Top 25 Best Underrated Shounen Anime

 

Shounen is one of the most popular anime demographics of all time.

 

No questions asked. However, since it is one of the most demanded segments, it is also a subject of negligence from anime fans.

 

In other words, fandom has so much Shounen content to watch that they miss some incredible shows at times.

 

And this is why it is extremely hard to stand out as a Shounen anime even if you have some incredible qualities going for yourself.

 

Therefore, to put an end to this, I have created the Best Underrated Shounen Anime list.

 

These are some of the Shounen pieces that you wouldn’t wanna miss out on if you are a hardcore fan.

 

Let’s take a look!

 

 

 

1. Domestic Na Kanojo

 

 

 

This is a guilty pleasure anime for a lot of people out there.

 

And this is what makes it so underrated. It talks about a guy named Natsuo Fuji who is fascinated with his school teacher Hina.

 

And let’s just say that he wishes to hold a future with her.

 

However, things take different turns for him, and instead, he ends up with a girl named Rui at a party.

 

There, they both end up losing something that they shouldn’t have and now everything seems out of place.

 

However, to make things even more out of place, Natsuo’s dad introduces him to his new sisters.

 

And guess who are those two sisters? Yup, Hina and Rui.

 

Indeed, the show is going to some interestingly flexible limits.

 

And I know that you lowkey want to watch it now.

 

 

 

2. Nanatsu no Taizai

 

 

 

The Seven Deadly Sins anime gets a lot of hate from the fandom.

 

However, it also deserves a bit more appreciation and recognition for once.

 

So let’s take care of that. The show talks about a Kingdom that is taken by a ruler who isn’t supposed to be in charge.

 

He was placed in power through improper means and the original Princess was thrown out of disregard.

 

Therefore, she decides to venture out and find out the soldiers who can help her take back the Kingdom.

 

These soldiers are known as the Seven Deadly Sins. And their skills are unreal to the brim.

 

This is why this journey is going to be filled with a lot of action, adventure, and drama.

 

Make sure you are prepared for it.

 

 

 

3. Claymore

 

 

 

In the medieval backdrop of Claymore, a dark fantasy anime, Yoma, shape-shifting demons, haunt the world.

 

The protagonist, Clare, a Claymore—a hybrid of human and Yoma—serves The Organization’s mission to eliminate Yoma using distinctive Claymore swords.

 

Alongside her fellow Claymores, Clare confronts the relentless challenge of surviving in a Yoma-ridden reality.

 

The series intricately explores themes of identity, humanity, and the relentless struggle against destiny.

 

Despite possessing superhuman abilities, Claymores face the peril of transforming into Awakened Beings, powerful Yoma entities, if they exceed their limits with Yoki, their demonic energy.

 

Airing from April to September 2007, “Claymore” weaves a compelling narrative around survival and the intricate lives of its characters.

 

 

 

4. Yu☆Yu☆Hakusho

 

 

This anime is one of the classics. However, the recent generation doesn’t seem to notice it all that well.

 

Therefore, let’s bring some spotlight back to it, shall we?

 

The series talks about a guy named Yuusuke who was known for being a bad guy and a bully.

 

However, when he saved the life of a kid by giving up his own, the authorities above felt like giving him a chance to get his real life back.

 

Therefore, now he is assigned the task of taking down spirits that alter the flow of the earth.

 

And Yuusuke is teamed up with a group of people.

 

Things are going to get very interesting and exciting for our fans out there.

 

And just for info, this anime is created by the creator of Hunter x Hunter.

 

 

5. Enen no Shouboutai

 

 

 

The anime is known within the community as one of the most interesting series in recent times.

 

And yet, it just doesn’t get enough viewership. Give it a try.

 

It is lit. The show talks about a realm where the apocalypse took place.

 

And now, the entire planet is in continuous threat of being lit on fire.

 

This won’t happen altogether. It will happen once at a time.

 

Imagine yourself reading this article and bam, you are caught on fire.

 

However, to deal with this predicament, an organization was formed and it was called the Fire Force.

 

And this is where things get filled with action. The organization has amazingly blessed individuals who would assist with all the fire hazards.

 

However, in the background, there might be some bigger problems taking place.

