Anime and manga are two completely different mediums, each with their own perks.
With manga you can't get the amazing animation and background music that makes an episode so absorbing, but with anime you can't get the same level of detail in the art. So why not get the bost of both worlds from stories that have both a manga and an anime? All the manga in this list have an amazing anime adaptation that you can check out after you've read them, or you can check out all of them as anime and read them later if that's more to your style.
25. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku
Narumi Momose and Hirotaka Nifuji are childhood friends who somehow end up working at the same place. Both of them also happen to be hard core otaku, which is something they’d prefer to keep under wraps because it makes it hard for them to get a love life. One day while drinking after work, they have an idea: go out with each other because that way, there’ll be nothing to hide.
You’ll like Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku if…
- You can enjoy otaku references
- You like episodic romcoms
- You enjoy manga with older characters
24. Mushishi
Mushi are entities that exist for the sake of simply existing and can take on forms ranging from plants to phenomena like rainbows. Yet what exactly are Mushi and what is their reason for existing remains unanswered for most do not even know they exist, let alone question why. Ginko is a mushishi, a mushi researcher, who investigates all mushi related occurrences with the hope of finding an answer to these questions.
You’ll like Mushishi if…
- You like anime that deal heavily with East Asian culture
- You like episodic anime
- You like peaceful anime
23. Chihayafuru
Chihaya Ayase has always lived in her sister’s shadow and has had no dreams of her own until she is introduced to the dying sport of karuta by Arata Wataya. She falls in love with the sport and is determined to become the queen of the physically and mentally demanding card game. Once she’s entered highschool, Chihaya seeks to put together a team that can make it to the national championships.
You’ll like Chihayafuru if…
- You like main characters with niche interests
- You like traditional, cultural sports
- You like extremely passionate characters
22. Mob Psycho 100
Shigeo Kageyama, aka Mob, is an eighth grader with immensely destructive psychic powers that he prefers to keep on the down low. Contrary to his over the top abilities, Mob’s goal is simple: impress his childhood friend Tsubomi Takane. Mob just wants to live a normal life, but to keep his powers in check requires him to hold back his emotions. With trouble always around him, the danger of his feelings exploding increases daily.
You’ll like Mob Psycho 100 if…
- You like espers
- You like comedy
- You like intense action
21. Land of the Lustrous
Phosphophyllite, aka Phos, is a young and fragile Gem in a world where Gems are expected to fight against the Lunarians, a species that shatters Gems to use their bodies as decorations. Because of how fragile they are, Phos is instructed to create an encyclopedia, and they soon meet Cinnabar who is also not conventionally useful. Phos decides to take it upon themselves to find a way the two gems can help protect their fellow Gems.
You’ll like Land of the Lustrous if…
- You like unique fantasy worlds
- You like excellently done CGI
- You like shows that focus on character growth
20. March Comes in Like a Lion
Rei Kiriyama is a genius shogi player and also a young boy slowly being crushed by the expectations of those around him. He moves away to live by himself, but his lifestyle is unorganized and he’s completely unsociable. However, all that begins to change when he meets the lively Kawamoto sisters who take care of him and help him turn his life around.
You’ll like March Comes in Like a Lion if…
- You like stories about character growth
- You like realistic and relatable characters
- You like emotional stories
19. Made in Abyss
Riko is an orphan whose mother is a legendary Cave Raider, an adventurer who braves descent into the mysterious Abyss, a strange and dangerous place. One day, Riko receives a message from her mother that she is waiting for her at the bottom of the Abyss. Riko is determined to find her mother and heads toward the dangerous Abyss with Reg, a robot, prepared to risk whatever she must.
You will like Made in Abyss if…
- You like adventures
- You like unpredictable plotlines
- You like mysteries
18. Haikyuu!!
Shouyou Hinata is determined to stay on the volleyball court for as long as he can, but that’s a high goal for someone of his height. Despite being short and inexperienced, Hinata makes it onto the Karasuno High School volleyball team and is excited to begin his journey to the path of victory. However, there can only be one winner and when every team is fighting for that spot, getting to the top is nothing short of a battle.
You’ll like Haikyuu!! If…
- You like volleyball
- You like anime with amazing animation
- You like large and likeable casts
17. Vinland Saga
Thorfinn’s father was killed by a man named Askeladd, and Thorfinn's goal is to get revenge by killing Askeladd in a fair duel. In order to hone his skills, Thorfinn joins the very band of mercenaries led by the very man whose head he wants. In his quest for vengeance, Thorfinn finds himself tangled in a plot that will decide the next King of England in a world rife with danger.
You’ll like Vinland Saga if…
- You like historical fiction
- You like intense plotlines
- You like Vikings
16. Kaguya-sama: Love is War
School council president Miyuki Shirogane and vice president Kaguya Shinomiya are the top dogs of the prestigious Shuchiin Academy and just so happen to have feelings for each other. However, they both think that the first one to confess their feelings will have “lost,” so they’re stuck trying to trick each other into confessing first. The two geniuses will have to put their brains to work if they want to emerge the victor of the war.
You’ll like Kaguya-sama: Love is War if…
- You like highschool romcoms
- You like endearing and relatable characters
- You like plots with intense and creative strategizing
15. 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 live his best 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
14. One Punch Man
Saitama has gained unprecedented strength after three years of training and has become so powerful that he can annihilate all sorts of enemies with simply a punch. Now all he’s left with is a feeling of emptiness as he searches for an opponent who he can have a true fight with. With the introduction of Genos, a cyborg who seeks to become Saitama’s apprentice, Saitama decides to register as an official hero in the hopes of making some cash and finding an opponent who’ll give him a run for his money.
