Best 7 Anime Shounen That You Should Watch Befor You Die Part 1 2023 - retoreview
Introduction:
In the vibrant and diverse world of anime, there exists a genre that consistently captivates audiences of all ages with its heart-pounding action, coming-of-age themes, and boundless spirit of adventure. This genre, known as "shounen," has been a cornerstone of anime culture, delivering exhilarating tales that resonate deeply with viewers. From epic battles to life-changing friendships, shounen anime have an uncanny ability to transport us to fantastical worlds where the impossible becomes possible.
In this blog post, we'll be delving into the realm of shounen anime and uncovering seven extraordinary series that have left an indelible mark on the anime landscape. These shows not only exemplify the genre's core characteristics but have also carved their places in the hearts of countless fans worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned shounen enthusiast or someone new to the genre, prepare to be introduced to a world filled with action-packed narratives, coming-of-age journeys, and the unbreakable bonds that define these remarkable series.
7-Akame ga Kill
"Akame ga Kill!" is an anime that follows the story of Tatsumi, a young warrior from a rural village who sets out to the capital in search of a way to save his impoverished hometown. However, he quickly finds himself embroiled in a brutal conflict between the oppressive government and a group of assassins known as Night Raid, who work to overthrow the corrupt regime. Upon arriving in the capital, Tatsumi encounters the beautiful and deadly assassin Akame, who introduces him to Night Raid. Led by the strong-willed Najenda, Night Raid is a group of skilled fighters with unique weapons and abilities. They fight against the cruelty of the government and its corrupt officials, known as "Imperial Arms." As Tatsumi joins Night Raid, he learns that the Imperial Arms are powerful artifacts with unique abilities, wielded by both the government and the assassins.
Each member of Night Raid possesses an Imperial Arm, and they work together to eliminate high-ranking officials and key figures responsible for the oppression and suffering of the people.
The anime explores themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of violence. The battles are intense and often result in heartbreaking losses as both sides engage in deadly clashes. As Tatsumi becomes more entwined with Night Raid, he undergoes personal growth and transformation, adapting to the harsh realities of his new life.
"Akame ga Kill!" is characterized by its dark and gritty tone, where characters face moral dilemmas and complex decisions in a world marked by corruption and violence. The story builds tension through conflicts between characters, shifting allegiances, and unexpected twists, creating a sense of uncertainty and unpredictability.
6-Nanatsu no Taizai
"Nanatsu no Taizai," also known as "The Seven Deadly Sins," is an anime set in a fantasy world where knights known as the Seven Deadly Sins were once revered as the strongest and most feared group of warriors. However, they were falsely accused of conspiring to overthrow the kingdom and were disbanded. The story begins when the kingdom is threatened by a corrupt group of knights called the Holy Knights, who stage a coup to take control. The plot follows Elizabeth Liones, the third princess of the kingdom, as she embarks on a journey to find the Seven Deadly Sins and enlist their help in reclaiming her kingdom. She seeks out the first member, Meliodas, a charismatic and powerful young man who runs a tavern. Meliodas reveals himself to be the Dragon's Sin of Wrath, one of the Seven Deadly Sins. As Elizabeth and Meliodas begin their quest to reunite the Seven Deadly Sins, they encounter and recruit other members, each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins and possessing unique abilities.
The diverse group includes Diane, the Serpent's Sin of Envy; Ban, the Fox's Sin of Greed; King, the Grizzly's Sin of Sloth; Gowther, the Goat's Sin of Lust; Merlin, the Boar's Sin of Gluttony; and Escanor, the Lion's Sin of Pride.
The anime follows their adventures as they confront the Holy Knights, uncover dark secrets about the kingdom's history, and face off against powerful foes. The story explores themes of friendship, redemption, destiny, and the balance between good and evil. The characters' backstories, motivations, and interactions contribute to the emotional depth of the narrative.
"Nanatsu no Taizai" features epic battles, magical abilities, and character growth as the Seven Deadly Sins work together to protect the kingdom and clear their names. The series combines action, fantasy, and humor in a world filled with knights, magic, and mythical creatures.
5-Kimetsu no Yaiba
"Kimetsu no Yaiba," also known as "Demon Slayer," is an anime set in a historical fantasy world where demons roam the land and threaten humanity's existence. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted and determined young boy who becomes a Demon Slayer after his family is brutally slaughtered by demons. His younger sister, Nezuko, survives the attack but is turned into a demon herself. Devastated by the loss of his family and driven by the hope of finding a cure for Nezuko's condition, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps—an organization dedicated to eradicating demons and protecting humanity. With his unwavering determination and unique sense of smell, Tanjiro embarks on a journey to become a skilled Demon Slayer and seek revenge against the demon responsible for his family's tragedy. Throughout his quest, Tanjiro encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own tragic pasts and motivations.
He forms deep bonds with fellow Demon Slayers, including the hot-tempered Zenitsu and the stoic Inosuke. Together, they face formidable demons, uncover dark secrets, and develop their combat skills in preparation for their ultimate battle against the most powerful demons, the Twelve Kizuki.
The anime explores themes of family, redemption, the power of friendship, and the struggle between humanity and monstrous creatures. As Tanjiro strives to protect Nezuko and seek a way to turn her back into a human, he also learns about the complexity of demons and the forces that drive them.
