If you’ve ever read a manga, finished it, and wondered why it hasn’t been turned into an anime – you aren’t the only one. Even though many amazing stories from books have become movies, there are just so many mangas out there that it’s challenging to adapt them all. Given how busy animation studios can be, it’s not surprising that some stories haven’t left the bookshelves yet.
It doesn’t mean these stories aren’t worthy of being adapted; it seems their time hasn’t arrived just yet. Across the web and forums, many mangas exist where fans eagerly await an anime adaptation. Fortunately, with the launch of Dandadan, and its swift success, it seems more studios are now ready to take a risk.
This list showcases ten outstanding works that some believe will eventually become successful anime series, as determined by enthusiasts of anime and manga. On MyAnimeList, you’ll find scores for each title, a summary of the storyline, and reasons why it has the potential to make an impressive addition to the anime genre. Although there are many more possibilities out there, these ten stand out as the best, in the opinion of manga and anime enthusiasts.
10.
Fire Punch
MyAnimeList Score: 7.92
- Written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Action, Mystery, Supernatural
- 8 Volumes, 83 Chapters
- Published: April 18, 2016, to January 1, 2018
The tale titled “Fire Punch” begins with one of the most agonizing narratives. It focuses on two siblings endowed with remarkable regenerative abilities – Agni and Luna – and a town they inhabit that lies encased in ice due to the Ice Witch’s spell. To add to their misery, a fire-wielder named Doma sets ablaze the city, leading to everyone else’s demise, except for Agni.
In the midst of his sister being trapped in the fire, Agni is driven by vengeance. Miraculously, his ability to heal keeps him alive even as flames consume his body, and though he endures immense pain, Agni shows no fear and remains relentless. Don’t miss out on this anime’s release; start with the first volume and you might just find yourself captivated by its gripping tale. I believe once you reach its powerful ending, it will linger in your memory for a long time.
9.
Psyren
MyAnimeList Score: 7.94
- Written and illustrated by Toshiaki Iwashiro
- Action, Adventure, Romance, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- 16 Volumes, 145 Chapters
- Published: December 3, 2007, to November 29, 2010
If you’re a fan of Yu Yu Hakusho and have been yearning for a series that combines global travel with battles against otherworldly creatures, Psyren might just be the story that grabs your attention the most. After the mysterious vanishing of his classmate Sakurako Amamiya, the protagonist Ageha Yoshina receives an enigmatic business card left at his home and finds himself transported to a different dimension teeming with wild beasts.
The manga titled “Psyren,” which spans over 145 chapters in about three years, is a captivating read from start to finish. Regrettably, its creator, Toshiaki Iwashiro, had to rush the final stages due to less-than-expected sales. Despite an unsatisfying ending, loyal fans of “Psyren” continue to support it, dreaming that the adventures of Ageha in the monster realm will someday make it to the big screen.
8.
Eden: It’s An Endless World
MyAnimeList Score: 8.21
- Written and illustrated by Hiroki Endo
- Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Suspense
- 18 Volumes, 127 Chapters
- Published: September 25, 1997, to June 25, 2008
The mangaka skillfully presented a complex and gripping narrative through the series “Eden: It’s an Endless World“. Moreover, they produced one of the finest seinen genres in comic format. Characters like Elijah Ballard and his family navigate a world that mirrors our near future, where a pandemic has devastated 15% of the population, leaving many survivors disfigured or disabled.
It’s an Endless World, while having a somber tone, is actually quite underestimated yet it showcases Endo’s exceptional writing and storytelling skills, ultimately boosting his reputation.
7.
Holyland
MyAnimeList Score: 8.44
- Written and illustrated by Koji Mori
- Action
- 18 Volumes, 182 Chapters
- Published: October 13, 2000, to May 23, 2008
If you’re drawn to heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds, the manga titled “Holyland” will undoubtedly captivate you with its compelling narrative. This series chronicles the life of Yuu Kamishiro, a high school student who endures relentless bullying from his peers. Determined to turn the tide, Yuu dedicates himself to martial arts training and learns how to defend himself effectively.
Transforming into “Delinquent Tracker”, Yuu pursues and brutally subdues those causing trouble without a conscience. In this process, the character uncovers the depths of his inner darkness and is compelled to face his vulnerabilities and the path that led him here. It’s an engaging story of self-exploration, and I’m confident many readers will find resonance in a tormented figure fighting back against their own pain.
6.
Billy Bat
MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
- Written by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki
- Drama, Mystery, Supernatural
- 20 Volumes, 165 Chapters
- Published: October 16, 2008, to August 18, 2016
As a devoted fan, I must say that diving into “Billy Bat” feels playful at times, even borderline whimsical in parts. Yet, what’s truly captivating about this manga is how the duo of Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki skillfully weave a narrative that starts off light-hearted and engaging, but gradually unfolds into a gripping mystery and supernatural tale that leaves readers yearning for more.
In his work as a Japanese-American comic book artist, Kevin Yamagata introduces the character Billy Bat, but later realizes he might have accidentally duplicated a similar figure from Japan. Eager to learn more about the original character’s creator, Yamagata delves deep into hidden truths and violent events. This captivating storyline could leave you stunned, and it certainly seems worthy of an anime adaptation someday.
