10 best fantasy manga of all time

Fantasy manga offer readers the chance to dive into richly imagined worlds filled with magic, supernatural elements, and epic adventures.

Since fantasy lets creators build worlds restricted only by their imagination, the best fantasy manga stand out for their creative worldbuilding and ability to immerse readers in compelling new lands.

After analyzing fantasy manga across decades, compiling online recommendations, and poring through fan forums, here are our picks for the 10 best fantasy manga of all time.

10 must-read fantasy manga of all time

1. Berserk

Berserk by Kentaro Miura (Image via Hakusensha)

Berserk tops the fantasy manga pantheon for its dark world, morally ambiguous characters, and themes of struggling against fate. Set in a medieval European-inspired land teeming with demons, it follows the Black Swordsman Guts on his journey for vengeance against his former friend turned demon lord Griffith.

The late author Kentaro Miura blended supernatural horror, action, and high fantasy elements into his graphic yet compelling saga. Fans get absorbed into intrigues spanning kingdoms, demonic rituals, warring armies of humans and monsters, and the larger-than-life characters caught up in between.

While Berserk's violence earns its mature rating, its substantive storytelling keeps readers hooked. Miura's outstanding ink illustrations brought the dark, dangerous world to life with an unprecedented level of detail.

2. Fullmetal Alchemist

Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa (Image via Square Enix)

Hiromu Arakawa's steampunk fantasy series Fullmetal Alchemist delivers creative worldbuilding, three-dimensional characters, and philosophical themes about science vs. faith.

It centers upon the Elric brothers—Edward and Alphonse—on their quest to restore their bodies after a failed attempt to revive their mother through alchemy. Along with fast-paced plots infused with magic and action, Arakawa constructs a consistent rule system governing alchemy, the story's central magic system.

She also creates memorable characters while exploring timeless themes about the human costs of ambition, war, duty, and love through the brothers' journey. With its broad appeal, creative premise, and balanced incorporation of humor, adventure, and darker moments, it engages readers of many ages and interests.

3. Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss by Akihito Tsukushi (Image via Takeshobo)

This manga taps into readers' curiosity and adventure by focusing on an abyss — a vast, otherworldly cave filled with strange creatures and relics. It follows an orphan girl named Rico living in a town on the abyss's edge, who meets a mysterious robotic boy and ends up descending into the mysterious pit to find her mother.

While it initially presents a lighthearted coming-of-age storyline, the abyss grows increasingly deadly, and the stakes rise dramatically once Riko begins her descent. Author Akihito Tsukushi blends beauty, wonder, cruelty, and supernatural elements into one of the most imaginative fantasy worlds depicted in recent manga.

Filled with strange ecosystems and creatures that obey their own ecological logic, Made in Abyss immerses readers layer by layer into its creative world. Coupled with stunning artwork bringing these environments to life, this fantasy manga offers an unforgettable reading experience for fantasy fans.

4. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura (Image via Kodansha)

This historical fantasy manga turns back the clock to 11th-century Northern Europe in the age of the Vikings. After growing up in Iceland, the series' protagonist, Thorfinn, joins the mercenary band that killed his father in order to take revenge through close-quarters duels.

But author Makoto Yukimura uses this premise to weave a sprawling epic that expands far beyond Thorfinn's quest. Yukimura's meticulous research into Viking culture, society, and values creates an immersive historical backdrop.

Over its epic length and episodic story arcs, Vinland Saga transforms into a coming-of-age tale spanning years and continents. With the expansion in scope come poignant ideological explorations of pacifism vs. violence and nuanced antagonists with complex motivations.

5. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi (Image via Shueisha)

Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, Hunter x Hunter features memorable characters, intense action, and one of manga’s richest Nen-based magic systems. It involves young protagonist Gon Freecss discovering that his previously absent father, Ging, is a famous Hunter — an elite adventurer and relic/bounty hunter.

Gon then sets out to pass the arduous Hunter Examination and gain his license, which leads to adventures spanning hidden fantastical lands, supernatural quests, and increasingly powerful enemies. Togashi distinguishes his series through his sense of adventure, creative worldbuilding, and genius battle choreography.

Characters use Nen innovatively to raise stakes, while supporting groups like the Phantom Troupe have distinct designs and personalities rivaling the protagonists. Combined with a strong foundation in friendship and ambition, Hunter x Hunter offers a very complete fantasy adventure despite its frequent publication hiatuses.

6. Claymore

Claymore by Norihiro Yagi (Image via Shueisha)

This dark medieval fantasy created by Norihiro Yagi stands out through its creative new take on warriors battling demonic threats. The Claymores of the story are an order of human-demon hybrid women warriors, imbued with superhuman strength, speed, and regeneration, yet feared by society.

