We're over halfway through the 2020s, and we've already seen some great anime come and go during that time. From record-breaking theatrical releases to long-awaited adaptations and surprise sleeper hits that no one saw coming, the 2020s has been a great decade for anime so far, and we still have a few years to go.
It's been a particularly good decade for shonen anime, with tons of great series that carry a lot of hype and deliver 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 only takes anime series consideration, so no blockbusters like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle or Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will be included, although they were absolutely incredible. With that in mind, these are the best shonen anime from every year in the 2020s.
The best Seinen Anime series of every year in 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 already ended 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.
While Ufotable's efforts with Demon Slayer are often touted as having some of the best animation around, you can't sleep on MAPPA's work with 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 makes a strong case to be considered the best anime of 2026 when the year is over.
2021: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Entertainment District Arc
Demon Slayer has consistently been one of the best-looking, most impressive animated series since it first aired in 2019. With various movies to go alongside the anime adaptation, Ufotable has done a fantastic 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 great 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 The anime's ten-year run ended in 2023, with the last of two specials airing in November of that year. But in 2022, the second part of Attack on Titans The final season aired and everyone was excited to see how things would turn out. It sure 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 rumblings that gathered momentum, Part 2 of the final season delivered every episode. The series finale is still debated to this day, but MAPPA hit home with their version of the finale.
2023: The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End
After coming from nowhere, The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End is arguably one of the most popular modern anime, scoring 9.28 on MAL, surpassing classics such as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Stein's; Gate, Hunter x Hunter (2011)and more.
Madhouse's work on the series is fantastic. Not only does it look incredible, but the Frieren, Fern, Stark and the rest of the cast are well developed, with themes of loss and regret making for an enjoyable but heavy series to stick with. Add in a great soundtrack and it's easy to see why The Suitor has been loved as it is.
2024: Dandadan
2024 was a great year for anime, and while there were plenty of other series that could have been considered the best shonen that year, Dandadan appears as a unique experience. Mixes in supernatural and alien/sci-fi elements, Dandadan has two great leads that 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 elegant visuals, Dandadan is probably one of the best looking anime of 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. While the anime has always been a good quality adaptation, Bones really went the extra mile to make sure their latest attempt at adapting Kohei Horikoshi's beloved series was one to remember. It is not easy to say that the final season is the best the series has to offer.
Each episode of the final season was beautifully animated, giving fans tons of jaw-dropping moments complemented by stunning visuals and smooth animation. Bones did a great job adapting the manga's final chapter. It was a perfect send off, highlighting everything good about the anime. 2025 was a good year for the shonen series, with Solo Leveling, Dr. Stone, Sakamoto Days, Dandadan Season 2, and Gachiakuta coming out, among other great series. But the last season of My hero stood out from the rest.
The best Seinen Anime series of every year in the 2010s
The 2010s was a great decade for seinen anime. These were the best from each year.
