Best Anime Adaptation Manga Recommendations

Eiichiro Oda

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

"I'm going to become the King of the Pirates!" In the Great Pirate Era, countless pirates set sail for the Grand Line in pursuit of the ultimate treasure—the One Piece—a legendary hoard said to grant unimaginable wealth, fame, and power. Among them is a boy with a straw hat, Monkey D. Luffy, who gains extraordinary abilities after eating a mysterious Devil Fruit, turning his body into rubber. Alongside his trusted crewmates like Zoro, Nami, and many more, Luffy sets out on a journey across the seas—chasing dreams, forging bonds, and facing powerful foes. With its vast world, unforgettable characters, epic battles, and emotional depth, ONE PIECE is a grand pirate adventure where justice is never black and white, and the spirit of freedom sails above all.

Yukinobu Tatsu

Action, Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, Shonen

Ken Takakura, a high school boy nicknamed Okarun, firmly believes in aliens but scoffs at ghosts. Momo Ayase, a girl with strong spiritual powers, believes in the supernatural—but thinks UFOs and aliens are nonsense. One day, a strange bet leads them to confront the real versions of what they each believe in… and chaos explodes. Abductions by aliens, hauntings by evil spirits, life-threatening curses—suddenly, their ordinary school lives spiral into a whirlwind of the paranormal and the absurd! After gaining mysterious powers, Ken and Momo find themselves in one outrageous battle after another, teaming up with quirky allies to face bizarre and terrifying threats. Hilarious, heart-racing, and even a little romantic—Dandadan is a supernatural sci-fi battle comedy that smashes the boundaries between ghosts and aliens in the wildest ways imaginable.

Hiromu Arakawa

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

Set in a world where alchemy is a highly developed science, two brothers—Edward and Alphonse Elric—commit the ultimate taboo: attempting to bring their mother back to life. As a result of this forbidden act, Edward loses part of his body, and Alphonse loses his entire physical form. In their search for a way to restore what was lost, the brothers become State Alchemists and embark on a journey. But this journey is more than just an adventure—it leads them into the depths of government conspiracy, the weight of past sins, and a fundamental question: What does it truly mean to live? With its rich storytelling, intricate world-building, and the unbreakable bond between brothers, Fullmetal Alchemist remains a masterpiece that resonates deeply with readers around the world.

Hajime Isayama

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Mythology, Shonen

Humanity teeters on the brink of extinction at the hands of monstrous beings known as Titans. What remains of civilization survives within massive walled cities, living in constant fear of the world beyond. But one boy, Eren Yeager, refuses to accept this caged existence. Driven by a longing for freedom, he joins the fight against the Titans alongside his closest friends. As the battle intensifies, shocking truths begin to unravel—what are the Titans? Who created them, and why? Beneath the chaos lies a web of mysteries that challenge everything humanity thought it knew. A masterful dark fantasy filled with suspense, revelation, and relentless intensity—Attack on Titan grips readers with its haunting vision of survival and freedom.

Chuya Koyama

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen

After witnessing a mysterious UFO as children, Mutta Nanba and his younger brother Hibito promise each other, "Let's become astronauts together." Nineteen years later, in 2025, Hibito has realized their childhood dream and become an astronaut. He is preparing to make history as the first Japanese astronaut to walk on the moon as part of the first crew to undertake a long-term lunar mission. In stark contrast, Mutta's life is stuck in frustration and regret. Recently fired from his job after headbutting his boss, he's drifting through a disappointing existence—until an unexpected letter from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) arrives. It informs him that he's passed the initial screening for astronaut candidates—an application secretly submitted by Hibito, who never gave up their shared dream. Though Mutta had long ago abandoned the idea of space exploration, this letter reignites his determination, motivating him to once again reach for the stars alongside his brother.

Masashi Kishimoto

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

"One day, I’m going to become Hokage—just you watch!" Set in a world of ninja, Naruto follows Naruto Uzumaki, a misfit ninja boy shunned by his village and forced to live in isolation. The reason? A powerful beast known as the Nine-Tailed Fox is sealed within him. Despite the loneliness, Naruto never gives up. With his boundless energy, infectious optimism, and unbreakable spirit, he trains hard to achieve his ultimate dream—to become Hokage, the greatest ninja and leader of his village. As he grows stronger, Naruto forms unshakable bonds, faces heartbreaking farewells, battles powerful enemies, and slowly uncovers the truth of his destiny. A powerful tale of growth, friendship, and determination, Naruto is a ninja saga that touches the heart and inspires the soul.

