Manga has this incredible way of pulling us into its worlds, no matter what genre or style fits your vibe. Deep mysteries, over-the-top adventures, or stories that just hit you right in the feels—there’s something for everyone. Whether you're a die-hard otaku or brand new to the world of manga, we’ve got you covered with a list of ten must-read series that deserve a spot on your shelf. From psychological thrillers to slice-of-life tales, here are some standout titles to jump into.

1. Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata

Genre: Psychological Thriller

If you’ve never read manga before, Death Note is an excellent place to start. This gripping thriller begins when Light Yagami, a bored high school genius, discovers a mysterious notebook that gives him the power to kill anyone by simply writing their name. As Light takes on the role of a self-proclaimed god bringing “justice” to the world, he faces off against L, an eccentric detective determined to stop him.

Death Note isn’t just a cat-and-mouse game; it’s a deep philosophical story that makes you question morality, power, and the meaning of justice. With stunning artwork and intense mind games, this manga is pure edge-of-your-seat brilliance.

2. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda

Genre: Action/Adventure

Looking for an epic adventure? One Piece might just ruin you for any other story. It follows Monkey D. Luffy and his quirky pirate crew on their search for the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. Along the way, they face larger-than-life villains, make unbreakable friendships, and learn what it truly means to chase a dream.

At over 1,000 chapters, One Piece can feel intimidating, but it’s worth diving into for its incredible world-building, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth. Beneath all the humor and action lies a story full of hope, perseverance, and finding family in unexpected places.

3. My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi

Genre: Superhero/Shonen

What if nearly everyone in the world had superpowers? That’s the premise of My Hero Academia, which follows Izuku Midoriya, a powerless boy in a world full of heroes, as he trains to become the greatest hero of all time. With guidance from his idol, All Might, and a cast of colorful classmates, Izuku’s story is both heartwarming and action-packed.

The series blends high-stakes battles with moments of humor and heart. It’s all about overcoming the odds, working together, and believing in yourself—even when it’s hard. Plus, the diverse cast of heroes makes it easy to find someone to root for.

4. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama

Genre: Dark Fantasy/Action

Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant man-eating Titans, Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the fight for survival. But as they uncover secrets about the Titans and their society, the line between friend and enemy begins to blur.

This manga is intense, unpredictable, and emotionally devastating (in the best way). Isayama expertly weaves mystery, action, and tragedy into a story that keeps readers questioning everything. If you love morally complex characters and aren’t afraid of an emotional gut-punch, this one’s for you.

5. Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

Genre: Romance/Drama

For something a little softer, Fruits Basket tells the story of Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted girl who befriends the mysterious Sohma family. As Tohru discovers their secret—that they turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex—she helps heal the emotional scars they’ve carried for years.

This beloved series delivers all the feels, with a perfect mix of humor, romance, and family drama. Each character’s struggles and growth will tug at your heartstrings, leaving you with a story about love, acceptance, and finding joy in being true to yourself.

6. Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) by Koyoharu Gotouge

Genre: Action/Fantasy

When Tanjiro Kamado’s family is slaughtered by demons (and his sister Nezuko is turned into one), he sets out on a quest to become a demon slayer and find a cure. Along the way, Tanjiro faces terrifying foes, forms strong bonds with fellow demon slayers, and unravels the secrets of the demon world.

The jaw-dropping artwork and exhilarating fights make Demon Slayer an absolute page-turner. But beneath the action is a deeply emotional story about perseverance, kindness, and family. It’s no surprise this manga has become a worldwide phenomenon.

7. Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida

Genre: Horror/Drama

When college student Kaneki Ken is attacked by a ghoul (a creature that feeds on humans) and transformed into a half-ghoul, his life plunges into chaos. Struggling to balance his humanity and his new ghoulish instincts, Kaneki must find his place in a world where humans and ghouls are at odds.

Tokyo Ghoul is beautifully dark and thought-provoking, filled with moral dilemmas and unforgettable imagery. Ishida’s complex characters and themes of identity, survival, and belonging make this a gripping and emotional read.

8. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure

Edward and Alphonse Elric are brothers who use alchemy in their quest to restore their bodies after a forbidden experiment goes horribly wrong. Their search for the Philosopher’s Stone leads them into a much larger conspiracy involving war, power, and the human condition.

Fullmetal Alchemist balances action, humor, and emotional depth with perfection. Arakawa’s exploration of sacrifice, morality, and the bonds of family makes this manga a true masterpiece. Whether you’re into alchemy or amazing storytelling, this one is a must.

9. Haikyuu!! by Haruichi Furudate

Genre: Sports/Drama

Even if sports aren’t your thing, Haikyuu!! is bound to steal your heart. This high-energy series follows Shoyo Hinata, a determined volleyball player who dreams of becoming the best despite his height disadvantage. With teamwork, rivalry, and plenty of drama, Haikyuu!! captures the thrill of chasing your dreams.

The characters are so lovable and relatable that even non-sports fans will find themselves cheering for every match. It’s an uplifting story about hard work, friendship, and never giving up, making it the ultimate feel-good read.

10. Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Genre: Action/Dark Comedy

Denji is a broke teenager living a rough life, saddled with debt and desperate for a better future. But when he’s killed and fused with his chainsaw-demon pet, Pochita, he becomes Chainsaw Man, taking on dangerous devil-hunting missions for a shady government agency.

Chainsaw Man is as wild as it sounds, mixing outrageous action and pitch-black humor with surprising emotional moments. Fujimoto’s unique storytelling breaks conventions, making this one of the most exciting and unpredictable reads out there.

What makes manga so compelling is its ability to bring any type of story to life in a visually dynamic way. Whether you’re laughing at Nimona’s antics (Death Note aside), crying over the Elric brothers (Fullmetal Alchemist), or analyzing human nature (Tokyo Ghoul, anyone?), these series prove there’s so much to explore.