Delinquent anime are surprisingly enjoyable with the variety of characters and their backgrounds, interactions and motivations. I have not seen a recommendation post where anime are suggested specifically for those looking for delinquent anime. I was on the lookout since the airing of Wind Breaker. It put me in the mood for more delinquents.
The appeal of delinquent anime lies in a mix of factors that make these characters and stories both intriguing and strangely relatable.
What is a Delinquent?
A delinquent is typically a young person who engages in antisocial or criminal behavior. They often defy authority, break rules, and exhibit rebellious tendencies. The term can be used to describe a wide range of behaviors, from minor misconduct to serious offenses.
Common characteristics of delinquent anime:
Delinquent anime often revolves around characters who display delinquent traits. These characters are often rebellious, confrontational, and have a disregard for authority. The stories often explore themes of youth, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
- Rebellious Protagonists: The main characters are often outsiders who challenge the status quo.
- Conflict and Violence: Physical confrontations and gang-related activities are frequently depicted.
- Coming-of-Age Themes: Delinquent anime often explores the challenges of growing up and finding one’s place in the world.
- Dark and Edgy Atmosphere: The tone of these anime is typically darker and more mature than other genres.
- Anti-Authority Sentiment: Delinquent characters often clash with teachers, parents, and other authority figures.
8 Enjoyable Delinquent Anime
- Yu Yu Hakusho
- Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)
- Tokyo Revengers
- Beelzebub
- Windbreaker
- Ahiru no Sora
- Ikebukuro West Gate Park
- Bucchigiri?!
Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho
- Episodes: 112
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Shonen
- Duration to watch: +/- 45 hours
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Yusuke Urameshi, the ultimate teenage delinquent, unexpectedly sacrifices his life to save a young child. In the afterlife, he’s given the chance to become a Spirit Detective and return to life. Thrust into the world of demons and spirits, Yusuke finds himself facing threats to both the human and supernatural realms. His journey takes him into epic battles and unlikely friendships, testing his loyalty, strength, and sense of self.
Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)
- Episodes: 43
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, School, Slice of Life
- Duration to watch: +/- 17 hours
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Eikichi Onizuka, a former biker gang leader, sets his sights on the seemingly impossible dream of becoming a teacher. Fueled by dubious motives and unconventional methods, Onizuka finds himself in charge of a class filled with misfits and problem students. His outrageous antics and unorthodox approach to education challenge the rigid school system while unexpectedly winning over the hearts and minds of his students.
Tokyo Revengers
- Total Episodes: 37 (Season 1: 24 episodes, Season 2: 13 episodes)
- Genres: Action, Drama, Supernatural, Suspense
- Duration to watch: +/- 14 hours
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Crunchyroll, ANIPLUS and Hulu
Takemichi Hanagaki, a 26-year-old with a lacklustre life, discovers that his middle school girlfriend and her brother have been murdered by the notorious Tokyo Manji Gang. One day, he finds himself suddenly transported back 12 years to his middle school days. Realising he has a chance to save them, Takemichi embarks on a journey to change the past, aiming to alter the future and protect those he loves.
Beelzebub
- Total Episodes: 60
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Supernatural, School, Shounen
- Duration to watch: +/- 22 hours
- English dub: No
- Stream: Crunchyroll
Tatsumi Oga, a notorious delinquent, unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of Baby Beel, the son of the Demon King who has been sent to Earth to destroy humanity. As he navigates his daily life with this chaotic and powerful infant, Oga must balance the challenges of high school with the dangerous supernatural forces that seem to follow Baby Beel everywhere.
Windbreaker
- Total Episodes: 13
- Genres: Action, Drama, School, Sports
- Duration to watch: +/- 5 hours
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
Jay Jo is the leader of the school’s infamous biking gang, the ‘Hummingbird Crew’. As a top student and a skilled biker, he navigates the dangerous world of underground racing, facing off against rivals and uncovering the personal struggles of his fellow riders. The series blends high-speed biking action with a deep exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of youth.
Ahiru no Sora
- Total Episodes: 50
- Genres: Sports, Drama, School, Shounen
- Duration to watch: +/- 19 hours
- English dub: No
- Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
Sora Kurumatani, a short high school student with a passion for basketball, joins the basketball team at his new school, only to find that the team is full of delinquents who have little interest in the sport. Determined to inspire them and realise his dream of winning a basketball championship, Sora’s dedication and love for the game start to transform the team’s attitude, leading to a heartfelt journey of perseverance, teamwork, and growth.
Ikebukuro West Gate Park
- Total Episodes: 12
- Genres: Action, Mystery, Drama, Romance
- Duration to watch: +/- 4 Hours 30 Minutes
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Crunchyroll, BiliBili and ANIPLUS
Set in the vibrant and sometimes dangerous streets of Ikebukuro, Makoto Majima is a mediator who helps solve the various problems of his friends and neighbours. With his strong sense of justice, Makoto gets involved in conflicts between rival gangs, uncovering dark secrets and dangerous truths hidden within the city’s underworld. This series explores the complexities of urban life, friendship, and the moral dilemmas faced by those living on the edge.
Bucchigiri?!
- Total Episodes: 12
- Genres: Action, Supernatural, Comedy
- Duration to watch: +/- 4 Hours 30 Minutes
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
In a city where supernatural beings and humans coexist, two childhood friends reunite after years apart and find themselves caught up in a series of bizarre and thrilling events. As they navigate the challenges of their reunited friendship and the dangerous world around them, they must confront old memories, new enemies, and the mysterious forces that seek to disrupt their lives.
Bonus: Durarara!!
- Total Episodes: 65 (including specials)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Supernatural
- Duration to watch: +/- 26 hours
- English dub: Yes
- Stream: Crunchyroll and Netflix
In the heart of Ikebukuro, a city teeming with life and secrets, a web of interconnected destinies begins to unravel. A young man, drawn to the city’s allure, reunites with his childhood friend, only to discover a world far removed from their peaceful past. As they navigate the treacherous underbelly of Ikebukuro, they encounter a cast of enigmatic characters, from a headless rider to a volatile bartender. With each passing day, the lines between reality and the extraordinary blur, and the friends find themselves entangled in a dangerous game where survival depends on unraveling the city’s darkest mysteries.
Who are your favourite anime delinquents and anime?
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