive because of their characters. A strong story idea is important, but it’s even more crucial to have characters that audiences can connect with and enjoy watching develop. Over time, this has led to many memorable shonen characters who have become incredibly popular anime icons.

Characters like Goku, Luffy, Naruto, and Ichigo are widely known and loved. But who are the most memorable heroes from newer anime series? This question explores which shonen characters have become truly iconic over the past ten years.

Senku Ishigami – Dr. Stone

Unlike many heroes in action-packed anime, Senku isn’t easily caught off guard outside of a fight. He’s incredibly intelligent and a skilled problem-solver, using his quick wit and ability to find creative solutions to overcome challenges.

Senku is a really engaging main character, offering a unique spin on the typical shonen hero. He’s a lot of fun to watch, and played a major role in making his series so successful.

Denji – Chainsaw Man

It looks like Chainsaw Man is finishing the year strong. The recent success of the new Reze Arc movie suggests a promising future for the series. However, even before the anime and movie became popular, the main reason people loved the series was its charming main character.

Denji is a likable character because of his difficult upbringing. While he can be a bit clueless and slow to react, he’s genuinely kind and you naturally find yourself hoping he makes it.

Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan

Eren is a hugely popular anime character, but also a divisive one. He begins Attack on Titan as a sympathetic protagonist, and while he maintains that appeal for much of the series, his actions ultimately lead some viewers to dislike him.

Eren is a compelling and memorable character who will stay with fans for a long time. Though he can be impulsive and distant, he deeply cares for his friends and family and always tries his best to succeed. The extensive discussions and debates surrounding his choices demonstrate that he’s a remarkably well-developed character, and it’s clear people will be analyzing and talking about him for years to come.

Satoru Gojo – Jujutsu Kaisen

Although Yuji Itadori is the main character in Jujutsu Kaisen, Gojo has become much more popular with fans. He’s easily the most famous character from the series and is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable anime characters of recent years.

Gojo’s popularity is easy to understand. He’s a well-developed character with many unforgettable scenes. What makes him special is that he’s more than just a powerful hero – viewers genuinely connected with him and wanted to see him succeed throughout the story.

Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer

The world of Demon Slayer is full of hardship, and many characters have experienced terrible trauma from demons or from difficult life circumstances. Despite all this tragedy, the main character, Tanjiro, remains kind, compassionate, and remarkably calm.

A major reason fans connect with Tanjiro is his strong relationship with his sister, Nezuko. Their close bond is central to the story, highlighting their kindness and compassion – not only towards each other, but to everyone they meet.

Deku

I’ve always loved how shonen heroes have to earn their strength, battling challenges and pushing past their limits to become the best they can be. And that’s totally Deku in My Hero Academia! What really grabbed me about his story, though, is that he started with nothing – no Quirk at all. It instantly made him feel so much more real and someone I could really root for, you know?

I’m totally hooked on Deku’s journey! It’s amazing to watch him push himself to control One For All, and it’s not just about the power-up. He’s really coming into his own as a person, becoming more confident and connecting with everyone around him. Honestly, he might not look like your typical strong shonen hero, but that’s part of what makes him so relatable and why so many anime fans, myself included, adore him!

Sung Jinwoo

Right now, it’s hard to think of a more popular anime than Solo Leveling. With fans counting down the days for season 3, the first two seasons have already made a huge impression. A major factor in the series’ quick success is its compelling main character.

Sung Jinwoo is a quiet and thoughtful character, unlike many typical action heroes. He’s always working to improve his abilities and consistently shows kindness towards others. Although he might seem understated to some, Sung Jinwoo is a key part of what makes Solo Leveling so captivating and has contributed to some truly memorable anime scenes.

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2025-12-02 19:36