There are several settings that anime experiments with time and time again. However, certain genres just end up being more prominent than others due to their popularity and the sheer level of freedom afforded to creators who want to craft a beautiful and lived-in world. In this context, the fantasy genre is easily one of the most popular fantasy settings that many popular anime utilize to great effect.
However, even if certain fantasy anime turn out to be decent watches, there are times when the manga is undoubtedly a better experience in every way. Keeping this in mind, here are some popular fantasy anime adaptations that pale in comparison to the manga they're based on.
10 The Promised Neverland
Fittingly enough, The Promised Neverland's first season showed a ton of promise. However, all of it was squandered in the second season, which was a chore to get through and skipped many major plot points in the manga.
As a result, reading the manga of this series is the way to go. It's a shame since The Promised Neverland could've been one of the best anime around had it maintained the same expert pacing and direction that was featured in the first season.
9 Tokyo Ghoul
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Tokyo Ghoul is another series that started off on a strong note before slipping horribly over time. The first season was a riveting watch, with the story of Ken Kaneki being pretty engaging indeed.
However, the second season made the critical mistake of moving at a breakneck pace and outright changing certain events from the manga. It's easy to see why the manga is almost mandatory reading now, given how badly Tokyo Ghoul screwed up its later seasons.
8 One Piece
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There's no denying that One Piece is one of the most popular anime around. However, in terms of pacing, the anime is absolutely horrible and can be hard to watch at times.
Thankfully, the manga is in a class of its own and makes for some engaging viewing indeed. There's a reason why Eiichiro Oda is considered a master of his craft, with his artistic talent being clear to see in each and every panel of One Piece's manga.
7 Berserk
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Speaking of legendary mangaka, it would be impossible to not pay respect to the great work of Kentaro Miura. The artist behind the masterpiece that is Berserk has penned some of the most gorgeous manga panels in the history of this medium.
The modern Berserk adaptations are soulless and devoid of any magic in comparison. While the '97 anime is certainly worth a watch, it still doesn't hold a candle to the amazing artwork of Kentaro Miura.
6 One-Punch Man
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One-Punch Man is one of the most jaw-dropping manga anyone can read, mainly due to its amazing art style. So, it was great to see that Madhouse did justice to the amazing artwork of this series with their stellar first season.
However, the studio changed for the second season, and it showed in its lackluster animation quality. This, coupled with the unreasonably long wait for a third season, means that the manga is the way to go in every way.
5 Kingdom
Kingdom is a historical fantasy manga that has been running for quite some time. So, when an anime adaptation was finally announced, fans were elated at the prospect of finally watching their favorite series in an animated medium.
However, the first season was simply painful to watch, with the fully-3D animation making the eyes of many fans bleed due to just how horrible it really was. Thankfully, later seasons picked up the pace, but many fans still recommend the manga as the best way to experience the story of Kingdom.
4 Soul Eater
There was a time when many people considered Soul Eater to be a worthy adaptation of the stellar manga. However, by the time the anime ended, fan opinion took a complete U-turn.
This was mainly due to the anime failing to adapt the entire story and opting for original anime content instead. It's a shame since Soul Eater had all the makings of a successful shonen anime...had it stayed true to the source material.
3 Claymore
Claymore is easily one of the most unique dark fantasy anime that anyone can check out. The anime starts on a strong note courtesy of a riveting setting and great animation...but it's near the end that this adaptation loses its footing.
Instead of adapting the manga as is, Claymore decided to opt for an original and rushed ending that left many plot threads up in the air. It's a shame, but fans of the anime can still read the manga to enjoy the complete experience.
2 Akame Ga Kill!
Akame ga Kill! made a strong first impression with its brutal depiction of violence viewed through the lens of a naive Tatsumi. However, the anime ultimately suffered from trying to cram in too much plot in a single twenty-four-episode run.
It's a shame since the anime had the makings of something truly special. Thankfully, viewers can still check out the amazing manga to witness the natural evolution of Akame ga Kill!'s story, as opposed to a rushed and unsatisfying one.
1 Naruto
Most people would be up in arms at seeing Naruto on this list. Sure, the pacing could've used some work, but the first half of Naruto had its moments, including some stellar animation during major fight scenes.
However, the biggest thing weighing this anime down is the needless amount of filler that was shoved in near the end of the first half. Fans who absolutely hate the idea of lackluster anime-only content should just stick to the manga instead, especially since the skills of Masashi Kishimoto were on full display during this portion of Naruto's story.