17 Best Delinquents Anime: The Rebels Who Rule the Streets (and Schools)

A modern phenomenon that made delinquent culture cool again.

Our protagonist, Takemichi, is a washed-up adult who suddenly discovers he can leap back in time to his middle school days.

Haunted by regret, he decides to rewrite the past by infiltrating the infamous Tokyo Manji Gang and saving his ex-girlfriend from a tragic fate.

He may begin as a pushover, but Takemichi’s desperate resolve to save those he loves pushes him into heroic territory.

Sure, some of his choices will make you cringe, yet that’s part of what makes him real.

Plus, the Tokyo Manji Gang’s mix of loyalty, brotherhood, and tragic choices gives the series serious heart beneath all the brawling.

Tokyo Revengers info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Spring 2021
• Studios: LIDENFILMS
• Genres: Action, Drama
• Themes: Delinquents, Time Travel
• Score: 7.84 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)

Watch Tokyo Revengers trailer:

The legend. The GOAT. The godfather of reformed delinquents.

Eikichi Onizuka is a 22-year-old former gang leader whose life goal is to become a teacher… so he can get a date.

When he lands a job at a school full of troublesome student, he doesn’t bring lesson plans. He brings stunts, pranks, and unorthodox wisdom that somehow works.

His motive may not be the best, but his unorthodox, often insane methods hide a profound genius for connecting with and saving his troubled students.

GTO is hysterically funny, surprisingly heartfelt, and Onizuka’s growth from a pervy delinquent to a truly great sensei is one of anime’s best character arcs.

Great Teacher Onizuka info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 43
• Released: Summer 1999
• Studios: Studio Pierrot
• Genres: Comedy
• Themes: Delinquents, School, Workplace
• Score: 8.68 (MAL), 8.5 (IMDb)

What happens when the school’s toughest delinquent ends up raising a baby… who just happens to be the future king of demons? Pure chaos.

Oga, a no-nonsense fighter with a reputation for knocking out anyone who crosses him, finds himself stuck caring for a demon infant who’s both adorable and terrifyingly powerful.

Watching Oga’s attempts to maintain his bad-boy reputation while dealing with a demon baby who electrocutes anyone except him is comedy gold.

The show is a hilarious mashup of supernatural action and over-the-top parenting gags, all set against a classic delinquent backdrop.

It’s absurd, it’s action-packed, and it’s incredibly fun.

Beelzebub info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 60
• Released: Winter 2011
• Studios: Pierrot Plus
• Genres: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
• Themes: Childcare, Delinquents, Mythology, School
• Score: 7.84 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)

Wind Breaker brings street justice to the screen with style.

In a tough neighborhood where delinquents patrol the streets, the story follows Haruka Sakura, a quiet transfer student who joins a local gang, not for glory, but to keep his town safe.

At its core, the series is about protecting your community and standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The animation is slick, the brawls burst with energy, and the message hits hard: true strength isn’t about fear, it’s about standing up for others.

It delivers that classic “gang clash” adrenaline, but with a stylish, heartfelt edge that makes it super binge-worthy.

Wind Breaker info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Spring 2024
• Studios: CloverWorks
• Genres: Action
• Themes: Delinquents, School
• Score: 7.73 (MAL), 7.4 (IMDb)

Watch Wind Breaker trailer:

This is the king of delinquent parodies, gloriously absurd and brilliantly self-aware.

The premise is simple: Takashi Kamiyama, a straight-A student, enrolls at the infamous Cromartie High, a school so notorious that one of its students is a robot named Mechazawa.

Yes, you read that correctly.

The show is a rapid-fire series of skits that relentlessly mock every tough-guy trope in the book.

The student body includes a silent gorilla, a deadpan robot, and a gang so “hardcore” they spend their time debating the profound meaning of being a man.

The comedy is dry, deadpan, and utterly hilarious. If you want deep drama, look elsewhere. This is delinquent comedy anime at its peak.

Cromartie High School info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Fall 2003
• Studios: Production I.G
• Genres: Comedy
• Themes: Delinquents, Gag Humor, Parody, School
• Score: 7.88 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Rainbow stands as one of the darkest entries on this list.

Set in a reform school after World War II, it follows a group of boys who endure harsh treatment while clinging to their friendship as their only lifeline.

Rather than focusing on brawls, the story centers on their fight for survival against abusive guards and a broken system.

Their brotherhood is pushed to the breaking point again and again, and the series never shies away from exploring grim, mature themes.

