15 Best Anime Ships That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Best Anime Ships

This is a list of the top ships in all of shounen anime, from One Piece to Naruto and Hinata.

In the world of shounen anime, there is no shortage of opulence and excess. In other words, this means that the fights will be accompanied with outrageous animation, and the fights will feature a wide range of martial arts and magic systems. As a matter of fact, the romance in shounen anime is often overlooked (and for good reason).

Romance is often employed as a way to tease the future of some characters, or as a way to provide some lighthearted entertainment. Despite the fact that romance in anime isn’t always taken seriously, the fans do an excellent job of filling in the blanks. This list is dedicated to showcasing some of the best Shounen romances of all time, as well as highlighting some of the best characters in the genre.

Sean Cubillas made the most recent update on April 22nd, 2021. This year was a rough one for many people, which is why it’s so reassuring to rely on anime characters’ stories. Even more delightful now days to see them in sweet and romantic scenarios that are accentuated by thunderous explosions and laser beams exploding in the distance. Both new ships from the Shounen world and cherished old ships from less fight-centric Shounen series were left off the last time this list was compiled. Shounen anime fans now have more time than ever to pause and think on their feelings for the genre.

1. Meliodas x Elizabeth (The Seven Deadly Sins)

Meliodas X Elizabeth (The Seven Deadly Sins)

For many, the launch of The Seven Deadly Sins was a highly anticipated and adrenaline-pumping fantasy series that featured Meliodas and Princess Elizabeth. Instantly, the room was filled with a jolt of electricity that could rival Gilthunder’s.

It’s almost as if one wishes there wasn’t so much political turmoil and demons in the world because these two have such a nice and genuine rapport. Despite all of the plot-shifting events, Meliodas and Elizabeth remain committed to one another, with Meliodas looking to Elizabeth for inspiration and guidance and Elizabeth looking to Meliodas for support and courage.

2. Raku x Chitoge (Nisekoi)

“We’re not only about buff males fighting,” Nisekoi proclaimed for years within Shonen Jump. This lighthearted romantic comedy has elements of Romeo and Juliet as well as gang violence. In order to ease tensions between rival gang families, Raku Ichijo and Chitoge Kirisaki have their heirs develop a phony romance.

The artificial sentiments that Raku and Chitoge have for each other soon develop to form something real, as in any good rom-com. Raku and Chitoge’s romantic tension was always heightened by the fact that they had a past of a lost love.

3. Deku x Ochaco (My Hero Academia)

Deku X Ochaco (My Hero Academia)

Adorable, awkward tension between two high school sweethearts is a major Shonen Jump ship of the modern era. Ochaco Uraraka was Izuku’s first friend and the first girl he ever got to talk to who wasn’t his mom, because Bakugo doesn’t count.

Throughout Ochaco’s life, Deku served as a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. They’re a great pair because they help each other improve while also getting into a lot of awkward banter because they’re still trying to figure out how they feel about each other. That’s what happens when you’re in high school.

4. Inuyasha x Kagome (InuYasha)

When discussing Shounen romance, it’s impossible to avoid mentioning the series that basically defined it. Romance mangaka Rumiko Takahashi is renowned for incorporating fantasy and action elements into her stories, which only served to heighten the angst between lovers.

Inuyasha, the bad boy/dog love interest of Kagome Higurashi, was the focal point of many people’s first anime ship. They were the Sam and Diane of anime couples, and their budding romance kept viewers riveted as much as the action itself.

5. Kousei x Kaori (Your Lie In April)

Kousei x Kaori (Your Lie In April)

In spite of the fact that people can’t see through their tears, Your Lie in April is a Shounen anime, and it has an utterly enthralling romance story that makes it even more enjoyable.

It was Kaori Miyazono, a vibrant and kind young woman, who rekindled Kousei Arima’s passion for the piano following his mother’s death, inspiring him to play again. After meeting the amazing Kousei, Kaori, a burgeoning artist, was even more enthused to pursue her goals. It’s one of the greatest Shounen relationships ever, and it’s a beautiful harmony.

6. Ichigo x Orihime (Bleach)

This is a classic anime that suited many people’s edgy teen years well. Ichigo Kurosawa, a stoic bad boy whose whole being shouted more edge than his real blade, is at the helm. With Inoue Orihime, a compassionate and caring character who has shown unwavering support and courage throughout the series, Ichigo and his companions have had a near-perfect counterpoint.

To give them a distinct advantage over many other anime couples, the series would end with the two finally getting together, achieving a romantic fantasy that few Shounen series accomplish.

7. Luffy x Nami (One Piece)

Luffy x Nami (One Piece)

When it comes to One Piece, love is a far cry from its essential values. Eiichiro Oda, the series’ author, has been scrupulous about avoiding romantic overtones in his series, which thrives on fantasy and adventure. While this does not stop fans from reading into the subtext and even generating their own predictions, this does not stop them.

