Key Takeaways
- MyAnimeList’s ranking system helps readers find the best manga, saving them from reading less-than-stellar titles.
- Space Brothers follows the story of two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, as they work towards their goals of going to Mars and the moon.
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, an award-winning manga by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the story of Nausicaä as she tries to save the world from war and destruction.
In the last few years, the manga industry has released many successful series. With so many new manga coming out, it’s difficult to pick the right one, since not all are of similar, outstanding quality.
Related
The Best Historical Anime Ever, Ranked
Whether set in Feudal Japan or another part of history, the best historical anime are often entertaining and educational.
Manga readers always run the risk of encountering some less-than-stellar titles. MyAnimeList is a great way to save readers a lot of trouble. The site has a ranking system that allows for an easy way to find the highest-rated manga. With that in mind, here are the best manga according to MyAnimeList.
Updated on November 12, 2024, by Suzail Ahmad: Every year, the anime and manga industry continues to increase in size. There was a time when watching anime or reading manga was considered eccentric, but now it has become mainstream. With more and more people dabbling in the mediums, the manga authors are doing their best to dish out new ideas.
Unfortunately, not all manga turn out to be hits. If a newbie reads an underwhelming manga title, they might lose interest forever. This is why neophytes are recommended to read the highest-rated manga. With that in mind, the list has been updated to include more titles that are generally considered the best in the world.
As the ratings are based on fan votes, they change on a regular basis.
39 Girls’ Last Tour
MAL Rating: 8.71
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Girls’ Last Tour |
February 21, 2014 |
Adventure, Slice-of-life |
Tsukumizu |
Girls’ Last Tour has a post-apocalyptic setting. The manga takes place at a time when civilization has collapsed due to a massive war. Girls’ Last Tour primarily focuses on Chito and Yuuri, two girls who believe themselves to be the only survivors of the catastrophic battle.
With seemingly no one else to take care of them, the two girls stand by each other and find ways to fight against the blues. Chito and Yuuri have contrasting personalities, so their interactions are always interesting.
38 Chainsaw Man
MAL Rating: 8.71
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Chainsaw Man |
December 3, 2018 |
Action, Supernatural |
Tatsuki Fujimoto |
Chainsaw Man is a modern shonen manga that does not shy from gore and violence. Throughout the series, there are incidents that can shock an unsuspecting person to their very core. However, the grotesque moments in the manga haven’t stopped it from becoming a massive hit among the audience.
Chainsaw Man puts Denji into the spotlight. He is in massive debt, and as a result, he is forced to kill devils for the yakuza. Despite the poor condition of his life, Denji tries to find comfort in small things and in his best friend, Pochita. The two endure many hardships, but they take solace in the fact that they are together.
37 Mushishi
MAL Rating: 8.71
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Mushishi |
October 10, 1999 |
Fantasy, Mystery |
Yuki Urushibara |
Mushishi is a compelling tale that is set in a fantasy world where humans co-exist with creatures known as Mushi. These entities cannot be seen by most people, so they do not know about their existence.
However, there are a few who are able to see these beings, so they try to learn about these creatures and help others. Mushishi follows the story of one such person who goes by the name, Ginko. He travels from one place to another, helping people get rid of any Mushi-related problems. His adventures offer a deep and unique perspective on Mushi and how they are a necessary evil.
36 Veil
MAL Rating: 8.72
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Veil |
November 15, 2019 |
Romance, Slice of Life |
Ikumi Fukuda |
Veil offers readers the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the interactions between the two main protagonists. The manga focuses on conversations between a blind woman and a police officer. There are some serious undertones in the manga, but the romance balances things out.
Veil is perfect for those who want to take a break from the regular action series. As previously stated, readers can relax and take their time while reading Veil. At the time of writing, Veil has no anime adaptation.
35 Hajime no Ippo
MAL Rating: 8.73
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Hajime no Ippo |
September 27, 1989 |
Sports |
George Morikawa |
Sports manga have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and fans have been revisiting older releases to experience great storytelling. Any conversation about sports manga is incomplete without the inclusion of Hajime no Ippo, a fabulous series about boxing.
Related
10 Best Manga Of The 1970s, Ranked
A look back at the best manga of the 1970s, giving readers some of the first horror, science fiction, sports, and harem series in the medium.
The manga takes a gander into the life of Ippo, a hardworking boy whose life changes when a boxer saves him from bullies. After being introduced to the world of boxing, Ippo finds out that he has a knack for boxing. This is the onset of his life as a boxer.
34 Hunter x Hunter
MAL Rating: 8.74
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Hunter x Hunter |
March 3, 1998 |
Action, Adventure |
Yoshihiro Togashi |
Hunter x Hunter is widely considered one of the best manga series, and it is all due to the hard work of Togashi, who has poured countless hours into creating it. The manga has drawn comparisons to other great titles because of its world-building, power system and characters. Hunter x Hunter focuses on the life of Gon Freecs, a young boy who dreams of becoming a Hunter.
