Top 10 Best Shonen Anime of the 2020s You Can’t Miss

Shonen anime consistently outshines other genres when it comes to sheer quantity. For instance, the year 2025 alone is projected to introduce over twenty new shonen series, in addition to continuations of some of the most iconic shows ever made. Long-running series such as “One Piece” and “Case Closed” have been consistently churning out episodes for over two decades.

Shonen anime doesn’t just provide volume, but it also delivers quality that holds its own against any other demographic. The top-notch shonen anime from the 2020s are on par with anything else out there, and many have follow-ups that keep them fresh in viewers’ minds. To make it easier to find gems amidst over a hundred shows, let’s focus on the exceptional anime of this decade instead.

Here are a few criteria and notes to keep in mind:

To qualify, an anime must be based on a shonen manga, with the latter being the original source material. No anime based on light novels that also have shonen adaptations.
To qualify, an anime must have released more than 50% of its episodes in the 2020s. Therefore, series like Attack on Titan, Black Clover, Bleach, and One Piece will be left out. Furthermore, only the seasons/episodes released during this decade will be taken into account.
No movies, just shows.

Honorable Mentions

The 2020s are turning out to be an exceptional period for shonen anime, with many outstanding shows emerging. Although these particular series did not make it onto the complete list, they are all excellent and could easily be considered among the top-notch shonen anime of the 2020s.

Shangri-La Frontier
Romantic Killer
Blue Box
Chainsaw Man
Wistoria: Wand and Sword
Ranma 1/2
The Case Study of Vanitas
Call of the Night
Undead Unluck
Kaiju No. 8
Moriarty the Patriot
My Hero Academia (Seasons 6 & 7, Mainly)
Komi Can’t Communicate

10. Blue Lock

A Proper Battle Shonen Sports Anime

Among the numerous shows in the genre, Blue Lock could arguably be the quintessential “shonen” sports anime ever produced. The title signifies a program aiming to produce a self-centered yet exceptionally skilled Japanese soccer striker capable of leading the country to victory in the World Cup. Aspiring players, known for their raw talent, are selected for this project, and ultimately only one will emerge victorious; the rest, unfortunately, will be barred from representing Japan’s national team.

Blue Lock offers an extravagant, absurd, animation that sometimes lacks consistency, yet remains wildly captivating. Characters’ abilities, though not supernatural, are portrayed as almost superhuman and they consistently develop. Despite its flaws, Blue Lock could be the invigorating boost the sports genre has been seeking.

Season 1 maintains its quality consistently, whereas Season 2 experiences a rocky start but recovers with an outstanding second part.

9. Horimiya

Shonen’s Underappreciated Versatility

Shonen animation may be better known for action series, but it boasts a wider range than its image indicates. In addition to action, it delves deeply into comedy, romance, and everyday life stories. “Horimiya” is a standout title that effectively blends all three genres.

From my vantage point, the initial season of this anime primarily focuses on Miyamura and Hori’s blossoming relationship, transforming from mere acquaintances to an adorable pair. This journey is filled with countless amusing moments that keep you engaged. Interestingly enough, as the story progresses, Horimimiya metamorphoses into a slice-of-life comedy, with a central theme of romantic relationships (all shared among friends), particularly in its subsequent season.

8. Dr. Stone (Seasons 2-4)

A Reliable 2020s Shonen Anime All About Science

At the very least, Dr. Stone maintains a consistent approach. This anime stands apart from typical isekai themes by basing itself on a unique premise, yet still providing that satisfying itch. It challenges the traditional shonen battle genre by centering around a protagonist who possesses extraordinary intellect but lacks physical strength. An unusual event petrifies the Earth’s entire population for millennia, leaving them in this state until one day, a teenager named Senku is freed from his stone prison. He discovers a world that has regressed to the Stone Age. With unwavering faith in science, Senku embarks on a mission not only to rejuvenate humanity but also to accelerate its technological growth. It goes without saying that not everyone supports his ambitions.

Dr. Stone excels in its pacing as it progressively develops Senku and the Science Kingdom’s aspirations, making each arc intriguing and captivating. It skillfully incorporates villains specific to each arc, who often pose a significant challenge for our heroes, avoiding stereotypical portrayals of evil. The narrative is shrouded in mystery, keeping viewers engaged, and the anime seamlessly combines humor, action, and adventure elements. Despite some character designs requiring an acquired taste, the animation remains robust.

7. Spy x Family

A Constantly Hilarious Shonen Anime Comedy

Among the most celebrated shonen series of this decade, “Spy x Family” has had an unconventional journey thus far. The initial season earned near-unanimous acclaim for its wit, endearing protagonists, and intriguing espionage plot; nevertheless, subsequent seasons primarily focus on humor, leaving the main narrative largely untouched, which can give the series a repetitive feel in some instances.

Speaking from my perspective as a viewer, if we focus on it purely as a comedic series, Spy x Family stands out not just as one of the funniest anime produced in the 2020s, but potentially among the best comedies ever made. The show’s charm primarily stems from Anya, who serves as both the primary source of laughter and the emotional core of the story. She is truly endearing, and her adoptive parents, equally captivating characters, add to the overall delightfulness of the series.

