30 Best Manga of All Time: Fan Favorites Ranked

Okay, manga aficionados, this one’s for the true fans, the binge readers, and the midnight-page-turners.

We’re diving headfirst into the world of manga with some hot takes on what makes a series truly legendary. Just getting into manga? Welcome to the party! Been reading (and eating and drinking and sleeping) manga for years? We see you.

Our list includes some of the most beloved and iconic titles ever created. Enjoy a mix of timeless classics and best-sellers that continue to shape the manga scene. 

Let’s jump in and see which series made the cut.

What Makes a Manga One of the Best of All Time? 

Well, some manga fans look for epic storytelling. Others focus on beautiful artwork, unforgettable characters or groundbreaking influence. 

Each entry is chosen not just for its popularity but for its impact on fans and the medium itself. Now, of course, it’s not gospel, it’s just our opinion. 

By the way, if you also (like us) happen to be an anime fan, after reading this you might want to check out our article on the Top 30 Anime of All Time.

You might agree with some and perhaps disagree with some others. Once we break it all down and rank ‘em from 30 to 1, let us know at the end what your list would look like!

With that said, let’s let ‘er rip with the first entry on our all-time favorite manga list.

30. Erased

This psychological thriller by Kei Sanbe mashes up time travel with a murder mystery. A struggling manga artist is sent back in time to his elementary school days to prevent the abduction and demise of a classmate. The suspenseful story shows how even small actions can change the future. For nostalgia and tension, this one’s right up there, and a solid contender that we feel good about kicking off the list with.

29. Solo Leveling

Although it originated as a Korean webtoon, Solo Leveling has become a worldwide hit with a dedicated manga-style adaptation. It follows an underpowered hunter named Jin-Woo, who gains the ability to level up like a video game character. Fast-paced action, stylish art and a satisfying arc make this a favorite for fans of fantasy and shonen genres.

28. Great Teacher Onizuka (GTO)

Eikichi Onizuka is a former biker gang member who becomes a high school teacher with a, shall we say, unconventional approach to education. GTO blends raunchy humor with heartfelt lessons, tackling legit social issues such as bullying and parental pressure. Onizuka’s antics are outrageous, for sure, but you know what? His intentions are sincere. That earns him the respect of even the most troubled students – and us, too!

27. Dorohedoro

Q Hayashida’s Dorohedoro is weird, wild and supremely original. Set in a grim, post-apocalyptic world, Dorohedoro follows a lizard-headed man named Caiman who’s in search of his real identity (universal theme, anyone?!). The series blends horror, dark comedy and ultraviolence with a quaintly wholesome friendship at its core. The gritty art style and offbeat tone set it apart from any other manga on this list.

26. Re:Zero (Manga Adaptation)

The manga adaptation of Re:Zero captures the emotional highs and devastating lows of its anime counterpart. Subaru Natsuki is transported to another world where he discovers he has the power to return from death. This sees him reliving the same events over and over until he finds a way to survive. Not your typical isekai, that’s for sure. The psychological toll on our main character is stark, making it both thrilling and tragic. Buckle up for quite the emotional roller coaster ride in this mega manga!

25. Blue Lock

When Japan’s national soccer team comes up short on the world stage, a controversial program is launched to create the best striker in the country. Blue Lock is part sports manga, part survival game. The tension is high, the competition is brutal … and the psychological warfare between players is super intense. We experience new depths in every match. Blue Lock is an intense read for both sports fans and shonen readers.

24. Spy x Family

This charming series centers on a fake family formed for a covert mission. The father is a spy, the mother is an assassin and the daughter is a telepath. What’s more? None of them knows the others’ secrets! The comedy that results is balanced by heartfelt moments and real character growth. Amazing story, right?! The clean art style and smart pacing make Spy x Family one of the most accessible and enjoyable modern manga.

23. The Promised Neverland

What begins as a story about kids in an idyllic orphanage quickly turns into a horror-survival thriller. The children discover the terrible truth behind their home, and subsequently must plan an escape. With intelligent young protagonists, high-stakes strategy and emotional tension, the Promised Neverland manga series keeps readers on edge from start to finish.

