The anime industry continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, with hundreds of new adaptations hitting our screens each year. However, for every manga that gets the anime treatment, dozens of incredible series remain trapped in black and white panels, waiting for their moment to shine.
Fans worldwide constantly search for “manga that deserve anime adaptations,” “best manga without anime,” and “underrated manga that need anime,” hoping to discover hidden gems that could become the next Attack on Titan or Demon Slayer.
After extensive research and analyzing fan communities, we’ve compiled the definitive list of 10 manga series that should get anime adaptations. These aren’t just good manga—they’re masterpieces that would revolutionize the anime landscape if given the chance.
1. Vagabond – The Samurai Epic That Deserves the Big Screen
Takehiko Inoue’s Vagabond isn’t just a manga—it’s a literary masterpiece that has sold millions of copies worldwide yet remains shockingly without an anime adaptation. This fictionalized account of legendary swordsman Musashi Miyamoto’s life features breathtaking artwork that would translate beautifully to animation.
Why it needs an anime:
- Historical depth combined with philosophical themes
- Award-winning storytelling that rivals any literary novel
- Samurai action sequences that would be stunning in motion
- 37 volumes of rich material perfect for multiple seasons
2. 20th Century Boys – The Mystery Thriller That Would Break the Internet
Naoki Urasawa, the genius behind Monster, created another masterpiece with 20th Century Boys. This complex mystery follows convenience store manager Kenji Endo as he uncovers a dangerous cult that threatens the world. Despite its massive popularity and critical acclaim, it remains without an anime adaptation.
Why it needs an anime:
- Intricate plotting that would keep viewers on the edge of their seats
- Multiple timelines and perspectives perfect for episodic storytelling
- Massive cult following that would guarantee high viewership
- Urasawa’s proven track record with successful adaptations
3. I Am A Hero – The Zombie Manga That Redefines Horror
While anime has plenty of zombie series, none capture the raw horror and psychological depth of Kengo Hanazawa’s I Am A Hero. This manga follows a struggling manga artist who must survive a realistic zombie outbreak, featuring some of the most terrifying undead creatures ever imagined.
Why it needs an anime:
- Revolutionary take on zombie horror that would stand out in the anime world
- Realistic portrayal of societal collapse and human psychology
- Stunning artwork that would create unforgettable horror sequences
- Growing demand for mature horror anime content
4. Psyren – The Psychic Action Series That Would Rival Jujutsu Kaisen
Toshiaki Iwashiro’s Psyren combines the best elements of battle shonen with time-travel mystery. When high school student Ageha Yoshina gets drawn into the deadly world of Psyren, he must develop psychic powers to survive and uncover the truth behind this mysterious realm.
Why it needs an anime:
- Perfect blend of action, mystery, and character development
- Unique psychic power system that would create spectacular fight scenes
- Completed series with a satisfying ending (rare for shonen)
- Massive potential for merchandise and spin-off content
5. Centuria – The Dark Fantasy That Could Be the Next Attack on Titan
Debuting in 2024, Centuria has quickly become one of the most talked-about new manga. This dark fantasy follows Julian, a young slave who gains incredible powers after a tragedy, as he protects a newborn baby and seeks freedom in a brutal world.
Why it needs an anime:
- Fresh, original story that would appeal to modern anime audiences
- Dark themes and moral complexity similar to Attack on Titan
- Stunning artwork that would translate beautifully to animation
- Growing popularity that would guarantee strong initial viewership
6. Gokurakugai – The Supernatural Action Series Perfect for Studio MAPPA
Set in a vibrant district with dark secrets, Gokurakugai follows Tao and Alma, troubleshooters who handle cases involving mysterious evil creatures called Magas. This supernatural action series has everything needed for a hit anime: compelling characters, exciting action, and intriguing mysteries.
Why it needs an anime:
- Dynamic action sequences that would showcase incredible animation
- Unique supernatural world with endless storytelling potential
- Strong character dynamics perfect for character-driven storytelling
- Modern art style that would appeal to contemporary anime fans
7. Akane-Banashi – The Cultural Masterpiece That Would Educate and Entertain
In a world filled with isekai and battle shonen, Akane-Banashi stands out by focusing on rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art form. This series follows Akane Osaki as she seeks to master rakugo and uncover the truth behind her father’s expulsion from the art form.
