The 10 Best Episodes in Shonen Anime History, Ranked

Shonen anime has produced countless episodes that fans remember long after the credits roll. Some became famous for a transformation, some for a devastating character death, and others because the animation, direction, and storytelling came together perfectly.

From Dragon Ball Z and Naruto to One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, and newer hits such as Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen, these episodes represent moments that helped turn great series into unforgettable ones.

10 “Nonstandard”

Jujutsu Kaisen – Episode 20

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime’s first season saves one of its wildest showcases for the Goodwill Event’s final stretch. Yuji and Todo continue their battle against Hanami, with Yuji landing multiple Black Flashes while Todo uses Boogie Woogie to keep their combination going. The episode then raises the stakes when Satoru Gojo arrives and uses Hollow Purple against Hanami. It feels like the moment the series announces exactly how explosive its battles can become. It ranks tenth because its spectacle is huge, even if other episodes here carry heavier emotional weight.

9 “Ichigo Dies! Orihime, the Cry of Sorrow!”

Bleach – Episode 271

The Bleach anime series goes completely off the rails in Episode 271. Ulquiorra blasts a hole through Ichigo’s chest, leaving Orihime horrified as Uryu desperately tries to protect her. With Ichigo seemingly dead, Orihime’s cries trigger something terrifying inside him, and his Hollow form takes complete control. The fight suddenly becomes something else entirely as Vasto Lorde Ichigo attacks Ulquiorra with overwhelming brutality. It ranks ninth because its transformation, emotion, and atmosphere are unforgettable, though the strongest episodes here leave an even bigger emotional mark on their respective series.

8 “Death of the Undying”

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Episode 19

Roy Mustang’s confrontation with Lust is one of the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime’s most satisfying action sequences. Lust gravely wounds both Mustang and Havoc, leaving them seemingly finished. Mustang survives by cauterizing their wounds with his own flames, then returns to fight Lust alongside Hawkeye and Alphonse. He repeatedly incinerates the Homunculus until her Philosopher’s Stone runs out of energy. The episode also brings Barry the Chopper’s story to a grim end and closes with Edward seeing his father, Hohenheim, at Trisha’s grave. It ranks eighth because it packs action and consequence into one unforgettable episode.

7 “Hinokami”

Demon Slayer – Episode 19

Demon Slayer anime’s Episode 19 is where Tanjiro’s fight against Rui becomes an unforgettable shonen anime moment. With Nezuko in danger and his body pushed to its limit, Tanjiro remembers his father performing the Hinokami Kagura and uses its Dance against Rui. Just as Rui’s threads close in, Nezuko awakens and uses her Blood Demon Art, Exploding Blood, to burn them away. Tanjiro then manages to cut Rui’s neck. It ranks seventh because the episode delivers a huge emotional and visual payoff that became one of Demon Slayer’s defining moments.

6 “Straw Hat Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King”

One Piece – Episode 1015

The best shonen anime of all time, One Piece‘s Episode 1015 turns Luffy’s arrival on the rooftop into something almost mythic. While Yamato remembers Ace and the dreams they shared, Luffy, Zoro, Law, Kid, and Killer finally reach Kaido and Big Mom. The direction gives each character a sense of arrival before the battle erupts. Luffy then remembers the people who helped the alliance reach this point and attacks Kaido with his newly learned Ryuo. It ranks sixth because few One Piece episodes make the scale of Luffy’s journey feel this immediate, personal, and earned.

5 “The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant”

Naruto: Shippuden – Episode 133

Jiraiya’s final battle with the Six Paths of Pain reaches its heartbreaking conclusion here. Even after losing an arm and suffering devastating injuries, Jiraiya keeps fighting long enough to uncover Pain’s secret. His final thoughts return to Naruto, his students, and the life he spent trying to guide the next generation. Even as he realizes he is dying, Jiraiya forces himself to remain conscious long enough to leave a coded message about Pain’s identity. It ranks fifth because its emotional weight comes from Jiraiya refusing to give up until his final moments.

4 “Transformed at Last”

Dragon Ball Z – Episode 95

Dragon Ball Z’s most famous transformation earns its place through pure emotional buildup. Frieza survives the Spirit Bomb, critically injures Piccolo, and kills Krillin in front of Goku. The loss finally pushes Goku past his breaking point, and the legendary Super Saiyan appears for the first time. The scream, golden hair, and sudden change on the battlefield became one of shonen anime’s defining images. It ranks fourth because the moment is nearly impossible to separate from Dragon Ball’s legacy, even decades after its original broadcast.

3 “Hero”

Attack on Titan – Season 3, Episode 17

Attack on Titan anime turns a battlefield into a desperate gamble in Hero. Erwin leads the remaining Scouts in a suicidal charge to draw the Beast Titan’s attention, while Levi uses the opening to attack Zeke. At the same time, Armin puts himself in the path of Bertholdt’s Colossal Titan so Eren can execute their plan. The episode keeps cutting between sacrifice, survival, and the hope of changing the battle. It ranks third because almost every character decision carries a cost, making the action hit harder than spectacle alone.

2 “Re;”

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 – Episode 25

The Code Geass anime closes Lelouch’s story with a finale built around sacrifice, deception, and one final act of resolve. The battle for the Damocles reaches its conclusion while Lelouch carries out the Zero Requiem, allowing the world to turn against him and giving Suzaku a final role to play. The ending reframes much of Lelouch’s journey in a single, devastating moment. It ranks second because the episode delivers a complete ending, emotional closure, and a final twist that still defines the series long after the credits roll.

1 “Anger × And × Light”

Hunter x Hunter – Episode 131

In the highest-rated episode, Gon’s transformation against Neferpitou is one of Hunter x Hunter’s most disturbing payoffs. After learning that Kite cannot be saved, Gon sacrifices his future potential to force his body into a form capable of defeating Pitou. What follows is not a triumphant power-up but a horrifying display of grief and rage. Even after Gon defeats Pitou, the Royal Guard’s corpse continues moving and tears off his arm before Gon finishes the fight. It ranks first because it turns a long-running character relationship into an emotionally devastating climax unlike almost anything else in shonen anime.

What are your thoughts on our list of the best shonen anime episodes in history? We’d love to know your top picks in the comments below.