It is almost universally accepted that the comic or novel is bound to be superior to any live-action/animated adaptation. This often due to a more proper exploration of the story through the written word. However, there are always exceptions to this rule and sometimes (in this case) the anime just so happens to do a better job at capturing the adoration of the fans.
With this in mind, this list takes a look at ten different anime series that currently sit with higher ratings than their manga counterparts. Furthermore, the reason for these titles coming on top will also be looked at, whether it be because of better fight scenes, additional story arcs, or different art directions. These ratings are all according to the users' over at My Anime List.
10 Bleach (Anime 7.80 Vs. Manga 7.66)
Starting off with what is bound to be a bit controversial in choice, the iconic Bleach anime does currently stand with a higher ranking than the manga. However, it is difficult to really pin down one single reason as there many different reasons to favor one over the other.
As a result, some will say the action scenes are better explored in the anime, while others say the toned down violence still makes them inferior to the manga. Another major point is whether the filler arcs in the Anime are successful or favor just sticking to the manga. Regardless of where one stands on such issues, the fans have spoken as to which they hold in higher regard.
9 Fairy Tail (Anime 7.75 Vs. Manga 7.68)
While the manga and anime bare a striking resemblance in many regards, both in art and a majority of the story, there is a slight deviation from the manga that caused many fans to embrace the anime.
With the anime concluding before the manga series, as well as being so well received, it was unsurprising that once the conclusion was reached in the manga that some fans were rather underwhelmed. However, with a score so close fans of the series would still be best to check out both and decide which has a stronger climax.
8 The Promised Neverland (Anime 8.66 Vs. Manga 8.40)
Under the guise of being kept protected from the outside world, a group of orphans slowly unravel the dark secret of their captivity in a chaotic world. As reality sinks in, the children realize they must fight for their future in order to survive.
Comparing the anime to the manga shows, if anything, a great difference in pacing with the first 30 odd chapters of the manga being explored in the first season of the anime. As a result, the anime offers a more captivating and speedy journey through The Promised Neverland.
7 Steins Gate (Anime 9.13 Vs. Manga 8.10)
After a group of friends headed by a budding inventor is able to create a device to send e-mails to the past they find themselves the target of a corporation known as SERN. Resulting in an attempt to kidnap the inventor and his friends to steal the technology they created.
Steins Gate existed as a critically acclaimed visual novel series before the anime and manga started. This fact would give fans the option of a deeper exploration of the story through the novel or the more lively anime adaptation, over the manga that kind of existed in-between the two. Too little surprise, most fans pushed the manga aside for one of the other available options.
6 Toradora! (Anime 8.29 Vs. Manga 8.07)
A further example of timing playing a role in the rating system, the beloved slice of life series Toradoara!, has ended its run in the anime series. Adversely, the manga is still currently running which leads to the possibility of suffering a similar fate to previous entries like Fairy Tail or Steins Gate.
Either way, until the manga series finishes fans are likely to favor the anime which has already left an impression with standout episodes and memorable and impactful dialogue.
5 Your Lie in April (Anime 8.79 vs Manga 8.66)
After the passing of his mother, prodigious pianist Kousei Arima loses his knack for the artform, overcome by the sensation of drowning as the music reverberates to an odd beat when faced with anxiety. However, a couple of years later he meets a young violinist whose struggles push him back into the limelight.
Your Lie In April can largely contribute to the success of the anime over the manga down to one factor, the music. While musical anime is sometimes overlooked, the series captured both the beauty and difficulty in Kousei's struggle to relearn the craft. Undeniably, the sound design is one of the best attributes of the adaptation that adds an extra layer to the experience.
4 Kill La Kill (Anime 7.74 Vs. Manga 6.95)
The ultra stylish and action packed Kill La Kill has become a fan favorite due to some of the most memorable sequences captures in all of anime and a strong roster of fascinating characters. Additionally, the anime was an original creation not dependent on a manga adaptation. To the surprise of few, a manga series was announced after the success of the anime.
The consequent manga release was (to be blunt), a far inferior, rushed, and an unfinished project that disappointed the majority of fans. Not all manga series that follow an anime series are left to this fate, but in this case, the adaptation shows the attempt at fast cash in on a hot property, ensuring the anime will always be more cherished.
3 A Silent Voice (Anime 9.01 Vs. Manga 8.86)
After bullying a young deaf girl to the point of her having to switch schools, Shouya Ishida has now lived the past three years of school full of regret and the target of the other students' anger. As a result, he decides he wants to redeem himself and finally apologize to the girl whose life he felt he ruined.
The celebrated anime feature film A Silent Voice acts as a welcome entry on this list, given there is no real fault to point at. Arguably, the Manga is equal in execution and the ability to evoke emotions from the reader. However, the anime adaptation transcends the source material by offering a masterfully executed extra audio/visual experience. Both are great, but good execution leaves the anime slightly higher in the fan ratings.
2 Gurren Lagann (Anime 8.86 Vs. Manga 7.95)
It is not often you hear the general sentiment of "watch the anime first", but for Gurren Lagann that seems to be a common response among fans. In part, this sentiment can be contributed to the art design which helped to establish the series as one of the best 'mecha' anime of the 2000s. However, there are many reasons why many fans consider it a must-watch, leaving the manga to best serve as a companion piece.
1 Gintama (Anime 8.97 Vs. Manga 8.54)
Arguably the greatest series to master the art of parody to homage its influences, the samurai adventures of Gintama is one of the most cherished comedy series in both anime and manga form. Some may argue though that comedy is a genre better served in an animated or live-action format, which may be the reason for the discrepancy. Conversely, the anime is also easier to meme and share on social media, which often works well for comedy series to gain notoriety.
Regardless, the fans have spoken and they much prefer the ridiculous antics and great action of the anime over the manga.