Buzz
Many book lovers often dream, 'This novel would make an amazing movie!' as they dive into a captivating story. However, turning literature into films or TV shows can be risky, with mixed results—just ask Netflix. On the flip side, manga fans have a much better chance of seeing their favorite stories successfully transition into anime.
Discovering a new manga series often sparks excitement, especially when imagining how it could look as an anime. With so many incredible comics out there, fans can’t help but fantasize about seeing their favorite panels come to life on screen.
This list highlights ten standout manga, featuring both fresh titles and timeless classics. What unites them is the potential for their anime adaptations to make a huge splash. Whether you’re looking for your next read or aiming to predict the next big anime hit, this list has you covered. It’s a perfect way to stay ahead of the curve.
10. Takopi’s Original Sin (Taizan 5)
Some readers crave emotionally intense stories, finding satisfaction in narratives that deliver heart-wrenching blows. If you’re one of them, keep an eye out for the potential anime adaptation of Takopi’s Original Sin, a manga widely regarded as one of the most devastating works of the last decade.
The story follows Tapoki, a quirky alien from Planet Happy, on a mission to spread joy across the galaxy. However, his journey takes a dark turn when he encounters Shizuka, a deeply troubled girl suffering from bullying and familial neglect. Tapoki quickly realizes that bringing happiness to her is far more challenging than he anticipated.
This manga’s raw and unflinching tone makes it a difficult yet gripping read. With its concise storytelling spanning just a few volumes, it’s perfectly suited for a single-season anime that would leave audiences emotionally shattered and reaching for tissues.
9. Dandadan (Yukinobu Tatsu)
The story revolves around a girl who believes in ghosts but scoffs at aliens and a boy who’s convinced of extraterrestrial life but dismisses spirits. Together, they uncover the truth: both exist, and chaos ensues. If this premise doesn’t hook you, you might just be unshakable.
Dandadan instantly captivates readers with its intriguing premise and the electrifying chemistry between its protagonists, Ken and Momo. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that’s impossible to ignore, and translating this energy into animation would undoubtedly result in a visually stunning spectacle.
This manga is as wild as it sounds, featuring epic clashes with ghosts, aliens, and even the most unexpected foes. Think of it as a surreal, over-the-top version of The X-Files, but with a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative at its core. An anime adaptation would undoubtedly make waves in the industry.
8. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (Hajime Komoto)
Imagine a world like Harry Potter, but with a twist: the protagonist has no magical abilities. Instead, he relies on sheer physical strength to achieve his goals, often leaving a trail of chaos in his wake. That’s the essence of Mashle: Magic and Muscles.
Mash, a physically gifted young man, dreams of becoming a Divine Visionary to support his adoptive father. However, to achieve this, he must excel at the prestigious Easton Magic Academy—despite having zero magical talent. Undeterred, Mash enrolls and sets out to prove that brawn can triumph over spells.
This series is a riot, thanks to its lead character’s hilarious antics and the inventive ways he tackles his magical tasks—let’s just call them challenges. The manga’s playful irreverence is a standout feature, and an anime adaptation would undoubtedly bring that same charm to life.
With its broad appeal—often compared to a mix of Harry Potter and One Punch Man—this series is primed for success. An anime version can’t come soon enough.
7. My Hero Academia: Vigilantes (Hideyuki Furuhashi, Betten Court, Kohei Horikoshi)
If you’re an anime enthusiast, you’ve likely already fallen for My Hero Academia. The Observer even ranked it as the second most-watched TV show during the early days of the pandemic. Given its massive popularity, expanding the franchise makes perfect sense, and the existing spin-off manga provides the ideal foundation.
Vigilantes follows Koichi, a young man who uses his quirk to assist others without seeking recognition. After rescuing a girl from a criminal, he teams up with the vigilante hero Knuckleduster, setting the stage for an action-packed adventure.
What sets Vigilantes apart is its grittier, more somber tone compared to the main series. It delves into darker themes, featuring ruthless villains and a more cynical perspective on the superhero universe.
While fans have experienced life within UA, exploring the world beyond its walls offers a fresh perspective. This spin-off has immense potential to captivate audiences with its unique take on the My Hero Academia universe.
6. High School Family: Kokosei Kazoku (Ryo Nakama)
High school is already a challenging phase, filled with self-discovery, societal pressures, and physical changes. Now, picture the added chaos of attending school with your entire family. That’s the hilarious predicament Kotaro finds himself in.
This quirky series follows Kotaro as he navigates high school alongside his parents and younger sister, who’ve all decided to enroll with him. The result is a series of absurd and side-splitting situations that will leave you in stitches.
