Top 15 Best Shonen Arcs Of All Time
Shonen Manga are Japanese comics aimed mostly toward young male adolescent readers. Shonen Manga has had several amazing arcs in the last few decades. It would be difficult to pick the best 15, but I’ve picked the top 15 from the series I’ve seen.
15. Jailbreak Arc
Anime: Promised Neverland
This is the first arc in the series and still remains one of the best introductory arcs to a Shonen series. Norman, Emma, and Ray are residents of the Grace Field House, where they discover that the orphanage is essentially a human farm used to feed the demons. Later, they intend to join the other youngsters in escaping the orphanage and engaging in a battle of wits with Isabella.
The introductory arc in Promised Neverland is one of the best starting arcs in Shonen I have read. This arc was an edge-of-the-seat thriller with full of mysteries, horror elements, and good characterizations.
14. Dark Tournament Arc
Anime: Yu Yu Hakusho
The plot follows Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Genkai as they compete in a dark tournament organized by selfish humans and attended by bloodthirsty demons. Before facing Team Toguro in the final, the team battled four other teams. They play Team Rokuyukai first, then Team Ichigaki, then Team Masho in the quarterfinals, and then Uraotogi in the semifinals before meeting Togoro’s team.
Each battle is extremely difficult to win. Furthermore, all of the battles are innovative and creative. Tournament arcs are usually tedious because they lack stakes and a compelling plot, but this one managed to avoid both. This arc actually raised the bar for the tournament trope in Shonen. Without a doubt, this is one of the best tournament arcs in anime history.
Check – Best Yu Yu Hakusho Arcs Ranked Here
13. Namek Saga
Anime: Dragon Ball Z
Namek Saga is part of the series Dragon Ball written by Toriyama. This arc recounts the story of Bulma, Krillin, Gohan, and later Goku arriving at the planet Namek to confront the Ginyu force. The long-awaited confrontation between Goku and Frieza begins following the destruction of the Ginyu Force. In this storyline, Goku transforms into the legendary Super Saiyan.
This arc embodies the things that are now referred to as cliches. This arc’s impact on the genre is unrivaled. It isn’t hyperbole to argue that the iconic Super Saiyan transformation shattered the anime stereotype and made it mainstream.
12. Chunin Exams arc
Anime: Naruto
Chunin Exams arc is the second arc in Naruto, written by Kishimoto. This arc depicts the Chunin Exams, in which Genins from several villages compete to become Chunin. The competition begins with a written test, then the Forest of Death, and finally one-on-one knockout combat. In the Forest of Death, Orochimaru appears and lays a curse on Sasuke. Naruto fights Kiba in the first round, then Neji in the second. Lee fights Gaara in the first round but loses, while Sasuke fights Gaara in the second round but is stopped by the Sunagakure ambush.
Most shonen series have a problem with tournament arcs. Because the stakes aren’t always high, the plot can be plodding and uninteresting, but this isn’t the case in this arc. With the introduction of foreign parties, tensions and stakes are high.
Overall, Chunin exams is my favorite tournament arc in all of the anime with only Yu Yu Hakusho’s Dark tournament arc coming close.
Check – Best Naruto Arcs Ranked Here
11. Diamond Is Unbreakable
Anime: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures
Diamond is Unbreakable is the fourth part of the series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures. This part follows Josuke and his friends’ adventures to track down a magical bow and arrow that grants people dangerous Stand powers in the quiet town of Morioh. It later becomes a mystery story of finding the serial killer, Kira.
Magical powers in a normally quiet suburban town is a fascinating setting that is underused. In addition to that, a serial killer who wants to live a quiet life in that setting makes this arc one of the best in Shonen.
10. Shibuya Incident Arc
Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
The Shibuya arc recounts Fake Geto’s scheme to seal Satoru Gojo in Shibuya. Early in the arc, Gojo is sealed, and the rest of the arc concentrates around reclaiming the Prison Realm in which he was trapped. It’s a brilliant storytelling idea to make Gojo the strongest in the verse and then lock him away.
