What is manga? Manga has fascinated readers all around the world, even those who are not usually the biggest book worms. This is because manga books feature stunning artwork and often very compelling characters and storylines that are both creative and profound.
Maybe you are already a seasoned manga reader and are trying to check off some of the classics from your reading list. Or perhaps you’re an anime fan curious about exploring the original source material of your favorite anime.
You might even be completely new to the world of manga. Whatever situation you find yourself in, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’ll tell you about some of the best manga of all time. These are the most-read manga books that anyone even remotely interested in the genre should at least be aware of. We’ve included 15 of the best manga books, covering all kinds of genres and styles, so there should be something for everyone.
Naruto
📙 Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Fantasy
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of epic journeys and coming-of-age stories
In this manga, you get to follow Naruto Uzumaki as he goes on the journey from being a lonely and mischievous ninja to becoming the greatest Hokage in his village. It’s a classic Shonen manga, and it’s packed with lots of interesting things.
You’ll find topics related to perseverance, friendship, and determination. The characters grow emotionally throughout the story. Combine this with some exciting ninja battles, and you have a very action-packed story with heart.
One Piece
📙 Genre(s): Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
💖 Who Will Love This: Those who love grand adventures and quirky characters
One Piece follows Luffy and his pirate crew. They sail the seas while searching for the legendary treasure: One Piece.
This manga contains a balance of comedy, action, and emotional depth – there’s something for everyone.
Attack on Titan
📙 Genre(s): Dark Fantasy, Horror, Action
💖 Who Will Love This: Readers who enjoy intense, action-packed thrillers with deep philosophical undertones
This manga is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant man-eating Titans. It goes into topics of survival, freedom, and moral ambiguity. It’s an exciting manga with lots of plot twists – you won’t get bored.
Fullmetal Alchemist
📙 Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of thought-provoking stories with strong character development
This manga series tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric. They use alchemy while trying to restore their bodies after a failed experiment. This manga contains action, humor, as well as some deep philosophical questions about life, sacrifice, and ethics.
Dragon Ball
📙 Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Martial Arts
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of high-energy battles and lighthearted humor
Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Goku, who is a Saiyan warrior. He goes on quests to collect the Dragon Balls and defend Earth from powerful enemies. Dragon Ball is known for its groundbreaking fight scenes and lovable characters. It is one of the most influential shonen manga in history and one of the best manga of all time.
Death Note
by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
📙 Genre(s): Psychological Thriller, Supernatural, Crime
💖 Who Will Love This: Readers who enjoy mind games and moral dilemmas
When Light Yagami finds a notebook that grants him the power to kill anyone by writing their name in it, he decides to create a utopia free from crime. But a brilliant detective known only as “L” stands in his way. This manga will make you question what justice really means..
Berserk
📙 Genre(s): Dark Fantasy, Horror, Epic
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of gritty, intense stories with complex characters and dark themes
Berserk tells the story of Guts, who is a lone mercenary with a tragic past. He’s on a quest for revenge. This manga is known to be quite brutal, yet also deeply emotional.
My Hero Academia
📙 Genre(s): Superhero, Action, Fantasy
💖 Who Will Love This: Those who love superhero stories with heart and humor
In a world where almost everyone has superpowers (quirks), Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming the greatest hero, despite being born quirkless. This manga book is a new take on the superhero genre.
Sailor Moon
📙 Genre(s): Magical Girl, Romance, Fantasy
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of magical transformations and friendship-driven stories
Usagi Tsukino transforms into Sailor Moon to protect Earth from evil forces. Alongside her fellow Sailor Scouts, she fights to protect the world. Sailor Moon is a beloved classic and one of the best manga books for girls.
Hunter x Hunter
📙 Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Fantasy
💖 Who Will Love This: Those who enjoy strategic battles and in-depth character exploration
Gon Freecss goes on a journey to become a Hunter and find his father. Hunter x Hunter is great because of its complex world-building, which is combined with strategic fight scenes and deep character development.
Akira
📙 Genre(s): Cyberpunk, Dystopian, Science Fiction
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of dystopian futures and action
This science fiction manga is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The protagonist Akira follows his childhood friends Kaneda and Tetsuo as they become entangled in a secret government project involving psychic powers.
Tokyo Ghoul
📙 Genre(s): Dark Fantasy, Horror, Psychological
💖 Who Will Love This: Readers who enjoy darker, thought-provoking stories about identity and survival
College student Ken Kaneki is turned into a half-ghoul after a dangerous encounter. Now, he has to deal with the world of ghouls and humans while struggling with his new identity. Tokyo Ghoul is a dark and emotional story that will make you think about what it means to be human.
Demon Slayer
📙 Genre(s): Action, Fantasy, Adventure
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of beautifully illustrated action scenes and heartwarming sibling relationships
Tanjiro Kamado becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered by demons and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into one. Demon Slayer has quickly become one of the most popular modern manga series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
📙 Genre(s): Mecha, Psychological, Science Fiction
💖 Who Will Love This: Fans of deep, thought-provoking stories that explore human psychology and philosophy
Neon Genesis Evangelion is about a group of teenagers who pilot giant robots (which are called Evangelions) to protect the world from strange creatures called Angels. Besides the action, the story looks at feelings like loneliness and sadness.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
📙 Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural
💖 Who Will Love This: Those looking for something truly unique and creatively wild
This multigenerational saga follows the Joestar family’s battles against evil. Each new generation inherits bizarre supernatural abilities. This manga is known for its unique art style, over-the-top action, and quirky humor.
Maybe You’ll Discover Your Personal Best Manga of All Time
No matter what you’re into — adventures, heartfelt stories, exciting mysteries, or pure action — you’ll be able to find something that matches your taste. All the 15 manga we listed here have their own unique style and themes that make them stand out and be popular in the genre.
If you’re new to manga, start with the one that catches your interest the most. And if you’re looking to broaden your horizons, why not explore Korean and Japanese books? Korean books often blend rich cultural storytelling with modern themes, while Japanese books are known for their innovative narratives and timeless appeal.
If you’re looking more ways to expand beyond manga, check out our recommendations on the best comic books, or maybe even our tips for some more rare comic books.
We also have information on where to sell comic books if you have any old ones lying on your bookshelf and getting dusty. And if you’re curious about the most expensive rare books, give our blog on this topic a read.
As a last recommendation, maybe you are a fan of the FGTeeV family. In that case, don’t forget to check out our article on FGTeeV books for even more new reading material.
