Shōnen manga is among the most popular global gateways into anime and stories filled with adventure, action, and friendship. From personal journeys to intense, larger-than-life battles, shōnen has a way of capturing audiences’ attention and setting new standards for how stories are told and experienced. Many of these manga have shaped the entire anime industry.
Through iconic transformations, unforgettable characters, and engaging storylines and arcs, some shōnen titles have grown to become global pop culture powerhouses. These shōnen titles have grown so large over the years that they create a whole new standard for how far the medium can reach and what it can accomplish.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, created by Hirohiko Araki and first released in 1989 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, is a multi-generational story that chronicles the adventures of the Joestar family as they battle against supernatural threats across different eras. Each new part of the series introduces new protagonists, abilities (known as Stands), and villains.
With over 120 million copies sold worldwide, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has cemented its legacy as one of shōnen’s most popular and renowned titles. Its influence stretches across manga and anime, and the series’ blend of style, strategy, and bizarre poses has made the franchise into an unforgettable icon that continues to captivate fans around the world.
Bleach
Bleach, created by Tite Kubo and serialized from August 2001 to August 2016 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, has become a cornerstone of modern shōnen and animation, earning a place among anime’s Big Three. The series centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a normal teenager who gains the power of a Soul Reaper.
Tasked with defending the living world from malevolent spirits known as Hollows, Ichigo becomes a warrior as he attempts to balance his new duties with his everyday life. Alongside his friends, he develops his spiritual power and takes on formidable enemies and moral dilemmas. With themes of acceptance, loss, and self-discovery, Bleach stands out for its narrative depth and development.
Bleach has over 130 million copies sold around the world and has left behind a legacy that lasts to this day, inspiring creators and fans alike. Its anime adaptation has introduced millions of fans to Kubo’s work and acted as an entry point for many anime fans.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan, created by Hajime Isayama and serialized from September 2009 to April 2021 in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, has revolutionized modern shōnen with its dark narrative and unpredictable twists. The series follows humanity’s struggle against giant, man-eating Titans in a world where their only safety is behind three towering Walls.
The series centers on Eren Yeager, a young boy who dreams of joining the Survey Corps to explore the outside world. However, his life is turned upside down when a Titan destroys the outer Walls, resulting in heavy losses. Driven by this tragedy, Eren becomes more determined to join the Survey Corps to put an end to the Titans.
Attack on Titan sold over 140 million copies worldwide and is considered one of the best explorations of war in anime. With intense themes of freedom and the cycle of hatred and violence, the series offers profound messages that audiences can never forget. Known for its foreshadowing and complex characters, the series left behind an impact that redefined shōnen storytelling.
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, created by Osamu Akimoto and serialized from 1976 to 2016 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, is a comedy series that revolves around Kankichi Ryotsu, a lazy, money-hungry, middle-aged policeman, and his colleagues at a police station in Tokyo. As an episodic series, every new installment offers a different adventure filled with humor, satire, and chaotic moments.
The series has over 155 million copies sold around the globe and holds a Guinness World Record for the most volumes published for a single manga series, with over 200 volumes. With its decades-long serialization, constant creativity, and inventive scenarios, the series has carved out a place for itself among shōnen titles.
Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk, created by Takehiko Inoue and serialized from 1990 until 1996 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, transformed the sports shōnen genre with relatable characters and engaging storytelling. The series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a high school delinquent who joins his school’s basketball team to impress a girl before he develops a genuine love and appreciation for the game.
The series is a mix of humor, intense matches, and drama paired alongside realistic depictions of the sport. Known for its exploration of teamwork, personal growth, and its role in popularizing basketball in Japan, Slam Dunk became one of the most influential sports anime and manga ever created and continues to draw in audiences.
Through victories, failures, and personal struggles, the series follows how Sakuragi and his teammates grow, adding to the emotional weight of the franchise. With over 185 million copies sold worldwide, it has earned its place among the top shōnen titles, inspiring creators, fans, and athletes around the world.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer, created by Koyoharu Gotouge and serialized from February 2016 to May 2020 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, quickly became a modern classic, with many fans citing it as one of the New Gen Big Three. The story centers on Tanjiro Kamado, a teenage boy who lives peacefully with his family until a demon kills everyone but his sister, Nezuko.
While her life is spared, Nezuko transforms into a demon, driving Tanjiro to join the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family, find a cure for Nezuko, and ensure that no one else suffers the same loss he had. Tanjiro is known for his strength, empathy, and kindness, which lead to emotional moments where the demons he faces are humanized.
Demon Slayer has sold over 220 million copies, making it among the best-selling shōnen series of all time. Alongside its record-breaking anime adaptation, the series’ global influence reaches far beyond the manga, with its final film trilogy, Infinity Castle, already breaking multiple records and ranking among the highest-grossing films of 2025.
Naruto
Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto and serialized from September 1999 to November 2014 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, became one of the most influential and defining shōnen titles ever created. The story follows the titular character, Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage to gain recognition and respect from his village.
As one of The Big Three, Naruto stands as a classic powerhouse in the anime and manga industry, with over 250 million copies sold around the world. The series inspired generations of creators and fans with its imaginative world, unforgettable characters, and themes. Naruto’s rise from outcast to hero remains one of the most iconic journeys in shōnen storytelling.
Dragon Ball
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama and serialized from December 1984 to June 1995 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, is among the most legendary anime and manga series of all time, paving the path for other classics that fans know and love today. The story centers on Goku, following his life from childhood to adulthood as he grows as a fighter.
The series is known for its epic battles and iconic transformations, setting a benchmark for storytelling with its blend of action and humor, along with its themes of hard work, friendship, and ambition. Decades after its finale, it received a new spin-off series, Dragon Ball Super, in 2015, which is currently on an indefinite hiatus.
The series has sold over 260 million copies worldwide, earning it a place among the highest and most popular manga series of all time. Dragon Ball has earned multiple film adaptations, spin-offs, video games, and more, inspiring countless creators, mangaka, animators, and fans. Its legacy is cemented in anime history as one of the greatest titles ever made.
Case Closed
Case Closed, also known as Detective Conan, is a series created by Gosho Aoyama, first serialized in 1994 in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The story follows teenage detective Shinichi Kudo, who is transformed into a child, assuming the identity of Conan Edogawa. As he searches for a way to return to his body to normal, he solves intricate cases and mysteries.
With over 270 million copies sold worldwide, Case Closed stands among the best-selling shōnen titles, second only to one series. It has earned an ongoing anime adaptation with over a thousand episodes and is full of suspense, mystery, and charm. Case Closed is currently an ongoing series with a loyal fan base around the globe.
One Piece
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda and first serialized in July 1997 in Weekly Shonen Jump, has become a monumental cultural phenomenon. The series centers on Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates as they travel the Grand Line in search of a legendary treasure known as the One Piece.
The series is filled with epic battles, memorable characters, and emotional arcs that connect to its large, worldwide audience. The story has become so popular that the values shared in One Piece have blended into the real world, with fans worldwide sharing its themes of freedom and justice.
With over 516 million copies sold around the world, One Piece holds the title of the best-selling shonen manga of all time. Its anime adaptation spans over a thousand episodes and remains ongoing alongside its manga. It has inspired fans and creators around the world with its messaging, and its enduring appeal only continues to captivate audiences.
