20 Best Anime for Teens, Ranked
Anime is watched by everyone – from older people to young adults and teens who are just getting into this illustrious and cool genre. Teenagers in particular are interested in the good story and cool anime premise that will make them lose their minds, and thankfully, there are a lot of those anime available. In this article, we will present you with our picks of the 20 best anime for teens.
We will include older anime that are classics and should not be skipped when talking about anime for teens, and provide some newer titles available right now. If you are interested in a list of best shōnen anime right now, stay with us until the end of the article.
20. Hunter x Hunter
We start this list with Hunter x Hunter. This firstly shōnen manga series was adapted into the anime that aired three times in the last two decades and became really popular. Every anime is good on its own, but the one that has 148 episodes and two animated theatrical movies is the most relevant right now.
The story centers around the young boy Gon Freecss who discovers that his estranged father is actually a world-renowned Hunter. The premise of the Hunter is this – a licensed professional who specializes in fantastical pursuits, location rare or unidentified animals, treasure hunting, and more. Anyway, Gon decides to become a Hunter and finds his father. The show is really cool and deals with the son-father bond and paranormal aspects of the Hunter x Hunter anime. Definitely check it out.
Where to watch: Hulu
19. Code Geass
Code Geass is one of the most notable shōnen manga/anime series today. There are multiple different sequels and series that aired from 2006 to 2012. Code Geass follows the story of the aftermath of the attack on Japan by the Holy Empire of Britannia. Lelouch, an exiled Imperial Prince of the Britannia Empire, vows to free Japan from Empire’s claws.
He encounters a girl named C.C. who bestows him with the power of Geass, which he will use to defeat an Empire and bring freedom to the once peaceful country of Japan. The show truly does not miss – its characters are layered, relatable, and really well written, and combined with the simple but effective show’s premise, Code Geass is a must-watch anime on any list.
Where to watch: Hulu
18. Soul Eater
Soul Eater anime series is set famous Death Weapon Meister Academy, a high school for weapon meisters and human weapons. The academy is led by the Shinigami – Lord Death. Its mission is to raise “Death Scythes” for the Shinigami to wield against the many evils of the fantastical world. Death Sythes are born as human hybrids who have the ability to transform their bodies into Demon Weapons, and that is only after they have consumed the would of 99 evil beings and one witch’s soul.
All in all, the premise of the anime is pretty cool and really interesting for any teen out there who wants to invest themselves in a world of Demons.
Where to watch: Hulu
17. Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club anime is following the story of a studious girl who recently enrolled in the prestigious Ouran Academy. Haruhi, the main character of the anime, stumbles upon a secret room that is used for the meetings of Ouran Host Club – a club where boys of the school are entertaining female clients. After breaking an important item, Host Club decides to use Haruhi as an “errand boy” to work off her debt.
After some time she is promoted to the Host of the Ouran Host Club. This anime does not have insane action sequences like others will have on this list, but deals with important issues of differences between poverty and privilege and just problems the female character finds herself in with a group of guys.
Where to watch: Hulu
16. Sword Art Online
SAO is an anime that took over the world when it came out in 2012. To this day, SAO is still one of the more popular animes and its premise will attract teenagers immediately. Set in 2022, gamers have lined up for a launch of the heavily anticipated MMORPG called Sword Art Online, which lets players to an immersive virtual reality connecting their consciousness with the game. However, the main protagonists of the anime Klein, and Kirito, with other 10,000 players are unable to log out and get out of the game. The only way to come back to reality is for the captured players to beat the 100-level tower’s final boss.
The premise of the anime is really cool and the gaming aspect with the exploration of the post-human era with machines dominating our lives can be connected to the original premise of the anime.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
15. Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is the first anime on this list that uses pure magical powers. The story follows Lucy Hearfilia, from the Kingdom of Fiore who has one wish – to join the legendary magical guild called Fairy Tail. After an encounter with Natsu, “the Salamander” of the Fairy Tail, Lucy joins the guild. Teaming up with the rest of the members of the guild, Lucy will go through a lot of adventures and stumble upon great enemies like Master of Dark Magic, Zeref.
