These Shonen Anime Are Perfect For Anyone Craving Another My Hero Academia

A little over a decade ago, a show called My Hero Academia was released, with no one expecting the impact it would have on the anime industry. Deku’s story has not only become one of the most beloved Shonen in existence, with many fans calling it one of the best series in the genre, but it has also inspired millions of fans. Lamentably, as with all good things, the show had to come to an end, and it did in December 2025.

While it is true that this amazing universe still has much to impress fans with via its spin-off, Vigilantes, with a story that takes place a few years before the original, many fans might still want to satisfy their need with one of the best Shonen anime ever. Fortunately for them, the genre has a plethora of incredibly enjoyable and worthy series that can help them relive the excitement Deku and his friends brought to their lives.

8

Katekyo Hitman Reborn

Rumors across the town of Nanimori speak about a boy who has never been successful at anything, nicknamed No-Good-Tsuna. He is mocked at school for being bad at sports, getting bad grades, and never standing up for himself. One day, as Tsuna prepares for another torturous day, he is greeted by a small baby wearing a suit, who tells him he is supposed to train him to become the next boss of the Vongola Family, Italy’s most powerful mafia.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn is a lesser-known Shonen from the 2000s that has captured the hearts of its fanbase thanks to its inspiring storytelling, compelling characters, and amazing power system. My Hero Academia fans will likely enjoy Tsuna’s character, as he is also an underdog protagonist who rises to power. The fighting style, which is less explosive and more choreographed than other anime of the genre, will also remind viewers of Deku’s early days at U.A. Academy.

7

Black Clover

Ever since he was a child, Asta dreamed of becoming the next ruler of the Clover Kingdom, also known as the powerful Wizard King. The only issue with his dream is that, despite living in a world where magic and fantastical abilities are commonplace, the protagonist is unable to wield any mystical powers. Pushed by his limits to train harder, Asta will manage to join the Black Bulls, one of the best guilds in all of anime, to become stronger and reach his goal.

Like was the case for My Hero Academia, the Black Clover anime came at a time when Shonen was looking for something fresh to offer audiences. Asta’s journey is one filled with excitement, friendship, and some of the greatest battles in modern anime. The fact that the protagonist is, like Izuku, unable to use the powers associated with his home universe will make it easy for audiences to empathize with him. Moreover, with its manga series officially announcing its ending, there is no better time for new fans to jump on the hype train before the final goodbye.

6

Jujutsu Kaisen

Lately, Yuji’s life has been nothing like he expected when he entered high school. His grandfather had just died, his classmates cannot truly be called his friends, and he has just recently found out that monstrous spirits known as Curses roam Japan. After being attacked by one of these creatures, Yuji swallows the finger of an ancient evil to gain power and save his life. As such, he becomes bonded with the being known as Sukuna, the King and the most powerful of all Cursed Spirits, and he must find a way to stop the monster from coming back.

Based on one of the best-selling Shonen manga of all time, Jujutsu Kaisen is a series that blends fantastical elements with intense and gut-wrenching emotional battles that can devastate audiences. Unlike most other anime of the genre, this series is not afraid to assault fans with tear-jerking scenes only to then send them immediately into a memorable fight. It is a dark series that is not recommended for young audiences, but those old enough to handle its themes must give it a try.

5

Blue Exorcist

Anime fathers are often known for how much trauma they can induce on their children, especially in Shonen. But there are few revelations more life-altering than learning you’re the son of Satan, the Demon King of Hell. That is exactly what happens to Rin and his brother Yukio shortly before seeing their adoptive father, an exorcist named Shiro Fujimoto, die in a battle against a demon. Armed with an anti-demonic sword and a blue flame that can burn anything, Rin will find a way to defeat his father and avenge his guardian.

For many years, the Blue Exorcist anime had been considered one of the classics of Shonen, with millions of fans waiting impatiently for its epic finale. Some might argue that the available anime seasons of this incredible story are way too short, and the original ending created for the first season caused much controversy among fans. Still, this series is worth an opportunity, as viewers might find the hidden gem they were looking for.

