10 Best Shonen Anime That Didn’t Come From Shonen Jump

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Shonen Jump is the leading publisher of anime and manga, and it’s easy to see why. Their comics consistently rank among the most successful and well-regarded, and when adapted into anime, they’re known for stunning animation. This combination consistently makes their series global hits that stay popular for years.

Many people think of Shonen Jump whenever they think of anime, but that’s not entirely accurate. Shonen Jump has plenty of competition, and other publishers regularly release anime that are just as popular and well-made—sometimes even better. There are a few standout examples that prove this point.

10) To Your Eternity

Studio Massket’s To Your Eternity tells the story of a magical sphere with the ability to transform into the forms of those who have died. This sphere eventually becomes an immortal being named Fushi, who embarks on a journey to understand life – both its joys and sorrows.

Watching To Your Eternity felt like a deep dive into what it means to be alive. It’s a beautifully sad story, and what really sets it apart is how it explores the good and bad sides of connecting with others. Even though the show jumps between different genres, it always manages to keep its central message about life’s meaning strong and clear.

9) Detective Conan

I’ve been watching Case Closed, or Detective Conan as it’s often called, and it’s a really interesting story. It centers around Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant teenage detective who gets turned into a little kid by a shadowy group called the Black Organization. Now going by Conan Edogawa, he’s determined to expose the Organization and find a way to return to his normal life. But in the meantime, he keeps getting involved in other mysteries and solving crimes as a kid!

Similar to One Piece, Detective Conan is an anime that shows no signs of stopping after many years. However, thanks to its engaging characters and smart storylines, it remains a thoroughly enjoyable, episode-by-episode adventure. It’s rightfully become one of the most popular anime series ever created, and it’s easy to understand why.

8) Ranma ½ 

MAPPA’s new anime, Ranma ½, centers on Ranma Saotome, a skilled martial artist unexpectedly engaged to the headstrong Akane Tendo. With both of them being rather self-centered, plus a whole lot of other people vying for their attention, and the fact that Ranma transforms into a girl when splashed with water, building a relationship proves incredibly complicated.

Ranma ½ is a beloved and enduring action-comedy, and it’s clear why it’s considered a classic. From exciting battles to memorable characters and perfectly timed humor, it’s consistently entertaining. Whether you enjoy the original anime series or the newer reboot by MAPPA, Ranma ½ remains a fantastic watch that will likely continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

7) Inuyasha

The anime Inuyasha follows Kagome Higurashi, an average girl who is unexpectedly pulled into Japan’s feudal era. Once there, she accidentally breaks a powerful jewel called the Shikon Jewel, scattering its pieces everywhere. Now, she has to work with the headstrong half-demon Inuyasha to collect the fragments before someone with bad intentions finds them first.

Following the success of Ranma ½, Inuyasha delivers the same delightful humor and energy, but with more emphasis on exciting action sequences and well-developed characters. It’s arguably an even more refined series overall. Inuyasha remains a truly iconic anime from the 2000s, and its enduring popularity is clear even today.

6) Gachiakuta

I watched Bones Film’s Gachiakuta and it was quite a ride. The main character, Rudo, gets falsely accused of murder and thrown out into this awful place called the Pit – basically a giant garbage dump. That’s where he finds out he’s a ‘Giver,’ meaning he can put magical powers into objects. From then on, he’s determined to use those powers to get back to the Sphere, the place he was exiled from, and get revenge on everyone who set him up.

With its striking visuals and a talented voice cast, Gachiakuta is a fantastic series that offers a fresh take on the classic shonen genre. It’s a recent release that’s quickly gaining popularity, and thankfully, it shows no signs of losing momentum.

5) Attack On Titan

In the anime Attack on Titan produced by MAPPA, humanity’s final fortress is breached by man-eating Titans after a hundred years of peace. This event tragically impacts Eren Yeager’s family, fueling his lifelong mission to eliminate all Titans – a quest that proves to be far more complex than he initially anticipates.

Many consider Attack on Titan to be the most important anime of recent years, and it’s clear why. The show boasts stunning animation and a story that explores complex themes beyond simple battles. Interestingly, the manga that inspired the anime was initially turned down by Weekly Shonen Jump before finding success in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine – and that rejection may have actually been key to its eventual popularity.

4) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

The anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows Frieren, an elf who is a powerful mage and was part of the group that defeated the demon king. After the hero, Himmel, passes away many years later, Frieren begins to understand how much her companions meant to her. This realization leads her to embark on a new quest: to learn more about people and their feelings.

Not only is Frieren visually beautiful, but it’s a truly excellent anime thanks to its engaging characters and meaningful story about life and relationships. Frieren quickly became popular, and with season 2, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, on the way, its popularity is set to grow even further.

3) Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic

In A-1 Pictures’ Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, people risk their lives exploring dangerous dungeons in search of riches and power. Aladdin and Alibaba are two adventurers who stumble into a much larger plot, one that could decide the destiny of their world.

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a really enjoyable and original series, skillfully blending exciting action, a richly developed world, and compelling characters. Although the anime adaptation unfortunately ended before it could cover the entire story, the episodes that were made are definitely worth checking out.

2) Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100, from Bones Film, centers around Mob, a boy with incredible psychic powers who must keep his emotions in check. He constantly works on expressing himself and wants to make friends and connect with his crush, but dealing with frequent supernatural dangers makes it a real challenge.

Watching Mob Psycho 100 is a treat, thanks to its stunning and imaginative animation. But it’s more than just a visual experience – the show also boasts fantastic comedy and a touching story about growing up. Mob is truly unique, and it’s clear why so many people love it.

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood by Bones Film is the second attempt to adapt the Fullmetal Alchemist manga. Unlike the earlier 2003 anime (also from Bones Film), Brotherhood closely follows the original story, covering the complete journey of Edward and Alphonse as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone and battle the Homunculi, with very few changes from the manga.

The Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime is a fantastic adaptation of the original manga. Its beautiful animation and strong direction make it a truly captivating and insightful series. It’s consistently been a favorite among both fans and critics, and many consider it the best action anime not published in Shonen Jump magazine.

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2025-12-15 19:16