By Michael K 
For every anime that captures fans’ hearts worldwide, there are countless manga series still waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Some of these stories have built passionate fanbases, rich worlds, and unforgettable characters yet, for one reason or another, they’ve never been brought to life in animation. With how beautifully anime can elevate storytelling through visuals, music, emotion, many ma nga readers can’t help but dream about seeing their favorite panels move across the screen.Here’s a look at some of the best manga samehadaku that deserve anime adaptations series with the potential to become the next big hits if given the right treatment.
1. Oyasumi Punpun (Goodnight Punpun) by Inio Asano
One of the most emotionally intense manga ever written, Oyasumi Punpun follows the coming-of-age story of a boy named Punpun as he navigates love, trauma, and the harsh realities of adulthood. Inio Asano’s unique art style and psychological storytelling make this manga unforgett able.
Though the story is deeply dark and s email complex, a carefully crafted anime adaptation could be a masterpiece of emotional storytelling. If adapted with the right tone similar to how A Silent Voice handled heavy themes Oyasumi Punpun could touch millions and redefine what anime drama can achieve.
2. Solo Leveling: Ragnarok (Sequel Manga by Chugong)
While Solo Leveling already received its anime adaptation, fans of the series are eagerly waiting for Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, which continues the saga with new challenges and characters. The manga expands on the world-building and introduces Jinwoo’s son, Sung Suho, as the next-generation hero.
Given the massive success of Solo Leveling, it’s only natural for its sequel to follow in anime form. With more monsters, higher stakes, and jaw-dropping battles, Ragnarok has all the ingredients for an action-packed anime that could dominate streaming charts.
3. Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue
Vagabond is a legendary manga based on the life of Miyamoto Musashi, Japan’s most famous swordsman. Takehiko Inoue’s artwork is breathtaking, capturing both the beauty of nature and the brutality of sword combat. The manga is a deep philosophical exploration of purpose, violence, and enlightenment.
Despite its popularity, Vagabond has never received an anime adaptation possibly due to its unfinished status. Yet, even an adaptation of its existing chapters could create one of the most visually and thematically powerful anime series ever made. It would rival classics like Samurai Champloo and Rurouni Kenshin in artistry and storytelling.
4. I Am a Hero by Kengo Hanazawa
Zombie stories in anime are rare, and none have captured the realism and psychological horror of I Am a Hero. The manga follows Hideo Suzuki, a struggling manga artist whose life turns upside down when a mysterious infection spreads across Japan. What makes it unique is its realistic depiction of panic, survival, and the human condition during chaos.
An anime adaptation of I Am a Hero could stand alongside horror greats like Attack on Titan and Tokyo Ghoul. With high-quality animation and cinematic tension, it could easily become one of the most gripping survival horror anime ever produced.
5. Pluto by Naoki Urasawa
While Pluto did receive a Netflix anime adaptation in 2023, many fans still believe the manga deserves a longer and more detailed series that fully captures its depth. Based on Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, this sci-fi thriller explores themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and morality.
Naoki Urasawa’s storytelling brilliance makes Pluto a masterpiece of emotional science fiction. A full-length anime series could explore the story’s nuances, giving every character and mystery the time they deserve.
6. Dorohedoro (Complete Remake)
Though Dorohedoro has already been adapted into an anime, many manga fans felt the first adaptation didn’t fully capture the gritty atmosphere and chaotic energy of Q Hayashida’s world. A faithful remake with updated visuals, smoother pacing, and darker tones could truly do justice to the manga’s weird brilliance.
The mix of horror, humor, and absurdity in Dorohedoro deserves a longer and more detailed adaptation. Fans are still hoping for a second season or even a total reboot that covers the remaining chapters.
7. 20th Cetury Boys by Naoki Urasawa
Naok iUrasaw appears again on this list because his works are simply too good to stay on paper 20th Century Boys is a complex, multi-layered thriller involving childhood memories, conspiracies, and a mysterious cult trying to destroy the world. It’s often described as one of the greatest manga ever written.
Surprisingly, this masterpiece has never received an anime adaptation only live-action films. A high-quality anime series could finally give this story the justice it deserves, becoming a global sensation among fans of mystery and suspense.
8. Dengeki Daisy by Kyousuke Motomi
For romance and drama fans, Dengeki Daisy is a heartfelt story about love, loss, and secrets. It follows Teru, a high school girl who receives messages of encouragement from an anonymous figure named “Daisy.” As the story unfolds, emotions deepen, and hidden pasts are revealed.
An anime adaptation of Dengeki Daisy could easily win over fans of emotional romances like Your Lie in April and Toradora!. Its mix of heartfelt storytelling and suspenseful mystery makes it a perfect candidate for an anime that blends emotion with intrigue.
9. Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama
This enchanting manga follows Coco, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch. When she accidentally uses forbidden magic, she’s thrust into a world full of secrets and wonder. Witch Hat Atelier is visually stunning, with some of the most beautiful artwork in modern manga.
An anime adaptation would be a visual masterpiece, blending fantasy and mystery in the style of Made in Abyss or Little Witch Academia. With its themes of creativity, curiosity, and courage, this manga could easily become a beloved fantasy anime for all ages.
10. Blue Lock: Episode Nagi (Spin-off)
While Blue Lock has already become one of the most successful sports anime in recent years, its spin-off manga Episode Nagi focuses on one of the series’ most fascinating characters Seishiro Nagi. redmoa His unique personality and backstory make him a fan favorite.
Adapting Episode Nagi into a mini-series or movie could expand the Blue Lock universe, giving fans a deeper look into Nagi’s journey before the main story. Considering how popular sports anime have become, this adaptation would be a sure success.
11. Blood on the Tracks by Shuzo Oshimi
Known for his disturbing psychological storytelling, Shuzo Oshimi delivers a chilling masterpiece with Blood on the Tracks. It tells the story of Seiichi and his toxic relationship with his overprotective mother. The manga slowly builds dread through subtle expressions and quiet moments that leave a lasting impact.
Adapting Blood on the Tracks into an anime would require a studio brave enough to handle its dark themes. Done right, it could become one of the most haunting psychological thrillers in anime history similar to Paranoia Agent or Perfect Blue.
12. Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara (Full Adaptation)
Kingdom already has an anime adaptation, but many fans agree that its earlier seasons didn’t live up to the manga’s brilliance. With recent improvements in animation quality, it deserves a complete re-adaptation that fully captures the scale and intensity of the original story.
The manga’s depiction of ancient Chinese warfare and political drama is unmatched. A remake with modern visuals and faithful storytelling could finally elevate Kingdom to the status it deserves among historical epics.
Conclusion
The manga world is filled with hidden gems waiting for their anime debut. From the raw emotion of Oyasumi Punpun to the epic battles of Vagabond and the psychological intensity of Blood on the Tracks, each of these titles holds the potential to become the next great anime phenomenon.
With the anime industry expanding faster than ever, studios have a golden opportunity to explore these untapped masterpieces. Fans around the world are eager to see their favorite manga brought to life not just for entertainment, but for the emotional and artistic experiences only anime can deliver.
JESSICA DEABREU