10 Shonen Jump Anime and Their Best Story Arcs

1968 marked the debut of Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan, an event that forever transformed the world of manga. In the 1990s, it solidified its position as Japan’s dominant manga publisher, boasting a peak circulation of 6.5 million copies. Targeted towards teenage boys, this influential publication spawned legendary series featuring beloved characters, such as Goku’s journey through constant evolution in Dragon Ball, Ichigo battling his inner demons in Bleach, and Deku discovering what it truly means to be a hero in My Hero Academia.

In these series, some storylines truly outshine the rest, demonstrating exceptional quality. The most impactful arcs skillfully resolve long-standing plot points following careful development, much like the Saiyan Saga in Dragon Ball Z, which unveiled Goku’s alien origin and introduced Vegeta, transforming the show from a fantasy adventure into a space drama. Similarly, the Chimera Ant arc in Hunter x Hunter significantly altered their worlds by critiquing its own power system. These captivating story arcs have the power to convert casual viewers into devoted followers. Let’s explore 10 Shonen Jump anime and their standout storylines that achieved this remarkable feat.

Naruto – Pain’s Assault Arc

Reaching its zenith, The Pain Arc in Naruto unfolds with Pain, the antagonist, launching an attack on the Hidden Leaf Village, aiming to seize Naruto’s Nine-Tails power. However, the villagers staunchly refuse to disclose Naruto’s whereabouts. Simultaneously, Naruto dedicates himself to mastering Sage Mode at Mount Myoboku. Upon his return, he discovers his once thriving village in ruins and battles Pain, only to be overwhelmed and rendered immobile. In a surprising turn of events, it’s Hinata who steps in to rescue him, leading to her defeat. This selfless act triggers Naruto to unleash his full potential, transforming into the fearsome Eight-Tails form.

In time, Naruto manages to take charge and faces off against Pain head-on, engaging in a discussion about their opposing ideologies on realizing Jiraiya’s dream of tranquility. Pain argues that pain is necessary for peace, but Naruto counters that compassion and understanding are what can halt the cycle of animosity. Touched by Naruto’s determination, Pain utilizes Rinne Rebirth to bring back everyone he had previously slain during his assault, symbolizing Naruto’s evolution from a shunned child into a revered figure within the village.

Hunter x Hunter – Chimera Ant Arc

The Chimera Ant storyline initiates with a fresh breed of Chimeras consuming humans and acquiring not only their characteristics but also the use of Nen, resulting in progeny of immense power such as their King and his Royal Guards, who surpass regular Hunters in strength. Gon and Killua join a Hunter team to eradicate this menace, however, matters escalate when the ants seize control over East Gorteau, regarding its inhabitants as livestock. Upon learning that his mentor Kite was slain by Royal Guard Neferpitou, Gon makes a selfless decision, forfeiting his future in exchange for temporary enhanced abilities to vanquish Neferpitou, leaving him near death.

As King Meruem’s palace is invaded, Chairman Netero engages in a fierce battle with the King. Despite Netero unleashing his ultimate attack, Meruem endures and is instead poisoned by a bomb hidden within Netero’s body. In his last moments, the once ravenous Meruem spends time playing board games with Komugi, the blind girl who sparked his emotional growth. He peacefully passes away near her side. This shonen arc stands out due to its deep and thought-provoking narrative, as Meruem’s transformation is both captivating and rich in philosophical depth, while also significantly impacting Gon’s character development, transforming him from a cheerful optimist into a broken individual.

Demon Slayer – Mugen Train Arc

The Mugen Train Storyline commences as Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke embark on a mysterious train journey to assist Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, in investigating a string of vanishings linked to this particular train. Upon boarding, they find themselves plunged into a profound slumber due to the demon Enmu, who ensnares travelers in blissful dreams prior to consuming them. In Tanjiro’s dreamscape, he is unexpectedly reunited with his family, who had been slain by Muzan (with the exception of his younger sister Nezuko). This reunion, something he yearns for intensely, is, however, unattainable in reality. It isn’t long before he senses that all is not as it seems and tries to break free. However, to shatter Enmu’s enchantment, Tanjiro must repeatedly sacrifice himself within the dream.