4

Mashle: Magic and Muscle

In a world where magic is seen as a gift from the Gods and those born without it are persecuted, a father is forced to hide his adoptive son, Mash, from the rest of the world. One day, as the boy trains his body like always, he is spotted without the mark that denotes magical abilities by a police officer. By using his impressive abilities, Mash and his father are able to convince the officer to let the boy live, but only if he is able to join the prestigious Easton Magic Academy and prove his worth to society.

An anime that proves to be fun since it begins, Mashle is a series that cleverly criticizes the tropes of other Shonen anime, like presenting the heroes as superior because of their special abilities. The series hides deep commentary about society in a hilarious and exciting package that will keep viewers begging for more. Seeing Mash fight and overcome some of the best arch-mages in anime with strength alone will also remind audiences of Deku’s journey from a Quirkless boy into a hero.

3

Talentless Nana

Decades ago, cruel and bloodthirsty monsters known as Enemies of Humanity began appearing on Earth, causing havoc across the globe. At the same time, people with special powers, or Talented, began being born, becoming the last hope of civilization against the creatures. Nowadays, these individuals train in a special school created by the government to help them harness their abilities. But when a student known as Nana joins the class, students start to disappear left and right. Could these occurrences be linked to the girl?

At first, Talentless Nana might appear like a regular slice-of-life anime that will warm audiences’ hearts by showing powerful youngsters working together to protect humanity. Yet, this series hides a shocking and ingenious plot twist that will keep viewers invested since episode 1. Lamentably, the first season’s end makes it join the list of amazing shows with open-ended finales, so fans might be left waiting for more once they conclude.

2

To Be Hero X

Most of the time, the strongest abilities in anime are something that the heroes are either born with or acquire permanently, such as Izuku with One For All. But in the world of To Be Hero X, powers are granted by the faith people have in the heroes that possess them. The more the public believes in the abilities of a fighter, the more powerful they become. To keep the faith in the heroes strong, every two years a tournament is held to determine who the strongest and most popular hero will be, by earning the title of “X”.

Probably one of the best donghua of recent years, To Be Hero X is a series that combines the intricacies of typical superhero anime with an animation style and story that challenge the conventional. Although some fans have complaints about the uneven pacing, with some scenes feeling like they last for hours while others are quite rushed, it is nonetheless an amazing series for all fans of Superhero anime.

1

Mob Psycho 100

Shigeo, also known as Mob, might seem like a regular, if somewhat detached, boy, going through life like his peers. What most don’t know is that behind his emotionless facade hides one of the most powerful psychics in anime, with abilities that can level entire blocks in seconds. With the help of Rengen, a fake medium who solves paranormal cases, Mob will learn to control his powers and open himself to the world.

Undoubtedly one of the most impressive and unique anime with an overpowered protagonist, Mob Psycho 100 does not focus on the hero’s journey as he learns to harness his powers, but rather as he learns to live normally. It is a hilarious yet heartfelt story that has several important lessons that will accompany fans even after the anime ends. Best of all, its fight scenes are also a spectacle to witness, culminating in a series that has it all.

My Hero Academia

Release Date

2016 – 2025-00-00

Network

TBS, MBS, Nippon TV

Directors

Shouji Ikeno, Tsuyoshi Tobita, Ikuro Sato, Takudai Kakuchi, Masashi Abe, Tetsuya Miyanishi, Kazuma Komatsu, Yoshifumi Sasahara, Masayuki Otsuki, Daisuke Tsukushi, Takayuki Yamamoto, Yohei Fukui, Takuro Tsukada, Masatoyo Takada, Naomi Nakayama, Sayaka Morikawa, Takanori Yano

• 

  Daiki Yamashita

  Izuku Midoriya (voice)

• 

  Kaito Ishikawa

  Manga Fukidashi (voice)