6. Dandadan

Master Of All

To put it simply, one might say that Dandadan seems unexpectedly excellent given its diverse genres. With a blend of sci-fi, supernatural, action, comedy, and romance, this shonen anime typically struggles to excel in all areas. However, Dandadan manages not only to hold its own in each aspect but also skillfully intertwines them to form a cohesive whole that surpasses the individual elements. In the story, Momo and Ken make a wager to prove the existence of aliens or yokai. Remarkably, they find evidence for both, and more importantly, they have become entwined in both realms since then.

Apart from its stunning animation, hilarious wit, thrilling action scenes, unique creature designs, and all, the anime “Dandadan” would be a standout among shonen anime of the 2020s even if we only focused on the heartwarming and believable relationship between Momo and Ken. Luckily, there’s no need to set aside those other aspects because “Dandadan” truly delivers on all fronts, offering a complete viewing experience.

Dandadan season 2 debuts in Summer 2025.

5. Demon Slayer (Seasons 2-4)

The Defining Shonen Anime Of The 2020s

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving headfirst into the captivating world of Demon Slayer, a phenomenon that burst onto the scene towards the end of the 2010s and has since left an indelible mark on pop culture. Over the past few years, it seems like you can’t escape this masterpiece—it’s become so ubiquitous that it borders on overexposure!

However, Ufotable’s anime adaptation is a unique gem in the sea of adaptations. What sets it apart is the studio’s commitment to creating feature-quality animation with surprising regularity. At its peak, Demon Slayer elevates the battle shonen genre to unprecedented heights, seamlessly blending stunning visuals, enchanting music, and compelling storytelling into a near-flawless narrative experience.

It’s true that many viewers believe “Demon Slayer” reached its zenith with season 2, as the subsequent seasons didn’t quite meet the exceptional quality set by the first. Yet, even at its lowest point, “Demon Slayer” outshines most action series on the market, and this praise extends beyond just anime. Ufotable is continuing to develop a movie trilogy based on the final story arc.

4. Summer Time Rendering

One Of Shonen’s Best Mysteries

The show “Summer Time Rendering” can be described as having two exceptional halves. To keep things spoiler-free, let’s discuss its fundamental idea instead. Upon learning about the death of his childhood friend, Shinpei revisits an island he used to call home, oblivious to the fact that a more peculiar event than a heartbreaking funeral awaited him. Essentially, Shinpei perishes on his very first day back, which in turn initiates a time loop that takes him back to when he initially arrived at the island.

Exploring further with the captivating opening titled “Summer Time Rendering“, the narrative unfolds as a richly layered storyline brimming with enigma, tension, hints of terror, and camaraderie. With each new unveiling, the mystery deepens, leading spectators on an adventure that includes death, sorrow, and triumphant moments.

3. The Dangers in My Heart

The Best 2020s Shonen Romance Anime

In many shonen romance anime, we often see a well-liked girl developing feelings for an unassuming boy, and “The Dangers in My Heart” might initially appear to follow this familiar pattern, even though it introduces a unique twist by featuring a male lead with violent fantasies about his classmates. However, these stories, while simple, can be quite engaging due to their straightforward nature.

Subsequently, Ichikawa and Anna develop a stronger bond over time, becoming more intimate while also grappling with relatable emotional struggles rooted in their backgrounds and influences. Ichikawa’s imaginative musings take a back seat, allowing Anna to evolve into a multidimensional character rather than serving merely as a tool for the male protagonist’s development. They engage in genuine discussions, share endearing yet awkward moments, confront their apprehensions, and progress through their journey together. By the conclusion of season 2, The Dangers in My Heart established itself as one of the most remarkable romance anime productions.

2. Jujutsu Kaisen

The Best 2020s Battle Shonen Anime

In addition to “Demon Slayer,” “Jujutsu Kaisen” has significantly elevated the battle shonen genre, an accomplishment not taken lightly given its competition with numerous classics. Nevertheless, when it comes to sheer spectacle and action, MAPPA’s anime is currently leading the pack in the shonen category, and this trend seems set to continue throughout much of the 2020s. Each fight showcases exceptional animation and artistry while also maintaining a sense of urgency and impact.

Instead of just discussing the action, Jujutsu Kaisen adheres to a conventional structure for a battle shonen series, but this isn’t necessarily a drawback. What truly distinguishes the anime from others is its commitment to avoiding unnecessary filler, instead propelling each arc forward briskly without pausing, thereby keeping viewers fully engaged and focused.

1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

The Best 2020s Shonen Anime

In the 2020s, it’s hard to find an anime better than Frieren. This series, produced by Madhouse, has become the epitome of fantasy in this decade, with few other works coming close to matching its excellence across various aspects.

Frieren is a long-lived elf who was once part of a group that defeated the Demon King. Due to her unique perception of time, she missed out on connecting with her former allies for years. Fast forward to decades later, Frieren embarks on a journey to follow her old party’s trail and preserve her cherished memories of them. She is joined by a young mage and warrior who are still growing and learning.

In a subtly intricate manner, the series Frieren weaves adventure seamlessly, creating moments that are both wistful and hopeful. It’s a tranquil saga that skillfully balances intimate reflection with grand-scale action. The animation by Madhouse faithfully brings the captivating narrative and character development to life, and the music is equally enchanting. With season 2 slated for release at the start of 2026, there’s much more to look forward to from this remarkable tale.

2025-05-18 02:09