The Best Shonen Anime Series of Every Year of the 2010s

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As an anime fan, I think the 2010s were an incredible decade! We got so many anime that have become instant classics. Sure, a lot of us love the older shows from the ’80s and ’90s, but the anime that came out in the 2010s really hold up and are still super popular today – they’re some of the best modern anime out there, in my opinion.

The 2010s were an amazing time for fans of shonen anime, with many hugely popular shows premiering and really shaping the future of the medium. It was hard to choose, but here’s a look at some of the best shonen anime that debuted each year of the decade.

2010: Bakuman

Most popular manga in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine are action-packed, filled with characters getting stronger, fighting rivals, and facing huge challenges. However, Bakuman is different – it’s a story about making manga, exploring the industry and the creative process. Though it comes from the creators of Death Note, Bakuman isn’t as focused on intense battles, but its story and characters are uniquely compelling and may even resonate more with some readers.

Moritaka Mashiro had given up on his dream of being a manga artist, but his classmate, Akito Takagi, convinces him to start drawing again. Together, they team up to try and succeed in the manga industry, using the pseudonym Muto Ashirogi.

2011: Hunter x Hunter

As a huge Hunter x Hunter fan, it’s honestly tough sometimes! The manga is always going on break, and even though the 2011 anime was amazing, it doesn’t seem like we’ll be getting any new animated episodes anytime soon, which is a real bummer.

There have been two anime versions of Hunter x Hunter: one from 1999 and another from 2011. Both are well-loved by fans, but the 2011 version stands out with its improved animation, better flow, and amazing action sequences. You’ll enjoy either one, but many consider the 2011 series a modern classic.

2012: Medaka Box

Nisio Isin is famous for his Monogatari light novels, but he’s also created many different manga series and short stories. Beyond Monogatari, his most well-known work is probably Medaka Box.

Originally appearing in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2009 to 2013, Medaka Box blends typical action and supernatural themes found in Jump comics with the unique storytelling style of Nisio Isin. The story centers on Medaka Kurokami, the seemingly flawless student council president, and her friend Zenkichi Hitoyoshi. Together, they start a ‘Medaka Box’ to help students with their problems, leading them into a variety of exciting challenges.

2013: Attack on Titan

2013 offered a lot of great anime, but Attack on Titan stands out as the best. It quickly became incredibly popular worldwide, captivating fans with its memorable characters and detailed world.

The first season of the show immediately pulls you into the intense battle between humans and the terrifying Titans. It’s packed with exciting, dramatic scenes and some truly shocking character deaths, setting the stage for the brutal world the series explores.

2014: Noragami

While it didn’t reach the same level of popularity as anime like Attack on Titan or Hunter x Hunter, Noragami remains a standout series from the 2010s.

The story centers around Yato, a relatively unknown god who hopes to become incredibly popular. After a young girl named Hiyori accidentally saves him from an accident, she loses her soul. Now, Yato and his apprentice, Yukine, must work together to restore Hiyori’s soul while helping people with their problems.

2015: Assassination Classroom

Assassination Classroom is a truly unique anime from the 2010s. It features memorable characters, a fascinating story, and plenty of humor.

The anime Assassination Classroom centers around a class of students with a very unusual assignment: they have to kill their teacher, Koro-sensei. While it sounds extreme, there’s a good reason – Koro-sensei is an alien octopus who destroyed the Moon and now threatens Earth. The students are humanity’s last hope to stop him.

2016: My Hero Academia

With the conclusion of the My Hero Academia anime, a hugely popular series that ran for almost ten years has come to an end. It’s remembered as one of the most important and defining anime shows of the 2010s.

It’s easy to understand why My Hero Academia became so popular. By combining the familiar elements of shonen anime with a superhero setting, the series really distinguished itself. Coupled with compelling characters and a relatable protagonist, it quickly became one of the decade’s best shows.

2017: Kakegurui

Unlike many popular anime series that center around physical battles, Kakegurui focuses on psychological strategy and manipulation. It offers a refreshing change of pace for viewers tired of the typical action-focused formula.

Hyakkaou Private Academy appears to be a typical school, but it’s actually a place where students learn to succeed by gambling and using clever tricks. When Yumeko Jabami arrives as a new student, her unusual approach to gambling disrupts the school’s established order, making her a target for the Student Council.

2018: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind

The 2010s were an amazing time for fans of the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The anime adaptation began airing in 2012, and new parts followed quickly: Stardust Crusaders in 2014, Diamond is Unbreakable in 2016, and Golden Wind in 2018. Each of these seasons was a strong contender for the best anime of its year, and Golden Wind was particularly acclaimed as the best of 2018.

I watched as the story shifted to Italy, focusing on a young man named Giorno Giovanna, who dreamed of becoming a gangster. He had a surprising connection to the famous Joestar family, though it was quite distant. Giorno met Bruno Bucciarati, a member of the Italian Mafia group Passione, and quickly joined his team, hoping to make his dream a reality. However, things took a dangerous turn when they caught the eye of Passione’s powerful boss.

2019: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

I’ve been noticing that Demon Slayer is incredibly popular right now – it seems like everyone is talking about it! Even though the original manga finished a while ago, the anime adaptation by Ufotable is amazing and has really captured a global audience. And with the first Infinity Castle movie coming out just last year, it feels like the series isn’t losing steam at all.

While Tanjiro and Nezuko’s compelling story initially drew many fans in, and the emotional depth of Demon Slayer has kept them captivated, it’s Ufotable’s stunning animation that truly elevates the series. It beautifully brings the manga to life, making it one of the most visually impressive anime ever made, and a fantastic highlight of the last decade.

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2026-01-09 21:36