Even thoughanimeis bigger than ever, themangafrom which the shows are adapted don’t get the recognition they deserve, despite being the source material with better pacing. The fantasy genre has recently experienced a surge in popularity in anime and manga, delivering profound stories likeMushoku Tenseiand riveting action experiences such asBlack Clover.
With fantasy more popular than ever,this list will rank the ten greatest fantasy mangaof all time. It will base the ranking on critical acclaim, fan opinion, story, writing, art, characters, worldbuilding, entertainment value, originality, and how well it represents the fantasy genre. Only manga is eligible for this list, meaning light novels, manhwa, and manhua won’t be included.
10’Magi' (2009-2017)
Created by Shinobu Ohtaka
Back in the 2010s,Magiwas one of the most popular action anime, but after years without a third season, fans have forgotten this nostalgic classic. King candidates are those who conquer dungeons and gain unimaginable power, making themselves eligible to serve as the ruler of the world. Alibaba and his magi, Aladdin, set out to be the next candidates and change the world.
Magimay look like a typical action series, but it is full ofintrigue, exhilarating action, and phenomenal worldbuilding. The Arabian inspiration makes this fantasy series even more original, as many manga don’t explore the genre outside of the high fantasy concept. With its bright ambiance and endearing characters,Magiis a shounen treat for fans of fantasy.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
9’Basara' (1990-1998)
Created by Yumi Tamura
As a collection of the best fantasy manga, most of the series on this list are well-known. However,Basaramay be the one series fans haven’t heard of, as this underread classic isn’t as mainstream. When calamity renders the future into a sandy wasteland, only the child of destiny can restore peace. However, after he prematurely dies, his sister takes his name, continuing the prophecy, but encounters the fates of war, love, and hatred.
Basarais a unique fantasy series,straddling the genres of fantasy and sci-fi, as it technically takes place in a post-apocalyptic future. However, its feudal aesthetic, ancient villages, wardrobe, weapons, and history paint it as a fantasy, and make it eligible for this list.Intricate worldbuilding, fantastical vibes, political plot, and well-written characters spearhead this engaging romance, making itan underrated manga series.
Legend of Basara
8’Magus of the Library' (2017-)
Created by Mitsu Izumi
Magus of the Libraryis one of the more recent fantasy manga on this list, and with its popularity and quality, fans can be sure this series will get an anime adaptation in no time. Theo looks different than everybody, but he doesn’t let their prejudice get in the way of his learning and love for books, which inspires him to become a Magus, one who finds, cares for, and protects the most important books in the world.
Coincidentally, the past three manga have all been Arabian-inspired. However, these three are only a few that do so exceptionally, creating a colorful world with a wondrous plot to go with it.Magus of the Librarymay feature an average shounen story about a boy setting out on a journey, but its focus on books and learning makes itmore original and a breath of fresh air, which is one ofthe best modern manga series.
7’Fairy Tail' (2006-2017)
Created by Hiro Mashima
All of these series are critically acclaimed in some fashion, butFairy Tailmay be the most polarizing entry on this list. Despite being overwhelmingly popular,Fairy Tailalso has its avid haters, who dislike it for its overuse of the power of friendship and fan service. The titular wizard guild accepts any request, no matter how dangerous, thereby entangling them with dark guilds, dragons, and evil wizards.
No matter what many vocal haters say,Fairy Tailis a historic mangathat is as popular as some of the biggest series of all time. It may not be a masterpiece, but theraw emotion and entertainment valuewere enough to build a dedicated fan base. This mangaachieves a grand sense of adventure and fun, making this enjoyable series one of the most entertaining on the list, and it stands out from other fantasy series.
Fairy Tail
6’Dungeon Meshi' (2014-2023)
Created by Ryouko Kui
One of the best anime shows of 2024 wasDungeon Meshi, but if fans can’t stand the wait for Season 2, they can read the manga, which is considered one of the best in the fantasy genre. After a dragon eats one of their party members, the group heads back down to save her before she is digested. However, with no funds, they must kill and cook the monsters if they want something to eat.
