What makes a manga the best differs from person to person, but one thing all great manga have in common is that they are memorable.
In this list are some action, romance, supernatural, and other genres of manga that have been recieiving praise for years. Whether it's because of intense action that leaves readers flipping pages like no tomorrow, emotional and highly relatble moments, or because of thought provoking questions that arise throughout the story, these manga have no doubt made an impact. There's a chance you may have read them all, but if you haven't read any of them, then why not start today?
10. xxxHOLIC
Kimihiro Watanuki is a highschooler who can see spirits. This leads to him getting involved with the mysterious space time witch Yuuko, who runs a wish granting shop. Yuuko promises to grant Watanuki’s wish to leave the spirit world behind if he can pay for it, which he agrees to do by working for her. As they complete jobs, Watanuki learns more and more about the world of the supernatural as well as himself.
You'll like xxxHOLIC if...
- You like episodic stories
- You like magic and myths
- You like mysteries
9. Horimiya
Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura are both high school students leading double lives. One is a top student hiding the reality that they have no time to socialize because of a family situation, and the other is a glasses-wearing nerd who also happens to sport piercings and a tattoo. When these two students happen to meet, they become friends, even with the other party knowing their other side.
You’ll like Horimiya if…
- You like relaxing reads
- You like romcoms
- You like relationships that feel genuine
8. ReLife
Arata Kaizaki is given the once in a lifetime chance to relive his highschool life for a year. He decides to take this opportunity after facing disappointment at the hands of the reality of the adult world, and his body is reverted to that of a 17 year old’s. However reliving highschool won’t be as easy as he thought now that he’s lived as an adult.
You’ll like ReLife if…
- You like manga that touch on real life issues
- You like manga that show character growth
- You like manga that have an emotional impact
7. 20th Century Boys
It is near the turn of the century and Kenji Endo has long since given up his childhood dreams and is now living a simple life as a convenience store manager. Things start taking a turn for the strange as a cult begins gaining notoriety and disappearances begin to occur. Kenji must regroup with his childhood friends to unravel the mystery surrounding the cult and its leader before it’s too late.
You’ll like 20th Century Boys if…
- You like mysteries
- You like stories that have multiple timelines
- You like diverse casts
6. Grand Blue
Iori Kitahara is about to start life as a college freshman in a beautiful town beside the beach. As soon as he arrives at his new home, he is roped into his college’s diving club and also it’s drinking culture. Somehow Iori will have to find a way to realize his ideal college life in a world of drinking, diving, and wacky classmates.
You’ll like Grand Blue if…
- You like slapstick humor
- You like diving
- You like college life
5. Kingdom
It is the Warring States period in China, and Li Xian and Piao are two close friends working as servants in a poor village. They do not let their poor circumstances limit their dreams, and they hope to become Great Generals of the Heavens. One day Piao is given an opportunity by a nobleman, but that opportunity results in Piao’s death. However, before passing, Piao directs Xin to another village where he meets soon-to-be king Ying Zheng. Xin decides to help Zheng with his ascent to the throne, and thus begins Xin’s journey to become the greatest general in the world.
You’ll like Kingdom if…
- You like military themes
- You like battles and war strategies
- You like historical fiction based on real events
4. Vagabond
After suffering a terrible defeat at the Battle of Sekigahara, friends Shinmen Takezou and Matahachi Honiden escape, but just barely. Shinmen returns home to tell the Honiden family about their son’s survival, only to find himself a criminal accused of murdering his friend all because of his violent past. He is captured, but a distinguished monk, Takuan Soho, rescues him and dubs him Musashi Miyamoto so that he can avoid being tracked by authorities. From here Musashi embarks on a journey to ascend from being a swordmaster to an enlightened warrior by defeating enemies and learning the value of life.
You’ll like Vagabond if…
- You like retellings of famous historical figures
- You like sword fights
- You like gore
3. Monster
Johan Liebert would have died a young had he not been treated by Kenzou Tenma, a famous neurosurgeon who had to choose between saving the orphan or saving the mayor of Düsseldorf. Tenma always thought he made the right choice, despite being disgraced and shunned for it, until he learns what has become of Johan. Years after his life was saved, Johan has become a monster who has committed terrible atrocities, and Tenma takes it upon himself to right the wrong that his actions have led to.
You’ll like Monster if…
- You like intense psychological thrillers
- You like complex mysteries
- You like dark plots
2. One Piece
Just before his execution, “Pirate King” Gol. D Roger confirms the existence of One Piece, a great treasure hidden in the ocean ,ready to be claimed by whoever is worthy. Years later, Monkey D. Luffy is ready to start his journey to become the new Pirate King and find One Piece. All he has is his boat, a straw hat, and a strangely stretchy body, but that won’t stop him from racking up a crew and shooting to become the greatest of the high seas.
You will like One Piece if…
- You like adventure
- You like pirates
- You like fun character designs
1. Fullmetal Alchemist
Siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric have broken one of the greatest taboos in alchemy resulting in unspeakable loss for them. The two are now on the hunt for the Philosopher’s Stone, with the hopes that it’ll give them enough power to regain what they have lost. Soon into their journey they learn that there are dark secrets surrounding the mystery of the Philosopher’s Stone, which are related to a massive plot that threatens the safety of their country.
You will like Fullmetal Alchemist if…
- You like adventure
- You like the supernatural
- You like military