Akira Toriyama

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

The Dragon Balls—mystical orbs that, when all seven are gathered, can grant any one wish. Raised in the mountains, a boy named Goku possesses incredible strength and an innocent heart. His life changes when he meets a curious and adventurous girl named Bulma, and together they set off on a quest to find the Dragon Balls. Along the way, Goku makes new friends like Yamcha and Krillin, and takes on powerful foes, growing stronger with every challenge. Filled with thrilling battles, wild adventures, heartwarming moments, and plenty of laughs, Dragon Ball is the classic action-packed journey that defined an entire generation of shonen manga.

Gege Akutami

Action, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Fantasy, Shonen

Curses—malevolent spirits born from negative human emotions like anger, hatred, and fear—lurk unseen in modern society, bringing misfortune and death. Yuji Itadori, a high schooler with extraordinary physical abilities, finds himself thrust into the world of Jujutsu Sorcery after consuming a cursed object—the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, the most powerful Curse in history. To survive, he must learn to battle these deadly forces. At his side stands Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer alive—a mysterious and overwhelmingly powerful mentor who reshapes Yuji’s fate. “To make sure the death of those we care about isn’t meaningless…” As Yuji faces Curses alongside his allies, he’s forced to confront the nature of life, death, and what it truly means to be “right.” A bold, stylish, and unrelenting dark fantasy—Jujutsu Kaisen marks a new era in supernatural battle manga.

Takehiko Inoue

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Shonen, Sports

Hanamichi Sakuragi is a delinquent with a bad attitude and zero basketball experience. But after a twist of fate—and an attempt to impress a girl—he finds himself joining his high school’s basketball team. Clueless about the rules but blessed with raw athletic talent and incredible potential, Hanamichi begins to grow—not just as a player, but as a teammate. What starts as a shallow motive transforms into a burning passion for the game. Through fierce rivalries, deepening friendships, and the hunger to win, Hanamichi discovers what it truly means to give your all. “Youth can burn this bright.” A legendary sports manga that captures the thrill of competition and the beauty of chasing a dream—Slam Dunk is a powerful reminder of what it means to be passionate about something.

Tsugumi Ohba (Story), Takeshi Obata (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Mythology

"The person whose name is written in this notebook will die." Everything begins with a single, mysterious notebook dropped by a Shinigami—a god of death. One day, brilliant high school student Light Yagami stumbles upon the Death Note, a supernatural notebook with the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Driven by his vision of a “perfect world,” Light begins using the notebook to eliminate criminals and shape society through fear. But his actions attract the attention of L, a legendary detective determined to stop him. What follows is an intense battle of wits and ideology—a deadly chess match between two geniuses. What is justice? What is evil? Death Note is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that explores morality, power, and the price of playing god.

Yoshihiro Togashi

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Living peacefully on Whale Island, young Gon Freecss learns that his father, Ging, who left him behind as a child, is actually one of the world's greatest "Hunters"—elite adventurers who track treasures, creatures, and mysteries beyond imagination. Determined to find his father and become a Hunter himself, Gon embarks on a journey to face the brutal Hunter Exam. Along the way, he befriends unforgettable companions: revenge-driven Kurapika, aspiring doctor Leorio, and Killua, a child prodigy from a notorious assassin family. Together, they confront formidable enemies, master the mysterious power of "Nen," and navigate mind-bending psychological battles in an unpredictable world brimming with extraordinary creatures, hidden dangers, and immense mysteries. Can Gon overcome intense battles, forge unbreakable bonds, and fulfill his dream of becoming a true Hunter? With expansive world-building, memorable characters, and intricately woven storylines, Hunter × Hunter stands as a legendary adventure filled with action, friendship, and the endless pursuit of discovery!

