If you’ve ever delved into a captivating manga series, raced through to the end, and pondered why it hasn’t been adapted into an anime, know that you’re far from alone. While numerous beloved stories have transitioned from page to screen, the sheer volume of manga available makes it impossible for every noteworthy tale to receive animated representation. Given the heavy workload animation studios face, it’s understandable that some exceptional narratives remain confined to their printed forms.
The absence of an adaptation does not diminish the worth of these stories; often, it’s simply a matter of timing. A thorough exploration of online forums reveals a treasure trove of manga titles that fans are eagerly hoping to see brought to life as anime. This trend appears to be shifting favorably, especially after the success of titles like Dandadan, which has encouraged more studios to take risks on unique properties.
This curated list highlights ten remarkable manga that have not yet met their anime destiny. Utilizing MyAnimeList as our reference point, each entry includes a score, a brief overview of the story, and reasons why it would thrive as an anime series. While many other deserving titles exist, these ten stand out among passionate anime and manga communities.
10 Fire Punch
MyAnimeList Score: 7.92
- Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Genres: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
- Volume Count: 8, Chapters: 83
- Publication Period: April 18, 2016 – January 1, 2018
Fire Punch opens the list with a gut-wrenching narrative centered on siblings Agni and Luna, whose town is entrapped in ice due to the Ice Witch. The plot thickens when a fire user named Doma incinerates everything, leaving only Agni alive. Driven by vengeance after losing his sister to the flames, Agni’s relentless pursuit of revenge, coupled with his regenerative powers that keep him from dying, creates an intense and emotionally charged story. This manga’s gripping saga is not to be missed; the first volume is bound to linger in your thoughts well after you turn the final page.
9 The Psyre
MyAnimeList Score: 7.94
- Author: Toshiaki Iwashiro
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Volume Count: 16, Chapters: 145
- Publication Period: December 3, 2007 – November 29, 2010
If you’re a fan of Yu Yu Hakusho and enjoy tales of interdimensional travel and combat against supernatural creatures, then Psyren should be on your radar. When Ageha Yoshina’s classmate Sakurako Amamiya disappears, he finds a business card leading him to a strange new dimension overrun by beasts. Despite its brevity, wrapping up in just 145 chapters due to poor sales, its impactful storytelling has left fans hoping for an anime adaptation that dives into Ageha’s adventures.
8 Eden: It’s An Endless World
MyAnimeList Score: 8.21
- Author: Hiroki Endo
- Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Suspense
- Volume Count: 18, Chapters: 127
- Publication Period: September 25, 1997 – June 25, 2008
Eden: It’s An Endless World, set in a near-future devastated by a pandemic that decimates 15% of the population. Featured are Elijah Ballard and his family, who find themselves resisting a tyrannical federation known as Propater, which has not only taken control but also kidnapped his sister. The weighty themes of this seinen manga provide a rich canvas for exploration within an animated format.
7 Holyland
MyAnimeList Score: 8.44
- Author: Koji Mori
- Genres: Action
- Volume Count: 18, Chapters: 182
- Publication Period: October 13, 2000 – May 23, 2008
Holyland is a compelling underdog story that chronicles Yuu Kamishiro, a high school student beset by bullies, who decides to fight back by taking up martial arts. As he transforms into a vigilante known as the “Thug Hunter, ”Yuu confronts both his external adversaries and his internal struggles. This journey of self-discovery resonates deeply with many, making it a perfect candidate for adaptation.
6 Billy Bat
MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
- Authors: Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
- Volume Count: 20, Chapters: 165
- Publication Period: October 16, 2008 – August 18, 2016
Billy Bat seem lighthearted, but it swiftly dives into deep mysteries and supernatural occurrences as it follows a Japanese-American comic artist who unwittingly duplicates an original Japanese character. As he uncovers a web of secrets, murders, and historical conspiracy, the narrative shifts dramatically, warranting an anime adaptation that could captivate wider audiences.
5 The Climber
MyAnimeList Score: 8.81
- Illustrated by Shinichi Sakamoto
- Genres: Drama, Sports
- Volume Count: 17, Chapters: 170
- Publication Period: November 1, 2007 – October 27, 2011
The Climber invites readers into the life of Buntaro Mori, a high school student who combats his loneliness by joining a climbing team. This adventure not only awakens his passion for the sport but also helps explore deeper themes of depression and self-worth. As Mori prepares to conquer K2, his emotional journey makes this tale an exceptional candidate for a transformative anime adaptation.
4 20th Century Boys
MyAnimeList Score: 8.94
- Author: Naoki Urasawa
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Volume Count: 22, Chapters: 249
- Publication Period: September 27, 1999 – April 24, 2006
20th Century Boys intricately weaves a tale of friendship, nostalgia, and conspiracy, as a group of childhood friends creates a “Book of Prophecy” predicting they would save the world in the future. When strange events begin mirroring their predictions, it sparks chaos and suspicion. The combination of mystery and science fiction makes it a prime candidate for an anime adaptation, and its allure lies in the masterful storytelling of Naoki Urasawa.
3 Real
MyAnimeList Score: 8.95
- Author: Takehiko Inoue
- Genres: Drama, Sports
- Volume Count: 16+ (ongoing), Chapters: 96+
- Publication Period: October 28, 1999 – Ongoing
2 Oyasumi Punpun
MyAnimeList Score: 8.99
- Author: Inio Asano
- Genres: Drama, Slice of Life
- Volume Count: 13, Chapters: 147
- Publication Period: March 15, 2007 – November 2, 2013
Oyasumi Punpun presents one of the most uniquely surreal narratives, revolving around Punpun Onodera and his struggle with relationships and life’s complexities. With its striking art style that juxtaposes themes of loneliness and despair with whimsical imagery, viewers would find a distinctly imaginative adaptation in anime form, making it an appealing prospect for adaptations looking to explore darker themes.
1 Vagabond
MyAnimeList Score: 9.27
- Author: Takehiko Inoue (based on Eiji Yoshikawa’s novel)
- Genres: Action, Adventure
- Volume Count: 37, Chapters: 327
- Publication Period: September 3, 1998 – May 21, 2015
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