For many fans, Monkey D. Luffy and Nami’s storied love has been the most memorable ship in the series. Luffy and Nami have formed one of the most plausible and obvious ships in the long-running series, having met before the crew had even been created and constantly paired with one another on each adventure.

8. Vegeta x Bulma (Dragon Ball)

There have been many partnerships formed over the course of Dragon Ball’s lengthy and storied existence. It’s hard to choose between the tight and bizarre dynamic between Vegeta and Bulma and the relationships between Goku, Chi-Chi, Gohan, and Videl or Krillin and Android 18, but we’ll go with Goku and Chi-Chi.

Prince Vegeta of the Saiyans is an arrogant, hot-tempered, and self-important prince. There is no doubt that Goku will always be there for Bulma no matter how enormous the size of their trip has become in this series. Even if Vegeta is frightened of the former Saiyan leader, he and Bulma make a cute pair because of their lack of ability to fight each other.

9. Natsu x Lucy (Fairy Tail)

Fairy Tail, in contrast to many of its peers, places a high value on romance and shipbuilding. Before 100 Years Quest, it looked almost entirely focused to showcasing which ships really came together, having teased countless romances over the course of the series.

The most important relationship in Fairy Tail is unquestionably the on-going conversation between Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfelia, which transcends all the others. Since the beginning of the series, these two loyal pals have always stood by each other’s side and supported one another. At this stage, it’s all about getting it down on paper.

10. Yusei x Keiko (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yusei x Keiko (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yu Yu Hakusho didn’t give a damn if Yusei Urameshi and Keiko Yukimura’s romance was ambiguous or not since he was having a little ’90s love. The only way Yusei can be brought back to life after he dies at the start of the series is by kissing Keiko. Keiko continues to assist Yusei as he travels around spirit crimes and tournaments for the rest of his life.

They finally meet when Yusei returns from his one-on-one quest to find Raizen, which is a major story point in and of itself. I think it is only natural that one of the most foundational Shounen series would have a foundational romance.

11. Kenshin x Kaoru (Rurouni Kenshin)

The budding romance between Himura Kenshin and Kamiya Kaoru, another example of an unambiguous and incredibly loyal relationship, would see redemption and a home for the war-torn Battosai and a new faith in the samurai for the lowly dojo owner.

Kenshin ultimately finds a family and a place to call home when he meets Kaoru on his roaming mission to do good in the world. Kaoru doesn’t hesitate to stand by Kenshin’s side, despite the dangers and enemies he’s faced. Additionally, they would truly get married before the series finished.

12. Gintoki x Tsukuyo (Gintama)

Gintoki X Tsukuyo (Gintama)

In spite of its reputation as a comedy series and later as a Shounen action series, Gintama has a lengthy history of love interests. Gin has had a variety of female equivalents throughout the series, including Otae, Sarutobi, Madao, and even Madao’s naive best friend, Madao. Gin has been shipped and teased with a variety of female counterparts throughout the series.

Tsukuyo, the series’ more serious ninja character, is a fan-favorite ship that has contributed to a number of adorable and humorous jokes. Since her debut, there has been a great deal of friction between the two, and Tsukuyo has shown a particular affinity for Gin, particularly when she is in a more inebriated state. Tsukuyo and Gin are one of the most adorable couples in the series, whether they’re joining up for battle or Tsukuyo is shyly throwing shurikens at Gin’s head.

13. Ed x Winry (Fullmetal Alchemist)

There was a lot of action-packed, cerebral and existential spectacle in Fullmetal Alchemist. Everybody was on the edge of their seats waiting to see if Ed and Alphonse would make it out alive after following their perilous voyage through the world of wicked science and corrupt regimes. Winry Rockbell would be the ideal persona to provide both comfort and concern in this situation.

Even though she has supported the two, her heated exchanges with Ed have given supporters hope that the two will eventually get together. Fullmetal Alchemist’s cathartic conclusion would show Ed and Winry’s eventual and curiously nostalgic union, and the series would not disappoint.

14. Eren x Mikasa (Attack On Titan)

When it comes to Attack on Titan, people are afraid to get attached to anything. As soon as they think they’ve found a safe place to land, Titans and political conspiracies begin crashing down around them. Despite this, the fans are clinging to any remaining relationships and love interests as if they were the last drops of water in a drought.

Perhaps Eren Yaeger and Mikasa Ackerman are our favorites thus far, as they are both human stress tests and rock hard badasses. They’re two kids who’ve been through so much together that they’d shatter apart if they were apart. It’s a moment of vulnerability in the midst of tragedy, and everyone is hoping for the best for them.

15. Naruto x Hinata (Naruto)

Naruto x Hinata (Naruto)

The ship at the top of this list astonished even its most ardent supporters. Naruto’s relationship with Sakura had been hinted earlier throughout the story, but it was abruptly changed to include his modest stalker, Hinata. And it ended up making a positive impact on the overall quality of the show.

When compared to Naruto’s connection with the pink-haired girl with whom he had almost nothing in common, this one appears to be healthier. For the fans, this was a relationship that was more than just a payoff; rather, it was a story in and of itself.