From Dandadan to Black Torch: 10 new-gen shounen anime to watch

1. Black Torch: This shounen anime follows Jiro Azuma, a delinquent with ninja blood and the ability to communicate with animals. His life changes when he saves a cat from injury, only to discover it is Rago, a powerful mononoke or spirit. After being fatally wounded, Rago fuses with Jiro, pulling him into a covert war between humans and mononoke. The anime, based on Tsuyoshi Takaki's manga, recently began airing on Crunchyroll.

2. Gachiakuta: Set in the Sphere, an ethereal city suspended in the clouds, Gachiakuta follows Rudo, an orphan who salvages trash discarded from both sides of the city's walls. When his adoptive father is murdered, Rudo is blamed and thrown into the Pit, a toxic dumping ground for convicts. He is rescued by the Cleaners, who fight using weapons called Vital Instruments, and joins them in their quest for a way back to the Sphere. Gachiakuta won Best New Anime of the Year at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

3. Sakamoto Days: Based on Taro Sakamoto, a legendary hitman, the anime follows Sakamoto in retirement, running a convenience store with his family. Former colleagues and clients return to challenge him, but Sakamoto fights without killing, having given up his dangerous profession. The live-action film adaptation premiered in Japan in April 2026. The anime series aired on Netflix with two cours, followed by a second season in January 2027.

4. Dandadan: Momo Ayase, a spirit medium from a family of psychics, meets her classmate Okarun, a die-hard UFO believer. After a series of paranormal encounters, Momo discovers latent psychic powers and Okarun becomes possessed by a yokai, or spirit. The two must now deal with supernatural threats that blur the line between ghosts and aliens. Dandadan aired on Netflix and Crunchyroll, with a third season confirmed for 2027.

5. Blue Lock: In response to repeated World Cup failures, the Japan Football Union launches Blue Lock, a survival program for 300 high school strikers. The goal is to produce the most ruthless striker in the country, barring anyone eliminated from playing for the national team. Yoichi Isagi, an unremarkable forward from a recently eliminated team, is among the selected players. Blue Lock aired on Crunchyroll and Netflix, with a spin-off film titled Episode Nagi.

6. Solo Leveling: In a world where monsters roam freely, portals have opened connecting to these monster-filled dimensions. Sung Jin-Woo, a weak hunter, accidentally summons a powerful demon and gains immense strength, catapulting him to the top of the hunter hierarchy. Solo Leveling, based on a popular web novel, has been adapted into an anime series airing on Crunchyroll and Netflix.