The humor in this manga is top-notch, but animating these jokes would elevate them to a whole new level. Imagine the comedic potential of scenes like Kotaro’s father announcing to his boss that he’s quitting to attend high school—brought to life with vibrant animation, dynamic movement, and creative direction. This manga exemplifies how animation can breathe fresh energy into an already brilliant concept.
5. 20th Century Boys (Naoki Urasawa)
Some stories are so grand that adapting them feels like a monumental challenge. 20th Century Boys is one such manga. Despite its status as a seminal work and a few underwhelming live-action adaptations, it has yet to receive an anime version. It’s high time for that to change.
Set in 20th-century Japan, 20th Century Boys is a sweeping sci-fi saga centered on Kenji, who uncovers the rise of a dangerous cult leader called “Friend.” As Kenji and his childhood friends investigate, they realize the villain’s plan to destroy the world is mysteriously tied to their own past.
This manga masterfully blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, featuring relatable protagonists caught in an over-the-top narrative filled with giant robots, prophecies, and high-stakes drama. A well-executed anime adaptation could easily become an iconic masterpiece.
4. Sakamoto Days (Yuto Suzuki)
You’ve probably encountered countless stories about retired assassins seeking a quiet family life, a trope popularized by films like John Wick and Nobody. However, Sakamoto Days reinvents this overused premise, making it feel entirely original and exciting.
Sakamoto, once the world’s most feared hitman, leaves his violent past behind after falling in love, opting for a humble life as a convenience store worker. But when his old enemies resurface, he’s forced to defend himself while adhering to his vow never to kill again.
The charm of this manga lies in Sakamoto’s dual nature. His cheerful and approachable appearance contrasts sharply with his lightning-fast, deadly combat skills, creating a character who’s both endearing and intimidating.
The narrative seamlessly blends heartfelt humor with intense action, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Translating this mix of tones into animation would be an absolute treat for viewers.
3. Kaiju No. 8 (Naoya Matsumoto)
Despite being relatively new to the manga world, Kaiju No. 8 has already sparked widespread demand for an anime adaptation, with rumors circulating online. It’s easy to see why—this series is a standout, and an anime version would be highly anticipated.
Set in a world overrun by colossal monsters called Kaiju, this shonen series follows the Japanese Defense Force, an elite team tasked with combating these creatures. However, the protagonist isn’t among their ranks—he’s part of the cleanup crew.
Kafka, the main character, is a middle-aged man working to restore order after Kaiju attacks. His life takes an unexpected turn when he gains the ability to transform into a Kaiju himself.
The choice of a middle-aged protagonist sets this story apart. While young heroes dominate anime, Kafka’s journey to reclaim control of his life offers a refreshing and unique perspective.
The manga also delivers thrilling action scenes and a sharp sense of humor that keeps readers hooked. Imagining these moments animated with vibrant colors and fluid motion is enough to evoke sheer excitement.
2. Vagabond (Takehiko Inoue)
Similar to 20th Century Boys, it’s surprising that this series hasn’t been adapted for the screen yet. With accolades like the Kodansha Manga Award in 2000 and over 80 million copies sold, as reported by Japan Times, its absence from animation is puzzling. Perhaps the challenge lies in doing justice to its grandeur.
Vagabond chronicles the journey of Musashi Miyamoto, a historical Japanese swordsman, as he evolves from a wandering rogue into a legendary figure. The story captures his transformation from a violent outcast to a refined warrior and individual.
Filled with raw intensity, moral dilemmas, and a profound exploration of humanity, Vagabond is more than just a tale of swordsmanship. Musashi’s growth is deeply engaging, and an anime adaptation would undoubtedly captivate audiences worldwide.
This potential anime could easily rank among legendary sword-fighting series like Rurouni Kenshin, Inuyasha, and Demon Slayer. It’s time to accelerate its adaptation before the opportunity slips away.
1. Goodnight Punpun (Inio Asano)
Inio Asano is widely regarded as one of the most influential manga artists of his generation. Works like Solanin and Downfall have earned critical acclaim, yet his stories rarely receive anime adaptations. This oversight is a missed opportunity, and adapting his most iconic work would be the perfect place to start.
Goodnight Punpun is a quirky yet endearing tale about a young boy navigating the complexities of life. Punpun, the protagonist, is an unconventional child who stands out from his peers. After experiencing his first love, he embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and emotional turmoil.
This manga’s unique charm lies in its relatable struggles and deeply crafted characters. As an anime, it would resonate with audiences, capturing the universal themes of adolescence and first love in a way that touches the soul.
Beyond its deep themes, the story is also delightfully eccentric and unconventional. With the right artistic direction, it could transform into a timeless, quirky comedy that leaves a lasting impression.