Gon is motivated by his desire to find his father and learn more about him. As Gon begins his journey, he comes across many interesting characters, some of whom befriend him. Together, they face new challenges and beat powerful enemies.
33 Dungeon Meshi
MAL Rating: 8.74
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Dungeon Meshi |
February 15, 2014 |
Comedy, Fantasy |
Ryouko Kui |
Dungeon Meshi has won over the audience with its visuals and humor. Unlike other manga titles within the same category, Dungeon Meshi focuses on the lighter aspects.
Dungeon Meshi follows the story of a man who sets out on a journey to traverse a dangerous dungeon. However, his progress is halted by a dragon who demolishes his party. If that isn’t enough, the dragon also consumes his sister. Despite losing so many people, the main protagonist doesn’t give up and reenters the dungeon with new companions. With their supplies running low, they decide to start cooking monsters.
32 One Punch Man
MAL Rating: 8.74
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
One Punch Man |
June 14, 2012 |
Action, Comedy |
Yusuke Murata |
With so many serious battle shonen manga being released every year, One Punch Man offers a vastly different experience than the rest. When normal people get bored, they try to hit the gym to become stronger, but what if a person is already the strongest in the world? Saitama suffers from the problem of having next to no competition. He is so strong that even the toughest of monsters are unable to keep up with him.
However, Saitama is not arrogant or conceited. He stays humble while trying to climb up the ranks of the Hero Association. Manga enthusiasts looking for a title that has action and comedy should give One Punch Man a chance.
31 Sousou no Frieren
MAL Rating: 8.75
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Sousou no Frieren |
April 28, 2020 |
Adventure, Fantasy |
Kanehito Yamada |
Sousou no Frieren shot up in the rankings after the success of the anime. The series follows the story of an elf named Frieren, who was once a part of the group that defeated the Demon King. After their success, everyone went their separate ways, including Frieren.
After a while, Frieren returns to meet her old comrades and finds that they have aged significantly. As she sees them wither before her eyes, she is consumed by regret that she didn’t get to enjoy more things with them. The lamentation causes Frieren to become more adventurous.
30 Made in Abyss
MAL Rating: 8.76
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Made in Abyss |
October 20, 2012 |
Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi |
Akihito Tsukushi |
Akihito Tsukushi’s Made in Abyss is among the most famous manga titles in the world. At first glance, it may look like it is suited for a young audience, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many dark elements in the story, which the older audience will find more appealing.
Made in Abyss is set in a unique town that is built around the edges of the Abyss. Only the bravest people dare to traverse the area, as it is full of mysterious creatures. Each chapter of the manga is filled with a great deal of adventure, making it perfect for fans who like exploration.
29 The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
MAL Rating: 8.76
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity |
October 21, 2021 |
Drama, Romance |
Saka Mikami |
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity is a riveting tale about friendship and romance. Rintarou Tsumugi is at the center of things as he tries to form a friendship with Kaoruko Waguri. The two are polar opposites, but they try not to let it affect their relationship.
The biggest challenge that the two face is connected to their schools. Rintarou is from Chidori Public High School, while Kaoruko is from Kikyo Private High School.
28 Kokou no Hito
MAL Rating: 8.76
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Kokou no Hito |
November 1, 2007 |
Drama, Sports |
Shinichi Sakamoto |
Kokou no Hito follows the life of Mori Buntarou, a young boy who is originally a recluse with no interest in any kind of activity. However, he develops a strong desire to climb the highest peaks after feeling the adrenaline from scaling his school’s building.
Kokou no Hito covers the sport known as rock climbing. It highlights how challenging the sport is and the amount of hard work that goes into it.
27 I Sold My Life For Ten Thousand Yen Per Year
MAL Rating: 8.77
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
I sold my life for ten thousand yen per year |
August 10, 2016 |
Drama |
Shouichi Taguchi, Miaki Sugaru |
For most literary works, I sold my life for ten thousand yen per year may seem like an outlandish title, but avid manga readers know that it is rather normal. I sold my life for ten thousand yen per year is a fascinating story about Kusunoki, a 20-year-old impoverished man who gets by selling his possessions. After parting ways with the last of his belongings, he is guided to a store that purchases lifespan.
At first, Kusunoki does not believe it, but ultimately decides to sell 30 years of his life. Upon receiving the money, Kusunoki learns that he only has three months left to live. As he reaches home, Kusonoki is greeted by Miyagi, who is tasked with observing the remainder of his time in the world.
