Anime Series That Are Better Than The Manga They’re Based On

Manga is known for offering rich stories and spectacular art through pages, but it is anime that takes these beloved stories to new heights and brings them to life with sound and action. More often than not, studios look to manga for inspiration and end up adapting popular web novels and graphic tales into animated form so it is accessible to a wider audience. Some anime series, however, do more justice to the story than the source material itself.

For die-hard manga fans, nothing can compare to the scenes, battles, and emotions playing out as they read page after page. But for others, seeing the same worlds and characters on screen with music, voice actors, and fluid action is a whole new level of immersive entertainment. When done well, an anime adaptation can add new layers of drama, vibrancy, and heart to already popular stories. In this list, we look at 10 such anime adaptations that are better than the manga they’re based on.

10 Nichijou – My Ordinary Life (2011)

Set in a picturesque rural town, Nichijou – My Ordinary Life follows the daily antics of high school girls Mio Naganohara, Yuuko Aioi, and Mai Minakami. The three also experience life with three companions by their side, including a genius, a robot caretaker, and a talking cat. Filled with absurd yet realistic situations, their days pass by with hilarity and absolute nonsense, and they find humor in just about anything.

Escalates the Absurdity of the Manga

A slice-of-life anime adapted from the manga series written and illustrated by Keiichi Arawi, Nichijou is one of the funniest and most creatively animated comedies in the medium. While the source material itself is great and has several humorous instances, what elevates the manga is its masterful use of slapstick and absurdity. It takes realistic scenarios of the jokes from the manga and twists them to comedic extremes through perfectly timed gags and brilliant wordplay.

9 K-On! (2009 – 2010)

The story of K-On! follows Yui Hirasawa, a girl who is highly excited about high school. She realizes her excitement comes from the idea of joining a club. She becomes part of the school’s Light Music Club but realizes she can’t really play an instrument and the club is about to face disbandment. Yui decides to leave but the band members play her a song and it sparks a newfound desire to stay and learn, leading the band to work towards performing live.

Focusing More on Friendship and Music

K-On! is all about forging strong friendships, sharing fun times, dealing with graduation, and helping each other improve – all while being cute. It is based on a four-panel gag comic. While they are usually difficult to adapt, Kyoto Animation manages to work wonders with the subtle emotion and overall uplifting tone. The anime expands the premise, fleshes out character relationships, and features passionate musical performances to celebrate the joys of youth.

8 Bunny Drop (2011 – 2012)

When Daikichi Kawachi, a 30-year-old bachelor, finds out that his grandfather has an illegitimate daughter, six-year-old Rin, he realizes he has no option but to take her in now that his grandfather has passed away. Uprooted from her home, Rin is shy and uncertain at first. Daikichi himself has no experience raising children. Bunny Drop, also known as Usagi Drop, focuses on the two eventually developing a special bond.

Achieves a Special Feat with Its Ending

While the manga, which is written and illustrated by Yumi Unita, depicts Daikichi and Rin’s bond affectionately, the anime adaptation adds more subtlety to it. The manga ends with Rin growing up to be sixteen and eventually confessing her feelings for her pseudo-father. The anime stays away from the controversial angle, focuses on warm and gentle moments, poignantly fleshes out a story about found family, and delivers a rare finale that fans enjoy more.

7 Made in Abyss (2017)

So far, we have looked at feel-good anime series turning out better than their manga counterparts. Made in Abyssfalls into a darker, more horrifying genre. Set on an enormous island, it follows Riko, an orphan girl who dreams of following her mother’s footsteps as a Diver and exploring the enigmatic Abyss, a gaping chasm in the middle of the world fabled to house ancient relics and mysterious creatures. During her mission, she befriends a robot boy and names him Reg.

Dark but Visually Stunning

The world of the Abyss is already treacherous and terrifying; to watch it come to vivid life on screen through gorgeous animation and accurate depiction is a thrill like no other. The anime magnifies everything that’s good about Akihito Tsukushi’s manga but also makes note of staying away from displaying unnecessary fanservice and uncomfortable scenes. The anime also receives praise for its excellent soundtrack.

6 Hunter x Hunter (2011 – 2014)

Hunter x Hunter has established itself as one of the most popular shounen anime of all time. Its plot goes something like this: Gon Freecss’ father abandoned him as an infant to become a famous Hunter – an elite group of licensed professionals who undergo rigorous training to attain supernatural or survival abilities. Now Gon is determined to find his missing father by becoming a Hunter himself. He enrolls in the Hunter Examination, a high-risk selection process to begin pursuing this dream.