The plot centers upon the Claymore Clare as she fights increasingly powerful demonic beings while confronting the darker parts of human nature. Yagi excels at illustrating the series' violent, high-stakes confrontations between warriors and grotesque demons.

He also crafts multilayered characters struggling with internal demons as well as external enemies. This fantasy manga succeeds at combining an unpredictable, perilous plot progression full of subterfuge with substantive themes about prejudice, trauma, and the survival of humanity's soul amid darkness.

7. Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi (Image via Hakusensha)

Yona of the Dawn upends the conventional fantasy princess trope by transforming a pampered young noblewoman into a battle-hardened warrior on the run.

After her father's murder, Princess Yona flees the kingdom of Kohka, joined by her devoted bodyguard Hak. She must learn strength, leadership, and perseverance in order to reclaim the throne. Creator Mizuho Kusanagi delivers thrilling action and emotional drama as Yona grows from damsel to inspiring leader.

She excels at illustrating beautiful Asian-inspired clothing, scenery, and character designs that further distinguish the series. By focusing closely on themes of grief, love, duty, and destiny, Yona of the Dawn creates an immersive coming-of-age tale perfect for fantasy fans seeking a strong female-centric adventure.

8. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic by Shinobu Ohtaka (Image via Shogakukan)

Magi utilizes Middle Eastern folklore and settings like Arabian Nights as creative building blocks for its massive fantasy universe. The manga follows young Aladdin — a magician accompanying mighty djinn Ugo — as he explores dungeons filled with treasures, creatures, and secrets that could change the world.

Author Shinobu Ohtaka succeeds at worldbuilding on an epic scale, constructing intricate geopolitics and history spanning multiple nations and ethnic groups. Each culture and country possesses distinctive designs, politics, attire, and values that keep the world feeling rich and diverse.

She also excels at illustrating action scenes with clever powers and weapons in ways that expand possibilities even compared to other great shonen series. Combined with its sense of adventure spanning deserts and oceans, Magi creates a quintessential fantasy manga journey.

9. The Heroic Legend of Arslan

The Heroic Legend of Arslan by Hiromu Arakawa (Image via Kodansha)

This epic fantasy manga draws on ancient Persian lore to create a vivid world of warfare, intrigue, and leadership. It follows the trials of young crown prince Arslan as he contends with treacherous nobility and invading armies to claim his rightful place on the throne of the fictional kingdom of Pars.

Hiromu Arakawa, creator of Fullmetal Alchemist, adapts Yoshiki Tanaka's novels with rich worldbuilding inspired by Zoroastrian-influenced cultures and religions. The diverse characters grapple realistically with wars, slavery, and religious tensions that drive complex conflicts unmatched in geopolitical depth.

Meanwhile, Arakawa delivers exciting action scenes focused on cavalry charges, historical-style weapons, and clever battlefield tactics relevant to the ancient era. With the well-paced plot progression unfolding across an ongoing manga series, it offers fantasy fans an intricately constructed new world to get lost in for years.

10. Noragami

Noragami by Adachitoka (Image via Kodansha)

Yato may be an obscure god lacking followers, fame, or a shrine, but this down-on-his-luck deity still possesses grand ambitions and mighty supernatural powers as a "delivery god" ready to take on any wish.

After saving teenager Hiyori Iki's life from an accident, she becomes intrigued by Yato and gets drawn into his conflicts against sinister gods and specters. Noragami creators Adachitoka (a two-person team) infuse Japanese divine lore into original stories, tapping into various god archetypes.

By focusing on lesser-known Shinto beliefs rather than the famous Amaterasu sun goddess, Adachitoka crafts fresh-feeling supernatural worlds and creatures anchored by specific details. Coupled with gripping mythic mysteries and expressive artwork, Noragami makes for a thrilling urban fantasy.

Conclusion

Whether set in medieval Europe, Asian-inspired empires, supernatural-infused cities, or completely imaginary realms, the best fantasy manga showcase what happens when creators draw solely from their wildest dreams.

This unrestrained sense of invention gives rise to stunning worlds populated with bold, larger-than-life characters that stick with readers for decades. While lacking hard rules beyond a creator's imagination, the most compelling fantasy tales still create intricate magic systems, cultures, and conflicts that feel real.

The best series sustain wonder, tension, philosophical depth, and unforgettable storylines across arcs stretching for years. Any manga that achieves this remains rewarding upon repeat reading or viewing years later — the highest compliment for fantasy classics that stand the test of time.