Ever since Dragon Ball Z dominated the world with its Kamehameha! Shounen became an indispensable part of every millennial and Gen Z’s childhood. Shounen in anime was first made as a content category for young boys, however, now even girls watch its shows religiously.
Now it’s a mass phenomenon that has taken every teenager, adult, and child under its spell. Based on intense action and an MC that the viewer can relate to on different levels, it has garnered fandoms of millions of viewers who not only watch these shows but also rejoice in physical and virtual gatherings to share their love for anime.
Is Shounen a genre or a Demographic?
Shounen means “young boy” anime focusing on the young male demographic of 9-18 year-olds, typically featuring themes of personal growth, friendship, and overcoming challenges, often incorporating thrilling battles and exciting adventures.
Luckily for fans, Netflix boasts an impressive library of this popular genre, offering a diverse range of stories and characters to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned viewer or a loyal fan, this guide will navigate you through some of the best shounen anime series on Netflix.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia
In a universe where superpowers, known as “quirks,” are the norm, Izuku Midoriya harbors ambitions of heroism despite being quirkless. His life takes a dramatic turn when he acquires the powers of the legendary hero, All Might, and joins U.A. High School to hone his skills among fellow hero hopefuls.
Haikyu!!
Haikyuu
Inspired by the “Little Giant,” Shoyo Hinata, despite his short stature, is determined to excel in volleyball. Upon entering Karasuno High School, he faces his former rival, the talented Tobio Kageyama, now his teammate.
To achieve his dreams, Hinata must learn to cooperate with Kageyama and embrace the importance of teamwork. Only then he can truly begin his journey to the top of the volleyball world.
Black Clover
Orphans, Asta, and Yuno, dream of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom. While Yuno possesses exceptional magical abilities, Asta is unable to use magic. However, during a life-threatening encounter, Asta acquires a unique five-leaf clover Grimoire, granting him anti-magic powers. With newfound abilities and unwavering determination, Asta and Yuno embark on a journey to fulfill their shared ambition of becoming the Wizard King.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuji Itadori, a high school student with an interest in the occult, inadvertently becomes entangled in the world of Curses after swallowing a cursed object, the finger of Sukuna, the King of Curses. This act grants Yuji extraordinary powers but also exposes him to the dangers of these malevolent beings.
Enrolling in Jujutsu High, a school for training Jujutsu sorcerers, Yuji embarks on a perilous path to combat Curses and protect humanity.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Hunter X Hunter (2011)
Gon Freecss embarks on a journey to become a Hunter, an elite individual with access to restricted areas and hidden treasures. Along the way, he befriends Killua Zoldyck, Kurapika, and Leorio, each with their own motivations and unique abilities. Together, they face different challenges and uncover dark secrets in the world of Hunters.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
This iconic series spans generations of the Joestar family, each with their unique abilities and destinies. Endowed with formidable psychic powers, they go through the thrilling escapades experienced by each family member across their lives.
The series is known for its distinctive art style, flamboyant characters, and the concept of Stands, powerful spiritual entities with diverse powers.
Death Note
Death Note
This psychological thriller follows Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who discovers a notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. As Light becomes consumed by his newfound power, he faces off against the mysterious Detective L in a battle of wits.
Demon Slayer
Also known as Kimetsu no Yaiba: Tanjiro Kamado’s life is shattered when his family is slaughtered by demons, and his younger sister Nezuko is transformed into a demon. Driven by vengeance and a desire to protect his sister, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer, embarking on a dangerous journey to eradicate demons and find a cure for Nezuko.
A World of Shounen Awaits
Netflix’s extensive collection of shounen anime offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to superhero adventures, sports competitions, thrilling battles, or supernatural mysteries, you’re sure to find a series that resonates with you. So, dive into the world of shounen anime for unforgettable journeys alongside these remarkable characters.