Elevates Storytelling with Its Deft Pacing

What starts off as a lighthearted adventure in Hunter x Hunter eventually transforms into a groundbreaking and character-driven story filled with expertly crafted layers and an abundance of emotion. Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga itself is a work of art, but the mangaka has suffered from poor health in the past, which has led to inconsistencies in his works. The anime works on that front and makes sure to deliver a conclusion that is complete and satisfying.

5 Gintama (2005 – 2021)

The whimsical world of Edo is introduced in Gintama as a place where all swords are prohibited in public as a means to abide by the laws formed after Japan’s surrender to the powerful alien race. Regardless, a silver-haired samurai known as Gintoki Sakata maintains his reputation as a samurai and carries a wooden sword with him wherever he goes, taking odd jobs as a freelancer. Accompanying him are sidekicks Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura, as well as their giant pet dog.

Features an Iconic Voice Cast

Heavy on absurd parodies and hilarious jokes, Hideaki Sorachi’s original manga is perhaps one of the funniest pieces of art out there. While already hilarious in written form, Gintama’s animation takes the offbeat tone to exquisite heights with its blink-and-you-miss-it reaction shots and unexpected breaking of the fourth wall. The anime also really wins because of its illustrated voice cast, which includes Daisuke Sakaguchi as Shinpachi, Akira Ishida as Katsura, and Tomokazu Sugita as Gintoki.

4 Bocchi The Rock! (2022)

A breakout hit of 2022, Bocchi The Rock! centers around a shy middle schooler named Hitori “Bocchi” Gotou. Despite wishing she had many friends, Bocchi’s social anxiety leaves her unable to hold normal conversations and she usually spends her time with her guitar. When Nijika Ijichi, an outgoing drummer, convinces her to join their little band ‘Kessoku,’ Bocchi is thrilled.

Deserves The Hype It’s Gotten

Arriving at a time when the world was collectively experiencing social anxiety and sudden feelings of panic, Bocchi The Rock! managed to strike a chord with anime fans. The anime adaptation is not only a non-stop rollercoaster of comedy, but it also delivers the protagonist’s panic-stricken reactions and inner freak-outs with utter accuracy. The manga is undoubtedly brilliant, but the anime simply improves everything that’s good about the source material.

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3 Demon Slayer (2019 – 2024)

Despite the weight of supporting his entire family, Tanjirou Kamado lives a peaceful life as a kind-hearted boy making a living out of selling charcoal. However, his happiness is shattered when his entire family is slaughtered by demons. The only survivor, besides himself, is his sister Nezuko, who has been transformed into a demon herself. Demon Slayer follows Tanjirou training himself to become a slayer to avenge the death of his family and save his sister.

The Animation Adds Depth to the Story

Demon Slayer is one of the most beloved shounen anime, and the major reason for its astronomical success is its animation. Taking the climactic action sequences and everyday character interactions to energetic new heights, the anime feels extremely visceral and powerful. While the manga has spectacular art, the anime allows the combat styles of each demon slayer to shine with more impact, and the music enhances the stakes of the protagonist’s struggle to survive.

2 Yu Yu Hakusho (1993)

Yu Yu Hakusho tells the story of Yuusuke Urameshi, a 14-year-old delinquent who has no care for his future. After sacrificing himself to save a young guy from being hit by a moving car, he dies in the same accident but is brought back as a ghostly apparition. The catch is, in order to continue living, Yuusuke must work under death god Botan as a Spirit Detective and investigate cases involving the paranormal events and demons that threaten the human world.

Rewarding Action and Diverse Characters

Already fast-paced and impactful in manga panels, Yu Yu Hakusho’s anime adaptation skyrockets the intensity of its martial arts battles and spirit gun showdowns. Immediately cutting to the chase and never focusing on the protagonist’s one-off detective work, the series features complex choreography and rare fluidity, tying it all up neatly with an amazing soundtrack. The anime also makes every character’s final arc much stronger than the manga.

1 Mob Psycho 100 (2016 – 2022)

Adapted from the web manga series written and illustrated by ONE, the genius mastermind behind One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 follows an average middle school boy named Kageyama Shigeo. Blessed with powerful psychic abilities that allow him to wield unimaginable powers whenever he feels intense emotions, Kageyama tries to keep a restraint on his thoughts and feelings. A con artist named Arataka Reigen teaches him to control his powers, but Mob’s talent can be put to bigger use – for better or worse.

Offers a Unique Visual Experience

ONE is an exceptional mangaka, but his art is often chaotic and messy. While that is a signature in the world of the written word, when translated to anime, Mob Psycho 100 only becomes more enriched and awe-inspiring. Under impeccable animation from Studio Bones, it conveys character emotions, meticulous fight scenes, and fluid work of comedy with unmatched flair. Overall, the anime offers a more rewarding and cathartic experience than what’s available to read.