 

 

6. Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai

 

 

 

This show tries to pull a lot of strings with its narrative.

 

However, it is still quite entertaining to watch.

 

The anime talks about a guy named Keima Katsuragi who is exceptional in his skills in dating sims games.

 

Yeah, he is said to be undefeated in those games and his presence is just insane.

 

However, that’s all about it. In reality, he doesn’t seem to have any girl going for him.

 

But the show takes some interesting turns. And now, it is up to our boy Keima to ensure that he helps a creature from another world by winning the hearts of the women around.

 

And not women from games. Instead, he wants to win the hearts of real women, which is a lot more difficult than you might expect.

 

 

7. Komi-san wa, Comyushou desu.

 

 

This series gained a ton of love during its release.

 

But it wasn’t enough. Because it deserves more. The show talks about a girl named Komi who can’t speak.

 

Therefore, social life for this girl may seem destroyed at first.

 

However, when Komi befriends Hitohito Tadano, he decides to help out Komi to make friends in this class.

 

And that’s how things go from here on. It’s all about the unsaid romance and wholesome character interactions that make this show as great as it is.

 

It has no action. No drama. No stretching. It is a pure comedy filled with a ton of flavor and cuteness that gives this show a shape we might have never seen before.

 

This is why it is so high on this list.

 

 

8. To LOVE-Ru

 

 

 

How would you feel if an extremely hot girl just crashed into your bathtub while you were contemplating life?

 

Well, the situation might not be as good as you might expect.

 

And in To Love Ru, a rather relatable answer is provided.

 

The show talks about a guy named Riti who hasn’t been able to express his crush to his crush.

 

So when one day, he was lying in his bathtub, trying to get a hold of his life, he was taken by surprise, thanks to Lala.

 

And this girl isn’t wearing any clothes so that’s another plus.

 

The show just takes some of the weirdest turns from this point on.

 

And the truth about Lala will change the course of the series forever and ever.

 

There’s no denying that.

 

 

9. Hataraku Saibou (TV)

 

 

 

This anime is just another informational show that shouldn’t miss your radar at all.

 

The English title of the series is Cells At Work.

 

And the premise is exactly what i5 sounds like. The anime focuses on the workings of the insides of the human body.

 

And when it does, it talks about the cells in the body that shapes the overall system.

 

In a comprehensive sense, the anime talks about how our immune system safeguards us from any sort of problem that arrives.

 

And it falls under the Dr. Stone realm in the sense that it contains a ton of information that it manages to portray in an engaging and captivating narrative.

 

If you don’t like biology, you will be fascinated after watching Cells At Work.

 

 

10. Bakuman

 

 

This anime is filled with passion, truth, and information. Therefore, there is no reason for you to not watch it.

 

It talks about a duo who decide to be Manga authors.

 

Now on the surface, this seems like a great idea.

 

However, manga creators have some of the most horrible lives when it comes to workload and work experience.

 

And Bakuman takes an effort to highlight those segments very well in the show.

 

The series is created by the duo that also created Death Note.

 

So you can be certain that it has quite a lot of value in it.

 

And the best part about this anime is that it is extremely educational.

 

It will give you hidden insights into manga creation that you might have not known before.

 

 

11. Tonikaku Kawaii

 

 

 

This is one of the most wholesome anime of all time.

 

And no denying is accepted here. The show talks about a guy named Nasa who was minding his own business when suddenly he got killed.

 

Yeah, that’s some anime-level occurrence. However, luckily, he was saved by a girl who agrees to a deal with Nasa.

 

She will be with him if Nasa marries her. And now, things are going to get romantic and adorable with this new couple, trying their level best to have a living and continue their life peacefully.

 

However, the past still needs some answers. And while we enjoy the scenarios on screen, the past will be taken care of in the background as well.

 

Nothing too extreme. Just pure fun and passion.

 

 

12. Zetsuen no Tempest

 

 

 

The show has a lot of features to take care of so let’s start.

 

Zetsuen no Tempest talks about a guy named Yoshino who was dating his best friend Mahiro’s younger sister.

 

The deal here is that, soon enough, Mahiro’s sister Aika, ends up dead because of an unknown reason.

 

Therefore, Mahiro vows to know about that person and get a hold of him.

