We're over halfway through the 2020s, and we've already seen some amazing anime come and go in that time. From record-breaking theatrical releases to highly-anticipated adaptations and surprise sleeper hits no one saw coming, the 2020s have been a great decade for anime so far, and we still have a few more years left to go.
It's been a particularly good decade for shonen anime, with a ton of great series carrying a lot of hype and delivering some of the best animation we've seen. With so many modern greats out there, it's hard to narrow it down to just one for each year. This list will only take anime series into account, so no hit movies like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle or Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will be included, even though they were absolutely incredible. With that in mind, these are the best shonen anime from each year of the 2020s.
The Best Seinen Anime Series of Every Year of the 2000s
These amazing Seinen anime defined the 2000s.
2020: Jujutsu Kaisen
One of the biggest anime right now, Jujutsu Kaisen has been going strong for half a decade now. Gege Akutami's hit series has inspired a game adaptation, various films, and a hit anime adaptation. The manga ended back in 2024, but with a sequel already taking up the mantle and MAPPA absolutely killing it with the anime, JJK is still as big as it was when the anime first hit the scene in 2020.
Though Ufotable's efforts with Demon Slayer are often talked up as having some of the best animation out there, you can't sleep on MAPPA's work on Jujutsu Kaisen. The fight scenes are beautiful, and the animation is fluid, but overall, the series just has an incredibly polished look to it. Season 3 is currently airing and is making a strong case to be considered 2026's best anime by the time the year is over.
2021: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
Demon Slayer has consistently been one of the best-looking, most impressively animated series since it first aired in 2019. With various films to go alongside the anime adaptation, Ufotable has done an amazing job of not only adapting the Demon Slayer manga, but also making the anime stand out on its own.
The Entertainment District Arc is full of amazing moments for our main cast, showcasing some great moments of growth for Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Nezuko, and Inosuke. As you'd expect, it looks amazing, and even five years later, it still has some of the best animation you can get in an anime.
2022: Attack on Titan: Final Season Part 2
The Attack on Titan anime's ten-year run came to an end in 2023, with the last of two specials airing in November of that year. But in 2022, the second part of Attack on Titan's final season aired, and it had everyone excited to see how things would play out. Safe to say it didn't disappoint, with the second part of the final season delivering some of the season's most exciting moments.
From the revelation that Eren manipulated Grisha, to learning about Eren's role in his mother's death, and the Rumbling taking off, part 2 of the final season delivered each and every episode. The series ending is still debated to this day, but MAPPA hit a home run with their version of the finale.
2023: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Having seemingly come out of nowhere, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is undoubtedly one of the most popular modern anime, with a 9.28 score on MAL, surpassing classics like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Steins;Gate, Hunter x Hunter (2011), and more.
Madhouse's work on the series is amazing. Not only does it look incredible, but Frieren, Fern, Stark, and the rest of the cast are well-developed, with the themes of loss and regret making it an enjoyable, though heavy, series to keep up with. Add in an amazing soundtrack, and it's easy to see why Frieren has become as beloved as it is.
2024: Dandadan
2024 was a great year for anime, and while there were plenty of other series that could've been considered the best shonen of that year, Dandadan stands out as a one-of-a-kind experience. Blending in supernatural and extraterrestrial/sci-fi elements, Dandadan has two great leads who really make the series worth watching, but the supporting cast is just as rewarding to invest in.
With some incredible animation from Science Saru and sleek visuals, Dandadan is probably one of the best-looking anime from the 2020s. The second season was released in 2025 and was just as good, but fans will have to wait until 2027 before they can pick up where things left off.
2025: My Hero Academia Final Season
No one expected the final season of My Hero Academia to be as good as it was. Though the anime has always been a good quality adaptation, Bones really went the extra mile in making sure that their final go at adapting Kohei Horikoshi's beloved series was one to remember. It's not a stretch to say that the final season is the best the series has to offer.
Every episode of the final season was beautifully animated, giving fans plenty of jaw-dropping moments complemented by stunning visuals and smooth animation. Bones did a great job in adapting the manga's final chapters. It was a perfect send-off, highlighting everything great about the anime. 2025 was a great year for shonen series, with Solo Leveling, Dr. Stone, Sakamoto Days, Dandadan Season 2, and Gachiakuta coming out, among other great series. But the final season of My Hero stood out among the rest.
The Best Seinen Anime Series of Every Year of the 2010s
The 2010s were a great decade for seinen anime. These were the best from every year.