26 Space Brothers
MAL Rating: 8.77
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Space Brothers |
December 6, 2007 |
Drama, Sci-fi |
Chuuya Koyama |
Space Brothers is a story about Mutta Nanba and his younger brother, Hibito. As the older brother, Mutta Nanba feels that it’s his responsibility to stay ahead of his brother. Hibito made a promise that he would go to the moon, while Mutta proudly affirmed that he would go to Mars.
Fast forward a few years, and both brothers are grown up but working toward their goals. Hibito manages to get into NASA and is ready to land on the moon. Mutta, on the other hand, is fired from his job, but fate offers him another chance to complete the promise that he made to his brother.
25 Nana
MAL Rating: 8.79
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Nana |
May 26, 2000 |
Drama, Romance |
Ai Yazawa |
Nana is a manga about two girls who share the same first name. Nana Komatsu spends most of her time chasing her love interests. She fails every single time but doesn’t let the setbacks affect her mentally. Nana Osaki is prouder and takes a keen interest in music.
One day, the two girls board the same train heading to Tokyo, where they end up sharing the apartment. They have different goals, but they manage to form a great bond. The manga follows their story as they help each other grow.
24 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
MAL Rating: 8.82
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind |
October 9, 1982 |
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural |
Hayao Miyazaki |
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is an award-winning manga series and a project of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. He started working on the manga in 1982, and it was finished in 1994. The manga has been lauded for its intricate story and characters.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is set in the future, where very few kingdoms remain intact after the Seven Days of Fire. Nausicaä, the heir to the throne of the Valley of the Wind, gets involved in a skirmish with a neighboring kingdom. She allies with Kushana, and together they try to fend off the threat. As the war rages on, Nausicaä understands the horrors that people endure. With such a big responsibility on her shoulders, Nausicaä tries to save the world.
23 Akatsuki no Yona
MAL Rating: 8.82
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Akatsuki no Yona |
August 5, 2009 |
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance |
Mizuho Kusanagi |
Akatsuki no Yona is a very popular manga series that belongs to the shoujo demographic. Mizuho Kusanagi started writing the manga in 2009, and since then, it has been serialized in Hana to Yume. Akatsuki no Yona has released over 40 volumes, and the number will keep increasing until the story concludes.
Related
The 7 Darkest Shojo Anime Of All Time
Anime lovers can watch all types of dark shojo anime and explore dystopian sci-fi worlds and all kinds of magical realms.
The story is set in the fictional kingdom of Kouka, and the focus is on Princess Yona. As the sole princess of the kingdom, she enjoys all the luxuries that a person could have. Little does she know that her life is about to be turned upside down. Yona’s cousin launches a coup against the king and murders him. Fearing for her life, Yona runs away with her bodyguard. She seeks the advice of a priest, who tells her that she must gather the four legendary warriors.
22 Haikyuu
MAL Rating: 8.85
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Haikyuu!! |
February 20, 2012 |
Sports |
Haruichi Furudate |
Sports manga have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, but a great deal of credit goes to the manga that have laid the groundwork, and Haikyuu!! is one of them. It was written by Haruichi Furudate. It began serializing in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in 2012, and it continued until 2020.
The manga follows the story of Hinata Shoyo, a young boy who is obsessed with playing volleyball. After joining Karasuno High School, he is shocked to find Kageyama, an old rival. The two must put aside their differences and start working together to win it all. Aside from the rivalry between Hinata and Kageyama, Haikyuu!! also has other incredible characters who often leave the viewers speechless with their skills. It is indubitably one of the best manga of all time.
21 Monogatari Season 1
MAL Rating: 8.86
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Monogatari |
November 1, 2006 |
Action, Comedy, Mystery, Romance |
ISIN NISIO |
Monogatari Season 1 follows the story of Koyomi Araragi. Araragi’s life takes a drastic turn as he manages to survive a vampire attack. This encounter leads him down a path that is filled with supernatural occurrences.
Araragi desperately tries to get back to his normal life. However, things don’t go as planned as he struggles to find his feet in a world that is filled with tragedy. It is a light novel that is spread over six volumes. Monogatari has been written by Nisio Isin and is illustrated by Vofan.
20 Koe no Katachi
MAL Rating: 8.86
Manga Name |
Release Date |
Genre |
Author |
---|---|---|---|
Koe no Katachi |
August 7, 2013 |
Drama |
Yoshitoki Ooima |
Koe no Katachi is a name that’s rather well-known within the anime and manga communities, and it’s mainly because of the movie that was released back in 2016. It gained a great deal of acclaim from the audience. The emotional story of Ishida won over the hearts of people.
While the movie is nothing short of exemplary, the manga is remarkable in its own way. The manga is covered in seven volumes, and it offers a more detailed account of the events of Ishida’s life and his path to redemption. It is very well written and a great choice for readers.