Why it needs an anime:
- Unique cultural focus that would educate international audiences
- Inspiring underdog story perfect for character development
- Beautiful depiction of traditional Japanese arts and performance
- Growing popularity in Shonen Jump indicates strong market potential
8. Real – The Sports Drama That Would Make Everyone Cry
From Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue comes Real, a powerful sports drama that focuses on wheelchair basketball players. This series explores themes of disability, redemption, and the human spirit with the same masterful storytelling that made Slam Dunk a classic.
Why it needs an anime:
- Representation of disabled characters rarely seen in anime
- Emotional storytelling that would resonate with global audiences
- Sports action that would be both exciting and meaningful
- Inoue’s proven track record with successful sports anime
9. Witch Hat Atelier – The Magical Series That Would Rival Studio Ghibli
Kamome Shirahama’s Witch Hat Atelier is a magical fantasy series that has captivated readers with its stunning artwork and wholesome storytelling. Following a young girl who discovers the world of magic, this series combines wonder, danger, and beautiful character development.
Why it needs an anime:
- Breathtaking artwork that would create a visually stunning anime
- Wholesome, family-friendly content with broad appeal
- Unique magic system that would inspire creativity and wonder
- Massive international following that would guarantee success
10. Goodbye, Eri – The Emotional Masterpiece from the Creator of Chainsaw Man
Tatsuki Fujimoto, the mind behind Chainsaw Man, created this short but powerful one-shot that would make for an incredible anime film or OVA. Goodbye, Eri tells an emotional story about life, death, and filmmaking that showcases Fujimoto’s unique storytelling genius.
Why it needs an anime:
- Perfect length for a feature film or short series
- Emotional storytelling that would resonate with global audiences
- Fujimoto’s proven popularity from Chainsaw Man
- Unique blend of meta-commentary and heartfelt drama
Why These Manga Deserve Anime Adaptations?
These ten manga series represent the best of what the medium has to offer—diverse genres, compelling stories, and artistic excellence that would translate beautifully to animation. Each series has massive potential to become the next big anime hit, with built-in fanbases and unique selling points that would help them stand out in today’s crowded market.
The demand for “manga that need anime adaptations” continues to grow as fans discover more incredible series trapped in print. With anime studios constantly looking for the next big thing, these manga are prime candidates for adaptation success.
What’s Stopping These Adaptations?
Despite their quality and popularity, several factors can prevent manga from getting anime adaptations:
- Budget constraints – High-quality animation requires significant investment
- Market trends – Studios often follow popular genres rather than take risks
- Rights issues – Complex licensing can delay or prevent adaptations
- Creator preferences – Some manga artists prefer their work remain in print
- Timing – The right studio and team need to be available
However, with the anime industry’s continued growth and global expansion, there’s never been a better time for these adaptations to happen.
The Future of Manga Adaptations
As streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Disney+ invest heavily in anime content, the opportunities for manga adaptations have never been greater. These platforms are actively seeking diverse content to appeal to global audiences, making series like Vagabond, 20th Century Boys, and I Am A Hero more likely than ever to finally get their moment in the spotlight.
For fans searching “which manga should get anime adaptations” or “underrated manga that deserve anime,” the future looks bright. With continued advocacy and growing international markets, we may yet see these beloved series finally come to life on screen.
Conclusion
The gap between incredible manga and their anime adaptations continues to narrow, but these ten series remain at the top of every fan’s wishlist. From historical epics to supernatural thrillers, each manga on this list offers something unique that would enrich the anime landscape and provide unforgettable viewing experiences.
As anime continues its global domination, studios would be wise to consider these proven hits for their next big projects. Until then, fans can keep advocating, spreading the word, and enjoying these masterpieces in their original manga form.
What manga series do you think deserves an anime adaptation? Share your favorites in the comments below! ❤️
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