Over the years,mangahas produced some truly incredible storylines that show why manga is such a beautiful and unique medium. Whether it be an intricate plot, incredible character development, or rich themes that are just ripe for analysis, the best manga arcs all have a handful of elements that elevate them above the rest and make them stand out as some of the best stories told in manga history.
From grand battles and emotional betrayals to exciting escapades and touching reflections, these story arcs characterize their respective manga, making a lasting impression on fans around the globe. The biggest factor determining which manga arcs deserve top ranks is their cohesiveness. When a manga arc’s artwork, plot lines, and characters all intersect, true magic happens. With breathtaking artwork, complex narratives, and memorable moments, countless legendary arcs make being a fan of the medium so much more enjoyable.
One Piece
What was supposed to be an entry into the second half of the Grand Line and a way through the Red Line turned out to be Straw Hats' biggest and worst challenge. Arriving at the Sabaody Archipelago, the crew explored the gorgeous islands, pulled into a slavery auction, and met some of the strongest upcoming Pirates. After Luffy assaults one of the Celestial Dragons, all hell breaks loose on the island as an Admiral, and more Navy soldiers are deployed to squash the pirates.
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Whilemany have Marineford and other arcs asOne Piece’sbest, Sabaody is unmatched in a few aspects.First and most of all, the tension was off the roof throughout, as the crew were thrown into a whole new world where they were outmatched and outclassed. It was the first time they were properly challenged, and came out with a loss. After being separated by Kuma, this kicked off the beloved Marineford Saga. Furthermore, Luffy’s development as both a person and as a captain was a highlight of the arc, and his moment of punching Charlos is still one of the best One Piece moments.
Dragon Ball
While theDragon Ballseries featured some incredible storylines and arcs, Cell Saga is a beloved one, and for good reason. Not only did it have Cell, possiblythe best villain inDragon Ballhistory, but it also sawGohan take a much larger role and finally bloom into his full potential. The emotional rawness of the arc and how it had fans' heart on a string was simply masterful. From the father-son Kamehameha, Trunks' arrival, Gohan’s awakening, Vegeta’s pride on full display, andmany more sequences cement Dragon Ball’s Cell Saga as a timeless classic.
TheCell SagainDragon Ball Zcenters around the arrival of the Androids, which were created by Dr. Gero to take revenge on Goku. Amid the chaos, Cell, a bioengineered being formed from the DNA of powerful fighters, emerges as the ultimate threat. To achieve his perfect form, Cell absorbs Androids 17 and 18, challenging Earth’s warriors in the Cell Games.
Full Metal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist
Very few climaxes manage to live up to the expectations and hype generated quite like Fullmetal Alchemist’s Promised Day. Ed and the gang kicked off their operation to put a stop to Father’s plan to sacrifice an entire country for his twisted plans, a plan that was in the works for more than 400 years.
From the Elric brothers to Mustang’s forces and Briggs soldiers to Van Hohenheim and Scar, all the major players fought with their lives to take down Bradley and the other Homunculi under Father’s command. This all culminated in the extremely intense fight between Ed and Father, and the ending afterward proved why this series is a masterpiece. While fans might still argue whether 2003 orBrotherhoodis the superior version ofFullmetal Alchemist, The Promised Day arc proves Hiromu Arakawa’s original manga is still the definitive version of the story.
TheRushima Landing OperationinTokyo Ghoul:reis the CCG’s ambitious plan to destroy Aogiri Tree by attacking their main base on Rushima while defending the mainland. The operation is split into two fronts: an island invasion led by elite investigators and Squad 0, led by Arima, defending the Cochlea detention center. The assault began at dawn on December 13th, plunging both sides into intense conflict.
The story features standout moments, such as the confrontation between Akira and Takizawa, which blends intense action with profound emotional depth. Arima’s death marks a tragic end for a major character, while Kaneki’s rise as the One-Eyed King symbolizes his acceptance of leadership and responsibility.
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The narrativeskillfully intertwines large-scale action with deeply personal moments, showcasing the series' ability to balance chaos and intimacy.The stakes are incredibly high, as the CCG and Aogiri Tree clash in a battle that will determine the fate of both humans and ghouls. Additionally, the shift between the battle on the island and that in the prison is intriguing, highlighting the vast scale of this war.
Naruto
Followingthe death of Naruto’s master Jiraiya, the series' titular hero goes off to Mt. Myoboku to train in the ways of the Sage. Meanwhile, Pain finally descends on Konoha looking for the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, and he wreaks havoc on the village, but the ninja remain steadfast in their will to protect Naruto and their home. With Konoha in disarray and the village ruined, Naruto appears, and the long-awaited battle between the two students of Jiraiya finally happens.
