Shōnen Jumphas gone through multiple eras of explosive popularity, becoming the home of the industry’s biggest hits likeDragon Balland the big three:One Piece,Naruto, andBleach. However, Shōnen Jump has many other series that, while not achieving a similar impact in the West, are incredible options for viewers looking for a new story, more than worth it for anime fans.
While manga likeDemon SlayerandJujutsu Kaisenare largely responsible for the industry’s growth in recent years, these aren’t the only essential Shōnen Jump titles. Shōnen Jump releases dozens of different series each year, so it’s easy to miss out on some absolute gems that may not be as well-known but promise to be enjoyable for anime fans.
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Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nubeis a shōnen series from the 90s, full of action-packed scenes and a high dose of fan service.Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nubecenters on fighting curses and ghosts, similar to classics popular at the time, likeGhost Sweeper Mikamiorthe infamousGhost Stories. Sadly,Hell Teacher Nubeisn’t as well-known outside Japan.
Shōnen fans can give a new watch toHell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nubethanks to its remake that premiered in Summer 2025.
However,Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nubehas something that differentiates it from other series, focusing on the teacher of an elementary school and feeding on the popular myths and urban legends that kids often heard during their childhood. Additionally, the manga has a great balance between scary and lighthearted moments thanks to Nueno’s innate ability to get into funny situations.
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Medaka Boxis one of the most underrated battle shōnen series, which unexpectedly turned out to be much more than a seemingly everyday high school life series. InMedaka Box, Medaka is the perfect student council president, unapologetic and with nothing to hide. Seeking to help others with a suggestion box, this creates great doses of comedy and fan service.
However,Medaka Box’s story is more complex than it seems, with larger threats to the school lurking in the shadows, later featuring fights with unimaginable powerscaling.Medaka Boxis weird and entertaining, full of action, embarrassing situations, and with one of themost unexpected cliffhangersin the best part of the story, making the manga a must-read.
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Undead Unlucksadly flew under the radar of many shōnen fans due to its initial fanservice and uncomfortable dynamic between the protagonists, Fuuko and Andy. However,Undead Unluck’s story quickly evolves,becomingone of thebest new generation shōnen mangathanks to its unconventional power system based on rules that set some of the most innovative fights in the genre.
Additionally, similar to other shōnen, likeJujutsu KaisenorGachiakuta, Undead Unluckshowcases an organization in charge of protecting the world with a great cast of bizarre and interesting members. Furthermore, Fuuko’s growth and character development are brilliantly portrayed, making her one of the best female characters in modern shōnen.
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What anime fans may remember most from the 80s isRumiko Takahashi’s works, such asMaison IkkokuandUrusei Yatsura,butKimagure Orange Roadwas one of the best rom-coms in Weekly Shōnen Jump.Kimagure Orange Roadfollows the story of Kyousuke, whose family hides their supernatural powers, and his blooming interactions in the love triangle with Madoka and Hikaru.
Shōnen Jump is mostly known for its battle manga, but it has also hosted manyiconic romantic comediessuch asIchigo 100%,Love Hina,Stop! Hibari-kun, andBlue Box.
This makesKimagure Orange Roada must-watch classic rom-com that blends supernatural elements andromance likeRanma 1/2.Kimagure Orange Roadhas stood the passage of timethanks to its beautiful character design and grounded story that steers clear of the typical harems, with many moments of romantic tension and comedy enhanced by its introspective nature.
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Sket Danceis one of themost underrated comedy anime, which didn’t achieve mainstream popularity like other parody series such asGintama,despite being influenced by it. Following the story of a high school club that seeks to help others in the most unconventional ways, one ofSket Dance’s strengths is its cast of quirky and endearing characters.
Sket Dance’s creator, Kenta Shinohara, is also the author ofAstra Lost in Space,the popular2025 animeWitch Watch, and a former assistant ofGintama’s Hideaki Sorashi.