"Kimetsu no Yaiba" is known for its breathtaking animation, intense battles, and emotional storytelling. The series masterfully balances action-packed scenes with moments of introspection and character growth, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant narrative.
4-Boku no Hero Academia
"Boku no Hero Academia," also known as "My Hero Academia," is an anime set in a world where superpowers, known as "Quirks," are a common part of society. The story revolves around Izuku Midoriya, a Quirkless boy with dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might, the world's greatest hero. Despite being born without a Quirk, Izuku's determination and unwavering spirit catch the attention of All Might. One fateful encounter with All Might leads to Izuku inheriting the legendary hero's Quirk, "One For All," a power that grants immense strength and abilities. With his newfound powers, Izuku gains admission to U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes. He joins Class 1-A, which is filled with a diverse group of students, each with their own unique Quirks and aspirations.
The anime follows Izuku's journey as he trains to become a hero, honing his abilities and facing various challenges along the way. He forms strong friendships with his classmates, including the fiery Katsuki Bakugo, the clever Ochaco Uraraka, and the stoic Shoto Todoroki. Together, they navigate U.A.'s rigorous curriculum, engage in simulated battles, and confront real-world threats.
The story delves into themes of heroism, self-discovery, rivalry, and the responsibilities that come with having powers. As the students of Class 1-A develop their skills and confront both villains and internal struggles, they also grapple with questions of morality and the blurred lines between heroism and vigilantism.
The anime showcases exhilarating battles, creative use of Quirks, and character growth as the students evolve into capable heroes. Throughout the series, the students of U.A. face both personal and global challenges, including clashes with powerful villains seeking to undermine society.
3-Shingeki no Kyojin
"Shingeki no Kyojin," also known as "Attack on Titan," is an anime set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The story revolves around Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert, who live within the confines of enormous walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans. The narrative unfolds after a colossal Titan breaches Wall Maria, allowing smaller Titans to invade and leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin witness the destruction and the death of Eren's mother at the hands of a Titan. Fueled by a desire for revenge and a determination to eradicate the Titans, Eren joins the military's elite Scout Regiment, along with Mikasa and Armin. The story explores the mysteries behind the Titans, the walls, and the origins of humanity itself. As the trio navigates the perils of combat against Titans and uncovers government secrets, they discover that Eren possesses a unique power: the ability to transform into a Titan himself.
This discovery leads to a deeper understanding of the truth behind the Titans' origins, their connection to the walls, and the complexities of the world they inhabit.
The narrative delves into themes of freedom, survival, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The Scouts confront not only the Titans but also the corrupt government and the mysteries of the world beyond the walls. As the story progresses, new alliances are formed, betrayals are revealed, and characters must grapple with the consequences of their actions.
The anime is marked by intense action sequences, emotional character development, and a complex plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The battles against the Titans, the internal struggles of the characters, and the revelations that reshape their understanding of their world are central to the series.
2-Death Note
"Death Note" is an anime series centered around a high-stakes battle of wits between a brilliant student and a supernatural tool that grants the power to kill. The story follows Light Yagami, a highly intelligent and morally conflicted high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the Death Note. The Death Note was dropped by a Shinigami (death god) named Ryuk, who is intrigued by how humans will use its power. The Death Note comes with a set of rules: if a person's name is written in the notebook while the writer has their face in mind, that person will die of a heart attack unless specific conditions are outlined. Light, fueled by his belief in creating a utopian world devoid of criminals, takes on the identity of "Kira" and begins a vigilante crusade to rid the world of wrongdoers. His actions garner worldwide attention as law enforcement agencies and international organizations scramble to catch the mysterious serial killer.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the enigmatic and highly skilled detective known only as "L" enters the scene. L becomes obsessed with uncovering Kira's identity and brings his own intellectual prowess to the battle. This sets the stage for a tense cat-and-mouse game between Light and L, where each side employs complex strategies, psychological manipulation, and careful deduction to outsmart the other.
As the conflict escalates, alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and the ethical boundaries of justice and morality are pushed to their limits. The series delves into themes of power, morality, the nature of justice, and the consequences of playing god. The evolving dynamic between Light and L, along with their intellectual confrontations, form the core of the narrative.
1-Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
"Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is an anime series set in a fictional world where alchemy is a widespread practice. The story revolves around two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to bring their mother back to life. However, the forbidden act results in a tragic accident: Edward loses his arm and leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brother, Edward sacrifices his own arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor. The brothers embark on a journey to find the Philosopher's Stone, a powerful alchemical artifact that could potentially restore their bodies. Their quest leads them to the military organization known as the State Alchemists, where Edward becomes the youngest State Alchemist in history with the title "Fullmetal Alchemist."
As they uncover deeper conspiracies within the military and the nation of Amestris, they discover the existence of Homunculi, artificially created beings embodying the seven deadly sins.
The Elric brothers encounter a cast of complex characters, including their childhood friend Winry Rockbell, the skilled alchemist Roy Mustang, the kind-hearted teacher Izumi Curtis, and the enigmatic Homunculus leader Father. As they navigate political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and battles against powerful foes, they strive to unravel the secrets of the Philosopher's Stone and uncover the truth behind Amestris' dark history.
The anime explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, the consequences of power, and the value of human life. It combines action, adventure, drama, and philosophical elements to create a rich and emotionally charged narrative.