Besides the incredible fights, the struggle of many characters like Hinata and Konohamaru against an overwhelming force and the intensity of it all,this arc featured some incredible ideological conflicts and an exploration of the effects of war and generational hate. This arc is where Naruto learned of war’s evil, and where his goal became to end the cycle of hatred. The final conversation between Naruto and Nagato, when Nagato finally finds hope in Naruto after years of despair, sentone of the most powerful messages: that dialogue and forming bonds were the key to ending hate.
5Coalition War
Kingdom
No one could’ve foreseen that all 4 nations of China would invade Qin and forge an alliance to take it down. Summoning all its available generals and drafting anyone who could fight, the soldiers of Qin made one last stand in front of the impregnable Kankou Pass. With the entire nation, soldiers, citizens, and politicians alike, working towards protecting its home from the invaders,this do-or-die arc is widely regarded as the series' peak.
This arc was intense as the odds the series' heroes had to overcome were incredible. The strategies employed were nothing short of brilliant and all the highly anticipated generals, particularly Kan Ki, delivered on the hype. However, Ei Sei proving his worth as a king when he rallied old people, women, and peasants against Ri Boku’s elite army to defend Kanyou was one of the best displays, and Yotanwa’s heroic entrance signaled the end of a bloody war.
Attack on Titan
After the successful attack on Marley, the Survey Corps returned to a Paradis that was about to be plunged into chaos. With a civil war perpetrated by the Yeagerists led by Eren and Floch, the island was also invaded by Marley Forces led by Reiner, seeking to eradicate it and prevent the Rumbling. With Eren and Zeke seeking to activate the apocalypse, multiple forces collide in a battle royale for their interests, making this one of the best war arcs in manga.
Containingsome ofAttack on Titan’sbest twists, War for Paradis was an unending rollercoaster of pure shock and enjoyment. The political conflict within Paradis was intriguing, and once Reiner jumped off the plane, it only went up from there. From the revelation of Ymir’s past, the activation of the Rumbling, humanity’s last stand against Eren, and many more top-tier moments, War on Paradis was a perfect closing to one of the best tales in manga.
After Karasuno defeated the unbeatable Shiratorizawa and secured a ticket to the national stage, the team each got to work bettering themselves and their skills as they prepared to take on the best of the best. Debuting a new orange jersey in Tokyo as well as their cheering squad, Karasuno was finally a squad worthy of the highest levels, and they proved this in this arc as they took down Inarizaki, Nekoma, and more, and gave Kamomedai a run for its money.
It was amazing to witness Karasuno’s transformation from a group of amateurs into a team that could defeat the best competitors, making for a satisfying payoff after hundreds of chapters. Many characters experienced significant development in this arc, and the introduction of new cast members like Kita and Hoshiumi demonstrated whyHaikyuu!!boasts one of the best ensembles in manga. The bittersweet loss provided a fitting conclusion for the Crows and their third-year players,wrapping up one of the most remarkable journeys in the history of fictional sports teams.
Berserk
The prologue to the main events of Berserk, Golden Age arc focuses on the life of Guts from his child soldier days to his years with the Band of the Hawk. Going through life-or-death battles, ascending to the highest levels of Midland, navigating the brutal politics and betrayal, and enduring loss, the Golden Age arc is an in-depth exploration of ambition, betrayal, and fate, and sets the tone forBerserk’sdark narrative.
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Not only regarded as the best backstory in manga but also one of the best arcs in general, there are so many amazing aspects of this legendary storyline, with the main one being the complex relationship between Guts and Griffith. The dynamic between the Band of the Hawk, Guts and Casca and more is a highlight, and the trope of found family was executed beautifully. And finally,Berserk’slegendary and brutal Eclipsecame to be known as one of the best climaxesand was the beginning of the story as Guts looks to take down Femto/Griffith.
Hunter X Hunter
After completing the Greed Island game, Killua and Gon are transported to Kite. After a reunion and talking around a campfire, they decide to accompany him in an investigation into the Chimera Ants. As they venture out into NGL, this small investigation becomes a race to save humanity from an impending race and eventual subjugation and extinction. By far the longest and best arc of Hunter X Hunter, this storyline is a gripping drama that cannot be replicated.
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More than a decade after it ended, the Chimera Ant arc is undoubtedly one of the best storylines in manga and anime.
The Chimera Ant Arc featured some of the best character arcs in the entire series, with Gon, Netero, Meruem, Killua, Shoot, Ikalgo, Komugi, and others seeing the best of their characters.The exploration of humanity’s malice was some of the most morally nuanced writing and depiction of humans. While the buildup to the climax was equally amazing and palpable, it was the iconic Palace Invasion that proved whythe Chimera Ant arc is the greatest arc in manga, displaying some of the best fights and moments ever.