 

This is why she started resolving improper means. She ends up getting involved with a witch who might have an answer to her questions.

 

However, to attain those answers, Mahiro and Yoshino need to put their life on the line to safeguard the interests of the witch.

 

And this is where things start to take the turns for the worst.

 

 

13. Dragon Ball GT

 

 

 

Dragon Ball has always been an insane series. However, the one installment from the franchise that needs more love and recognition is GT.

 

The premise is relatively simple. Goku has been turned into a young boy again.

 

And now, he is on a mission to wander around with his grandchild Pan to figure out a solution for her appearance and problem.

 

In the meantime, they will experience some of the most unseen and dangerous villains in the entire show.

 

And that will make this anime a train wreck to watch.

 

However, when our main cast goes to the legendary super Saiyan 4, that will make you lose your mind in an instant.

 

That scream will be out of this whole freaking world.

 

 

14. Sankarea

 

 

 

This anime is quite a niche for its audience. However, if you are into zombies and stuff then this show will be an experience for you.

 

It talks about a guy who always wanted a zombie girlfriend.

 

Don’t ask why. However, one day, his cat dies. So to bring her back, he creates a potion that is supposed to bring life to the dead cat.

 

However, unknowingly, a girl drinks the potion instead and bam, things are going to change forever for her and our main character.

 

This is the story of Sankarea. It’s all about weird fantasies and how they will take place from the point where the girl is now a Zombie and our boys’ wish is fulfilled.

 

What will happen next? Watch it to find out.

 

 

15. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku

 

 

Airing from April to July 2023, “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku” unfolds a captivating tale set in Japan’s Edo period.

 

Protagonists Gabimaru, a ninja dubbed “Gabimaru the Hollow,” and Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, an executioner, embark on a perilous journey.

 

Gabimaru, facing execution for an assassination mission, is presented with a chance at pardon by Sagiri if they locate the elixir of life on Shinsenkyo island.

 

Teaming up with death row convicts, each paired with a Yamada Asaemon executioner, the series, characterized as a “dark shonen,” stands out for its distinctive plot and intricately crafted characters.

 

 

16. The Quintessential Quintuplets

 

 

This is another one of the hidden gems when it comes to romance shounen anime.

 

It talks about a character named Fuutaruou who is quite impressive in his studies.

 

However, my man is not all that impressive when it comes to finances.

 

Therefore, he takes up the job of a tuition teacher.

 

And one day, he gets the offer of teaching 5 students.

 

These 5 students will make him a good amount of money.

 

However, the drawback is that the 5 students are quintuplets.

 

And all of them are horrendous in studies. So what started as a friend-teacher relationship may take some interesting turns as the show progresses.

 

And this is where the excellence and beauty of the show lie.

 

 

17. Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan 2

 

 

 

This anime is just amazing. And no one can deny that.

 

However, it still hasn’t reached a massive audience.

 

Therefore, it deserved a spot on this list. The anime talks about a man named Saiki Kusuo.

 

Now he may seem ordinary at first. However, in reality, he is a psychic.

 

And his abilities include everything from reading minds to changing them.

 

Saiki, despite having such insane powers, only wishes to attain one thing in life, normalcy.

 

He just wants to live a normal school life. And that’s what will make him an elite individual in his own eyes.

 

However, being normal after being extraordinary won’t be easy. And so, the story follows the life of a man who can do anything in the world but chooses not to.

 

 

18. Beelzebub

 

 

 

The show has a unique narrative that needs a lot more discovery and recognition.

 

It talks about a guy named Tatsumi Oga who is said to be the strongest in his school.

 

The premise states that the subject school has no rules or laws.

 

Therefore, things get very ugly, very quickly in the show.

 

However, things start to take some rather interesting turns when the following happens.

 

As he was walking like any other day, Oga notices a being in the river who later turns out to be a kid.

 

However, we can’t be fooled by this Kid’s appearance. Because he is the son of the Demon Lord.

 

And now he has developed an unbreakable attachment with Oga.

 

Things are going to get interesting.

 

 

19. Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

 

 

 

This anime happens to have a fun and lighthearted narrative.

 

However, things take some interesting turns very quickly. The series talks about a guy named Tsuna who has nothing going for him.

 

He is remarked as a loser in his class and has a crush on a girl way above his league.