We love a good team anime that uses magical powers to beat its enemies, and Fairy Tail is a great example of it.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
14. Haikyu!!
Teenagers love sports (well most of them) and Haikyu!! is a great entry to start somewhere. This sports anime follows the story of Shōyō Hinata, who upon seeing a volleyball match, aims to become the next “Little Giant” and because of it, joins his junior high school volleyball team. After losing the tournament with his junior high school team, he enrolls in high school where he receives a big surprise. Throughout the anime, the team stumbles upon great obstacles, which they need to get over to become the best high school volleyball team in the country.
Where to watch: Disney+
13. Kuroko no Basket
Another sports anime on this list is Kuroko no Basket. The story follows the story of Taiga Kagami, who enrolled in Seirin high school to become the best basketball player Japan has ever seen. He teams up with the phantom sixth man, formerly part of the Generation of Miracles that dominated the country in the Middle School competitions, Tetsuya Kuroko. Essentially the series chronicles Seirin’s rise to become Japan’s best high school basketball team but first, they need to go through the high school teams of Generation of Miracles.
With Haikyu!!, one of the most popular recently released sports anime, rivalries, and insane games of basketball is a must-watch for any teenager out there.
Where to watch: Netflix
12. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is currently, besides One Piece, one of the most popular anime today. The story follows humans who are living within the Walls that protect them from the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures who devour humans without any reason. The main protagonist is Eren Jeager and his friends Mikasa and Armin whose lives change forever when the Colossal Titan attacks their hometown and destroys it to the foundation. In the destruction, Eren’s mother dies and he vows revenge on the Titans.
From teenagers to the elderly, everyone watches this anime, and if you don’t … well you definitely should. Great animation, action scenes, story, characters… we can go on forever, Attack on Titan is the anime anyone should watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
11. My Hero Academia
Izuku Midoriya is a boy that is the center of the My Hero Academia plot. He does not possess any powers but is still determined to enroll in the most prestigious academy and learn what it means to become one. The boy is scouted by All Might, Japan’s greatest hero who bestows his Quirk on Midoriya and helps him to enroll in an academy.
My Hero Academia is a typical shōnen anime that follows the main protagonist who will do anything to succeed in their goals. Definitely, a must-watch for any teenager.
Where to watch: Hulu
10. One Punch Man
At one point, one of the most popular anime in the world, One Punch Man really showed how to create a show premise intended for everyone. The anime follows the story of an average hero Saitama, who manages to win all of his fights with one punch. After a while, he gets bored and goes on a journey to find a suitable opponent who will finally give him some trouble.
A premise of the anime that won over everyone’s hearts, One Punch Man is a must-watch anime, even for teens… you guys will love it.
Where to watch: Netflix
9. Black Clover
Black Clover came into prominence in the last few years for its good plot and interesting characters. The series focuses on Asta, a young child who is left in an orphanage where he meets Yuno, a fellow orphan. While everyone is born with the ability to utilize mana in the form of magic and its powers, Asta does not have that privilege – instead, he focuses his efforts on physical strength.
Quite similar to Naruto, if you replace Asta with Rock Lee, and you know what, we do not mind at all.
Where to watch: Netflix
8. Tokyo Ghoul
Another really popular anime on this list, Tokyo Ghoul follows the story of a Tokyo college student that is attacked by a ghoul, a superpowered human who feeds on human flesh. Ken survives but has become a fugitive and half a ghoul, so he needs to escape to not get caught. Now Ken needs to learn how to live as a Ghoul and hide his true identity from others.
The story deals with Ken’s anxiety, identity crisis, and overall Ken himself who is now a potential danger to his loved ones. In the last few years, Tokyo Ghoul has become one of the most popular anime in the market and because of its story, needs to be a part of this list.