It can be a difficult watch, but its message about friendship, hope, and resilience in the face of cruelty is unforgettable.

Rainbow info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Spring 2010
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Drama, Suspense
• Themes: Delinquents, Historical
• Score: 8.46 (MAL), 8.2 (IMDb)

Not all delinquent anime are lighthearted. Banana Fish dives headfirst into a darker, more brutal world.

Instead of schoolyards, the story unfolds in the violent underworld of New York City.

It follows Ash Lynx, a brilliant but deadly young gang leader, as he unravels the mystery behind a dangerous substance known as “Banana Fish.”

It’s more of a crime drama than a schoolyard brawl, but it carries the delinquent DNA with its raw portrayal of youth struggling to survive against impossible odds.

The story is emotionally devastating, beautifully animated, and features one of the most poignant relationships in anime.

Banana Fish info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Summer 2018
• Studios: MAPPA
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Suspense
• Themes: Delinquents, Organized Crime, Psychological
• Score: 8.45 (MAL), 8.1 (IMDb)

For a supernatural spin, check out Blood Lad.

The demon king of the demon world, Staz, is a powerful vampire… and a total otaku obsessed with Japanese culture.

When a human girl accidentally wanders into his territory and dies, Staz takes it upon himself to bring her back to life.

What follows is a fast-paced adventure that mixes demonic turf wars, hilarious gags, and a colorful cast of characters.

Staz has the power of a top-tier delinquent but the heart of a fanboy, a mix that makes him endlessly entertaining.

Blood Lad info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 10
• Released: Summer 2013
• Studios: Brain’s Base
• Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
• Themes: Delinquents, Mythology, Vampire
• Score: 7.23 (MAL), 6.9 (IMDb)

What happens when the granddaughter of a yakuza boss decides to become a teacher? The Gokusen answers with comedy, heart, and plenty of chaos.

This anime follows Kumiko, a young teacher who also happens to be heir to a yakuza family.

When she starts teaching a class full of delinquents, she has to juggle her gangster background with her dream of being a role model.

The show is a fantastic comedy-drama that balances classroom antics with Kumiko’s dual life… And an extra dose of yakuza stuff thrown in.

Her dedication to her students is incredibly endearing, and watching her almost slip up and reveal her true self is always a riot.

The Gokusen info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Winter 2004
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Delinquents, Organized Crime, School, Workplace
• Score: 7.42 (MAL), 7.2 (IMDb)

A true classic, Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! has influenced countless delinquent series that followed.

The story follows two high-schoolers, Mitsuhashi and Itou, who both decide to transfer schools and reinvent themselves as the baddest delinquents around.

Their paths cross, and instead of becoming rivals, they form a legendary friendship and become an unstoppable, chaotic duo.

Their brand of delinquency is both goofy and bold, leading to over-the-top fights, ridiculous misadventures, and endless laughs.

It’s lighthearted but also captures the fun spirit of being a “wannabe tough guy.”

Kyou kara Ore wa!! info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 10
• Released: 1993
• Studios: Studio Pierrot
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Delinquents, School
• Score: 8.06 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Before GTO, there was Bomber Bikers of Shonan.

Bomber Bikers of Shonan is pure 80s delinquent energy, filled with wild biker gang antics, over-the-top fights, and that retro rebellious spirit.

The story follows a group of biker gangs in the Shonan area, centering on the hot-headed but well-meaning Eguchi Yousuke.

It’s all about the rivalry between gangs, the roar of motorcycle engines, and the unwavering code of honor among these street punks.

The animation style and tone perfectly capture the spirit of 80s and 90s delinquent stories. It’s a straightforward, action-packed tribute to the roots of the genre.

Bomber Bikers of Shonan info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Shounan Bakusouzoku
• Episodes: 12
• Released: 1986
• Studios: Toei Animation
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Delinquents
• Score: 7.60 (MAL), 8.0 (IMDb)

At Todo Academy, student power isn’t measured by grades, it’s measured by fists. The school exists to revive martial arts, and only the toughest survive.

The story begins with transfer students Souichiro and Bob, who arrive ready to conquer the academy, only to discover they’re up against forces far beyond street-level fights.

Tenjho Tenge is famous for its incredible fight choreography, deep lore involving ancient warrior clans, and a plot that gets surprisingly complex.

It’s a fantastic pick if you love your delinquent stories with a heavy side of epic, ability-driven battles and a dramatic edge.

