10 Contenders for the Best Shounen Anime of All Time

Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss one day discovers that the father he had always been told was dead was alive. His Father, Ging, is a Hunter — a member of society's elite with a license to go anywhere or do almost anything. Gon, determined to follow in his father's footsteps, decides to take the Hunter Examination and eventually find his father to prove himself as a Hunter in his own right. But as he embarks on this challenging journey, he learns that there is much more to becoming a Hunter than he initially believed, facing some of the toughest challenges in the world. Released on October 2, 2011, this series has garnered an impressive average rating of 4.7. Check it out here.

After two and a half years, Naruto finally returns to his village of Konoha, eager to put his ambitious plans into action. However, he quickly finds out that his absence has allowed powerful enemies to emerge, including the notorious shinobi organization, Akatsuki, which poses a significant threat to his village and friends. Beginning its run on February 15, 2007, this beloved series holds an average rating of 4.2. Explore it here.

Years ago, the fearsome Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, was executed, leaving behind a massive treasure known as the "One Piece." Whoever claims it will be named the new King of the Pirates. Monkey D. Luffy, who has the unique ability of rubber-like properties due to a “Devil Fruit,” embarks on a quest to find the One Piece, inspired by his idol, the pirate Shanks, and supported by a skilled crew. This epic journey began on October 20, 1999, and boasts an average rating of 4.5. Discover the adventures here.

In a world where humanity has retreated behind colossal walls to protect themselves from the terrifying Titans — massive creatures that devour humans — brave members of the Scouting Legion seek to reclaim the world. But as their combat missions grow increasingly perilous, enemies both within and outside the walls become more threatening. The series premiered on April 7, 2013, and carries an average rating of 4.3. Uncover its secrets here.

After a disastrous attempt to use alchemy to bring their mother back to life, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric find themselves on a perilous adventure to restore their bodies. With half of Edward's limbs lost and Alphonse's soul trapped in a suit of armor, they seek the Philosopher’s Stone as their only hope for redemption. This captivating tale began on April 5, 2009, earning an impressive average rating of 4.8. Find out more here.

Light Yagami, an exceptionally talented high school student, stumbles upon a mysterious notebook known as the Death Note, which grants him the power to kill anyone by writing their name within it. With the intention of using this power to rid the world of evil, Light encounters the enigmatic L, who is determined to bring him to justice. This thrilling psychological drama aired starting October 4, 2006, and holds a solid average rating of 4.7. Explore the chilling narrative here.

Naruto Uzumaki is no ordinary ninja; he is a spirited, mischievous youth with dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and the leader of his village, the Hokage. However, as he navigates the trials of adolescence and the complexities of ninja battles, he grapples with the stigma of being an outcast. Naruto first aired on October 3, 2002, and boasts an average rating of 4.0. Discover his journey here.

The adventures of Son Goku continue as he defends Earth with his newfound family and the revelations of his extraterrestrial origins. As Goku and his allies confront a new wave of enemies from outer space, they must employ all their abilities to protect their home. This iconic series commenced on April 26, 1989, achieving an average rating of 4.2. Join Goku's epic battles here.

A world where superpowers, known as Quirks, are commonplace, Izuku Midoriya is a boy born without any powers. Despite this, he dreams of becoming a great hero and enrolls in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for budding heroes. Throughout his journey, he learns what it truly means to be a hero. My Hero Academia burst onto the scene on April 3, 2016, earning an average rating of 4.5. Follow Midoriya's inspiring path here.

The legendary order known as the “Seven Deadly Sins,” once tasked with protecting the kingdom of Britannia, have been accused of treachery and believed dead. However, ten years later, they are called back into action when the Holy Knights seize control, assassinating the king. The king's daughter, Elizabeth, embarks on a quest to find the Seven Deadly Sins and reclaim her kingdom. This compelling narrative debuted on October 5, 2014, and received an average rating of 4.2. Discover their tale here.