Despite adoptinga straightforward high fantasy world,Dungeon Meshireinvents the genre by mixing it with gourmet creations. This unique form of worldbuilding createsa monster ecosystem that feeds into the world, lore, and cooking, enhancing all facets of the series. Whether fans enjoy the inventive gourmet aspect or the mysterious building plot,Dungeon Meshiis an imaginative fantasy manga that is a must-read.
Delicious in Dungeon
5’Witch Hat Atelier' (2016-)
Created by Kamome Shirahama
WhileDungeon Meshihas an acclaimed anime andMagus of the Librarywould benefit from one, another modern fantasy manga is on its way to new heights after the studio announcedWitch Hat Atelierwould receive an anime in 2025. When a young girl discovers the secret of magic, a witch takes her in for training to help her petrified mother.
Even though the anime adaptation is looking less likely to come out this year, fans should be pleased that the studio is dedicating more time to this masterpiece.Witch Hat Atelieris a detailed fantasy mangafeaturingone of the most impressive power systems, utilizing drawings and symbols to create a vast, magical network where creativity is the only limitation. Withimportant themes, magnificent art, and well-written characters, this manga is a modern classic.
4’Yona of the Dawn' (2009-)
Created by Mizuho Kusanagi
A dragon and its four guardians once ruled the kingdom of Kouka, but as time passed, this legend became a distant memory. Yona is the only princess of the kingdom of Kouka now, and when her cousin stages a coup, killing her father, Yona retreats with her bodyguard. However, her only hope in saving the kingdom is to findthe four dragon guardiansand defeat her evil cousin.
Yona of the Dawnis a classic fantasy manga and one of the best of its genre, specifically for its romance focus. Most fans prefer shounen fantasies, but this shoujo series is just as good in terms of action and worldbuilding, and even better in terms of romance.Yona of the Dawnhas a little bit of everything, from dialogue-heavy moments to atmospheric panels, making this fantasy mangaa triumph of the genre.
Yona of the Dawn
3’Claymore' (2001-2014)
Created by Norihiro Yagi
One of the most underrated fantasy anime series isClaymore, which was let down due to its lackluster art. However, theClaymoremanga isn’t underrated, but a masterpiece that more fans need to check out. In a world where monsters can take the body and memories of their last prey, the titular organization is the only means of defence, and Clare is a young member who seeks vengeance.
Claymore’s art is definitely the highlight, creating an outstanding world through its pleasant art style and detailed drawings.The monsters are horrific, and the action is badass, combining to create an epic fantasy manga that can entertain as much as it can intrigue fans with its story.Claymorecan bean incredibly dark mangaat times, but it also manages to keep things profound.
2’Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End' (2020-)
Created by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
After the first season of the anime,Frieren: Beyond Journey’s Endbecame a modern classic and one of the most critically acclaimed series. However, the manga is just as good and deserves just as much praise as the anime. This melancholic and mystical fantasy follows the titular elf and her new companions on a journey to the land of the dead to deliver unsaid words to her old friends.
Looking back on this list, a surprising number of the best fantasy manga include a female protagonist, highlighting the diversity and importance of the genre. And Frieren is the newest big name among these other masterpieces, quickly ascending the ranks to become one of the best manga of all time. The manga can bea slow-burn at times or an inferno of action and drama, making this fantasy series a unique modern wonder.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
1’Berserk' (1989-)
Created by Kentaro Miura
There are a lot of incredible fantasy manga series, but there can only be one best, and that honor obviously goes toBerserk. Just when Guts finally thought he had found happiness in his band of mercenaries, one betrayal would take that all away from him, sending him into a spiral of rage and blood-fueled revenge.
Berserkis almosta ten out of ten in every category, from art to story to worldbuilding to characters to action. Every fan recognizes it asthe best manga of all timebecause of its legendary influence and unmatched art, which is some of the most detailed ever. Guts' long journey is full of tragedy, heartbreak, intensity, some comedy, and profound growth.Berserkboasts some ofthe best character development in manga, and fans eagerly await the conclusion of the story.
