The popularity of Japanese culture, and especially manga, has become strongly embedded in the United Kingdom. Events such as Animangopop 1, MCM Comic Con London 2, and HyperJapan 3 bring together fans of manga, anime, gaming, and the Japanese language across the UK.
Whether you are a new manga fan or someone who's revisiting an old collection, here are 20 of the most popular and influential manga series of all time, each of which has helped shape the global popularity of Japanese comics.
| Rank | Manga | Author | First Published | Volumes | Approx Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One Piece | Eiichiro Oda | 1997 | 100+ | 500M+ |
| 2 | Dragon Ball | Akira Toriyama | 1984 | 42 | 260M+ |
| 3 | One Punch Man | ONE | 2012 | 30+ | 30M+ |
| 4 | Attack on Titan | Hajime Isayama | 2009 | 34 | 100M+ |
| 5 | Hunter × Hunter | Yoshihiro Togashi | 1998 | 37+ | 80M+ |
| 6 | Death Note | Ohba & Obata | 2003 | 12 | 40M+ |
| 7 | Vagabond | Takehiko Inoue | 1998 | 37 | 80M+ |
| 8 | Naruto | Masashi Kishimoto | 1999 | 72 | 250M+ |
| 9 | Demon Slayer | Koyoharu Gotouge | 2016 | 23 | 150M+ |
| 10 | Goodnight Punpun | Inio Asano | 2007 | 13 | 2M+ |
| 11 | Slam Dunk | Takehiko Inoue | 1990 | 31 | 170M+ |
| 12 | Berserk | Kentaro Miura | 1989 | 40+ | 60M+ |
| 13 | Uzumaki | Junji Ito | 1998 | 3 | 2M+ |
| 14 | Bleach | Tite Kubo | 2001 | 74 | 130M+ |
| 15 | Detective Conan | Gosho Aoyama | 1994 | 100+ | 90M+ |
| 16 | Rave Master | Hiro Mashima | 1999 | 35 | 23M+ |
| 17 | Tokyo Ghoul | Sui Ishida | 2011 | 14 | 47M+ |
| 18 | JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure | Hirohiko Araki | 1987 | 130+ | 120M+ |
| 19 | Fullmetal Alchemist | Hiromu Arakawa | 2001 | 27 | 80M+ |
| 20 | Fist of the North Star | Buronson & Hara | 1983 | 27 | 100M+ |
💢 Understanding Japanese Manga
First, let's review the definition and origins of Manga. Manga is a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, typically aimed at both adults and children.
It is characterised by its distinctive art style, which often features exaggerated facial expressions, dynamic action sequences, and intricate detail.
What makes Manga so appealing universally is that it encompasses a wide range of genres and themes, including but not limited to action, adventure, romance, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and slice of life.
First developed in the late 19th century, manga is rooted in early Japanese art forms and remains incredibly popular to this day, both in Japan and internationally.
It is serialised in magazines called manga anthologies before being compiled into collected volumes known as tankōbon.
The genres are often categorised to target different age groups.
Shōnen – aimed at teenage boys; action-heavy stories
Shōjo – aimed at teenage girls; romance and relationships
Seinen – targeted at adult men; darker themes and realism
Josei – targeted at adult women; mature romance and life stories
Now that you know the basics, let's take a look at the top 20 most popular manga of all time!
💖 Top 20 Most Popular Japanese Manga Series
1. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
Few and far between are those who have not heard of this work; after all, it is the best-selling manga of all time, with 500+ million copies sold.
Synopsis: The story follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate whose goal is to become the king of pirates by finding One Piece, the treasure left by the old king Gold D. Roger. His secret weapon: he is completely elastic – a very handy way to battle against other pirates!
Considered a defining shōnen adventure series
2. A Manga Legend: Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama
It would be impossible to discuss manga without mentioning Dragon Ball: one of the most renowned and best-selling manga.
Synopsis: The story follows Goku and his growing circle of friends and rivals, whom he ultimately defeats using his exceptional martial arts and ki-based energy attacks.
Fun Fact: Did you know the author drew heavy inspiration from the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, giving Goku his monkey-tailed origins and quest for Dragon Balls?
Highly influential in global anime culture, especially for young boys
3. One-Punch Man by ONE (illustrated by Yusuke Murata)
This superhero manga by ONE has been a feature series on the free online manga magazine Tonari no Young Jump since the year 2012.
Synopsis: It tells the story of Saitama, who looks like a normal human being but is abnormally strong, knocking people out with just one mighty punch. Eventually, he becomes unbeatable, he grows bored with hero life, and searches for a worthy opponent while fighting monsters and working with the Hero Association.
Anime adaptation boosted popularity worldwide
4. Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama
Attack on Titan is a dark fantasy manga known for its intense action, complex story, and shocking twists.
Synopsis: The story follows the journey of the main characters, Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman. Alongside the Survey Corps, they battled the Titans, who were devouring humanity, while unraveling the terrifying mysteries behind their existence and origins.
5. Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi
Here is another shining example of decades-long manga publication and as volumes in their own right – 37 volumes, to be exact... and still, the story goes on!