Kanehito Yamada (Story), Tsukasa Abe (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Ongoing Series, Seinen

The hero’s journey has come to an end. After defeating the Demon King and bringing peace to the world, the legendary party disbands. Among them was Frieren, an elven mage who lives for over a thousand years. For her, the ten-year journey alongside her human companions was but a fleeting moment. But when she parts ways with them, Frieren is confronted—for the first time—with the weight of time and the fragility of human life. Haunted by memories of the late Hero Himmel, she sets out on a new journey. This time, she’s joined by new companions: Fern, her young mage apprentice, and Stark, a brave but awkward warrior. What begins as a path of remembrance slowly becomes something more—a quiet quest to understand the meaning of emotion, connection, and what it truly means to live. A contemplative fantasy steeped in magic, melancholy, and tenderness, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a poignant tale of life, death, and the bonds that endure beyond time.

Makoto Isshiki

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Music & Idol, Seinen

Forest of Piano follows the journey of Kai Ichinose, a young boy who grows up in the red-light district known as "Mori no Hashi" (Forest's Edge). Kai discovers an abandoned piano in the forest and, using it as a toy, cultivates his extraordinary talent through self-teaching. One day, he meets Shuhei Amamiya, a transfer student whose father is a world-famous pianist, and Sosuke Ajino, a former prodigy turned music teacher who recognizes Kai’s remarkable gift. Under Ajino's mentorship, Kai overcomes challenging circumstances and his own troubled background, steadily growing as a pianist. Eventually, alongside rivals and friends, including Shuhei, Kai challenges the grand stage of the prestigious Chopin Competition. Forest of Piano is a moving story about the passion for music, friendship, and personal growth.

Aka Akasaka (Story), Mengo Yokoyari (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, Seinen

"Idols lie to give their fans dreams." Goro, an obstetrician in a quiet countryside town, has one true obsession—Ai Hoshino, a charismatic 16-year-old idol and center of the rising group B-Komachi. Adored for her beauty and mysterious charm, Ai has taken the nation by storm. But one day, Ai appears before Goro with a shocking secret—she’s pregnant and seeks his help for a confidential birth. That fateful encounter sends Goro’s life spinning out of control… and the story soon shifts to the dazzling world of show business, where fame glitters and shadows loom large. Ai’s children, Aqua and Ruby, grow up harboring hidden truths and emotional scars. As they step into the harsh world of entertainment, they each chase their place under the spotlight—confronting betrayal, ambition, and heartbreak. Behind the glamour lies a web of lies and truths. And at the heart of it all, a chilling mystery unfolds—a tale of love, fame, and a calculated revenge sparked by a single tragic event. Oshi no Ko is a gripping drama where devotion, deception, and destiny collide in the name of "idol worship."

Riichiro Inagaki (Story), Boichi (Art)

Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, School, Sci-Fi, Shonen

Dr.STONE is a survival science adventure manga set in a world where a mysterious light envelops the Earth, turning all of humanity to stone. The story follows Senku Ishigami, a genius high school student, who awakens from petrification 3,700 years later. Faced with a world reverted to the Stone Age, Senku resolves to rebuild civilization from scratch. With the help of his best friend Taiju and other revived allies, Senku uses the power of science as his only weapon to establish the “Kingdom of Science.” To revive humanity and restore the modern world, he recreates various technologies—from gunpowder and glass to electricity and navigation—based on real-world scientific principles.

Yura Urushibara

Action, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Shonen

Tougen Anki is a dark hero action manga set in modern-day Japan, depicting an intense conflict between the descendants of demons ("Oni") and those of the legendary hero Momotaro. Shiki Ichinose, an ordinary high school student, is suddenly attacked by a mysterious group called the "Momotaro Organization" and learns he carries Oni blood. After his foster father is murdered by the Momotaro side, Shiki enrolls at Rasetsu Academy, a school exclusively for Oni descendants, seeking revenge and the truth behind his past. There, he undergoes brutal training and trials alongside newfound comrades. Many Oni characters carry deep scars, having lost family or friends to the Momotaro Organization, and each battles their heavy past and trauma while caught up in this ancient, ongoing war. As Shiki confronts the powerful Oni force dormant within himself, he works together with his friends to combat the threat posed by the Momotaro Organization, gradually uncovering both his destiny and the hidden truth of their world.