In this instance, when the slayers vanquish Enmu, they’re confronted by an even more formidable demon, Akaza. Rengoku engages in a fierce battle, ultimately sustaining severe injuries. The others survive merely because Akaza retreats from the sun. This death scene is one of the most poignant in Demon Slayer, made all the more impactful by Rengoku’s final utterance: “Fan your heart with flame.” This arc packs a profound emotional punch into just a few episodes and is now being re-released in 4k to celebrate its status as one of the anime’s finest arcs.

Jujutsu Kaisen – Shibuya Incident Arc

The Shibuya Incident commences with a chilling scheme by Geto (who is actually Kenjaku), trapping both civilians and jujutsu sorcerers in Shibuya during Halloween night. As countless individuals become captives, the sorcerers rush to assist, but they face their most significant hurdle when Gojo Satoru is confined within the Prison Realm. With their top sorcerer absent, Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara are left grappling with numerous disasters – Jogo and Hanami launching attacks in separate locations, civilians transforming into transfigured souls, new cursed spirits emerging, and anarchy sweeping across the district.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Nanami perishes at Mahito’s hands, leaving Nobara gravely wounded with an uncertain future. Desperate, Yuji allows Sukuna momentary control, resulting in havoc throughout Shibuya. This storyline disrupts typical shonen tropes, introducing unexpected character deaths, long-lasting repercussions, and transformative changes: Gojo is imprisoned, public sentiment turns sour against jujutsu sorcerers, Itadori is accused of the devastation, and Kenjaku exploits countless ordinary people to further his malicious objectives.

Black Clover – Elf Reincarnation Arc

In the Elf Reincarnation Saga, events unfold when a prohibited enchantment is triggered throughout the Clover Kingdom, causing multiple Magic Knights to be reborn as elves. Guided by Patry, these elves are driven by the belief that humans were responsible for their species’ massacre 500 years prior. Consequently, turmoil ensues within the kingdom as the now elf-possessed knights, endowed with extraordinary magical powers, assault both their former allies and unassuming civilians.

In this story, Asta, Yuno, and fellow Magic Knights engage in fierce battles against their now-possessed comrades, making every effort not to harm them fatally. As the conflict unfolds, they discover that a devil had controlled humans and elves five centuries prior. The narrative concludes on a fulfilling note as Asta employs his extraordinary anti-magic to liberate numerous possessed beings, allowing the elf leader Licht to rejoin his kin. With their spirits finally at rest, they are able to find peace and depart for the afterlife.

Bleach – Soul Society: The Rescue Arc

In one of the early significant storylines, this particular arc is about Rukia being condemned to death due to her act of transferring Soul Reaper abilities to a human named Ichigo. Eager to rescue her, Ichigo embarks on an arduous training regimen before venturing into Soul Society alongside his fellow humans. During their journey, they encounter formidable adversaries such as the thrill-seeking Kenpachi and Rukia’s aloof elder brother Byakuya.

As it appears that Rukia’s struggle for survival reaches its peak, an unforeseen twist unfolds in the rescue operation. To my astonishment, Captain Aizen—previously thought to be deceased—emerges as the sinister puppeteer orchestrating the events. Aizen deceives the Soul Society, making a daring escape with the enigmatic Hogyoku concealed within Rukia. This audacious move heralds the beginning of the Arrancar arc, filled with intricate political machinations, treachery, and moral ambiguity. Simultaneously, Ichigo manages to rescue Rukia, but his involvement in this saga is far from ordinary—he’s now entangled in something far greater, a narrative that evolves beyond the straightforward “monster of the week” trope, unfolding into a complex tapestry of secrets, betrayal, and ethical dilemmas.

Dragon Ball Z – Saiyan Saga Arc

The epic tale of Dragon Ball Z gets underway with a thunderous start, unveiling that Goku is not a human being, but rather an extraterrestrial warrior named Saiyan, dispatched to Earth. His brother Raditz makes an appearance, attempting to coerce Goku into accepting his alien heritage, which culminates in a fierce confrontation where Goku selflessly gives up his life to halt him. Meanwhile, during this time, Goku is in training beyond the mortal realm, while his comrades frantically prepare for the arrival of two Saiyans who are even stronger – Vegeta and Nappa. Their arrival wreaks havoc on Earth, resulting in the tragic loss of several Z Fighters, including Yamcha, Tien, and Piccolo.

