Sci-fi manga is a diverse and imaginative space where futuristic technology, otherworldly dimensions, and often profound philosophical questions converge. This genre, a cornerstone of manga literature, offers readers an escape to various futuristic settings, from dystopian landscapes in Akira and space settings like Planetes to the reviving civilization in Dr. Stone.
10 Most Popular Manga, Ranked
Take a look at the most popular manga around!
Each manga brings a unique element to the genre, whether through intricate plotlines, elaborate world-building, breathtaking artwork, or thought-provoking narratives. This introduction to the best sci-fi manga is a gateway to worlds where imagination meets the possible and the impossible, inviting readers to embark on journeys beyond the confines of reality.
10Kaiju No. 8
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.72
Kaiju No. 8
Why Read Kaiju No. 8?
Kaiju No. 8, created by Naoya Matsumoto, is a fresh take on manga’skaiju (giant monster) genre. The story is set in a world where Japan is frequently attacked by monstrous creatures called kaiju. The protagonist, Kafka Hibino, is a man in his 30s who works in monster corpse disposal, cleaning up after the Defense Force’s battles against these beasts.
His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes infected by a parasite and gains the ability to transform into a kaiju, earning the moniker Kaiju No. 8. Kafka’s transformation challenges the typical narrative by making the protagonist both human and monster, providing a unique perspective on the usually clear-cut roles in kaiju stories.
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August 06, 2025
9Knights Of Sidonia
Knights Of Sidonia
Why Read Knights Of Sidonia?
Knights of Sidonia by Tsutomu Nihei is a sci-fi manga set in a distant future where humanity, having fled Earth, drifts through space aboard massive colony ships like the Sidonia. The story focuses on Nagate Tanikaze, a young pilot who emerges from the ship’s lower levels to become a key defender against the Gauna, mysterious and hostile alien creatures.
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What sets Knights of Sidonia apart is its unique blend of traditional mecha elements with biopunk and horror. For instance, the Gauna’s design is notably eerie and otherworldly, featuring tentacles and shapeshifting abilities that defy conventional alien portrayals. The manga also delves into cloning, gender fluidity, and photosynthesis.
July 20, 2025
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8All You Need Is Kill
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.77
All You Need Is Kill
Why Read All You Need Is Kill?
All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka is a sci-fi manga known for its gripping storyline and intense action. The story revolves around Keiji Kiriya, a young soldier fighting against an alien race known as Mimics. On his first deployment, Keiji is killed, only to find himself in a time loop, reliving the same battle day after day.
This manga stands out because of its innovative use of the time loop concept, akin to Groundhog Day. The story portrays Keiji’s growth from a frightened rookie to a battle-hardened warrior. The manga is also notable for its detailed and dynamic artwork, particularly in depicting the intense combat scenes and the design of the Mimics.
June 21, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.10
Why Read Gantz?
Gantz is a sci-fi manga by Hiroya Oku that starts with Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, two high school students who die in a train accident and are transported to a room. Here, they find the mysterious black sphere known as Gantz, which forces them to participate in abrutal survival game. Equipped with high-tech suits and weapons, they must hunt down and kill aliens hiding on Earth.
Gantz stands out for its unflinching approach to violence and adult themes. The series is graphic and often shocking, with intense action sequences and a no-holds-barred portrayal of the human psyche under extreme stress. Oku’s artwork is highly detailed, particularly depicting bizarre alien designs and gore-filled battle scenes.
June 11, 2025
6Dr. Stone
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.20
Why Read Dr. Stone?
Dr. Stoneis a sci-fi manga created by Riichiro Inagaki that starts with an unprecedented global event where a mysterious flash turns humanity into stone. Thousands of years later, science enthusiast Senku Ishigami awakens and finds himself in a world where civilization has collapsed. Determined to revive humanity and rebuild civilization, Senku, with his friend Taiju and others they revive, tackles the challenges of this new world.
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What makes Dr. Stone stand out is its creative blend of accurate scientific principles with adventurous storytelling. The series educates readers on various scientific concepts and historical technological developments, from creating soap and electricity to building simple machines, all woven into the narrative.
August 13, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.27
Why Read Planetes?
Planetes, created by Makoto Yukimura, is a realistic sci-fispace animeand manga set in the 2070s. It centers around a team of space debris collectors working on a space station orbiting Earth. The story primarily follows Hachimaki, a young man who dreams of owning his spaceship and his colleagues' life in space.
Planetes’s meticulous attention to scientific accuracy and detail makes it stand out. For example, it explores the physics of space, like zero-gravity effects on the human body, and the psychological impact of space travel and isolation. Unlike many sci-fi stories that focus on battles and advanced technology, Planetes shines a light on the more mundane but critical aspects of space exploration, like debris collection.
June 12, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.30
Why Read Orange?
Orange is a unique blend of sci-fi and romance manga by Ichigo Takano. The tale unfolds around Naho Takamiya, a high school student who unexpectedly receives a letter from her future self, written ten years later. The letter contains detailed predictions and advice aimed at preventing her future self’s biggest regrets, most significantly involving a new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse.
What makes Orange different is its delicate handling of mental health, regret, and the impact of choices. The sci-fi element - the letter from the future, is used as a narrative device to explore these themes. The manga is not focused on the mechanics of time travel but on its emotional impact and the ethical questions it raises.
June 23, 2025
3Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.63
Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka
Why Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka?
Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, created by Naoki Urasawa, is a sci-fi manga that stands out for its mature narrative and thematic exploration. Set in a world where humans and advanced robots coexist, the story centers on Gesicht, a highly advanced Europol robot detective. He investigates a series of mysterious murders targeting both humans and robots, including some of the world’s most powerful robots.
The plot thickens with the introduction of Pluto, a powerful robot antagonist. Urasawa’s detailed artwork captures both the futuristic setting and the emotional nuance of the characters. He transforms a classic children’s story of Astro Boy into a thought-provoking, noir-style thriller that resonates with adult audiences.
July 14, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.68
Why Akira?
Akira, by Katsuhiro Otomo, is a landmark sci-fi manga set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo. The story unfolds in a world ravaged by the aftermath of a massive explosion that triggered World War III. It centers on two teenage bikers, Kaneda and Tetsuo, members of a biker gang in a chaotic, dystopian city. The plot thickens when Tetsuo gains telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident.
What makes Akira stand out is its detailed artwork and dynamic panel layouts, which brilliantly capture the essence of Neo-Tokyo’s gritty, neon-lit streets and explosive action sequences. Akira is a thrilling story and offers a commentary on post-war Japan, making it a seminal work in manga.
July 26, 2025
120th Century Boys
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.95
20th Century Boys
Why Read 20th Century Boys?
20th Century Boys, created by Naoki Urasawa, is ranked #1 on this list because it’s an award-winning manga. It revolves around Kenji Endo and his childhood friends, who become entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving a cult led by a mysterious figure known as Friend. The story begins with Kenji recalling a symbol and a prophecy they made up as children, which startlingly begins to manifest in reality.
What makes 20th Century Boys stand out is its intricate plot and character development. Urasawa masterfully weaves a narrative that spans several decades, seamlessly transitioning between the characters' childhoods in the 1960s-70s and the present-day events. The manga also excels in its detailed artwork and realistic portrayal of characters and settings.
Jul 13, 2025
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