Top 8 Manga That Shoud Be Adapted to Anime

In this list, we aimed to identify the highest quality manga that, for some reason, have not yet received an anime adaptation. Perhaps the author isn't interested or the material won't translate well to another medium.

In any case, all the manga listed are yet to be adapted. It's important to mention that we chose older manga, after all, this list wouldn't make much sense if we included works with just one volume.

Vagabond

MAL Score: 9.25

Genres: Historical, Action

Status: On hiatus

Vagabond is, frankly, one of the finest literary works in existence. Unfortunately, the manga is currently on hiatus at the time of this writing. However, don't let that deter you from reading it. With 327 published chapters, there's already enough material for a (almost) complete read!

So, what is Vagabond about? It's quite simple, actually: the manga retells the story of Musashi Miyamoto (taking some liberties along the way), from his wild days before becoming a samurai, to his quest to become the "strongest under the heavens," and his enlightenment, as he slowly learns the value of life, peace, and friendship.

Incredible stories often focus on the "journey" rather than the end, and that's exactly what Vagabond is about: the transformation of a man and the hope that everyone can find enlightenment. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys the genre. Ranked third among the best manga of all time, Vagabond will surely surprise you.

20th Century Boys

MAL Score: 8.94

Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Status: Complete

20th Century Boys is a masterpiece by the renowned master Naoki Urasawa. This manga has a complex plot that spans decades, following a group of childhood friends who reunite in adulthood to face a threat they inadvertently created.

The manga is known for its plot twists and extremely well-developed characters. The story is told across multiple timelines, intriguing the reader from start to finish. The lack of an anime adaptation in this case is a mystery!

Oyasumi Punpun

MAL Score: 9.01

Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Psychological

Status: Complete

Honestly, I'm grateful that Oyasumi Punpun doesn't have an anime adaptation (and even more so that it doesn't have a live-action). The story told by Inio Asano would never work well in a different medium. One of the manga's strengths is the author's unique art and attention to detail. A TV production wouldn't have the budget to do this properly, and a movie adaptation would have to cut important moments – there's nothing useless in this work.

In Oyasumi Punpun, we follow the life of Punpun, from childhood to adulthood. Every second, every frame, is made to leave a mark and resonate with the reader. It's a story about insecurity and growing up, about wrong choices, bad luck, and regret. Punpun makes you see the worst in yourself and forces you to acknowledge your own flaws. Punpun has something for everyone, and that's why it's ranked the twelfth best manga of all time.

Fire Punch

MAL Score: 7.9

Genres: Action, Drama, Psychological, Sci-Fi

Status: Complete

Fire Punch, created by Tatsuki Fujimoto (author of Chainsaw Man), is a manga that challenges genre conventions with its dark plot and morally ambiguous characters.

The story follows Agni, a young man with regenerative abilities that make him virtually immortal, seeking revenge in a snow-covered post-apocalyptic world. The plot unfolds with intensity and brutality, exploring themes like revenge, despair, and the search for purpose.

This manga has everything you'd expect from Fujimoto, including the bizarre elements. If you liked Chainsaw Man, it's very likely that Fire Punch will also appeal to you.

Akumetsu

MAL Score: 8.12

Genres: Action, Drama, Psychological

Status: Complete

Akumetsu is a manga that tackles political corruption and vigilante justice in a bold and impetuous manner. The story revolves around Shou, a young man who assumes the identity of Akumetsu to eliminate corrupt figures in Japan.

Each act of the vigilante is executed with theatrical and violent style, challenging both the characters within the story and the readers to reflect on the nature of justice. Akumetsu's narrative is intense and provocative, questioning the limits of morality and ethics. An anime based on this manga would undoubtedly spark heated discussions and be visually impactful.

Holyland

MAL Score: 8.14

Genres: Action, Drama, Psychological

Status: Complete

Holyland is a story of street fighting and survival, centered on Kamishiro Yuu, a teenager who finds purpose in life through martial arts. The manga is known for its realistic portrayal of fighting techniques and deep character development.

Yuu starts as a fragile and insecure young man, but through his battles and interactions, he grows and finds his own path. Holyland is more than just a fighting manga; it's an exploration of self-improvement and the search for identity. For those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, Holyland is a great read.

Dai Dark

MAL Score: 7.8

Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Status: Ongoing

Dai Dark, by Q Hayashida, is a sci-fi manga that combines dark humor with high-octane action. The story follows Zaha Sanko, a young man whose bones supposedly grant great power to those who possess them. In a vast and strange universe, Sanko faces a series of bizarre enemies while uncovering the mysteries of his own destiny. Dai Dark is known for its unique art style and quirky sense of humor, making it a fun and unpredictable read. From the same author of Dorohedoro, this work follows in its footsteps and is highly recommended.

Homunculus

MAL Score: 8.35

Genres: Drama, Horror, Psychological, Seinen

Status: Complete

I'd like to start by saying that, unfortunately, Homunculus does have an adaptation, a live-action. Please, if you are interested in the work, read the manga. With that said, let's get to the point.

Homunculus is a disturbing manga that explores the human psyche through a unique premise. The story follows Nakoshi, a man who undergoes a trepanation surgery to unlock supernatural abilities, allowing him to see the physical manifestations of people's traumas.

The manga delves deeply into the darker aspects of the human mind, exploring themes of identity, madness, and perception. Hideo Yamamoto's detailed art and intense narrative make Homunculus an unforgettable experience.

An important warning: Homunculus deals with several traumatic themes that may be sensitive for some, so please read with caution.

All the manga listed here are of outstanding quality, and it's impressive that they don't even have rumors of adaptations. Most of these works deal with more adult themes, and perhaps for that reason, they were not recognized as profitable and thus did not have an anime made.

What about you? Why do you think these manga haven't been turned into anime? Do you think they are as good as people say? Which manga were missing from the list?