Highlights

  • 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
15 Best Historical Anime, Ranked
These historical anime teleport audiences to bygone worlds.

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 March 21, 2024, by Suzail Ahmad: The world of manga has seen many famous additions in the last few years. Many hidden gems got the attention that they needed after their respective anime adaptations were released. This helped the manga get the love and attention that it deserved. There are still many titles that are awaiting an anime adaptation, and fans of the series will be hoping that the day isn't far away.

People who are new to manga often find themselves confounded by what they should read. If they pick the wrong series, it is possible that they will never pick up another title. To solve this issue, it is always recommended to take a look at MyAnimeList, where manga titles are ranked on the basis of user votes, making it easier to find the best manga.

30 One Punch Man

MAL Rating: 8.74

Saitama's Low Intelligence

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.

29 Sousou no Frieren

MAL Rating: 8.75

frieren-frieren

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.

28 Made in Abyss

MAL Rating: 8.76

Riko in Made in Abyss

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.

27 Kokou no Hito

MAL Rating: 8.76

Kokou no Hito manga

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.

26 Space Brothers

MAL Rating: 8.77

space brothers best manga myanimelist

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

Nana manga best mal

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

Nausicaa of the valley of the wind manga

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

Akatsuki no Yona manga

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

Hinata from Haikyuu

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

Monogatari Season 1 anime

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

Koe no Katachi manga

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.

19 Yotsuba to!

MAL Rating: 8.88

Yotsuba to manga

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

Yotsuba to!

March 21, 2003

Comedy, Slice of Life

Kiyohiko Azuma

Yotsuba to! follows the daily adventures of a young girl named Yotsuba, who tries to learn more about the world around her. As a five-year-old kid, Yotsuba is quirky and energetic. For her, the world is filled with mysteries, and every day, she sets out to unravel them.

Not only does the manga have an interesting story, but the characters and the artwork are also fabulous. Due to its incredible quality, Yotsuba to! has been nominated for multiple awards.

18 March Comes In Like a Lion

MAL Rating: 8.88

March Comes in Like a Lion manga

Manga Release

Release Date

Genre

Author

March Comes In Like A Lion

July 13, 2007

Drama, Slice of Life

Chica Umino

March Comes In Like a Lion is a seinen manga series that is serialized in Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine. The manga is famous for its handling of psychological issues faced by people in their day-to-day lives.

Related
6 Anime Henchmen Who Are Better Than Their Bosses
Despite being mere underlings, these anime henchmen are far better than their bosses.

March Comes In Like a Lion takes place in Shinkawa, which is the hometown of Rei Kiriyama, a prodigious shogi player. Rei tries his best to maintain a calm exterior, but he suffers from a lot of pressure. Luckily for Rei, things begin to change when he meets the Kawamoto sisters.

17 GTO

MAL Rating: 8.88

Great Teacher Onizuka reading a book

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka

December 11, 1996

Action, Drama, Comedy, Ecchi

Tooru Fujisawa

Great Teacher Onizuka, also known as GTO, is one of the best manga of all time that has been written by Tooru Fujisawa. It is a riveting story that focuses on Eikichi Onizuka, a former gang member who joins the Holy Forest Academy as a teacher.

Due to Onizuka's past as a gangster, he has a different method of teaching than regular teachers. Over time, Onizuka's methods prove to be extremely efficient, and all the students start respecting him. The series not only makes the readers laugh, but it also teaches them important life lessons.

16 Kaguya-sama: Love is War

MAL Rating: 8.91

Kaguya Sama Shirogane and Kaguya

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

Kaguya-sama: Love is War

May 19, 2015

Comedy, Romance

Aka Akasaka

Kaguya-sama: Love is War follows the story of Miyuki Shirogane and Kaguya Shinomiya. Both of them are part of the academy's student council. The two start out as fierce competitors, but with time both of them slowly begin to develop feelings for each other.

However, the two do not confess their feelings for each other because of their reputation. So, Shirogane and Kaguya try to make the other person confess by using a variety of methods.

15 Ashita No Joe

MAL Rating: 8.94

Joe from Ashita no Joe

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

Ashita no Joe

January 1, 1968

Drama, Slice of Life, Sports

Ikki Kajiwara

Ashita no Joe is one of the most well-known anime series of all time. It is responsible for changing the sporting genre altogether. The series has been written by Ikki Kajiwara and it has been illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba.

Related
The New Anime Of The Winter 2022 Season You Should Be Watching
Here are the most exciting new anime debuting during the Winter 2022 season.

The story follows a boy named Joe Yabuki, who learns to become a tough person after being bullied by many people. Joe's talent with his fists attracts the eye of Danpei Tange, who formerly worked as a coach. Danpei decides to coach Joe and turns him into a proper fighter.

14 Real

MAL Rating: 8.95

Two characters from Real together

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

Real

October 28, 1999

Drama, Sports

Takehiko Inoue

Written by the incredible Takehiko Inoue, Real is a sports manga. It follows the story of three different people and their desire to play basketball. All three of them suffer from various problems, but they are united by their love of basketball.

Along with exploring the game of basketball, Real also highlights the harsh reality that people with disabilities have to go through. It also dives into the psychological issues that they have to deal with, making it a great read for people who are into sports.

13 20th Century Boys

MAL Rating: 8.95

Friend from 20th Century Boys

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

20th Century Boys

September 27, 1999

Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi

Naoki Urasawa

This is one of Naoki Urasawa's masterpieces. 20th Century Boys has numerous awards including, the Kodansha Manga Award in the general category in 2001, and the Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category in 2003.

The story is set toward the end of the 20th century. Endo Kenji a normal store manager is shocked when he comes to know about the death of one of his closest friends. 20th Century Boys is a riveting story that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

12 Houseki no Kuni

MAL Rating: 8.97

Still from Houseki no Kuni

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

Houseki no Kuni

October 25, 2021

Action, Drama, Fantasy

Haruko Ichikawa

Houseki no Kuni is a manga series written by Haruko Ichikawa. It began serializing in 2012, making it one of the more recent entries on the list. The series has already received an anime adaptation, which came out in 2017.

Related
8 Anime That Came Out Before Their Manga
Contrary to popular belief, anime doesn't always come after a manga series, and the following series are proof of it.

The story is set in a futuristic world where the Earth has been hit by six meteorites, damaging it badly. Due to the terrible condition of the planet, a new life form known as Lustrous begins to emerge. These are immortal jewels that are able to morph into humans.

11 Kingdom

MAL Rating: 9.01

Kingdom-1

Manga Name

Release Date

Genre

Author

Kingdom

January 26, 2006

Action

Yasuhisa Hara

Written by Yasuhisa Hara, Kingdom has become one of the most popular manga in recent memory. Kingdom's consistent quality is a key factor behind its popularity. The manga has also won several awards over the years.

The manga follows Xin, a war orphan, as he sets out to become the greatest general in the world. Xin's journey is filled with numerous difficulties, which he must overcome to accomplish his goal. Kingdom offers a fictionalized account of the Warring States Period.