After concluding my intense training, I find myself back on Earth, leaving Nappa in ruins and setting the stage for a grueling battle against Vegeta. Pushed to my utmost limits, I still found myself struggling against this Saiyan prince. Thankfully, Krillin and Gohan lent their assistance, helping me to finally vanquish him. Though he narrowly escaped death, Vegeta was forced to retreat from our planet. This pivotal moment transformed the series from a lighthearted journey into an epic space opera that left an indelible mark on shonen anime for years to come. It’s fascinating how the earliest adventures can be the ones we remember most vividly, and Vegeta, one of DBZ‘s cherished characters, is a testament to that truth.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – Stardust Crusaders Arc

Starting from 2005, “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” has been published in “Ultra Jump”, but its roots go back almost 20 years in the “Weekly Shonen Jump”. The storyline of “Stardust Crusaders” focuses on Jotaro Kujo who embarks on a 50-day adventure from Japan to Egypt, with the objective of saving his mother, Holly, by vanquishing their old foe, Dio. Joined by his grandfather Joseph Joestar, fortune-teller Avdol, student Kakyoin, French swordsman Polnareff, and a Boston terrier named Iggy, they traverse through various obstacles. Encountering numerous Stand users with extraordinary abilities, our heroes must rely on their creativity rather than brute force to overcome these challenges.

As they approach Egypt, battles within the group escalate significantly, growing more personal and intense, culminating in a climactic confrontation against Dio, who has taken over Jonathan Joestar’s body and gained immense power. This phase introduced the concept of Stands and solidified the series’ unique blend of extravagant poses, intense fights, dramatic moments, and humorous elements that have made it a global sensation. The Crusaders team is often considered the most iconic arc in the franchise, producing numerous memorable scenes such as Kakyoin’s “Rero Rero,” Jotaro’s “Yare Yare Daze,” and of course, Dio’s famous line, “Oh? You’re approaching me?

My Hero Academia – The Paranormal Liberation War Arc

Following several months of meticulous planning, Japan’s heroes launch surprise attacks on the lairs of their nemeses spread throughout the nation. With the advantage, it seems as though the conflict will conclude before it truly begins. However, things swiftly deteriorate when Shigaraki reawakens, armed with his enhanced All for One Quirk. Now more potent than ever, Shigaraki can now decay without even touching anything. To make matters worse, after leveling an entire city, he summons Gigantomachia who bulldozes through twenty miles of terrain to reach his commander.

In their battles on various fronts, the conflict brings about unparalleled destruction. Hawk slays the villain Twice in desperation, adding another layer of intrigue, and Dabi’s revelation as Endeavor’s son shatters public trust in heroes. The Paranormal Liberation War stands out among all My Hero Academia arcs due to its story-defining importance, signaling the shift from a conventional superhero series to an all-out war narrative.

One Piece – Marineford Arc

One of the most emotionally charged storylines in “One Piece” is Marineford. It kicks off as Luffy learns that his brother Ace has been apprehended and scheduled for execution at Marine Headquarters. Risking his own life, Luffy forcefully breaches the underwater prison Impel Down with a desperate mission to free Ace. However, when this plan falls through, he proceeds towards Marineford, where a fierce battle between the Marines and the Whitebeard pirates is already unfolding.

In the epic clash of Whitebeard, famously recognized as the strongest man globally, and the Marine Admirals within the largest battle ever depicted in “One Piece”, viewers are struck by significant revelations. For instance, it’s unveiled that Luffy’s father is Dragon, head of the Revolutionary Army, and a heart-wrenching scene unfolds as Ace sacrifices himself to safeguard Luffy. This arc significantly altered the “One Piece” universe, serving as a pivotal moment for Luffy when he acknowledged his continued inability to shield those dear to him despite his growth in strength.

2025-04-18 23:49