The 10 Greatest Delinquent Anime, Ranked

Anime is one of the fastest-growing media in the world, and that means shows like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen can showcase their gorgeous animation and spectacular creativity. However, since anime has become so popular, some of its foundational genres have faded out of the limelight, like avant-garde and delinquent. The latter in particular had a boom in the 1990s and has mostly disappeared since then.

Not to be confused with the organized crime genre, delinquent anime follow common punks taking on the system or simply having fun in their own world. Complex but rewarding, it deserves to make a massive comeback, which is why this list will rank the ten greatest delinquent anime of all time based on aspects such as writing, animation, entertainment value, originality, influence, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. There are more than ten masterpieces, like Angel Densetsu, but these are the best out of a great bunch.

10 'Air Gear' (2006)

Image via Toei Animation

The delinquent anime is all about style and the rule of cool, and Air Gear understood that, giving fans a perfect 2000s punk fest. Air Treks are the newest fad, allowing kids to soar across the skies with futuristic skates. While they have speed limiters, the protagonist and other Storm Riders break the limiter to compete in high-octane underground battles.

Air Gear isn't a typical delinquent anime, simply using the genre as a style to get across the epic premise of air skating battles. The vibe and aesthetic are unmatched, creating a stylish anime with fun characters and engaging action. It is definitely a product of its time, but it doesn't shy away from anything, focusing on delivering the most entertaining experience possible, which is exactly what the delinquent genre is about.

9 'Wind Breaker' (2024-present)

Image via Crunchyroll

The delinquent genre is mainly a '90s product, but there has been a mini resurgence, with it now aimed towards women. One of the newest in the genre is Wind Breaker, which follows a knuckleheaded punk eager to join an infamous school full of the strongest students. However, when the delinquents turn out to be kindhearted, they help open Sakura's heart and defeat the real punks.

Wind Breaker isn't the greatest anime of all time, but it is certainly a fun modern show that brings more spotlight to the delinquent genre, which is always a good thing. The heart of this anime lies in its empathetic characters who continue to grow throughout the series. However, their hearts of gold don't get in the way of a good time, with the animation and fight scenes also being a highlight.

8 'Gokusen' (2004)

Image via Madhouse

Most anime from this genre are targeted at young men, at least the older shows, but that doesn't mean women can't be punks. Gokusen is about a teacher who finally got her dream job, but she is stuck with a class of delinquents. Luckily, she is the daughter of a crime family, meaning she is exactly the guidance these kids need; she just needs to make sure they don't figure out her identity.

It may feel very similar to another delinquent anime later on this list, but Gokusen still manages to separate itself with its incredible protagonist and more entertaining style. It follows the typical school life of the kids there and the shenanigans they get up to, but just as enjoyable is the teacher coming in to save the day and guide them without letting it slip that she is actually a badass criminal.

7 'Tokyo Revengers' (2021-present)

Image via Hulu

As mentioned earlier, the delinquent genre has seen a minor resurgence, and that is all because of Tokyo Revengers. When a normal guy learns of the death of his ex-girlfriend, he is magically transported back in time to his high school days as a delinquent. He may not be strong-willed or powerful, but with his knowledge of the future, he can make sure his ex lives and help his former friends set their lives straight.

The first season of Tokyo Revengers was a massive hit, but it has since lost momentum and fans, with some claiming the later seasons are inferior in quality. Still, the newest, and potential last season, is already a contender for anime of the year, highlighting the twisting and turning plot that involves time travel. Tokyo Revengers can be melodramatic and repetitive, but it is undoubtedly popular and the show that brought back delinquents to anime.

6 'Be-Bop High School' (1990-1998)

Image via Toei Animation

Just like how the current age is oversaturated with isekai anime, the 1990s had way too many delinquent shows that were the same. However, the truly great ones still managed to stand out, including Be-Bop High School. Following two punks in school, they don't have much purpose in life except to beat the crap out of rival delinquents and ogle at girls all day.

