Best Completed Manga Series Recommendations

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.

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.

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.

Hiroyuki Nishimori

Comedy, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, School, Slice of Life

Kyou Kara Ore Wa!! is a Yankee (delinquent) comedy manga by Hiroyuki Nishimori. The story centers around Takashi Mitsuhashi and Shinji Ito, two students who coincidentally decide to debut as delinquents upon transferring to a new high school. Using their quick wits and fighting prowess, the duo navigates conflicts with rival schools, forms unlikely friendships, and deals with teenage romance dramas. Mitsuhashi is cunning and mischievous, known for his clever but sneaky tactics, while Ito is righteous, sincere, and impulsively honest. Despite their contrasting personalities, the pair form a tight-knit bond, supporting each other through numerous confrontations and comedic situations. This manga seamlessly blends humor and action, delivering an energetic portrayal of high school delinquent culture of the Showa era, filled with hilarious moments and youthful vigor.

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."

Ken Wakui

Completed Series, Crime, Seinen

Shinjuku Swan is an underground human drama that follows the rise of Tatsuhiko Shiratori, a 19-year-old man navigating the gritty streets of Tokyo’s infamous Kabukicho district as a “scout” for the adult entertainment industry. After moving to Tokyo and losing all his money—hitting rock bottom after a failed attempt at pachinko—Tatsuhiko is rescued by Makoto, a senior figure in the scouting company Burst. Taking up Makoto’s offer, Tatsuhiko steps into the world of street scouting, initially confused and hesitant about the nature of the job. However, he soon makes a firm decision to rise to the top, fighting alongside a cast of eccentric and ambitious coworkers. The scouting industry is a ruthless world ruled by money and violence. Tatsuhiko tries to survive by scouting women and earning referral fees, but he quickly finds himself entangled in turf wars, confrontations with yakuza, illegal drug deals, and betrayals by those he trusted. Amid the chaos and life-threatening situations, Tatsuhiko undergoes intense personal growth, experiencing deep emotional struggles and moral dilemmas in his journey to make it big.

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.

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.

Satoru Noda

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, historical

Set in Hokkaido at the end of the Meiji era, Golden Kamuy follows Saichi Sugimoto, a battle-hardened ex-soldier known as “Immortal Sugimoto.” In order to fulfill a fallen comrade’s last wish and secure a fortune, he sets his sights on a legendary hidden stash of gold. The key to the treasure? A cryptic map tattooed on the bodies of escaped prisoners. Along the way, Sugimoto partners with Asirpa, a brave and resourceful Ainu girl with deep knowledge of the land and a personal quest for truth surrounding her father's death. Their bond grows stronger as they journey across the harsh northern wilderness. What follows is an exhilarating blend of survival, cultural exploration, gourmet adventures, and a deadly battle for gold, where cunning and brute strength collide. As greed, justice, and betrayal intertwine, the quest for the gold escalates into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens to engulf even the nation itself. Thrilling, emotional, and utterly unique—Golden Kamuy is a masterful tale of riches, honor, and the human spirit set against the frozen frontier.

Kohei Horikoshi

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Shonen

"In a world where having superpowers—called Quirks—is completely normal, society is protected by professional Heroes who use their abilities to keep the peace and inspire hope. But Izuku Midoriya was born Quirkless. Despite being powerless, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a hero. Everything changes when he meets All Might, the No.1 Hero, who sees something in Izuku and passes on to him a powerful legacy. This fateful encounter launches Izuku into a new life—acceptance into the prestigious U.A. High School, intense training, battles against villains, and unbreakable friendships. As he faces trials that challenge his spirit and beliefs, Izuku must grapple with what it truly means to be a hero—and what justice really is. Filled with tears, determination, friendship, and explosive action, My Hero Academia is the story of a boy who inherits the will to protect others and rises to become the symbol of hope for a new generation."

Hideaki Sorachi

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Shonen, historical

Gintama is a manga series by Hideaki Sorachi, set in an alternate version of the Edo period where humans coexist with extraterrestrial beings known as the "Amanto." After the Amanto invade and rise to power, the samurai class declines, and the shogunate issues a ban on carrying swords. As a result, former samurai lose their pride, and the once-historical city of Edo transforms into a futuristic, chaotic metropolis.

Mitsuru Adachi

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Romance, Shonen, Sports

Touch is a coming-of-age baseball manga by Mitsuru Adachi, set at Meisei High School. The story revolves around twin brothers Tatsuya and Kazuya Uesugi, along with their childhood friend Minami Asakura. Kazuya is the golden boy—athletically gifted, academically successful, and well-liked by everyone. In contrast, Tatsuya grows up in his brother's shadow, often seen as lazy or unmotivated. However, deep down, he harbors a quiet passion for both baseball and Minami. Kazuya, determined and diligent, works hard with Minami to achieve their shared dream of reaching the Koshien, Japan’s prestigious high school baseball tournament. He rises as the team’s ace pitcher and symbol of hope. However, a tragic turn of events changes everything, propelling Tatsuya into the spotlight. He must confront his own feelings, potential, and the expectations placed on him. Touch is regarded as a legendary romantic sports manga that helped spark the nationwide boom in high school baseball fandom. With its heartfelt story, subtle emotional drama, and timeless love triangle, it remains a classic in Japanese manga history.

Tohru Fujisawa

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Ecchi, School, Shonen

GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka) is a school comedy and human drama manga starring Eikichi Onizuka, a 27-year-old former biker gang member with an unconventional personality. Onizuka sets out to become the “Greatest Teacher of All Time” and takes a teaching job at the prestigious Holy Forest Academy Middle School. He is assigned to Class 2-4, a group of deeply troubled students who have lost all trust in adults due to trauma and family issues. From the moment he arrives, Onizuka faces relentless harassment and challenges from his students. However, armed with outrageous methods, unshakable passion, and an unwavering determination to connect with his students—even at the risk of his own life—he gradually begins to break down their emotional barriers. What sets Onizuka apart is his ability to confront not only the students but also their parents and authoritarian school staff without imposing his values. Whether through wild antics or heartfelt conversations, he deals with each person individually. His unorthodox yet sincere teaching style helps the students confront their pain and weaknesses, ultimately transforming the classroom dynamic and each student’s emotional growth. The story masterfully blends slapstick humor, delinquent antics, and raw emotional depth. Through Onizuka’s “un-teacherly” methods, GTO explores themes of trust, redemption, and growth between adults and youths—earning it a lasting place in the hearts of readers as a bold and emotionally resonant coming-of-age manga.

Soichiro Yamamoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Romance, School, Shonen

Teasing Master Takagi-san is a heartwarming and humorous school-life romantic comedy set in a middle school. The story centers around Takagi, a clever and playful girl, and Nishikata, the boy who sits next to her. Every day, Takagi expertly teases Nishikata, who vows to get back at her and make her blush instead. But no matter how hard he tries, his plans are always seen through and effortlessly countered. Despite constant defeat, Nishikata never gives up, determined to one day catch Takagi off guard. The series beautifully captures the innocent awkwardness and pure emotions unique to adolescence, highlighting the playful exchanges, subtle glances, and growing feelings between the two. Through their charming and funny "teasing battles," the story depicts a slow but endearing romance that unfolds in their everyday lives. Fans are especially drawn to the moments when Takagi’s teasing reveals her true affection for Nishikata, making this a sweet and relatable tale of young love.