Tenjho Tenge info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Spring 2004
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Drama, Supernatural, Ecchi
• Themes: Delinquents, Martial Arts, School, Super Power
• Score: 6.86 (MAL), 6.8 (IMDb)

Based on the popular Japanese novel series, this anime drops you into the gritty underbelly of Tokyo’s street gangs, freelance detectives, and urban decay.

The protagonist, Makoto, is a “troubleshooter,” the guy you call when trouble brews between gangs, yakuza, and other shady characters.

Instead of focusing just on fistfights, it dives into the complicated relationships between different gangs and the personal struggles of those involved.

It’s a little more mature, showing the messy, realistic side of delinquent culture, with sharp writing and plenty of emotional depth.

Ikebukuro West Gate Park info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Fall 2020
• Studios: Doga Kobo
• Genres: Drama, Mystery
• Themes: Delinquents
• Score: 6.87 (MAL), 6.4 (IMDb)

Imagine a delinquent anime story cranked to eleven, dripping with style and laced with supernatural elements.

The story follows Arajin Tomoshibi, an ordinary student who gets pulled into a war between delinquent factions after he reunites with an old friend.

Any hope of a quiet life vanishes when he discovers he can summon a powerful djinn to fight by his side.

Don’t expect realism, this is delinquency as fever dream.

With psychedelic visuals and absurdist humor, Bucchigiri?! is a bold, experimental ride that pushes delinquent anime into uncharted territory.

Bucchigiri?! info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2024
• Studios: MAPPA
• Genres: Comedy, Supernatural
• Themes: Delinquents, School
• Score: 6.50 (MAL), 6.2 (IMDb)

Delinquent anime usually centers on guys, but this one flips the script.

Hinako Nakayama is a tough girl who discovers she has an identical twin brother raised in a yakuza family.

When he suddenly disappears, she disguises herself as him and steps into his dangerous world.

To protect her brother’s reputation, she has to fight her way to the top, challenging the toughest guys around.

It’s a fun, reverse-harem twist on the genre where our heroine’s fists do the talking. The fights are solid, and the premise is a delightful mix of action and lighthearted romance.

Kenka Bancho Otome: Girl Beats Boys info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2017
• Studios: Project No.9, A-Real
• Genres: Action
• Themes: Crossdressing, Delinquents, Martial Arts, School
• Score: 6.42 (MAL), 6.2 (IMDb)

The premise is simple: A timid boy gains the power, and suddenly every delinquent girl in school is obsessed with him. Not that kind of power, he’s still weak physically.

Rokudo is a timid boy who dreams of a quiet school life, but fate has other plans. After inheriting a strange power, he discovers it makes delinquent girls instantly fall for him.

Yes, his power only works on female troublemakers. Suddenly, he’s surrounded by a gang of terrifying, lovestruck delinquents who are fiercely protective of their new “prince.”

The twist is hilarious, but it also leads to fun fights and unlikely friendships. It’s a lighter, more comedic take on delinquent anime, and it shines because of its unusual premise.

Rokudo’s Bad Girls info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Rokudou no Onna-tachi
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2023
• Studios: Satelight
• Genres: Comedy, Romance
• Themes: Delinquents, Harem, School
• Score: 6.41 (MAL), 6.0 (IMDb)

Sometimes being a delinquent isn’t about what you do, but how people see you.

Angel Densetsu tells the story of Kitano Seiichirou, a gentle, kind-hearted boy who just happens to look absolutely terrifying.

His scary appearance leads to nonstop misunderstandings, with everyone assuming he’s the scariest delinquent in town when all he really wants is to be kind.

The result is top-tier comedy: Kitano accidentally gathers a loyal gang and cleans up the school’s crime scene without ever throwing a single punch.

Angel Densetsu info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 2
• Released: 1996
• Studios: Toei Animation
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Delinquents, School
• Score: 7.47 (MAL), 7.4 (IMDb)

Lessons from the Streets

At the end of the day, the best delinquents anime isn’t just about street fights or flashy pompadours. It’s also about friendship, loyalty, and the thrill of rebellion.

These shows capture that messy, unforgettable energy of youth, where bonds are tested, fists fly, and honor means everything.

Whether you’re here for wild comedy, or the street fight action, delinquent anime proves that being “tough” isn’t about looking scary, it’s about standing up for what really matters.

So, if you’re looking for anime that packs punches, laughs, and maybe even a few tears, delinquent anime is the way to go.