22. Black Clover

Asta, our hero, was born without magic – in a world where everyone uses it. But does that stop him from aiming to become the Wizard King? Heck no. The Black Clover manga series is a classic underdog tale full of rivalries, epic battles and a never-give-up attitude. While it follows familiar shonen formulas, its energy and heart make it a beloved series in its own right.

21. My Hero Academia

Superpowers called quirks are the norm in this manga series. But Izuku Midoriya starts as one of the few without one. He inherits the powers of the legendary hero All Might and joins a high school for heroes in training. My Hero Academia combines superhero action with coming-of-age drama, relatable themes to be sure. Even better, it continues to grow in scope and complexity with each arc.

20. Rurouni Kenshin

Set in the Meiji era, Rurouni Kenshin follows a wandering swordsman who has vowed never to kill again. Easier said than done in this trying era. With a mix of historical fiction, martial arts and themes of redemption, this manga offers emotional weight along with fast-paced sword fights. Rurouni Kenshin’s character-driven storytelling has earned it a lasting place in manga history.

19. Claymore

As shape-shifting demons haunt society, half-human warriors known as Claymores fight to protect humanity. The story follows Clare, a seemingly weak warrior with a mysterious past. The dark fantasy world and sharp art style make Claymore a hit with manga fans who enjoy serious action and monster-slaying stories. 

18. Pluto

Naoki Urasawa reimagines a story arc from Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy – and, voila, turns it into a noir thriller. Pluto focuses on a detective investigating a series of robot murders in a time & place where robots and humans coexist. Deeply philosophical, beautifully illustrated and full of moral complexity, this manga series is a masterclass in sci-fi storytelling.

17. Akira

You were waiting for this one, weren’t you?! Katsuhiro Otomo’s dystopian epic helped define the look and feel of cyberpunk. Set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, Akira is about psychic powers, political decay & teenage rebellion. This is a manga that goes well deeper than the film adaptation, offering a dense and immersive story with detailed, explosive artwork. Akira has influenced generations of artists and creators around the world. A true manga classic!

16. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba)

Tanjiro Kamado becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his sister is turned into a demon. With breathtaking art, powerful themes of family & resilience along with some of the coolest fight choreography in manga, Demon Slayer became a record-breaking hit. Its global popularity is well-deserved.

15. Chainsaw Man

This gory and unpredictable manga series follows Denji, a debt-ridden young man who becomes part devil (if there truly can be such a thing, lol) and gains the power to turn into a chainsaw-wielding killer. Chainsaw Man is chaotic, emotional and often absurd. It mixes dark humor with gut-wrenching twists, and in our opinion is one of the freshest and boldest manga to come out in recent years.

14. Tokyo Ghoul

Ken Kaneki’s transformation from shy student to half-ghoul monster explores universal themes of identity, alienation and what it means to be human (we’ve all been pondering that last one, right?!). With moody art and a psychologically rich story, Tokyo Ghoul forays into moral ambiguity in a society that’s starkly divided between predators and prey. 

13. Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki accidentally gains the powers of a Soul Reaper, and finds himself pulled into the world of spirits and soul hunting. Bleach is known for its stylish character designs, epic sword fights and creative world-building. Although it has its ups and downs, the influence of the Bleach series on manga’s action genre is undeniable.

12. Vinland Saga

Based on real historical figures, Vinland Saga is a Viking epic that forges together brutal battles with deep philosophical themes. It follows Thorfinn as he seeks revenge, only to later question the meaning of violence and find a new path. The evolution of the story from revenge to redemption is beautifully written and emotionally powerful.

11. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Spanning generations and genres, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has got to be one of the most unique manga ever created. Each arc follows a new protagonist in the Joestar family, from Victorian England to modern Japan. With flamboyant art, creative battle systems and a wild sense of style, JoJo is endlessly inventive. If you like variety and constant change, give JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure a go!.