Where to watch: Hulu
7. Bleach
Bleach is definitely, one of the most popular anime on this list, and its popularity has not veined at all in the last few years. The story follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki after he acquires the power of a Soul Reaper. Power of Soul Reaper, which is a death personification of the Grim Reaper was acquired from another Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki.
Ichigo’s adventures are eased by his friends and they help him in his efforts to protect humanity from evil spirits and forces. He also guides departed souls in the afterlife. Bleach also has one of the best soundtracks in anime history so definitely check it out.
Where to watch: Hulu
6. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is one of the best manga/anime series of all time. Since the 1980s, this series entertains its fans with its great story, premise, and characterization. Recent anime follows the story of the Joestar family, whose various members discover they are destined to take down supernatural foes using the powers they possess. The story is split into multiple parts with each following a certain member’s family and their adventures.
Its unique animation references Western cultures like music and fashion making JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure a very loved anime in the West. Manga is also amazing, so teens, go and check it out.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Naruto
Of course, Naruto needs to be on this list. One of the most popular shōnen manga/anime series in anime history, Naruto is still a central topic of any anime discussions. As we know, anime follows the story of a young boy named Naruto who is orphaned after the Nine-Tail beast destroyed the Konoha Village. His parents sealed the beast inside of him to save the village and sacrificed their lives to save their son. Naruto does not know anything about it, and throughout his whole life had a chip on his shoulders. He vowes to become the Hokage of the village, and the best shinobi the world has ever seen.
His passion, will, and just pure determination, “force” viewers to root for Naruto to succeed in his goals. If you haven’t watched Naruto, what are you waiting for?
Where to watch: Hulu
4. Death Note
What to say about Death Note that hasn’t been said already? Death Note is a masterpiece of an anime and it should be inducted into the list of obligatory anime to watch because of its cultural significance. The story follows Light Yagami, a teen genius who discovers a mysterious book called “Death Note” which has the ability to kill any person in the world if their name is written on its pages.
The insane story, characters, and just worldbuilding overall take everyone’s breath away. Definitely watch it.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
After two brothers Alphonse and Edward lose their mother to a fatal disease, they decide to use taboo to resurrect her. It does not go well, because the process fails, and as a sacrifice, Edward loses his left limb while his brother Alphonse loses his entire body. To save Alphonse, Edward sacrifices his right arm to affix his brother’s soul to a suit of armor. Edward receives “automail” limbs as prosthetics and wows to find Philosopher’s Stone to rescue his brother. To do that he first needs to join the military and become a “State Alchemist”.
This great anime is probably one of the greatest anime ever made and the way it plays with viewers’ emotions and makes you care for their characters is astonishing. Personally, it made me cry multiple times until the twentieth episode, which is not something to be proud of but I am! Jokes aside, definitely check out this anime.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. Sailor Moon
As you probably noticed during this list, there are not that many anime that features more than four strong female characters on their premises. Well, fellow girls don’t worry, I got your back, or in this case Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon was an ultimate anime during the 1990s. It is considered one of the most important anime ever because it featured characters and themes that were not that talked about back in the day.
Sailor Moon was ahead of its time, and that is why we recommend you this anime. If you want to experience the charm of Sailor Moon, check out the original series, but if you want something concrete that follows the manga, check out Sailor Moon Crystal, it is really good.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
1. One Piece
Finally, we got to One Piece. This amazing anime has over 1000 episodes aired, and you know what, they are definitely worth a watch. The story follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy whose body gained the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating Demon fruit. With his pirate crew, Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy explores the Grand Line in search of the ultimate treasure known as “One Piece”.
One of the best, if not the best shōnen anime/manga series ever, that is still airing. One Piece rarely makes mistakes, and its long rung will turn off some people from it but don’t worry, if you start today, maybe in a year you will catch up on the new episodes. The anime is so good that even filler episodes are important for the main story, and that is why we recommend it to any teen out there to check out an amazing piece of fictional media.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