Sket Dancehas a better narrative than many shōnen manga, ranging from inconsequential lighthearted gags to more serious themes and heartwarming flashbacks that give greater depth to the characters. This makesSket Dancea captivating story with unique comedy and all kinds of situationsthat will make viewers cry with laughter or burst with overflowing emotion.
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Kinnikumanfeatures bizarre wrestling competitions against all sorts of enemies, which are both ridiculous and incredibly funny, including multiple parodies of real WWE stars, which may appeal to fans of the sport and shōnen. Furthermore,Kinnikumanis often considered the father of battle shōnenand is highly acclaimed in Japan, currently being one of the best-selling manga of all time.
Unfortunately,Kinnikumanis underrated in the West, overshadowed by other shōnen titles from the 80s, and the fact that the story can be a bit difficult to keep up with due to its multiple seasons. However,Netflix’sKinnikumanrevival seriesis a visual spectacle and a great gateway into the franchise for those who want to check out the story.
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Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan is not the typical shōnen about supernatural creatures coexisting with humans. Following a weak heir charged with leading Japan’s largest demon clan, the anime mixes Japanese mythology and explores humanity through the duality of the protagonist, who transforms himself after becoming a yokai. This also creates opportunities for romance, giving Nura a unique twist.
DespiteNura: Rise of the Yokai Clanbeing fairly unknown compared with other shōnen, it boasts plenty of action and mysterythanks to its dynamic political touch, featuring rivals for the clan’s succession as well as external enemies seeking to conquer the region. This makesNura: Rise of the Yokai Clananunderrated anime that deserves more recognition.
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Following a mischievous and notoriously violent high schooler, Oga, who is forced to become the babysitter of the adorable son of an evil Lord,Beelzebub, it’s a breath of fresh air among shōnen anime and manga, shining thanks to its peculiar mix of demons and delinquents that gives plenty of witty and blatant comedy moments that will make viewers laugh.
Beelzebubwas overlooked due to the filler in its anime adaptation and for its primary focus on comedy. However,Beelzebubfeatures many epic fights, making it perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted battle shonen without overly complicated plots. Furthermore, Oga’s constant struggle to get rid of the baby evolves into an endearing father-son relationship that any viewer will love.
Animated by Toei Animation; Based on the Manga by Daisuke Ashihara
World Trigger
World Trigger is a Japanese anime series based on the manga by Daisuke Ashihara. The story is set in the city of Mikado, where mysterious beings known as Neighbors emerge from another dimension. To combat this threat, an organization called Border uses advanced technology to fight the invaders. The series follows the journey of Osamu Mikumo and Yuma Kuga as they join Border and face powerful enemies from other worlds.
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One of the things that makesWorld Triggerdifferent from other shōnen anime is its battles and unique power system.World Trigger’s battle system is very similar to that of a video game, using advanced technology and special weapons, where it’s impossible to win without tactical strategy or relying solely on the power of friendship.
World Triggerhad a fairly slow beginning, and its adaptation by Toei Animation didn’t have spectacular animation like other shōnen, which damaged the series' popularity among Western viewers. However,World Trigger’s anime gets better after the first season, and its initial flaw doesn’t overshadow its intriguing story, filled with interesting characters that will captivate any reader.
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Hikaru no Gois an atypical shōnen with many of the tropes that fans love in the genre, such as an inspiring rivalry, the desire to improve, and intense tournaments.Hikaru no Gofeatures exciting mind battles and an unconventional mentor, becoming a cultural phenomenon in Japan, promoted for its educational nature, and considered one of the best manga ever.
Hikaru no Go’s manga artist is part of the creative duo behindDeath Note,Bakuman, andPlatinum End.
Unfortunately,Hikaru no Godidn’t enjoy such a deep-rooted popularity in the West, being sadly overlooked by modern fans when referring to the best sports anime. Nevertheless,Hikaru no Gois an exciting series with masterful, realistic character development, conveying how to evolve as a player, grow as a person, and forge your own path.
