10 Best Shonen Anime Series On Netflix

Netflix has a severely underrated anime offering, and among the offerings from the major streamer is a particular subset of anime called shonen anime. Shonen anime is aimed towards teenage boys, and often – but not always – features big, elaborate fight scenes that go from 0 to 100 in a heartbeat.

Whether you're looking for the perfect entry route to the genre with an easily accessible series, or a devout anime fan with time for an epic story arc, here are the 10 best shonen anime series on Netflix that you must watch.

Hajime no Ippo

Starting life as a 1989 manga, Hajime no Ippo is now widely regarded as the best boxing anime due to its incredibly accurate depiction of the sport. You can tell the artists and animators rigorously researched each punch, block and stance. On top of that sits an engaging rags-to-riches story about a bullied high school kid who rises through the ranks to become a legendary boxer.

Baki

If you want to watch impossibly burly men battling for glory, Baki is for you. Based on the 1991 manga, it follows fledgling fighter Baki as he travels around the world to test his might against other martial artists, aiming to surpass his tyrannical father. Each encounter is a spectacular showdown as a series of hyper-muscled characters push each other to their limit.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

Not all anime has to be entirely from Japan. This is a brilliant example of Western anime, taking place in Toronto and following the exploits of a 22-year-old bass player in an unsuccessful indie band. It's animated by Science Saru, a fairly new but very celebrated anime studio from Japan, also responsible for series like Devilman Crybaby. A fresh new twist on the graphic novel series that also inspired the 2010 film, it features a returning all-star voice cast, including Chris Evans, Michael Cera, and Brie Larson.

One Piece

One Piece made it onto our list of the best anime on Netflix – that's across all genres and age groups – and it's worth a mention here, too. It's an absolutely epic story, told across more than a thousand episodes, with some spectacular fight scenes and some touching, compelling character-focused storytelling. It's also got a live-action adaptation that's actually very good — quite a feat, and something we haven't seen from most live-action adaptations of anime.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

One of the most well-known anime series. Even if you’ve never seen it before, you’ll have seen the merchandise: great towering robots with guns on their arms that can fly. What more do you need? It’s anime’s answer to Star Wars as pilots of these great machines, called Evangelion, aim to stop evil Angels causing havoc.

Death Note

Another high-concept anime, this one centering on a teen boy who finds a mysterious notebook from another realm. This book holds a creepy power: it lets him kill anyone just by writing their name down. The boy tries to do the world a favor by writing the names of notorious criminals, but it soon catches the attention of a top detective.

Cowboy Bebop

Make sure to watch the original animation and not the lukewarm live-action version of this acclaimed anime. It follows bounty hunter Spike Spiegel who, along with his misfit crew, takes on missions across the galaxy. Short, sweet, and with a superb soundtrack.

One Punch Man

The premise of One Punch Man is simple: there’s a man who can destroy anything in a single punch. This isn’t a good thing, however. It’s led to One Punch Man growing bored of his role as superhero as he lazily deals with a litany of powerful opponents by striking them with one blow. With a snappy pace and strikingly designed characters, this is the among the easiest-to-watch anime.

Attack on Titan

There are four incredible seasons to watch of this dark, gritty, and often violent anime. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world overrun with Titans: giant, sometimes skinless figures who roam the countryside eating people whole. The remainder of humanity has barricaded themselves inside walled cities, but even that isn’t enough to stop what’s coming.

Naruto

In this classic shonen anime series, young boy Naruto wants to become the world’s greatest ninja. His drive is one thing, but he’s also able to harness the power of an ancient fox demon, which invariably helps. We follow his journey from village outcast to badass warrior as he battles fearsome foes and makes lifelong friends along the way.