Throughout the arc, there were tremendous stakes, and the feeling that anyone may die was fascinating. All of the sacrifices were true emotional and heartfelt. During the course of the arc, the environment, fighting, emotional moments, and character development of the characters are all wonderful.
Check – Best Arcs In Jujutsu Kaisen Ranked here
9. Soul Society Arc
Anime: Bleach
The story is around Rukia’s capture at the hands of the Soul Society. We see Ichigo and the others have to face increasingly bigger threats as the arc progresses in pursuit of Rukia. Along with the structure of Soul Society with its military force: Soul Reapers. There are many new characters and is essentially the introduction to Bleach’s world.
The arc does wonders for Bleach’s world-building. Furthermore, Kubo has Ichigo and the company progressively increases in strength until meeting their goal by having them encounter progressively harder opponents. Far from convenient, this is explained by the end of the arc. Each character’s agency makes it so there’s always something happening in the arc independent of Ichigo and his friends. Which adds realism to the environment. And the plot escalates in a believable manner. Full of mystery, struggle, drive, comradely, and much more; Soul Society stands as one of the best arcs in shonen.
8. Shogun Assassination Arc
Anime: Gintama
Shogun Assassination arc is one of the serious arcs in Gintama. The Protagonist’s side must safeguard Shogun from an assassination plot that has been set in motion. After numerous episodes of setup, Gintoki finally fights Takasugi in this arc amidst a war that brings together various forces.
This arc isn’t groundbreaking in terms of narrative, but the emotional peaks it contains are nothing short of extraordinary. The fight between Gintoki and Takasugi is one of the finest in the medium. It’s tough to put into words, yet it’s something that can only be felt. Gintama is a one-of-a-kind experience, and Shogun Assassination demonstrates why.
Check – Best Arcs In Gintama Ranked here
7. Pain’s Assault Arc
Anime: Naruto
Pain’s Assault arc is the second entry here from the Naruto franchise. This arc depicts the Pain’s invasion of Konoha in order to seize Naruto’s Nine-Tails. While Naruto is practicing at Mount Myoboku, Pain invades the town and kills the majority of the residents. In desperation, Naruto fights Pain and transforms into his Nine-Tails form. Naruto defeats all versions of Pain, meets Nagato in person, and brings Jiraiya’s wish to life.
Prophecies aren’t one of my favorite types of tropes. However, this series adds an intriguing twist to it by having two separate prophecized chosen ones, keeping the trope mysterious. Despite the fact that Pain was the stronger individual, Naruto defeats Nagato ideologically. With everyone returning back to life, the finale is a little underwhelming. Pain’s invasion should have resulted in repercussions. However, this is a small quibble; ultimately, this is one of the best anime arcs ever.
Check – Best Naruto Arcs RankedHere
6. Yorknew City Arc
Anime: Hunter X Hunter
Yorknew City arc is from the series Hunter X Hunter written by Togashi. This story is set in Yorknew, where Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika had agreed to meet. The Phantom Troupe is presented, and they rob the auction house of everything. Shadow Beasts make an attempt to halt them, but they are defeated. Kurapika, on the other hand, catches Uvogin and subsequently fights him, resulting in Uvogin’s death. Troupe captures Gon and Killua, whilst Kurapika captures Chrollo. Later on, it turns into a game of cat and mouse, with each side trying to outsmart the other.
Yorknew City Arc is in excellent condition and has no flaws. The arc is fast-paced, non-linear, and unpredictable, and the use of Nen as a power source was a joy to behold. Phantom Troupes are fascinating since each figure has its own distinct personality. Given that none of the Phantom Troupes have a detailed genesis story, the interaction between them is incredible. It is without a doubt one of the best anime arcs of all time.
Check – Best Hunter X Hunter Arcs Ranked Here
5. Spring High Preliminary Arc
Anime: Haikyuu!
Spring High Preliminary arc corresponds the season 3 of the anime. This arc shows the match between Karasuno and Shiratorizawa in the finals of the Spring High Preliminary Arc. Both teams meet in the final and Karasuno has to beat a team that has an Under-19 Japan National Volleyball team member with them.
