Demon Slayer, due to the recent North American release of its first Infinity Castle movie, is the hottest anime series on the planet. For the past six or so years, the smash-hit Shōnen Jump adaptation has ruled the anime world, and helped to deliver the form of entertainment to audiences who otherwise might never have tuned into anime.
As a traditional battle shōnen series, Demon Slayer checks all the boxes and incorporates all the tropes, both good and bad, that fans have come to expect from the genre. However, it’s far from the best shōnen action series ever. A number of different shows have done what Demon Slayer is currently doing, and managed to do it even better.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Animated by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami
Few anime series have been able to rival the popularity of Demon Slayer in recent years, but one has proven itself a formidable competitor for the shōnen anime throne. Through Jujutsu Kaisen’s two seasons, the series has stunned audiences with masterful, flashy visuals, uptempo combat sequences, a tight narrative, and likable characters.
Both titles are relatively straightforward battle shōnen experiences, but where Demon Slayer has been prone to enter lulls in a few sections of its story, Jujutsu Kaisen has kept to the pedal to the metal throughout the entirety of its run. While both shows feature some of the best visuals in anime, Jujutsu Kaisen’s action is also tighter, more energetic, and endlessly fun.
Gintama
Animated by Sunrise and Bandai Namco Studios, Based on the Manga by Hideaki Sorachi
Long before Demon Slayer ran the shōnen scene, there was the era of the ‘Big Three’, comprised of One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, which were published alongside arguably the most underappreciated title in anime and manga history, Gintama. As a series made by anime fans, for anime fans, Gintama is non-stop fun from start to finish.
Being a sci-fi, adventure-focused shōnen series, the anime features a masterful blend of serious, action-packed scenes, and also an incredibly healthy dose of comedy. Demon Slayer fans won’t find as much sword fighting, considering they’ve been banned in the world of Gintama, but the well-rounded series will make it difficult for viewers not to become invested.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
Another modern heavy hitter in the industry, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, premiered in late 2023 and immediately captured the attention of the anime community. Where Demon Slayer leans into and relies on its battle shōnen elements, Frieren sticks more to a traditional fantasy structure, and features an emotional but also exciting viewing experience.
The combat sequences in both stories can’t really be compared, with Demon Slayer having some of the action in anime, but Frieren has the rather comfortable upper-hand in its writing. The series follows a cast of complex characters while they explore a well-constructed fantasy world, and the slower pace of the show allows its emotional moments to hit hard.
Frieren is set to take over the anime community once more when season two premieres in January 2026.
Chainsaw Man
Animated by MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Tanjiro is one of the most comfortable, naturally good protagonists in shōnen anime history, following in the footsteps of characters like Goku and Luffy before him. Chainsaw Man’s Denji, on the other hand, is everything a typical shōnen protagonist is not. Having been left traumatized by a horrifying childhood, Denji tirelessly chases his own selfish desires.
Chainsaw Man is one of the darkest stories to have ever come from Weekly Shōnen Jump, and absolutely refuses to adhere to any of the typical storytelling elements associated with the shōnen tag. The series is set to make its North American theatrical debut in October, and will directly compete with Demon Slayer’s first Infinity Castle movie at the box office.
Attack on Titan
Animated by Wit Studio and MAPPA, Based on the Manga by Hajime Isayama
How Demon Slayer has dominated the anime world in recent years, Attack on Titan ran the scene in a very similar manner during its broadcast. By the time the final season was airing, the release of every new episode became an event in the community, and social media platforms became flooded with discussion about the series.
Though Attack on Titan might share more in common with a seinen action title, the series shōnen tag ensured it met the eyes of countless fans around the world, and its overwhelming success is deserved. Attack on Titan dove head first into subjects like freedom and oppression, and did so in undeniable style, keeping fans glued to screens until the very end.
One Piece
Animated by Toei Animation, Based on the Manga by Eiichiro Oda
Though Demon Slayer is the current hottest title in anime, there will likely never be another shōnen series that can match the ongoing, lasting success of One Piece. For decades, Luffy and the Straw Hats have sat alone on the anime and manga throne, comfortably looking down on their contemporaries.
The sprawling, more than a thousand episode epic that is One Piece has consistently showcased some of the best writing and world-building the adventure shōnen genre has to offer. Though the anime’s version of events has suffered some pacing issues over the years, its continued popularity is a testament to the quality of its world and characters.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
Animated by David Production, Based on the Manga by Hirohiko Araki
If Demon Slayer’s traditional action shōnen elements have made it one of the more predictable mainstream success stories, then Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure’s off-the-wall absurdity has made it one of anime’s most surprising hits.
Brimming with an unmistakable style, unapologetic weirdness, and characters fans can’t help but love, the series is one of the most popular Shōnen Jump adaptations ever. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and its ongoing feud between the Joestar family and Dio Brando has entertained generations of anime and manga fans, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
The series’ action doesn’t resemble much of what has made Demon Slayer so popular, yet fans continue to sing the show’s praises while patiently waiting for the upcoming premiere of Steel Ball Run.
Hunter x Hunter
Animated by Madhouse, Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi
Before the era of the ‘Big Three’, but after the rivalry between Dragon Ball and Slam Dunk that defined Weekly Shōnen Jump the ’90s, one of the most popular shōnen series in history, Hunter x Hunter, made its debut. Though the series was adapted in 1999, a later production by Madhouse premiered in 2011 with the intention of covering the source material accurately.
That series quickly became a smash-hit, showcasing the masterful world-building and dynamic characters that initially made Yoshirio Togashi’s original manga so special. Though Hunter x Hunter might never come to a true finale, the series has accomplished enough for anime fans to regard it as one of the best ever.
Yuyu Hakusho
Animated by Pierrot, Based on the Manga by Yoshihiro Togashi
It’s rare that a manga artist creates a story that almost immediately becomes a major hit, and it’s ever rarer that any manga artist accomplishes that feat twice. However, that’s just what Yoshihiro Togashi did with Yuyu Hakusho and Hunter x Hunter. The first of the two series debuted in 1990, and later made its way to TV screens in 1992.
Despite its age, Yuyu Hakusho offers an exciting martial arts adventure story with an undeniable, unmistakable style, and has achieved certified classic status. There may be no better way to hook an audience than by killing off the main character in the very first episode of the show, and Yuyu Hakusho never disappoints following that initial high note.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Animated by Bones, Based on the Manga by Hiromu Arakawa
Demon Slayer might be the current number one name in anime, but it has a long way to go before it reaches shōnen royalty. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has been one of the most acclaimed and successful titles in anime since its premiere 16 years ago, and for very good reason.