10 Shonen anime that would have been better without romance

The romantic elements in Shonen anime simply seem to be misplaced within the character development and the exciting plot battles. Though the genre is a master in storytelling through friendships, competition, and development, the introduction of love frequently derails momentum, and sometimes even subtracts from the features that make shonen anime so unique.

When authors force the love elements in action-heavy narratives, it results in an Awkward and undercooked result. Rather than hurried love declarations or one-sided crushes that don't contribute much to the plot, the most memorable shonen anime moments focus on character development, fierce conflicts, and deep connections.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.

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Black Clover, Naruto, and eight other Shonen anime that would have been better without romance

1) Black Clover

Shonen anime Black Clover (Image via Pierrot)

The random and forced romantic plots feel unnecessary, unrelated to the main ideas in the work, and Asta's constant pursuit of Sister Lily quickly gets to the point of being annoying rather than funny.

The rivalry between Asta and Yuno, the complex magic system, and the bonds with the Black Bulls were all primarily used to demonstrate depth in Black Clover, while the romance was shallow. If the series only addressed magical development, willpower, and friendship rather than flimsy romantic interests, it would be more compelling.

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2) Naruto

Sasuke and Naruto as seen in the Shonen anime (Image via Pierrot)

Naruto's abrupt transition from Sakura to Hinata feels more like a plot requirement than a real development, and the romance aspects of the series are among its worst. Without romance, the series flourishes during arcs such as the Chunin Exams and Pain's attack.

The emotional weight of Naruto's relationship with Sasuke and teachers like Jiraiya is much greater. While uncomfortable love subplots sometimes detract rather than advance the plot, Naruto ultimately succeeds via its ideals of friendship and tenacity.

Also read: 10 life lessons we learn from Naruto

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3) Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki as seen in the Shonen anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The everlasting, superficial, and narratively insignificant romances in shonen anime are clearly illustrated in Orihime's unreciprocated love for Ichigo. In arcs like Soul Society, with a focus on politics and fighting, Bleach thrived. Ichigo's growth as a Soul Reaper and the world's protector decided where he went, not cookie-cutter love stories.

The romance added nothing important to the plot, and it felt like an afterthought to character development. If the series had focused solely on a supernatural conflict and Ichigo's self-awareness of his powers and responsibilities, that would have been a much more interesting series.

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4) Fairy Tail

Natsu and Luct as seen in the Shonen anime (Image via J.C. Staff)

More annoyance than satisfaction stems from the constant romantic teasing between some characters, as their relationships are always on the precipice of development but never progress. It just gets boring when Natsu and Lucy's will-they-won't-they relationship never progresses.

The way the story deals with guild relationships and the notion of the family of misfits is one of the series's stronger aspects. Fairy Tail makes really emotional moments that resonate with the audience when it properly handles these themes. What makes this shonen anime unique—the notion that chosen family can have greater power than blood relations—is obscured by the romance subplots.

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5) Hunter x Hunter

Gon as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Hunter x Hunter stands as proof that shonen anime can excel without romantic elements. The series focuses on complex power systems, psychological battles, and pure adventure that would be diminished by romantic complications. Gon's date with Palm during the Chimera Ant arc feels completely out of place and unnecessary to the plot.

The series' examination of friendship, mentoring, and the effects of power is what makes it so strong. The relationship between Gon and Killua and the complex warfare tactics provides all the necessary emotional depth. This shonen anime shows that interesting character relationships can exist without romance.

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6) Fire Force

Shonen anime Fire Force (Image via David Production)

The series' somber themes of religion, mortality, and spontaneous human combustion are sometimes undermined by Fire Force's romance components and fan service moments. Romantic complexities are unnecessary because the Evangelist's mystery and the firefighting action make for an engaging story.

Instead of romantic interests, Shinra's character development centers on his heroic position and his family's terrible past. Romantic subplots seem to trivialize the series' weighty themes of religion and mortality. Instead of interjecting needless love moments to relieve the tension, this shonen anime would benefit from keeping its somber tone throughout.

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7) Tokyo Ghoul

Ken Kaneki as seen in the anime (Image Via Studio Pierrot)

The relationship between Kaneki and Touka seems a bit forced and out of place with his psychological journey and his struggle with his ghoul identity. The series is better when it's more of a horror story that focuses on the lines between human and ghoul. Kaneki's struggle to belong in both and to accept who he is are the core of his journey.

The love aspects don't flow organically with the protagonist's psychological development and feel forced. Instead of s*xual connections that seem to take a backseat to the main topics, this shonen anime thrives when it concentrates on the horror of ghoul culture and identity struggle.

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8) Mob Psycho 100

Shigeo Kageyama as seen in the anime (Image via Bones)

Mob's relationship with Tsubomi isn't that bad, and it's not particularly a focus of the show. It's not as important as him growing as a person and interacting with his mentors like Reigen. The show handles themes of emotional growth and the responsibility of power well. Teenage romance isn't as interesting as Mob's quest for self-acceptance and a sense of his position in the world.

There are more prospects for character growth because of his interactions with his brother Reigen and the Body Improvement Club. Instead of emphasizing romantic interests, this shonen anime thrives when it concentrates on psychological development and the effects of psychic talents.

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9) Assassination Classroom

Shonen anime Assassination Classroom (Image via Studio Lerche)

The romantic elements involving Nagisa and other students feel unnecessary in a series about an octopus teacher preparing his students to kill him. Compared to romance subplots, the classroom dynamics and life lessons offer significantly more content.

Sincere emotional investment is produced by Koro-sensei's interaction with his pupils and their development both as individuals and as a class. The examination of education, development, and the teacher-student connection is one of the series' strongest points. Without romantic asides that detract from the original idea and character growth, this shonen anime would be more powerful.

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10) Blue Exorcist

Shonen anime Blue Exorcist (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The romantic aspects of Blue Exorcist don't seem to relate to Rin's quest to accept his ancestry and master his demon abilities. Rin and Yukio's brotherhood and the intricacies of their connection with their evil father are the series' strongest points. Character development sans romantic issues is abundant due to the supernatural confrontations and exorcist training.

Intriguing internal conflict results from Rin's battle with his dual nature and his position in both the human and demon worlds. Instead of romantic subplots, this shonen anime excels when it concentrates on supernatural action and family dynamics.

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Conclusion

The greatest shonen anime demonstrates that gripping narratives don't always require romance. Character development is enhanced by friendship, competition, mentoring, and personal development. The outcomes are much more fulfilling when producers give priority to heated conflicts, intricate relationships, and themes of maturation.

These eight shows demonstrate how romance frequently comes across as forced and undeveloped. Instead of contrived love subplots that rarely advance the plot and frequently take away from the genre's fundamental qualities, future shonen anime would benefit from emphasizing meaningful bonds.

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Edited by Madhur Dave