Sports series don’t get as much appreciation as they should and this arc is a perfect example of it. It is my favorite arc from any new generation series. Every episode in this season was perfect with each character having great moments. It is a true David vs Goliath story with amazing emotional peaks that truly exemplifies why we love the Shonen genre.
4. Return To Shiganshina Arc
Anime: Attack On Titan
Return To Shiganshina Arc is from the series Attack On Titan written by Hajime Isayama. The story of the Survey Corps’ latest journey to Shiganshina to reclaim the lost area is told in this arc. To retake the territory, they had to confront Beast Titan, Colossal Titan, and the Armored Titan. Erwin must give up his life in order for Levi to face Beast Titan. Armin eats Colossal Titan to become the Colossal Titan himself after Levi uses the Titan serum on him.
The Eren’s Basement chapters are possibly the most important element of the series. We learn about Grisha, Zeke, Eldian, Marley, and other characters, and most of the world’s mysteries are revealed. This arc is just perfect. The disclosure of the mystery, the world-building, the conclusion of Erwin’s character, the conflict between Zeke and Levi, and the satisfying climax of them finally seeing the Ocean. This arc is flawless in every way, and the surprise reveals are among the best Manga experiences ever.
Check – Best Attack On Titan Arcs Ranked Here
3. Enies Lobby Saga
Anime: One Piece
Enies Lobby Saga is an arc from the series One Piece written by Eiichiro Oda. This arc follows Strawhats on Water 7 Island, as the crew falls apart, with Robin and Usopp abandoning the crew and themselves losing to CP0. They later return to Enies Lobby to recapture Robin and fight World Government and CP0.
For both the Strawhats and the audience, this arc is an emotional roller coaster. There are various tragic moments, such as the loss of Going Merry, Usopp’s confrontation with Luffy, Robin’s departure from the gang, and so on. The Strawhats go to great lengths to overcome their foes, and Luffy’s fight is one of the best. Enies Lobby’s emotional peaks are unrivaled. Overall, this is one of the best arcs in the medium.
Check – Best One Piece Arcs Ranked Here
2. Chimera Ant Arc
Anime: Hunter X Hunter
Chimera Ant arc is the second entry from Hunter X Hunter here. This arc depicts the Chimera Ants’ development and eventual ambition for power in the human world. The Ant King Mereum is born after the Queen gives birth to numerous Chimera ants, and three Royal Guards. Kite is dead, but Gon, who is unaware of Kite’s death, holds out hope that Kite will be saved.
Meanwhile, Netero, Morel, Knov, Knuckle, and Shoot join the fight against the ants. Meanwhile, Komugi begins playing Gungi with Mereum, but Mereum is unable to defeat her, and their relationship begins to blossom.
The initial half of the Chimera Ant arc has pacing flaws, as well as a few extraneous plotlines like Phantom Troupe, Palm’s date, and so on. However, the arc’s payoffs are among the best in the anime genre. One of the best parallels between antagonist and protagonist in the anime is Mereum’s transition from an emotionless killer to someone who can truly exhibit love for Komugi, and Gon’s path from a happy-go-lucky boy to a monster who can kill someone without remorse.
Check – Best Hunter X Hunter Arcs Ranked Here
1. Marineford Saga
Anime: One Piece
Marineford Saga is the second entry from One Piece here. This story begins with Strawhats’ defeat in Sabaody, after which Luffy embarks on a voyage to save Ace from Impel Down, and then proceeds to the Marineford War. It depicts the long-awaited conflict between the Whitebeard Pirates and the World Government, which erupted as a result of the announcement of Ace’s execution. Luffy joins the fight alongside his Impel Down allies.
The arc is filled with so many important characters that it is amazing that Oda manages to use everyone efficiently. Marineford is one of the best examples of long-term story planning. Mysteries, fights, emotional moments, character moments, and thematic storytelling were on point. This arc’s last stretch of chapters elevates it to one of the best in anime or manga.
Check – Best One Piece Arcs Ranked Here
*With Inputs From Twitter user @stevenbricen0
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