Synopsis: Gon is a spirited young boy who dreams of becoming a Hunter— an elite adventurer who explores dangerous places on land and sea. His goal is to find his father, one of the world's greatest Hunters.
After passing the difficult Hunter Exam, Gon forms close friendships with Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio and encounters dangerous enemies such as Hisoka.
6. Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata
In the manga circles, it's a bit difficult to meet someone who hasn't read Death Note. This Shonen, which actually skates very close to Seinen, enjoyed a relatively short run but actually revolutionised the otaku world.
Synopsis: One day, Light Yagami finds a notebook titled Death Note, wherein one could inscribe names. Everyone whose name has been entered dies. So begins Light’s crusade, under the pseudonym Kira: he seeks out those he opines are unworthy of life, with an elite police squad on his trail, led by the mysterious detective L.
Your thought: Is Light heroic or an anti-hero? Read all about the heroes of manga.
7. Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue
Crafted by Takehiko Inoue since 1998 and on hiatus since 2015, Vagabond blends historical fact with introspective drama.
Synopsis: Vagabond is a historical manga that follows the journey of a young samurai, Musashi Miyamoto, a talented but reckless swordsman seeking to become the greatest warrior.
As he travels across Japan, Musashi fights powerful opponents, seeking enlightenment through duels, philosophy, and self-mastery.
8. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto
Naruto is one of the most popular manga in the world, where its story and characters have been ‘converted’ into further entertainment: card games, video games, and full-length feature films that have generated a fortune in merchandise sales.
Synopsis: Naruto is a young ninja from Konoha, a small village. His dreams are anything but small: he wants to be the village chief. Unfortunately, cursed, the villagers reject him.
He embarks on a series of (mis)adventures to prove his worth, gain acceptance, and become the greatest ninja, accompanied by allies Sakura and Sasuke – along with ninjas from other lands.
9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge
This manga has fans from all over the world, as it captures themes of perseverance, family, and defiance.
Synopsis: The story is set in a fictional version of Japan during the Taishō period (early 1900s), where demons threaten human peace. Demon slayers are tasked with eliminating these dangerous creatures. The main character, Tanjiro Kamado, decides to join them after demons kill his family, setting him on a journey to fight demons and seek justice.
10. Oyasumi (Goodnight) Punpun by Inio Asano
Goodnight Punpun is a coming-of-age story that explores the struggles of growing up and the harsh realities of life.
Synopsis: This manga follows Punpun Punyama, an unusual protagonist depicted as a simple chick-like figure. It traces Punpun’s journey from childhood to adulthood as he faces family problems, friendships, love, and personal trauma, presenting a raw and often unsettling look at human emotions and reality.
11. Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue
Slam Dunk is a popular sports manga that helped bring basketball into the spotlight in Japan during the 1990s.
Synopsis: The story follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a rebellious high school student who joins the basketball team to impress a girl named Haruko, who loves the sport.
Although he initially knows nothing about basketball, Sakuragi gradually develops a real passion and talent for the game. Set in a Japanese high school, the series combines comedy, rivalry, teamwork, and personal growth as Sakuragi and his teammates compete on the court.
Fun Fact: This manga shares the same author as Vagabond, mentioned earlier!
12. Berserk by Kentaro Miura
Berserk is a dark fantasy manga known for its intense storytelling and detailed artwork set in a world inspired by medieval Europe. 4
Synopsis: The story follows Guts, a lone mercenary who wields an enormous sword while struggling to survive in a brutal and dangerous world. Haunted by betrayal and tragedy, Guts battles powerful enemies and supernatural forces on a journey driven by revenge and survival. The series has also inspired anime adaptations and video games.
13. Uzumaki by Junji Ito
With its eerie small-town setting and psychological tension, Uzumaki appeals to global readers who enjoy atmospheric horror similar to Gothic and supernatural fiction.
Synopsis: The story is set in the fictional town of Kurouzu-cho, where residents become obsessed with mysterious spiral patterns. High school student Kirie Goshima and her boyfriend Shuichi begin to witness terrifying supernatural events as the spiral curse spreads throughout the town.
14. Bleach by Tite Kubo
Bleach is a supernatural action manga that blends intense battles with themes of justice and the spirit world.
Synopsis: The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the powers of a Soul Reaper after meeting the shinigami Rukia Kuchiki. Tasked with protecting humans from evil spirits known as Hollows and guiding lost souls to the afterlife, Ichigo becomes involved in dangerous battles and conflicts within the spirit world.
15. Case Closed (Detective Conan) by Gosho Aoyama
Case Closed is a long-running mystery manga that follows a brilliant teenage detective solving crimes while trapped in a child’s body.
Synopsis: The story centres on Shinichi Kudo, a gifted high school detective who is poisoned by members of a mysterious criminal group and transformed into a child. Adopting the name Conan Edogawa, he secretly continues solving complex cases while living with his friend Ran Mori and her detective father, all while searching for the organisation responsible.
16. Rave Master by Hiro Mashima
Rave Master is a fantasy adventure manga that follows a young hero on a quest to save the world from a powerful dark force.