Tsurumaikada

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Ongoing Series, Sports

Tsukasa Akeuraji was a figure skater who had nearly given up on his dream—until the day he met a young girl who reignited his passion. Her name is Inori Ketsuzoku. Though she had never skated before, she possessed a fierce determination and limitless potential on the ice. "This girl… she might just change the world." Taking his first step into coaching, Tsukasa begins training Inori, who pushes forward with talent, grit, and unwavering effort. Together, they face crushing loneliness, self-doubt, and the weight of high expectations—overcoming each obstacle as they chase the dream of becoming medalists. More than just a sports story, Medalist is a moving tale of growth, soul, and unbreakable bonds set in the world of figure skating.

Ayaka Katayama

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Sci-Fi, Shonen

Fungus and Iron is a sci-fi manga set in a dystopian near-future world dominated by fungi (mushrooms) that have parasitically taken control of human brains. These fungi strip humans of their free will and independent thought, enforcing an absolute authoritarian regime. Within this oppressive society lives Dante, a young soldier and an outcast, uniquely able to retain his emotions and consciousness, unaffected by the fungal domination. Despite his peculiar condition—unable to read yet gifted with extraordinary physical abilities—Dante undertakes secret missions outside the controlled zones for the ruling government known as "Amigasa." During one such mission, he meets Aoi, a girl belonging to "Ether," a rebel organization seeking free thought and liberation from fungal control. Inspired by Aoi's words, Dante begins questioning the very structure of his world. Eventually, Dante endures torture designed to infect his brain with fungi, yet miraculously resists their control. Through this ordeal, he acquires a unique power combining iron and fungus, transforming him into an Ether warrior determined to challenge the oppressive regime. The manga unfolds with intense battles between fungal oppression and human resistance, intertwined with shocking revelations about the hidden truth of their world.

Tsugumi Ohba (Story), Takeshi Obata (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Slice of Life

Bakuman. is a coming-of-age success story that follows the journey of two middle school students—Moritaka Mashiro, a talented artist, and Akito Takagi, a gifted writer—as they team up with the shared goal of becoming successful manga creators in Weekly Shonen Jump. Initially, Mashiro had given up on his dreams after witnessing the tragic death of his uncle, a manga artist who died from overwork. However, Takagi's invitation reignites his passion, especially after making a promise with their classmate and aspiring voice actress Miho Azuki: if their manga ever gets adapted into an anime, they’ll get married. Together, Mashiro and Takagi face countless challenges—canceled series, creative slumps, intense competition with rival manga artists, and even health risks due to overwork. Despite these setbacks, their determination, passion for manga, and strong friendship push them forward. Bakuman. offers a raw and inspiring look into the manga industry, portraying the reality behind serialized publication while exploring the balance between dreams and reality, effort and talent. It’s a compelling and realistic depiction of the modern-day “way of the manga.”

Shueisha

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, Strategy & Board Games

Hikaru no Go is a coming-of-age manga that follows Hikaru Shindo, an ordinary sixth-grade boy whose life changes when he discovers an old Go board in his grandfather’s attic. Unbeknownst to him, the board is haunted by the spirit of Fujiwara no Sai, a genius Go player from the Heian period who is unable to pass on to the afterlife due to his obsession with achieving the divine move, known as the “Hand of God.” Sai begs Hikaru to let him play Go once more through him. Although Hikaru has no interest in the game at first, he reluctantly agrees. As he begins playing under Sai’s guidance, Hikaru becomes captivated by the depth and complexity of Go. His interest deepens when he meets Akira Toya, the son of Japan’s top professional Go player. In their first match, Hikaru, guided by Sai, defeats Akira with overwhelming skill. Shocked that someone his age could be so strong, Akira becomes determined to rival Hikaru. Motivated by this rivalry, Hikaru begins studying Go seriously and sets a personal goal: to one day challenge Akira with his own strength, not Sai’s. Hikaru eventually joins the Japan Go Association’s training program for young players, where he trains alongside other aspiring pros, including international talents. Through competition, setbacks, and growth, Hikaru matures both as a person and a player. The story emotionally portrays Hikaru’s journey as he develops bonds with Sai and Akira, overcomes inner struggles, and steadily strives toward mastering Go on his own—ultimately aiming to reach the elusive “Hand of God.” It’s a moving and inspiring tale about passion, rivalry, and self-discovery through the ancient game of Go.