Popular Shounen Anime Is Crunchyroll’s Most-Watched Anime of the Week Again

Crunchyroll continues to dominate the global anime streaming market with a diverse lineup of high-stakes action and intricate fantasy stories. This week’s most-watched list highlights a mix of long-standing fan favorites and highly anticipated new releases that have captured the community’s attention. From dark shonen battles to philosophical journeys across magical lands, these titles represent the current pulse of the medium. As new episodes drop, viewer engagement remains high across various genres, proving the enduring popularity of these animated narratives.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023–)

Gabimaru the Hollow, a ninja sentenced to death, is offered a full pardon if he can retrieve the Elixir of Life from a mythical island. He travels to the dangerous territory of Shinkansen alongside other criminals and their assigned executioners. The island is inhabited by terrifying monsters and immortal beings that force the rivals to form uneasy alliances. ‘Hell’s Paradise’ is known for its blend of visceral action and psychological depth as characters confront their pasts. The unique flora and fauna of the island add an extra layer of horror to the survival mission.

‘DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR’ (2026–)

Sooha is a student at Decelis Academy who possesses incredible physical strength but keeps a low profile to avoid trouble. She finds herself drawn to a group of seven brothers who are actually vampires hiding amongst the human population. As their paths cross, an ancient mystery regarding their shared destiny and a mysterious girl from their past begins to emerge. ‘DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR’ navigates the complexities of school life while incorporating dark supernatural elements and fated encounters. The series is particularly noted for its stylistic connection to the musical group ENHYPEN.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–)

In a world where gates connect the human realm to dangerous dungeons, Sung Jinwoo is widely known as the world’s weakest hunter. After being abandoned in a high-level dungeon, he survives a mysterious ordeal that grants him a unique leveling system only he can access. He begins a rigorous journey to increase his stats and evolve from a low-rank fighter into a formidable force. ‘Solo Leveling’ focuses on his rapid growth and the overarching mystery of why the gates appeared. The production is praised for its high-octane battle sequences and faithful adaptation of the original webtoon.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–)

Shinra Kusakabe is a third-generation pyrokinetic who joins Special Fire Force Company 8 to help combat the phenomenon of Spontaneous Human Combustion. These firefighters do not just extinguish flames; they exorcise “Infernals” to bring peace to the souls of the victims. Shinra seeks to uncover the truth behind the fire that killed his family and the whereabouts of his younger brother. ‘Fire Force’ is lauded for its inventive choreography and high-quality visual effects during intense battle sequences. Its unique setting and steampunk elements provide a fresh take on the fire-fighting premise.

‘ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword!’ (2026–)

Flum Apricot is cast out of her hero’s party when her stats are revealed to be zero, leading her to be sold into slavery. In a desperate moment of survival, she acquires a cursed sword that transforms her perceived weakness into a terrifying source of power. She eventually joins forces with a girl named Milkit to survive in a society that values individuals based solely on their numerical strength. ‘ROLL OVER AND DIE: I Will Fight for an Ordinary Life with My Love and Cursed Sword!’ emphasizes themes of resilience and the reclamation of identity through struggle. The story balances brutal combat with the growth of a tender bond between the main characters.

‘Gachiakuta’ (2025–)

Rudo is a boy who lives in the slums and is eventually framed for a crime he did not commit, resulting in his banishment to the Abyss. In this wasteland of discarded waste, he meets a group of “Cleaners” who use unique abilities to fight off trash-based monsters. Rudo discovers he is a Giver, someone capable of drawing out the latent souls within objects he cherishes. ‘Gachiakuta’ centers on his quest for revenge against the Sky Series while uncovering the truth of his world. The series is highly regarded for its distinct art style and high-energy urban fantasy aesthetic.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–)

After the hero’s party successfully defeats the demon king, the elf mage Frieren sets out on a long journey to witness the passing of time. As an immortal being, she struggles to connect with her mortal companions until their deaths prompt her to seek a deeper understanding of humans. She takes on a young apprentice named Fern and travels toward the northern lands where souls are said to rest. ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ provides a poignant look at grief, legacy, and the value of fleeting moments. It has received critical acclaim for its beautiful art style and slow-paced, emotional storytelling.

‘Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None’ (2026–)

A versatile adventurer finds himself constantly replaced by specialists despite his ability to handle any situation on the battlefield. Realizing his worth is overlooked, he decides to form his own group composed of other underestimated individuals with non-traditional skill sets. The team uses creative strategies and multi-class synergies to overcome obstacles that baffle more traditional parties. ‘Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None’ explores the tactical side of adventuring while challenging the standard tropes of hero-led fantasies. The narrative focuses on the strategic use of multiple low-level skills to overcome high-level threats.

‘Sentenced to Be a Hero’ (2026–)

Criminals who have committed the most severe atrocities are given a chance at redemption through the “Hero’s Punishment,” a lethal front-line combat sentence. Hallow, a convicted murderer, is forced to lead a squad of fellow prisoners against the overwhelming forces of the demon king. Their every move is monitored, and any attempt to flee results in immediate death by their magical restraints. ‘Sentenced to Be a Hero’ delves into the grim reality of being a disposable soldier and the potential for genuine heroism within the heart of a killer. It examines the blurred lines between heroism and villainy in a dark fantasy setting.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

Yuji Itadori becomes the host of Ryomen Sukuna, the most powerful curse in history, after consuming a legendary cursed object. To protect others and find a meaningful way to die, he enrolls in Tokyo Jujutsu High to train as a sorcerer. He joins a team of peers to hunt down malevolent curses that manifest from human negative emotions. ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ is highly regarded for its dark themes, strategic combat, and the complex moral alignment of its characters. It continues to be a powerhouse in the shonen genre, drawing millions of viewers with its high-stakes plot.

Please share which of these anime series you have been watching this week in the comments.