5.
The Climber
MyAnimeList Score: 8.81
- Written by Shinichi Sakamoto and Yoshiro Nabeda (based on a novel by Jiro Nitta)
- Illustrated by Shinichi Sakamoto.
- Drama, Sports
- 17 Volumes, 170 Chapters
- Published: November 1, 2007, to October 27, 2011
In my experience as a manga enthusiast, I’m constantly seeking stories where I can identify with a character, and “The Climber” might be an exceptional example of this. The protagonist, Buntaro Mori, is a high school student who deals with his solitude by joining the school’s climbing club, a band of pupils who embark on exciting expeditions and scale mountains. It’s there that he uncovers his love for adventure and transforms into a professional climber over time.
What makes the narrative of a young man conquering mountains so enthralling is that it’s not just about the climb; it delves into the personal journey of Mori as he scales each peak. The story explores his growth and emotional struggles, such as battling depression, feelings of abandonment, and questions about self-worth, all set against the backdrop of his preparation to conquer K2, one of the toughest mountains known. Interestingly, the actual climbing almost takes a secondary role in Mori’s character development, which I believe would be wonderfully translated into an anime adaptation, focusing not only on the adventure but also on the emotional depth of the protagonist.
4.
20th Century Boys
MyAnimeList Score: 8.94
- Written and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa
- Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- 22 Volumes, 249 Chapters
- Published: September 27, 1999, to April 24, 2006
As someone captivated by mystery and sci-fi narratives, the series 20th Century Boys (along with its concise sequel, 21st Century Boys) instantly piqued my interest. The story revolves around a band of youths who construct their secret hideout, devise a symbol to embody their bond, and pen a book titled “The Book of Prophecy”. This book chronicles how they thwarted global corruption and vanquished evil forces.
Step into the current era, and it seems like reality has taken a cue from Kenji’s book, as his life and those of his companions strangely mirror the plot lines they once penned. Following the tragic presumption of death of one friend group member, an enigmatic figure emerges, known merely as Friend, his visage hidden behind the very logo their group created. Given Naoki Urasawa’s past works that have been adapted into anime, this story too deserves such treatment.
3.
Real
MyAnimeList Score: 8.95
- Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue
- Drama, Sports
- 16+ Volumes, 96+ Chapters
- Published: October 28, 1999, still ongoing
Among all entries in this list, only Real continues to publish new manga chapters, making it a strong contender for becoming a popular anime series once its story concludes. Given the success of sports-focused anime like Blue Lock, it seems inevitable that more team-oriented sports stories will eventually make their way onto the big screen. Indeed, Real stands out as one such promising candidate for an anime adaptation, and rightfully so.
Delve into the lives of three individuals, Nomiya, Togawa, and Takahashi, who navigate through a world shaped by disability. After separate car accidents, Nomiya becomes a caregiver for a woman now confined to a wheelchair, while Togawa and Takahashi find themselves in similar circumstances. Despite the challenges they face, there’s a silver lining as they learn to adapt to their new realities and discover a shared passion for wheelchair basketball, fostering a unique camaraderie along the way.
2.
Oyasumi Punpun
MyAnimeList Score: 8.99
- Written and illustrated by Inio Asano
- Drama, Slice of Life
- 13 Volumes, 147 Chapters
- Published: March 15, 2007, to November 2, 2013
Among all the manga narratives here, “Oyasumi Punpun” stands out as the most extraordinary and distinct. This story revolves around Punpun Onodera, a character grappling with life’s challenges, while managing complex relationships with his friends and family. The art style provides a striking contrast when depicting themes such as loneliness and despair, yet employs bird-like heads to alleviate some of the reading burden by adding a touch of whimsy.
In an even stranger twist, the character Punpun searches for answers from a God depicted as a highly realistic human head, which advises him to perform harmful actions. It’s hard to picture what this might look like in anime style, given that the visuals can be unsettlingly real and at times downright terrifying. If you appreciate the strange and eerie, you can explore “Osayumi Punpun” and its 147 chapters online.
1.
Vagabond
MyAnimeList Score: 9.27
- Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue (based on a novel by Eiji Yoshikawa)
- Action, Adventure
- 37 Volumes, 327 Chapters
- Published: September 3, 1998, to May 21, 2015
The top position goes to “Vagabond,” an extensive narrative lasting nearly 17 years across 37 volumes and 327 chapters. It’s a substantial read, but time well spent as the tale proves rewarding in every moment. Originally a novel by Eiji Yoshikawa, Takehiko Inoue beautifully adapts it into manga form, maintaining the original story’s integrity.
The artwork is stunning, and the sequence of events is captivating to watch unfold. The life tale of the renowned samurai Miyamoto Musashi is vividly portrayed, as he partakes in numerous conflicts across Japan during his travels. Regrettably, Vagabond has been on an indefinite break since 2015, leaving the narrative without a fresh chapter for over a decade and unfinished. Here’s hoping that someday we get to witness the conclusion of this story and perhaps even a continuation in animated form.
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2025-05-29 02:10