9 Shonen Anime So Good, You’ll Realize One Piece is Overrated

These days, many anime fans consider One Piece a perfect show, but even its biggest supporters acknowledge it’s not without weaknesses. While the world of the Grand Line is incredibly detailed, the story’s length – over a thousand episodes – can sometimes make it feel rambling and hard to follow, even for dedicated viewers.

The “sunk cost fallacy” can make it hard for fans to admit that a long-running story might have pacing or visual consistency issues – problems that newer, shorter series often avoid. While a popular series might sell well, other shows demonstrate stronger storytelling skills. Many excellent Shōnen series have perfected the art of efficient storytelling, delivering impactful narratives in a much shorter time than those that focus on one huge, decades-long plot.

9. Demon Slayer

The incredible animation in Demon Slayer often overshadows other anime, but it’s clear the series has become a new leader in the industry. Ufotable’s willingness to invest heavily in visuals transformed a fairly standard action story into a global phenomenon. The animation in Episode 19, particularly the Hinokami Kagura sequence, wasn’t just popular—it set a new standard for the entire industry. Comparing the crisp, fluid movements of water breathing in Demon Slayer to the often-rushed and shaky animation in a series like One Piece highlights just how far ahead it is.

The story’s straightforward nature and emotional core make it incredibly compelling. Unlike the complex and dense backstory of the Void Century, Demon Slayer focuses on a simple yet urgent goal: rescuing a sister. This direct approach creates an intimate narrative that keeps viewers engaged. Its massive popularity within anime and meme communities is remarkable, proving that strong production values combined with a genuine, well-paced story can easily surpass even established franchises.

8. Jujutsu Kaisen

These days, weak animation can ruin an anime, and Jujutsu Kaisen is setting the standard for quality. The Shibuya arc perfectly shows how a fast-paced action anime can succeed with strong writing. The fight scenes are incredibly fluid, almost like watching a movie, and the unique powers and techniques are both creative and fun to watch. Unlike some anime, it doesn’t take a long time to build up to the action – it throws you right into the exciting fights and lets them tell the story.

Unlike many older action series where the heroes always survive, this one isn’t afraid to kill off beloved characters, creating genuine tension and raising the stakes. This willingness to let characters die, combined with its fast-paced action and grittier, more realistic world, offers a darker and more intense experience that appeals to fans looking for something beyond the typical adventure story.

7. Mob Psycho 100

While One Piece follows a quest for power and becoming a king, Mob Psycho 100 focuses on the internal journey of self-improvement and becoming a better person. The main character, Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, is a remarkably well-developed shōnen protagonist who struggles with immense power alongside social anxiety and emotional growth. The dynamic between Mob and his mentor, Reigen, offers a more nuanced take on mentorship than many similar relationships seen in One Piece.

Visually, the show is a stunning and innovative work of art. Studio BONES really showcased their imaginative and vibrant animation style in Mob Psycho, creating fight scenes that feel incredibly dynamic and stand out from typical action sequences in shows like One Piece. Fans love it for its honesty and its message that having superpowers doesn’t automatically make someone special – a refreshing twist on the ‘chosen one’ trope that makes other similar stories feel old-fashioned.

6. Chainsaw Man

This anime feels like an incredibly well-made, bizarre dream. The main character isn’t trying to save the world – he just needs some comfort and food. This simple, relatable goal makes the over-the-top demon hunting surprisingly engaging and funny. It’s unpredictable, often violent, and has a unique cinematic quality that feels like a modern Hollywood movie. If you’re tired of predictable action anime, this is a perfect choice.

This show is incredibly fast-moving and features a darkly comedic style. It playfully mocks the over-the-top, inspirational speeches common in anime like One Piece, throwing you right into the action. Every episode is unpredictable, and the animation quality from studio MAPPA is outstanding. It’s a quick, enjoyable adventure that introduces a surprising number of memorable characters in just a few episodes – more than many shows manage across an entire season.

