If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably started a manga series only to find out it’s on hiatus—or worse, it’s been abandoned altogether. Frustrating, right? That’s why completed manga hold a special place in our hearts. They’re fully wrapped up, often with satisfying conclusions, and you can binge-read them without anxiously waiting for the next volume.
So, if you’re ready to dive into some of the greatest finished stories in manga history, here’s a list of the top 10 completed manga series you absolutely need to read—counting down from #10 to the ultimate #1.
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#10: Deadman Wonderland
Talk about starting off with a bang—Deadman Wonderland is intense, bloody, and emotionally jarring in the best way possible.
The story follows Ganta Igarashi, a seemingly normal teen who gets framed for the mass murder of his classmates and ends up in a privately run prison-slash-amusement park where prisoners fight for survival. The catch? Some inmates have mysterious powers derived from their blood.
It’s got that gritty, psychological thriller vibe, mixed with supernatural action and disturbing societal commentary. Plus, with only 13 volumes, it’s a quick yet unforgettable ride.
#9: Gantz
If you’re into brutal action, philosophical questions, and sheer unpredictability, Gantz is your kind of crazy.
Kei Kurono dies in a train accident… and wakes up in a room with a black sphere called Gantz. He and others are forced into violent alien-hunting missions, where morality is as gray as the blood-soaked suits they wear.
This series doesn’t hold back—violence, nudity, and intense themes are all part of the package. It questions what it means to live, die, and fight, making you uncomfortable in the best way possible. It’s 37 volumes of chaotic brilliance.
#8: 20th Century Boys
Naoki Urasawa strikes again! This isn’t just a manga—it’s a masterpiece of layered storytelling.
At its heart, 20th Century Boys is about childhood friends trying to stop a mysterious cult led by “Friend,” a villain using their childhood fantasy game to destroy the world. Sounds wild? It is. And it’s brilliant.
The time jumps, intricate plot twists, and strong emotional core make this series absolutely binge-worthy. It’s a deep, smart thriller that unpacks nostalgia, regret, and the price of pretending.
#7: Rurouni Kenshin
Let’s take a step back into Meiji-era Japan with this legendary samurai tale.
Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin known as Battosai who’s vowed never to kill again. With a reverse-blade sword and a heart full of guilt, he journeys to protect the innocent and atone for his past sins.
What makes this manga special isn’t just the sword fights (though they are top-tier); it’s the emotional depth and historical backdrop. The story balances action, humor, and philosophy, and it’s wrapped up neatly in 28 volumes.
#6: Akira
You’ve probably heard of the anime movie, but the Akira manga? Oh man, it’s on a whole different level.
Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows Kaneda and Tetsuo, two biker gang members caught in a web of military conspiracies, psychic powers, and rebellion. Katsuhiro Otomo’s art is insanely detailed, and the world-building? Chef’s kiss.
The manga expands far beyond the film’s storyline, giving deeper context and more character development. It’s bold, chaotic, and deeply philosophical—sci-fi manga at its absolute best.
#5: Monster
Yes, another Urasawa title. What can I say? The man’s a genius.
Monster is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Dr. Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who saves a young boy’s life—only to discover that boy grows up to become a monstrous serial killer. Wracked with guilt, Tenma sets off to stop the evil he once saved.
This is one of the most grounded yet terrifying stories in manga. There are no superpowers, no fantasy elements—just raw human evil, suspense, and moral dilemmas. If you love thrillers, you’ll be glued to this from start to finish.
#4: Death Note
No list is complete without the ultimate mind game between Light Yagami and L.
Light finds a notebook that lets him kill anyone by writing their name, and decides to cleanse the world of criminals. But genius detective L is hot on his trail, leading to a psychological chess match that’s gripping till the last page.
Death Note thrives on tension, intellect, and the blurred lines between justice and evil. And while some debate the quality of its second half, the overall narrative arc is iconic and fully realized.
#3: Fullmetal Alchemist (Manga Version)
Alchemy, war, philosophy, family—Fullmetal Alchemist is the full package.
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric break the ultimate taboo trying to resurrect their mother, losing their bodies in the process. Their journey to regain what was lost leads them through military conspiracies, immortal beings, and hard truths.
Hiromu Arakawa’s storytelling is impeccable, balancing dark themes with light-hearted moments and jaw-dropping action. Unlike the early anime adaptation, the manga (and Brotherhood anime) follow the complete original story, and it’s perfect.
#2: Naruto
Yep, it’s long. Yep, it has filler. But you can’t deny the cultural impact Naruto had on manga and anime fans worldwide.
The story of Naruto Uzumaki—a lonely, mischievous boy dreaming of becoming Hokage—turns into an epic saga of friendship, loss, legacy, and redemption. From small village missions to full-blown wars, the scale only gets bigger.
What makes Naruto special is how it lets you grow with the characters. It’s emotional, inspiring, and packed with life lessons—plus unforgettable battles and heartfelt backstories. The manga is 72 volumes, but every bit is worth it.
#1: Berserk (Completed Posthumously)
No words truly capture the dark, emotional, and artistic brilliance that is Berserk.
Created by the late Kentaro Miura, Berserk tells the story of Guts—a lone mercenary with a tragic past, a massive sword, and an unbreakable will. The journey is brutal, both physically and emotionally, and it explores themes of trauma, revenge, love, and fate like no other manga.
The art? Legendary. The story? Deep and haunting. Though Miura passed away before its conclusion, his assistants completed the story based on his plans, giving closure to a tale that’s gripped fans for decades.
This isn’t just a manga—it’s an experience.
Conclusion
So there you have it—10 completed manga series that should be on every fan’s reading list. Whether you’re into high-octane action, deep psychological thrillers, or emotional character journeys, these stories offer something truly special.
The beauty of completed manga is that they’re whole, polished, and ready to be devoured at your own pace. No cliffhangers, no “to be continued”—just full arcs, satisfying conclusions, and timeless storytelling.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick one (or all) and dive in. Your next favorite manga might just be waiting in this list.
