Most popular movies and TV shows are based on or adapted from existing material, including some of the biggest films, such as those from Marvel. But when it comes to anime, almost every single series is adapted from a manga, including Attack on Titan or Chainsaw Man. While anime may get all the credit, most manga deserve more recognition for their impactful stories and gorgeous art.
Anime can ruin the source material due to poor pacing, production, and content cuts, making manga the definitive experience for many stories. This is why this list ranks the ten greatest manga of all time. It will base the rankings on writing, art, story, characters, fan opinion, critical acclaim, legacy, influence, and groundbreaking aspects. They may not move or have sounds and color, but manga is just as important as anime.
25. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2020–Present)
Image via Shounen Sunday
This list features manga from different eras, but one of the newest is Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. Years after the titular elf and her party defeated the demon king, her friends all passed away without her saying what she wanted. Frieren now sets out on a nostalgic adventure with the pupils of her former party, journeying to the land of the dead, where she will reconnect with old friends.
Its anime adaptation is already the greatest fantasy anime series of all time, and the manga is equally engaging. In a genre that has been growing stale, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End rejuvenates it by taking things slow, stopping to smell the roses, and helping out whoever for a useless grimoire. The side quests are the appeal of the story, but its characters, quaint adventure, and magnificent world further prove its excellence.
24. GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka (1996–2002)
Image via Shounen Magazine
The delinquent genre isn't what it used to be, with the 1990s containing the best it has to offer, including GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka. The titular character wants to become a teacher for less than notable reasons, but his history as a delinquent complicates things. However, when he is assigned to a class full of misfits and deranged students, his brutal methods might be exactly what they need.
GTO is the perfect blend of comedy and life lessons, delivering wacky gags with endearing characters and quickly shifting to profound themes such as suicide and bullying. Despite being a comedy, it handles these themes with nuance and care, creating a genuinely authentic and touching manga. GTO is a dazzling comedy that is a mashup of delinquents, school, and excellent storytelling.
23. Golden Kamuy (2014–2022)
Image via Young Jump
Some of the greatest manga series are from the historical genre, with a few on this list, including Golden Kamuy. Set during the Russo-Japanese War, a soldier learns of hidden Ainu gold, with the treasure map being tattooed on a group of escaped convicts. However, he isn't the only one searching, with the military and revolutionary army also in pursuit, but by teaming up with an Ainu girl, the race is closer than ever.
Golden Kamuy is one of the most unique manga series out there, and it does this by creating some of the weirdest moments in history. The characters can be disturbing, and some scenes are baffling, but this eccentric style is endearing at times and makes the characters more lively. Its riveting adventure storyline with plot twists, gritty battles, shocking moments, and a sprinkle of absurdist humor makes Golden Kamuy a distinct manga masterpiece.
22. Homunculus (2003–2011)
Image via Big Comic Spirits
Seinen manga are generally more favored than shounen, even though the latter is more popular, and that is because they are more mature and thought-provoking. One excellent example of that is Homunculus, an excellent psychological dark thriller that explores the mind. When a homeless man by choice takes a sketchy operation for quick money, he can now see the inner truths of every person.
Homunculus is dark, disturbing, eccentric, philosophical, profound, and emotional, telling a relatable story about mental health with a touch of mystery, supernatural aspects, and a psychological focus. The premise is truly fascinating, and the plot only intrigues more as it goes on, increasing the tension, drama, and emotion to create a near flawless manga with an exceptional ending.
21. Grand Blue Dreaming (2014–Present)
Image via good! Afternoon
Comedy manga aren't usually considered among the best series, but this list presents two must-reads, starting with Grand Blue Dreaming. Lori moves to a seaside town for university, living with his cousins. However, when he is forced to join the diving club, his college life changes forever, learning the beauty of diving and the ocean while strengthening his bonds with his friends and relatives, mainly through drinking, a lot of drinking.
Too many manga are set in high school, which makes Grand Blue so refreshing, following college students and the wild adventures they get up to. It is wet, wild, hilarious, and motivational at times, establishing itself as the definitive college manga. Grand Blue is one of the best manga series of the 2010s, using its simple but effective humor and dirty jokes to remain one of the funniest manga series ever.
20. Billy Bat (2008–2016)
Image via Morning
Naoki Urasawa is one of the most renowned manga authors of all time, and fans will see another series of his not too far from now. However, one of his most recent series is also one of his best, Billy Bat. This manga follows a Japanese-American comic author who finds out he inadvertently plagiarized his most popular character, prompting him on a vacation to Japan, where he will ...
