Most of the best anime of all time are adapted from manga, which makes up the majority of the stories that fans have watched. However, despite setting a unique and instantly distinct tone and arguably being superior to anime, the manga medium is still undervalued by Western fans, who often wait for the anime to be released.
While there are many phenomenal older manga series, such as One Piece and Berserk, the current generation is also producing some classic titles that fans shouldn’t miss. That is why this list will rank the best modern manga of the last ten years (since 2015) based on fan opinion, critical acclaim, writing, story, entertainment value, characters, art, and popularity. This list also excludes light novels, manhwa, and donghua.
10
‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 9: The JoJoLands’ (2023-)
Created by Hirohiko Araki
Some may view this as cheating since it is a new part in an established series, but The JoJoLands is too good to leave off this list. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows a new protagonist with every part, and part nine features Jodio and Dragona in Hawaii, as the duo commit any crime necessary in order to become as wealthy as possible.
While earlier parts may be the best manga of all time, The JoJoLands has much to prove, but is off to a great start so far. Hirohiko Araki’s art style is brilliant as usual, using inventive techniques and style to create one of the most visually appealing series. Jodio is a very different protagonist, and the change in characters helps establish a new and thrilling vibe.
9
‘Veil’ (2019-)
Created by Ikumi Fukuda
Speaking of visually appealing manga, Veil is next up on this list. The manga was originally a series of drawings posted by the creator on Twitter, but was later released as a loose story in a publication. Veil is about a blind woman, a police officer, and their daily romantic adventures.
Veil doesn’t have much of a story to help it, which is why it is so low on this ranking. However, the art, atmosphere, and characters are enough to title this a visual masterpiece. The striking art style and use of colors create a glorious manga that is a feast for the eyes that fans can’t help but indulge in. Veil is one of the best manga without an anime, and it is unlikely ever to receive one, making it even more unique.
8
‘Magus of the Library’ (2017-)
Created by Mitsu Izumi
Fantasy anime are all the rage now, and when it eventually receives an anime adaptation, Magus of the Library will be the next big thing. This manga is about Theo, a bot with pale skin, blonde hair, and long ears, attributes that make him an outcast in his village. All he wants to do is read, and one fateful encounter inspires him to become a Kafna, a protector of rare and mystical books around the world.
This manga promises a grand fantasy adventure in a unique setting, making it a distinct series that dares to be different. Magus of the Library follows a typical premise, but its messages about books, learning, truth, and dreams are an inspiring tale. The art is fantastic, the characters are fun, and the adventure is never-ending with this underread, soon-to-be classic.
7
‘Spy x Family’ (2019-)
Created by Tatsuya Endou
Spy x Family is the first anime on this list to feature an anime adaptation, which is partly why it became so popular. When a spy needs to gather valuable information from a target, they must create a fake family and establish a relationship with the target as a parent. However, he doesn’t know that his kid can read minds, his wife is an assassin, and his dog can see the future.
While the show has some of the best anime episodes, the manga delivers a steady plot full of wholesome, funny, dramatic, and intense moments. Whether fans enjoy the entertaining antics Anya gets up to, or the daring missions Loid and Yor go through, Spy x Family has something for everyone. The manga is only getting better, meaning anime fans have something to look forward to when season three comes out in October 2025.
6
‘Blue Period’ (2017-)
Created by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
It’s only natural that there would be many manga about drawing, and Blue Period sticks out as one of the best modern interpretations. Yatora is bored with his normal life, but when he discovers painting, he becomes enamored of the subject, wanting to pursue it further. However, his parents, older peers, and the complexity of the subject matter get in the way of his dreams.
Blue Period is a series for any aspiring or casual artists, highlighting the stressful path to mastering the craft. Its grounded characters, inclusive atmosphere, and understanding tone help build one of the most realistic manga series that heavily explores the drama, trauma, and stress of the characters. Blue Period is a realistic anime, perfect for anyone looking for something a bit more authentic.
5
‘Chainsaw Man’ (2018-)
Created by Tatsuki Fujimoto
While there are some popular anime on this list, none is more famous than Chainsaw Man, the rough and gritty manga series that is receiving a highly anticipated anime movie in Fall 2025. After Denji merges with the chainsaw devil, he becomes a hybrid devil hunter who teams up with his makeshift group to hunt devils for a living.
Chainsaw Man‘s art may be rough, but that adds to the series’ charm. The highlights are the characters, comedy, gruesomeness, and the bizarre plot points. Chainsaw Man is one of the most unique manga series, seamlessly blending its disturbing comedy with its over-the-top action. The story is also impressive, and when the show catches up to the manga, it will be one of the best anime series of all time.
4
‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity’ (2021-)
Created by Saka Mikami
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity is probably one of the most obscure manga on this list. However, that is soon to change, as this flawless manga series is receiving an anime series in July 2025, so fans had better keep their eyes out for that. Two separate schools may be close, but they serve opposite students: one boasts rich children and the other caters to less affluent backgrounds, sparking a timeless romance story.
This anime is a guaranteed hit this summer, and anime-only viewers have a lot to look forward to because this manga is remarkable. It may seem like another normal romance story, but with believable scenarios, no misconceptions, and characters that understand each other, The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity is a breath of fresh air for the genre that doesn’t bog itself down in boring clichés.
3
‘Witch Hat Atelier’ (2016-)
Created by Kamome Shirahama
Remember when this list said fantasy is the rage now? Well, Witch Hat Atelier proves that, and it will be the next big thing when the anime comes out sometime in 2025. When a little girl accidentally discovers the truth about magic, the order allows her to become a witch in order to save her mother from a curse, starting a long journey of hard work, friendship, and hardship.
Witch Hat Atelier ticks off every box for a great fantasy: amazing worldbuilding, mystical characters, unique power system, grand adventures, and a whimsical sense of mystery. It may feature a fairly typical story and characters, but the innovative power system is ripe with possibilities, and the plot is full of potential, with drama, action, emotion, and magic, creating an unforgettable manga.
2
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2020-)
Created by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
Fans should have expected this, as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End isn’t just the best anime of the last ten years, but also one of the best manga of the past decade. On an adventure to say what she should have said when they were alive, Frieren plans to meet her fallen friends in the land of the dead, journeying there with new students.
Everything fans feel about the anime directly correlates to the manga, providing every wonderous detail and charming location. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a modern classic in both anime and manga format, thanks to its narrative, style, and characters. However, fans eager to truly and fully experience the story should give the manga a chance, as it is just as good.
1
‘Kaguya-Sama: Love is War’ (2015-2022)
Created by Aka Akasaka
Earning the top spot on this list is Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, which barely qualifies as it came out in 2015. Shirogane and Kaguya are obviously in love, but they are too intelligent and proud to admit it, so the obvious course of action is to psychologically manipulate the other into confessing their love, right?
It was a tough battle between Kaguya-Sama and Frieren for the top spot, but as the only completed series on this list, Kaguya-Sama earns number one. While the author has another manga that ended horribly, Kaguya-Sama is a different story, delivering a top-tier romantic experience with as much intrigue, comedy, and psychological warfare. It is truly a rare manga that proves the medium can deliver some of the most profound works yet.