There isn't really a story in Be-Bop High School and nothing of note particularly happens, but that is the charm of many delinquent anime. It almost feels like a slice-of-life show but with rebellious teenagers who only want to fight and have a good time. It may seem boring and repetitive in theory, but the result is a hilarious and endearing tale about showing other people who is boss and having fun while doing it.

5 'Bomber Bikers of Shonan' (1986-1999)

Image via Toei Animation

While the delinquent genre used to be one of the most popular in anime during the 1990s, its roots extend into the 1980s, making Bomber Bikers of Shonan one of the oldest examples. Society in Japan is mild-mannered, which doesn't sit well with a handful of burning spirits who spend their youth beating up anyone they deem to be dishonorable, leading to fights everywhere all the time.

Bomber Bikers of Shonan was one of the first delinquent shows in the medium, meaning it established plenty of the tropes seen in later efforts. The cast is full of spirited characters with eccentric personalities that clash with their hardened style. The classic style means there is gorgeous hand-drawn art and backgrounds based on real locations. Bomber Bikers of Shonan is an '80s anime that aged perfectly and defined what delinquents are for anime.

4 'Beelzebub' (2011-2012)

Image via Studio Pierrot

The typical delinquent style disappeared around the 2000s, but in the 2010s, fans saw a hybrid show that merged this genre with childcare and demons to create a bizarre shounen. Beelzebub follows the strongest punk in a school full of delinquents, but when he rescues a baby, that child turns out to be the son of the demon lord, meaning he now has more to fight than just fellow punks.

Since delinquent anime weren't popular enough to stand on their own, Beelzebub made a battle shounen with plenty of different aspects to create a one-of-a-kind experience that is a must-watch. Even though there are supernatural battles and childcare moments throughout, Beelzebub is, at heart, still a delinquent anime that mixes every unique feature it has to create a hell of a time.

3 'Banana Fish' (2018)

Delinquents in Japan stemmed mostly from American and Yankee culture that the young people adopted, so it is only right that some delinquent anime would be set in the States, such as Banana Fish. When a journalist comes from Japan to do an article on crime in America, he forms an unlikely bond with the young leader of the gang, but that only drags him into a countrywide conspiracy.

Banana Fish is a very different delinquent anime than most shows on this list, but that is for the better, because it arguably has the best story here. This anime should be on every fan's bucket list, and that is because it doesn't even feel like an anime. Instead, it bolsters a prestige drama vibe that works perfectly for its complex characters, engaging narrative, and constant plot twists.

2 'Great Teacher Onizuka' (1999-2000)

Image via Pierrot

Many delinquent anime are inherently funny, but some of them are full-on comedies, such as Great Teacher Onizuka, one of the best in the genre. Onizuka finally lands his dream job as a teacher, and while he has less than ideal motives, he might be just what these kids need. Put into the worst class possible, his past delinquent history makes him the perfect teacher to scare these punks straight.

Great Teacher Onizuka isn't a typical delinquent anime; in fact, many of the kids focus on psychological torture and manipulation, but Onizuka's rough methods help straighten them out. This anime deals with heavy themes like suicide, bullying, and substance abuse with nuance and care. However, it also manages to have fun with its premise, blending the two to create a touching and rambunctious comedy that is easily one of the best delinquent shows.

1 'Kyou kara Ore wa!!' (1993-1997)

Image via Pierrot

It was a toss-up between this show and Great Teacher Onizuka, but ultimately, the greatest delinquent anime of all time is Kyou kara Ore wa!! Two transfer students are bored with their normal life, so on their first day of school they decide to be delinquents. With eccentric new hair and fiery personalities, they will take on anyone who gets in their way and make sure every school knows they are the strongest in town.

Kyou kara Ore wa isn't as popular as Great Teacher Onizuka, but it is a much better representative, defining the delinquent genre perfectly and becoming its quintessential example. It ignites the passion flowing in the veins, having fans believe they could take on the world. This anime will get fans riled up through the classic romanticism of '90s delinquents in Japan. Kyou kara Ore wa is goofy, funny, endearing, action-packed, and features a perfect buddy system between the two characters to create one of the best anime of the '90s and a clear landmark of the decade and genre.

Kyô kara Ore wa!!