You’ll like One Punch Man if…
- You like superheroes
- You like comedy
- You like battles that’ll have you on the edge of your seat
13. Fruits Basket
Tooru Honda is about as unlucky as unlucky gets, but rather than letting her misfortunes dampen her spirits, she does her best to always stay bright and upbeat. She’s a homeless orphan, but when they find her camping out on their grounds, the mysterious Souma family decides to take her in. When Tooru accidentally discovers the family’s secret, she finds herself roped into their struggles all while she must deal with her own issues.
You’ll like Fruits Basket if…
- You like supernatural comedies
- You like stories that go from lighthearted to dark
- You like wholesome characters
12. Great Teacher Onizuka
Eikichi Onizuka is an ex-gang member turned teacher. His goal is to connect with each of his students and to help them overcome their problems that are stopping them from living their best life. A noble goal, except for the fact that he’s in charge of a class that’s driven one of its teachers to a breakdown, another to join a cult, and one to even die under mysterious circumstances. Onizuka is determined to win his students over by whatever means, including questionable ones, necessary.
You’ll like Great Teacher Onizuka if…
- You like older protagonists
- You like relatable characters
- You like comedy
11. Death Note
Light Yagami is a genius and bored student who discovers a Death Note, a powerful notebook, dropped by Ryuk, a god of death. Initially, Light doubted its powers, but it’s not long before he realizes its abilities are legit. He becomes “Kira” and decides that he will bring justice to the world by executing criminals with the Death Note. However, not all agree that he should have the power to decide who lives and die, so L, a renowned detective, is brought in. The two must use every trick they have to outwit each other, and then some, if they want to be the one to emerge victorious
You will like Death Note if…
- You like mystery
- You like strategy
- You like morally ambiguous characters
10. Naruto
Naruto Uzumaki is certain that he will become the Hokage, a title reserved for the best ninja of Leaf Village, but the rest of his village isn’t. He’s been shunned since birth because of the terrible demon sealed within him, and there aren’t many with confidence in him. Naruto is eventually assigned to Team 7, where he must work together with Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno under the guidance of their teacher, Kakashi Hatake. If he wants to become the ultimate ninja and receive recognition from his village, Naruto will have to learn how to work with others and discover who he really is.
You will like Naruto if…
- You like ninjas
- You like dynamic fights
- You like adventure
9. Hunter x Hunter
Gon Freecss is determined to become a Hunter so he can search for his father who abandoned him. To do this, Gon must first pass the Hunter Exam, an exam so difficult only one in a hundred thousand can make it. During the exam, Gon meets many new friends such as Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua who have goals of their own that they too hope the Hunter Exam will help them achieve. However, the world of hunters isn’t easy to get into, and even harder to survive in.
You’ll like Hunter x Hunter if…
- You like diverse character casts
- You like emotional arcs
- You like super powers
8. Cardcaptor Sakura
10 year old Sakura Kinomoto finds a book called “The Clow” and after she opens it Keroberos, the book’s guardian, appears and informs her that the magical cards that were in the book have escaped. Sakura must find these cards before they can wreak havoc, which she’ll try to do with the help of Keroberos and her best friend. With her role as the cardcaptor and a magical key, she’ll do her best to maintain the peace.
You’ll like Cardcaptor Sakura if…
- You like magical girl anime
- You like cute art styles
- You like shoujo manga
7. Detective Conan
High school student Shinichi Kudou is a top notch detective who uses his wits to solve tough cases that leave the police force stumped. Unfortunately for him, when he witnesses a suspicious exchange, he is forced to drink a potion that unexpectedly shrinks him down to the size of a grade schooler. Until he can figure out how to get his old body back, Kudou takes on the alias Conan Edogawa and solves cases while living with his childhood friend and her father.
You’ll like Detective Conan if…
- You like mysteries
- You like comedies
- You like long series
6. Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon
Usagi Tsukino is a highschooler and the definition of a bad student and crybaby. That begins to change when she meets a black cat named Luna who grants her magical powers that she must use to defend Earth from evil. Now as a guardian of justice, Usagi must fight dangerous enemies, but fortunately for her she is not alone.
You’ll like Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon if…
- You like magical girl transformations
- You like shoujo manga
- You like comedy and romance
5. Dragon Ball
Son Goku is on the hunt for seven mystical orbs, the Dragon Balls, which are said to be able to summon a dragon with the power to grant wishes. In his journey to find these orbs, Goku trains his martial arts skills and explores the world, meeting many friends and enemies along the way. Every step of his journey brings Goku closer and closer to becoming the strongest being in the universe.
You will like Dragon Ball if…
- You like adventure
- You like super powers
- You like martial arts
4. Attack on Titan
In a world where giant, humanoid creatures called titans roam, humanity has sealed itself behind walls in a desperate attempt to protect the remaining survivors. Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert are children who dream of the world beyond the walls, but the trio is in for a harsh awakening to the cruel realities of the world when a wall is shattered and titans turn their world upside down. On that day, Eren makes a vow to do whatever it takes to wipe out every last titan, but little does he know there’s a terrible truth behind the existence of the titans
You’ll like Attack on Titan if…
- You like gore and death
- You like intense action
- You like post apocalyptic worlds
3. Monster
Johan Liebert would have died 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 commits 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 and 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 becoming 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 Brotherhood
Siblings Edward and Alphonse Elric have broken one of the greatest taboos in alchemy, and they’ve had to pay a high price for it. 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
