Top 5 Retro Anime Every Shonen Fan Should Watch

 The shonen genre is one of the most popular in the world of anime, characterized by intense action, charismatic characters, and themes of personal growth. Over the decades, many titles have become undisputed landmarks in the genre, influencing both new generations of animators and viewers alike. For fans just beginning to explore the world of shonen, diving into the classics is essential to understanding its evolution. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Top 5 retro anime every shonen fan should watch, including classics like Dragon Ball Z and Yu Yu Hakusho among others.

1. Dragon Ball Z (1989-1996)

You can’t talk about shonen without mentioning Dragon Ball Z, one of the most influential and beloved anime of all time. Based on Akira Toriyama's manga, Dragon Ball Z continues the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan warrior who protects Earth from cosmic threats. What defines this series is its perfect combination of epic battles, powerful transformations, and lovable characters that have left an indelible mark on pop culture.

One of the reasons Dragon Ball Z is a must-watch for any shonen fan is that it established many of the tropes and narrative structures still used today. Villain arcs, constant power-ups, and martial arts tournaments are pillars that remain present in modern shonen anime. Moreover, Goku and his friends have deeply influenced generations of shonen characters that came afterward.

2. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992-1995)

Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, Yu Yu Hakusho is another shonen classic every fan should know. The series follows Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who, after dying heroically, is revived and becomes a spirit detective tasked with protecting the human world from evil spirits.

Yu Yu Hakusho is known for its strong character development and emotionally charged story arcs. The series tackle's themes like redemption, friendship, and personal growth while delivering incredible battles with a focus on strategy and power. Additionally, the Dark Tournament arc, one of the most memorable sagas, has become a reference for many other anime that have tried to replicate its success.

The charisma of Yusuke and his evolution throughout the series, along with a memorable supporting cast like Hiei and Kurama, make Yu Yu Hakusho an essential experience for any shonen fan.

3. Saint Seiya (1986-1989)

Saint Seiya, also known as Knights of the Zodiac, is an anime that combined Greek mythology with heroic battles, creating a formula that captivated audiences worldwide. The story follows Seiya and the other Saints of Athena, mystical warriors who protect the goddess and the Earth from divine and cosmic threats.

One of Saint Seiya's great strengths is the nobility of its characters, who fight not only for the common good but for lofty ideals such as justice, friendship, and personal sacrifice. Each Saint wears armor based on a constellation, adding a spectacular visual component to each battle.

Although the animation may seem dated by modern standards, the exciting fights, emotional drama, and supernatural powers make Saint Seiya a classic that still resonates with shonen fans today.

4. Rurouni Kenshin (1996-1998)

Rurouni Kenshin, also known as Samurai X, is a series that blends shonen action with a rich historical setting during Japan's Meiji era. The story follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as Battousai, who has vowed never to kill again while seeking to atone for the sins of his past by helping others.

Unlike other shonen anime, Rurouni Kenshin stands out for its more serious tone and its themes of redemption, pacifism, and the burden of past decisions. While there are plenty of battles, they are presented in a more realistic and strategic way, focusing on swordsmanship and martial skills. Supporting characters like Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Aoshi add emotional depth and action to the series.

Kenshin is perfect for fans looking for a shonen series with a more mature and reflective touch, without losing the genre's characteristic elements such as fighting for ideals and personal growth.

5. Fist of the North Star (1984-1987)

Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken) is an action-packed shonen that left a profound mark on the genre, being one of the most influential series of the 1980s. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows Kenshiro, a martial arts master who protects the innocent and fights tyrants who control the wasteland.

What makes Fist of the North Star so iconic is its brutality and focus on survival in a devastated world. Kenshiro, with his famous catchphrase "You are already dead," has become an anime icon. The series explores themes of justice and vengeance, with a visual and narrative style that has influenced countless action anime.

Despite its rawness, the series also has moments of deep emotion and tragedy, making it a complete experience for shonen fans.

Conclusion

These five retro anime have left an indelible mark on the shonen genre, establishing the foundation for many of the series we know today. Whether it's through their thrilling battles, lovable characters, or life lessons about friendship and personal growth, Dragon Ball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho, Saint Seiya, Rurouni Kenshin, and Fist of the North Star are essential for every shonen fan. Watching these classics not only offers a chance to appreciate the genre’s evolution but also to enjoy stories and characters that remain relevant and exciting decades later.