 

Nothing seems to be going right. That is until reborn shows up.

 

This cute little kid has been assigned the task of making Tsuna, a completely new person.

 

Moreover, specifically, he is supposed to make Tsuna a person good enough to become the successor of a freaking don.

 

Don’t ask questions. And this is how the story of a loser goes.

 

From being nothing to being lethal.

 

 

20. Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san

 

 

 

Teasing Master Takagi San is beyond wholesome. It’s an anime that no one can truly hate.

 

And that’s one of the reasons why it’s here. It deserves more love and attention.

 

The show talks about Nishikata, who is a friend of our girl Takagi.

 

Now on the outside, this might seem like a normal friendship.

 

However, on the inside, it is all about teasing. Takagi seems to tease Nishitaka a lot.

 

And in this friendship, things start to take some of the most wholesome and entertaining turns you can imagine.

 

This is what makes this anime so impressive to watch.

 

And with a character cast like them, the experience just gets better and better every time.

 

If you haven’t watched this anime yet, give it a go.

 

 

21. Hajime no Ippo

 

 

 

This anime was an incredible work back when it first aired.

 

However, now it seems to be dying a bit. So it’s time to bring some light to it.

 

The show talks about a guy named Ippo who ends up in a series of events that let him become a boxer.

 

And now, Ippo is on a journey to become the greatest of all time.

 

The show deserves more recognition because it still holds a lot of value with its contents.

 

The beauty of Hajime no Ippo comes from the fact that he is inspiring on some other level.

 

They say that this anime is one of the most influential sports anime ever created.

 

And looking at the reactions of the fans, that seems to very well be the case.

 

 

22. Jibaku Shounen Hanako-Kun

 

 

 

This anime is relatively new to the medium. However, during its air, it managed to gain quite a lot of recognition from the community.

 

It is based on the urban legend of Japan and so has a lot of cultural significance as well.

 

The show talks about a girl who haunts the toilets of schools.

 

However, in this show, it turns out that the ghost isn’t a girl but a boy.

 

They say that the one who manages to summon Hanako-san gets their wish granted.

 

And that’s where the series gets interesting. Because Nene Yashiro has managed to get a hold of the situation by summoning Hanako-san.

 

However, that also means that her life is now going to change shapes forever.

 

 

23. Inu x Boku SS

 

 

 

This anime is all about character comedy and fun. Therefore, all of our Shounen heads can enjoy it to their heart’s content.

 

The series talks about an exceptionally well-settled girl named Ririchiyo.

 

She is not only rich but also captivating and intelligent.

 

However, her presence as a perfect individual has made her a subject of antisocialism.

 

And so, she must take hold of the situation as soon as she can.

 

This is when she decided to move into a new mansion.

 

And in this mansion, things will go beyond interesting since supernatural creatures are holding their own against her.

 

And now she has to become part of a secret organization?

 

 

24.  Summer Time Rendering

 

 

Since the passing of his parents, Shinpei Ajiro has been living with the Kofune family, where he formed a close bond with their daughters, Mio and Ushio. However, Shinpei’s life takes a tragic turn when Ushio loses her life while attempting a daring rescue.

 

During Ushio’s funeral, a revelation about suspicious marks on her neck raises doubts about the circumstances surrounding her death. Fueled by the belief that foul play is involved, Shinpei embarks on a quest to uncover the truth.

 

However, as he delves deeper, eerie occurrences and disappearances unsettle him. Mio recalls a local legend about malevolent entities known as “Shadows,” and it becomes apparent that there may be more to this folktale than meets the eye.

 

Driven by his commitment to honour Ushio’s final wish, Shinpei confronts the dark forces lurking on Hitogashima Island, defying his own impending doom to safeguard Mio.

 

 

25. Darwin’s Game

 

 

 

This anime managed to gain great recognition amongst fans all around the globe.

 

The show talks about a guy named Kaname who received a link to a game.

 

Being the student that he was, his inquisitive self was ready to enjoy something new and he immediately went in to help himself.

 

However, that was a terrible idea. And this is because now Kaname has participated himself into a trap.

 

This trap is called Darwin’s Game. As Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection works, this game is going to put the contestants on a battlefield and separate the best from the rest.