Synopsis: The story follows Haru Glory, a teenager chosen to become the next Rave Master. Armed with a powerful sword, he travels across the world to recover the missing fragments of the sacred Rave stones. Along the way, Haru and his friends battle the evil organisation Demon Card, which seeks to use dark stones to spread destruction.
17. Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida
Tokyo Ghoul is a dark fantasy manga that explores the conflict between humans and flesh-eating creatures (ghouls) living secretly among them.
Synopsis: The story follows Ken Kaneki, a university student who becomes a half-ghoul after a tragic encounter with one of these supernatural beings. Forced to live between the human and ghoul worlds, Kaneki struggles to control his hunger while learning about the hidden society of ghouls and the dangers surrounding them.
18. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a long-running manga famous for its unique storytelling, striking art style, and multi-generational adventure.
Synopsis: The story follows different members of the Joestar family across several generations, each protagonist nicknamed “JoJo.” Every part introduces a new hero, setting, and conflict, as the Joestars battle powerful supernatural enemies using special abilities such as Hamon and later “Stands.”
19. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
Fullmetal Alchemist is a fantasy adventure manga set in a steampunk-inspired world where alchemy governs what people can create.
Synopsis: The story follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who attempt to bring their mother back to life using alchemy. The attempt fails catastrophically: Edward loses an arm and a leg, while Alphonse’s entire body disappears, leaving his soul trapped in a suit of armour. To regain their bodies, they must navigate the limits of alchemy, governed by the law of equivalent exchange.
20. Fist of the North Star by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara
Fist of the North Star is a post-apocalyptic martial arts manga set after a devastating nuclear war.
Synopsis: The story follows Kenshiro, the successor of the deadly Hokuto Shinken martial art, as he battles ruthless warlords and criminals in a barren world. Known for its intense action and moral dilemmas, the series challenges readers with both thrilling fights and philosophical questions about justice and survival.
🔥The Evolution of Manga Popularity
Before media digitalisation was fully integrated through digital platforms and global distribution, manga was widely known as a Japanese cultural staple, published in dedicated magazines such as Weekly Shōnen Jump, especially in the 80s and 90s.
Manga's popularity was largely due to a successful storytelling model — serialised publishing of weekly chapters that kept readers hooked and encouraged long‑term investment (both financially and emotionally). 5
Today, manga has an extensive global reach, impacting non-Japanese speakers worldwide. Thanks to publishers like VIZ Media and Kodansha USA, English-language manga sales are constantly growing, with hundreds of titles being released.
Technology has changed the viewership habits of young manga readers, who are also using mobile apps and web platforms to access them.
Of course, we cannot miss out on the influence of media adaptations, which is one of the biggest accelerators of manga popularity. Many viewers actually came to know about the original manga series after watching the anime or film adaptations.
Some hardcore fans are willing to go the distance to seek out the source materials (the full manga collection), which in turn boosts manga sales and its continuity in the long run.
Many international fans even go a step further and begin learning Japanese or visit a manga store in Japan so they can read original editions and manga magazines in their original language as they are released.
📖 Where to Read Japanese Manga
Now that you’ve explored some of the most popular manga series, the next step is finding where to read them. Whether you prefer the experience of flipping through printed volumes or accessing entire libraries online, there are plenty of ways for readers around the world to enjoy manga legally.
💻 Physical Stores vs Online Platforms
If you enjoy collecting physical volumes, bookstores and specialty comic shops remain one of the best places to discover manga. Major UK bookstores such as Waterstones and Forbidden Planet offer extensive manga selections, ranging from popular titles to collector’s editions.
Buying physical manga allows fans to build personal collections, enjoy the artwork in print, and support publishers and creators directly. Many stores also sell related merchandise such as figurines, posters, and art books inspired by popular series like One Piece or Demon Slayer.
On the other hand, digital platforms make it easy to explore new titles, catch up on long-running series, and read manga on smartphones, tablets, or computers. For many international fans, these services have become the most convenient way to stay up to date with global hits like Attack on Titan and My Hero Academia.
We hope this article will inspire you to explore the world of manga or reignite your passion for manga comic books. Happy reading! Learn everything you need to know about reading a manga book!
References
- Home - Animangapop. (2024, May 16). Animangapop. https://animangapop.co.uk/
- MCM Comic Con. (n.d.). Www.mcmcomiccon.com. https://www.mcmcomiccon.com/
- HYPER JAPAN Festival - HYPER JAPAN. (2025, May 21). HYPER JAPAN. https://hyperjapan.co.uk/festival/
- Akhtar, Z. (2024, October 7). The Real Reason Why “Berserk” Is So Great. Medium; Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs. https://medium.com/bouncin-and-behavin-blogs/the-real-reason-why-berserk-is-so-great-eb4e7ab4374b
- Ross, B. (2026, March 8). Top-Selling Manga Series: Sales Data, Market Trends, And Cultural Impact Analysis. Alibaba.com. https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/top-selling-manga-series-sales-data-market-trends-and-cultural-impact-analysis.html
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