When you think of Japanese culture, “MANGA” is something you can’t ignore!
But with so many titles, you might wonder, “Where should I even start?”
This guide will introduce you to the top 10 Japanese manga that have captivated fans worldwide.
Plus, we’ll tell you where you can legally buy and read them in English!
Top 10 Must-Read Japanese Manga
1. Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人)
Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama / Kodansha
The Gist: In a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, giant man-eating creatures called Titans roam the land. The story follows a young man named Eren Yeager, who vows to exterminate the Titans after they destroy his hometown.
Why It’s a Hit: It’s a dark, philosophical epic with jaw-dropping plot twists and intense action that explores themes of freedom, war, and human nature.
Perfect For Fans Of: Dark fantasy, psychological thrillers, and stories that make you question everything.
2. Demon Slayer (鬼滅の刃)
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge / SHUEISHA
The Gist: After his family is slaughtered and his sister is turned into a demon, a kind-hearted boy named Tanjiro Kamado embarks on a quest to become a demon slayer and find a cure for his sister.
Why It’s a Hit: Breathtakingly beautiful art, incredible fight choreography, and a deeply emotional story about the bond between siblings.
Perfect For Fans Of: Historical fantasy, emotional storytelling, and stunning action sequences.
3. One Piece (ワンピース)
One Piece by Eiichiro Oda / SHUEISHA
The Gist: The ultimate adventure saga following Monkey D. Luffy, a boy with a rubber body, and his diverse crew of pirates as they search for the legendary treasure known as “One Piece.”
Why It’s a Hit: A masterclass in world-building, with unforgettable characters, epic adventures, and tear-jerking emotional moments that explore themes of friendship and dreams.
Perfect For Fans Of: Grand adventures, fantasy worlds, and stories about the power of friendship.
4. Naruto (ナルト)
Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto / SHUEISHA
The Gist: A young, orphaned ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, shunned by his village, dreams of becoming the strongest ninja and leader, the Hokage, to gain recognition and protect his friends.
Why It’s a Hit: A classic tale of an underdog’s journey, focusing on perseverance, friendship, and overcoming prejudice. Its iconic characters and ninja battles have influenced a generation.
Perfect For Fans Of: Action, coming-of-age stories, and tales of enduring bonds.
5. My Hero Academia (僕のヒーローアカデミア)
My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi / SHUEISHA
The Gist: In a world where most people have superpowers called “Quirks,” a Quirk-less boy named Izuku Midoriya inherits the power of the world’s greatest hero and enrolls in a high school for heroes-in-training.
Why It’s a Hit: It’s a fresh, heartfelt take on the superhero genre, filled with a massive cast of lovable characters, thrilling battles, and an inspiring message about what it truly means to be a hero.
Perfect For Fans Of: Superhero comics, high school drama, and action-packed tournaments.
6. Death Note (デスノート)
Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata / SHUEISHA
The Gist: A brilliant but bored high school student, Light Yagami, finds a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes inside. This sparks a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with a genius detective known only as “L.”
Why It’s a Hit: A tense, intellectual thriller that explores complex questions of justice and morality. The psychological battle between its two leads is legendary.
Perfect For Fans Of: Psychological thrillers, crime dramas, and intricate mind games.
7. Hunter x Hunter (ハンター×ハンター)
Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi / SHUEISHA
The Gist: A young boy named Gon Freecss discovers that his long-lost father is a world-renowned “Hunter,” a licensed professional who specializes in fantastical pursuits. To find him, Gon embarks on a journey to become a Hunter himself.
Why It’s a Hit: Praised for its incredibly unique world, complex “Nen” power system, and strategically deep battles. It constantly subverts typical shonen tropes.
Perfect For Fans Of: Intricate world-building, strategic combat, and adventure with a darker edge.
8. Tokyo Ghoul (東京喰種)
Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida / SHUEISHA
The Gist: After a fateful encounter, college student Ken Kaneki becomes a half-ghoul, half-human hybrid, forced to navigate the hidden, violent world of ghouls who must consume human flesh to survive.
Why It’s a Hit: A dark and tragic exploration of identity, prejudice, and what it means to be human, set against a backdrop of visceral horror and action.
Perfect For Fans Of: Dark urban fantasy, horror, and character-driven tragedies.
9. Black Clover (ブラッククローバー)
Black Clover by Yūki Tabata / SHUEISHA
The Gist: In a world where everyone has magic, a boy named Asta is born without any. Despite this, he dreams of becoming the Wizard King. His journey begins when he receives a mysterious five-leaf clover grimoire that grants him anti-magic abilities.
Why It’s a Hit: A fast-paced, action-packed fantasy adventure with a classic underdog story, a lovable cast, and exhilarating magical battles.
Perfect For Fans Of: High fantasy, magic, and never-give-up protagonists.
10. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (ジョジョの奇妙な冒険)
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki / SHUEISHA
The Gist: A multi-generational saga that follows the Joestar family, whose members are destined to fight supernatural foes. Each part of the story features a new protagonist with the “JoJo” nickname.
Why It’s a Hit: Famous for its unique and flamboyant art style, incredibly creative battles featuring “Stands” (physical manifestations of one’s fighting spirit), and iconic poses and dialogue.
Perfect For Fans Of: Creative action, unique art styles, and stories that are, well, truly bizarre.
Where to Legally Read These Masterpieces in English
Support the creators by enjoying these amazing stories on official platforms!
Digital Manga (Apps & Websites)
- Manga Plus by SHUEISHA: Official app from Shueisha (publisher of Shonen Jump). Often lets you read the latest chapters for free.
- VIZ Media / Shonen Jump App: The largest distributor of manga in North America. Offers a huge library for a small monthly subscription.
- BookWalker: A global ebook store specializing in Japanese manga and light novels.
Physical Copies
You can purchase physical manga volumes from major online retailers like Amazon or specialty bookstores like Kinokuniya if they have a branch in your country.
What’s Your Favorite?
What’s your favorite manga from this list?
Or is there a masterpiece we missed?
Let us know in the comments below!
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