10. Dragon Ball

Were you expecting this one to be higher up on the list? With everything from A to Z (wink) it’s a tough category for sure, but we had to include Dragon Ball in our Top Ten. Akira Toriyama’s legendary series began as a martial arts comedy and evolved into one of the most iconic action manga of all time. Goku’s journey from innocent boy to cosmic-level warrior has basically established the shonen genre. Likewise, Dragon Ball’s humor, action and creativity have inspired countless subsequent manga series.

9. 20th Century Boys

Another gripping story from Naoki Urasawa, this manga weaves together childhood memories, cult conspiracies and apocalyptic threats. It begins with a group of friends reconnecting after the rise of a mysterious figure known as Friend. As secrets unravel, we are treated to a tense, complex thriller that rewards patient readers. Trust the process, fellow manga friends.

8. Vagabond

Based on the life and true stories of samurai Miyamoto Musashi, Vagabond brings historical fiction to life with brilliant watercolor-style artwork. The series delves into the philosophy of swordsmanship and the search for meaning through conflict. Takehiko Inoue’s visual storytelling is unmatched, and the introspective tone sets it apart from other martial arts manga. Those who like Vagabond, like it a lot!

7. Monster

Dr. Kenzo Tenma saves a young boy’s life, only to find that the boy grows up to become a calculating serial killer. The Monster manga series explores themes of guilt, justice and the dark side (not to be confused with that Dark Side) of human nature. Slow burn? Deep mystery at the core? Yup, we’re talking about one of the best psychological thrillers in manga history.

6. Fullmetal Alchemist

Two brothers use forbidden alchemy in an attempt to resurrect their mother, but then have to pay a terrible price. Fullmetal Alchemist balances humor, action and philosophy, yet also manages to make science and magic collide. Themes of sacrifice and redemption resonate with readers of all ages.

5. Death Note

When a high school student finds a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name, he embarks on a crusade to eliminate criminals. Death Note becomes a cat-and-mouse game between two brilliant minds. It raises moral questions without offering easy answers and remains a defining series for new readers.

4. One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy sets sail to become the Pirate King in this massive and ongoing adventure. One Piece blends heartfelt storytelling with elaborate world-building and wild creativity. Its themes of freedom, friendship and dreams make it beloved across generations. The scope of its story and its impact on manga culture are unparalleled. And hey, if you’re visiting Japan sometime soon, you can ride a One Piece shinkansen! That’s right, JR West has an entire bullet train all decked out in a One Piece theme, so you know the manga’s gotta be in the Top Five, of course.

3. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)

When giant humanoid creatures break through the walls of a city, humanity’s last stronghold begins to fall. What starts as a survival horror story evolves into a multi-layered political and moral epic. The artwork is good (and dare we say even gets better over time), while plot twists challenge readers to reconsider everything we thought we knew. Get ready for some intense times when setting out to read and experience this worthy manga series.

2. Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki’s journey from a lonely orphan to a respected ninja leader is one of the most iconic in manga history. The Naruto classic manga series offers epic battles, heartfelt character arcs and a deep exploration of pain, identity & perseverance. It remains a touchstone for fans of action and emotional storytelling. Coming to Japan soon? Plenty of Naruto experiences and souvenirs to be had here, for sure.

1. Berserk

At the top of our list is Berserk, the brutal and beautiful dark fantasy saga by Kentaro Miura. Following the cursed warrior Guts as he battles demons and fate itself, Berserk explores the darkest corners of the human soul. Not exactly light reading, admittedly. But with unmatched detail in its artwork and profound emotional weight in its storytelling, Berserk is considered by many to be the greatest manga of all time. Miura’s legacy lives on through his work, which continues to inspire and move readers around the world.

How Does This Compare to Your List of Top 30 Manga?

No list can capture every great manga, but these thirty titles offer a mix of what the medium does best. Action, mystery, romance, and soul-crushing drama manga deliver something special for every kind of reader.

Speaking of special, if you’re deep into a reading marathon, don’t forget Japanese snacks! This Japanese Snack Box is packed with 20+ full-sized sweet, salty, and savory treats straight from Japan. 

So what’s your top manga of all time? Did your favorite make the list? Got beef with some of our picks? Sound off in the comments below, we’re all ears (and maybe a little salty if you diss our faves).