The delinquent anime genre offers a thrilling blend of action, drama, and character development with its exploration of rebellion, camaraderie, and personal transformation. These anime series capture the essence of defiance while shedding light on the complexities of adolescent life.

Whether set in high schools, post-war eras, or supernatural realms, these yakuza anime provide a glimpse into the lives of characters grappling with their identities and striving for a better future. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best delinquent anime. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Gokusen

Gokusen breaks down stereotypes about yakuza and women in Japanese society by offering a decent story with plenty of humor, action, and drama. The anime follows Kumiko Yamaguchi, the acting head of a powerful yakuza clan and teacher at an all-boys private high school.

She is assigned to be the homeroom teacher for C lass 2-4, a group of delinquents who have no intention of improving themselves. Hiding her true self under a dorky facade, Kumiko uses her tough love and knowledge of the yakuza world to bring the students under control and help them turn their lives around.

9. Cromartie High School

Cromartie High School is a cult classic among anime fans known for its unique blend of comedy and absurdity. The series parodies the traditional delinquent anime genre and follows the everyday life of Takashi Kamiyama, a mild-mannered high school student who enrolls at Cromartie High School.

Being in a school notorious for acting as a breeding ground for the toughest delinquents out there, Takashi earnestly dedicates his new high school life to bettering his school’s reputation while his eccentric classmates are hellbent on wreaking havoc.

8. D-Frag!

D-Frag! is a parody of school and harem anime that is full of over-the-top humor and ridiculous situations. The series centers on Kenji Kazama, a wannabe delinquent who is forced to join the Game Creation Club after he puts out a fire in their clubroom.

As he settles in, Kenji gets to know the four girls responsible for his provisional membership. Throughout the club’s constant shenanigans and his desperate attempts to leave the club, Kenji begins to realize that he may be actually enjoying himself.

7. Sakamoto Desu Ga?

Sakamoto Desu Ga? is a comedy delinquent anime that follows the daily antics of high school student Sakamoto who’s perfect in every way – he’s handsome, intelligent, athletic, helpful, and always knows how to handle any situation.

Being the most “perfect” student, he is always in the talks among his fellow classmates and teachers as they can’t help but be drawn to him. Sakamoto’s way of living a normal life and his attempts to be the coolest person in the world makes it worth watching.

6. Clannad

Clannad introduces us to one of the best romantic anime movies the visual novel genre has to offer. Spawning across multiple anime TV series and films, the story follows Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent student who wants to drop out of his school until the day he encounters Nagisa Furukawa.

Not wanting any trouble, Tomoya tries to ignore her but ends up learning about her dream of reviving the school’s drama club. Deciding to help her, Tomoya soon finds himself being engaged in the lives of all the girls from the drama club as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal growth.

5. Beelzebub

Beelzebub introduces us to an interesting setup where a delinquent babysits the devil’s child. The story follows Tatsumi Oga, a first-year student at Ishiyama High, a school for delinquents. One day, Oga finds a baby floating down a river.

The baby is actually Kaiser de Emperana Beelzebub IV, the son of the Demon Lord and Oga is tasked with raising this cute and cuddly demon baby who boasts supernatural powers. Beelzebub is sure to please fans of comedy, action, and delinquent anime.

4. Yu Yu Hakusho

Coming from the same author of “Hunter × Hunter”, Yu Yu Hakusho is another masterpiece by Yoshihiro Togashi. Critically acclaimed for its battle anime sub-genre, the series follows Yusuke Urameshi who becomes a spirit detective after dying in a road accident.

As an underworld detective, Yusuke is appointed to investigate various cases involving demons and spirits in the human world. He must face powerful foes and battle some of the most imposing figures known in the Spirit World to protect his friends and family.

3. Rainbow

Rainbow is an underrated delinquent anime that shows the honest side of the ruffians. Produced by renowned Studio Madhouse, the series is set in 1950s Japan and tells the story of six junior delinquents who get captured for committing minor crimes.

Afterwards, they’re sent to a disciplinary school where they meet their mentor who is locked up with them in the same cell. In the cruel facility, the group must learn to work together if they want to survive amid the harsh and unforgiving environment.

2. Tokyo Revengers

Among the modern shonen manga turned into delinquent anime, Tokyo Revengers is unique and distinctive in its own cause of its stylish character designs, simple yet effective storyline, action-packed drama, and a touch of light comedy in a sci-fi setting.

Tokyo Revengers is the story of Takemichi Hanagaki, a young man who discovers he can time travel. Upon witnessing the tragic death of his middle school girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana, he is transported 12 years back in time. Now, he has the chance to save her while confronting his past along the way.

1. Great Teacher Onizuka

GTO is a vintage comedy 90s anime by Studio Pierrot centered around an ex-gang leader, Eikichi Onizuka who decides to straighten up his distorted life by becoming the greatest teacher ever. But, being a teacher isn’t easy, and Onizuka gets a taste of it regularly.

The anime takes a realistic approach to explore the modern-day issues of the academic system and its victimized students. Old-style animation and retro openings in addition to Onizuka’s out-of-the-box methods to help his students grow into better people is a treat to watch.

Which one of the following delinquent anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other anime like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.

We post daily anime and manga news articles, so make sure to follow us on Instagram. You can also check out our anime ranking page for more articles like this.