Many of today’s most beloved anime are shonen series. With decades of anime available, viewers have plenty of options to choose from. These shonen shows often deliver unforgettable scenes that stay with you even after the credits roll.
Many long-running shows struggle to maintain quality over time, but these classic shonen series are exceptions. They consistently deliver an excellent experience from beginning to end.
Saint Seiya
Saint Seiya, also known as Knights of the Zodiac, is a classic series that many people don’t appreciate enough. Though often overlooked, it was a hugely successful franchise, leading to numerous manga sequels, spin-offs, video games, movies, and anime series.
Many fans still consider the original series the very best. It’s a lengthy show, with 114 episodes that originally aired from 1986 to 1989, but it’s well worth the investment. It’s a fantastic classic action series with memorable characters, and while the animation isn’t as modern, it still holds up beautifully if you appreciate older styles.
Inuyasha
Rumiko Takahashi is a hugely influential creator responsible for many classic series. Her works, including Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, and Ranma 1/2, are all uniquely charming and remain beloved by fans. While she’s created many popular titles, Inuyasha is often considered her masterpiece.
I have to say, Inuyasha was often how a lot of people – myself included – first got into anime! Seriously, Kagome and Inuyasha’s journey is just so captivating, I was hooked for all 167 episodes. And even though it’s a long series, the amazing connection between the main characters and the rich, detailed world Rumiko Takahashi created makes it totally worth watching from beginning to end. It’s a truly fantastic experience!
Fist of the North Star
Fist of the North Star is a classic anime from the 1980s that many people remember. While it’s become famous online for the meme “Omae wa mou shindeiru,” the series is much more than just an internet phenomenon. In fact, Fist of the North Star is incredibly influential and has inspired many popular shows, including Berserk and Vinland Saga.
The show remains enjoyable even today. While the animation isn’t modern, it has a charming, classic look and a distinctive style. If you love older anime, this is definitely worth watching!
Naruto
Although it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long, Naruto first appeared over 20 years ago and can now be considered a classic anime. Along with One Piece and Bleach, it was part of what many consider the “big three” anime, and it significantly influenced the shonen genre. Today, Naruto is one of the most well-known anime series around the world.
The series’ enduring popularity is clear. It boasts a compelling group of characters, led by a protagonist who always earns your support. Beyond that, it delivers some truly spectacular action sequences and a story filled with unforgettable scenes.
Yu Yu Hakusho
When people talk about great anime from the 1990s, Yu Yu Hakusho often gets overlooked. It has a loyal following and is well-respected by anime fans, but it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
If you enjoy Hunter x Hunter, you’ll likely appreciate the work of its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, in his earlier series, Yu Yu Hakusho. While fans debate which show is better, Yu Yu Hakusho is definitely worth watching after you’ve finished Hunter x Hunter.
Dragon Ball
Few anime series have reached the same level of worldwide popularity as Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama. Spanning almost 450 episodes across the original series and Z, Goku’s story is lengthy, but a rewarding watch.
While opinions vary, Dragon Ball is a genuinely enjoyable series that evolves a lot over time. It starts with a focus on realistic martial arts, includes plenty of humor, and eventually introduces exciting science fiction elements – you won’t find another show quite like it.
Slam Dunk
Takehiko Inoue is a celebrated manga artist known for works like Vagabond and Real. However, he’s most famous for Slam Dunk. Even if you don’t usually watch sports anime, Slam Dunk is a series worth checking out.
Slam Dunk is a fast-paced and exciting story, especially because it follows the journey of an unlikely hero. A big part of what makes it so good is how the characters connect with each other and grow throughout the series. With the recent release of The First Slam Dunk movie, now is a great time to discover or revisit this classic.
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2025-12-07 17:35