5. Hunter x Hunter (2011)

The Nen system in this series isn’t about who’s loudest or strongest; it forces you to think alongside the characters. This transforms every fight into a strategic battle where clever tactics can overcome a huge power gap, making the outcome more rewarding than a simple fight. The story also constantly shifts in tone and genre, proving that this action series can handle psychological horror and political drama just as well as it handles adventure.

The story truly shines because of its villains, who are often as complex and well-developed as the heroes. This is especially true in the Chimera Ant arc, where the line between good and evil becomes so blurred that viewers begin to question the morality of the entire quest. This level of character depth is a welcome change for fans tired of predictable ‘save the kingdom’ plots, offering a more mature exploration of growth and the weight of consequences – a sophistication rarely seen in similar stories.

4. Vinland Saga

The first season of Vinland Saga, initially published in Weekly Shōnen Magazine, is remarkable for its compelling character development. The story of Thorfinn’s transformation—from a man consumed by revenge to someone who seeks a life free from hatred and conflict—is profoundly moving and highlights the often superficial nature of typical Shōnen storylines. The series boasts historically accurate and immersive world-building, grounded in the brutal realities of the Viking Age, a stark contrast to the more fantastical settings found in other manga like those by Oda.

Vinland Saga has gained popularity because of its thoughtful and mature themes. It respects the audience’s intelligence, exploring ideas like pacifism and effective leadership through complex characters. Unlike some adventure stories that rely on repetitive villains, Vinland Saga offers a more realistic and emotionally powerful experience, thanks to the impressive animation by Wit Studio. This depth makes the political conflicts in series like One Piece seem simplistic by comparison, offering a more mature alternative for viewers seeking something beyond typical action-adventure tropes.

3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Many fantasy stories begin with heroes setting out to defeat a powerful enemy, but this one is different. “Frieren” stands out because it explores what happens after the heroes have already won. Instead of focusing on discovering new lands, the story builds its world through history, memories, and the ruins of a forgotten time.

Instead of a sprawling, epic story, this series focuses on a deeply felt world, revealed through the changing lives of characters and the lingering scars of conflict. This approach is more impactful and relatable, demonstrating that a story’s power lies not in how much happens, but in how it makes you feel. With stunning animation, a deliberate pace, and wonderfully developed characters, this anime is a modern shōnen classic that all fans should experience.

2. Attack on Titan

The story’s central mystery is what truly captivates, and the way its secrets are revealed keeps fans constantly engaged. Surprisingly, many of the shocking truths about the Titans and the world beyond the walls were actually foreshadowed years in advance – a rare level of planning often missing in long-running series. The plot moves at a relentless pace, trading the feel-good vibes of a classic adventure for a grim and tragic narrative where anyone can become a victim.

I’m past the point of questioning what’s right or wrong. You can’t expect a happy ending from a horror story, can you?

Both WIT Studio and MAPPA have set a new standard for action in long-running anime, delivering consistently high quality that many other series struggle to maintain. The dynamic movement of characters flying through the city feels incredibly smooth and modern, making older, static power-up sequences seem outdated. Knowing that this story is building towards a definitive, world-altering conclusion gives the series a powerful sense of closure that’s difficult to create in stories designed to last for years.

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The principle of Equivalent Exchange isn’t just how powers work in the story; it also keeps the plot focused and prevents it from wandering aimlessly. Many viewers feel stories without clear rules or endings can feel directionless, while this system makes it feel intentional. The rules established early on remain important throughout, giving the impression that the story is carefully planned rather than made up as it goes along.

The series consistently feels heartfelt and genuine, with each supporting character having a well-developed storyline that feels natural and earned. The story is focused and doesn’t rely on complicated, unnecessary plot threads. Instead, it delivers a complete and satisfying experience where the ending feels like a natural conclusion. There’s no unnecessary content just to maintain tension, allowing viewers to stay fully invested in the political drama of Amestris without constant recaps.

2026-01-26 19:38