The Shonen anime genre has evolved over the years, birthing shows with different themes, plot points, and characters to match. The year 2022 was lined with thrilling shows, ranging from the new Shonen series to sequels of classic shows like Bleach, which fans have waited for.
Marking out the best shows within the shonen category can be quite the task, since many of these shows executed their story adaptations exquisitely. However, some still stand out from the rest due to their popularity among fans and how much of an impact they made in the anime franchise. In summary, these Shonen shows of 2022 are compelling to watch as they all possess great rewatch value.
10 Blue Lock
Blue Lock took the fall 2022 anime season by surprise with the story’s premise revolving around advanced soccer training. The aim of this training is to produce Japan’s number 1 striker to have a good shot at securing the country’s win in the World Cup.
Yoichi Isagi, the anime protagonist, alongside other young, skillful soccer players all aim at securing the number one position in the advanced soccer training school. Consequently, they each encounter tough battles to achieve their lofty goals, which plays a major role in determining who emerges as the victor.
9 Summertime Rendering
Summertime Rendering didn’t get as much reception in 2022 compared to shows like Bleach, Chainsaw Man & Spy x Family; regardless the 24-episode psychological mystery show took viewers on a ride. The anime featured unexpected twists, intelligent comebacks and high-paced battles.
The anime focused on Ajiro Shinpei and his conflict with the shadows, which was connected to the death of his childhood friend, Ushio. This psychological thriller is rewarding, and can be regarded as one of 2022’s finest shows.
8 Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures: Stone Ocean
2022 was a good year for fans of the Jojo franchise since it featured the Stone Ocean sequel after part 1 ended on a cliffhanger. The Stone Ocean series focuses on Jolyne, Kujo Jotaro’s daughter, another character from the Jojo family lineage.
Part 2 of Stone Ocean mainly centered on Jolyne’s hunt for her father’s memory disks, which were stolen by White Snake, the main villain of the anime. The sequel featured many heated, extended battles, staying true to the classic Jojo style and narrative. Although Part 2 also ended on a cliffhanger, fans can only hope for a sequel to debut as soon as possible.
7 One Piece
One Piece, one of the big three of the Shonen genre still deserves to be among 2022’s best anime. Although there’s nothing to suggest that One Piece is coming to an end anytime soon, it doesn’t mean the show is getting less interesting. On MyAnimelist, One Piece is still one of the highest rated anime of 2022.
One Piece in 2022, centered around the Wano Arc, and the Straw Hats confrontation with Kaido alongside the remainder of Wano’s Samurai, especially Oden’s retainers. Most likely, the arc will stretch into 2023, making it One Piece’s longest story arc yet.
6 Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Although Jujutsu Kaisen 0 premiered in Japan in December 2021, it was available for streaming services until the latter part of 2022. To everyone’s surprise, the movie took a different turn from the main manga-anime series, with the change in protagonists and story angle.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0 starred Yuta Okkotsu as its protagonist, explaining the story behind him and the Special Grade cursed spirit, Rika. The movie also revealed key information surrounding Geto’s past, making the movie worthwhile for fans to watch. The action, pacing and character development of the movie were well-crafted to fans’ satisfaction.
5 Demon Slayer
The Entertainment District Arc first debuted in 2021; however, a major portion of the arc’s episodes aired in 2022, a qualifying factor for its inclusion among 2022’s best anime. Demon Slayer’s Entertainment District Arc was action-packed, filled with intense and riveting moments, even though it was shorter than the first season of the anime.
With the Hashira, Tengen Uzui leading Tanjiro and his group into the Entertainment District, they encountered high-ranked Upper Moon demons. Although the Demon Slayer corps emerged victorious, it came at a great cost.
4 Spy x Family
Spy x Family generated a lot of attention in the anime community shortly after its release. The wholesome anime served as the perfect break from the usual anime shows with similar tropes by giving fans something different to watch. The anime revolves around the Forger family, an unusual combination of an assassin mother, a spy father, and a telepathic child.
However, it is the structure of this make-believe family that makes the story even more interesting. The first part of the show aired in the early months of 2022, while the second part premiered in the Fall 2022 season, allowing fans to properly enjoy the wholesome comedy show.
3 Chainsaw Man
Alongside Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc, Chainsaw Man was among 2022’s most anticipated anime even before its release. Chainsaw Man anime indeed lived up to the hype, with its sterling animation, and grotesque fights. Although the action in the show is quite questionable as product of the Shonen genre, the anime departs from popular tropes within the Shonen genre.
Chainsaw Man’s protagonist, Denji differs from the overly optimistic Shonen protagonist prototype. Although Chainsaw Man features apparent sexual undertones, which is quite unusual for shows within the Shonen genre, the anime is still worthwhile to watch.
2 Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc
Bleach, one of the big 3 of Shonen anime, went on a really long hiatus, leaving fans of the fantasy anime hanging. Finally, 2022 featured the long-awaited continuation of Ichigo’s story as a hybrid Soul Reaper. The Thousand Year Blood War arc so far has been sensational to witness. The arc marked the war between the Quincy Clan and the Soul Reapers.
Once again, Ichigo would have to step up for the Soul Reapers with his allies to conquer Yhwach and his Quincy army from eliminating Soul Society. The arc is solid proof that Bleach still lives up to its hype as a member of the Big Three, and should be included in fans' 2022 watchlist.
1 Attack On Titan
Season 4, Part 2 of Attack on Titan was a hit from start to finish. Although most fans are of the opinion that the story should have ended with season 4, part 2, the sequel can still be regarded as a masterpiece.
The sequel finally revealed Eren’s plans to destroy the whole of humanity by using the Founding Titan’s powers. Part 2 ended on a cliffhanger regarding whether Eren will truly succeed in executing his nefarious plans or not. Either way, part 3 of season 4 is definitely something fans of the franchise should look out for.