Everyone enjoys a good laugh, and the comedy genre within manga has a rich and deep history. Additionally, many good manga know how to incorporate aspects of humor to complement other genres.
With this in mind, several series are praised for their comedy, even if their content is best suited for another genre. Regardless, the ability of each of these series to offer up laughs amidst the action, thrills, and chills makes them noteworthy. Whether there's an epic battle or awkward romance, plenty of good comedy can be found in highly-ranked titles.
Updated on June 2nd by Maria Remizova: This list has been updated to reflect CBR's current publishing style.
20 Ouran High School Host Club
By Bisco Hatori
One of the most influential romantic comedies in the shojo genre, Ouran High School Host Club rose to fame with its brilliant anime adaptation. Yet, the misadventures of Haruhi Fujioka, a poor scholarship student in the prestigious academy for the rich and famous, continue in Bisco Hatori’s manga.
After she breaks the Host Club’s expensive vase, the six eccentric hosts take advantage of Haruhi’s androgynous appearance and make her join their ranks to repay her debt. Between hilarity and drama following the Host Club’s every working day, Haruhi might find much-desired acceptance and even love.
19 Spy X Family
By Endou Tatsuya
A recent hit in the world of comedy manga, Spy x Family is an exciting blend of action-mystery, bizarre slice-of-life antics, and hilarious comedy. When a spy agent must assume the disguise of an ordinary family man to protect the world’s peace, fate pairs him with the worst candidates to keep a low profile – a runaway child esper and a female assassin.
Unaware of each other’s secrets, the Forgers begin their hilarious misadventures that never go according to plan but tie the misfits with bonds thicker than blood.
18 Gintama
By Sorachi Hideaki
Universally considered one of the best comedy manga series of all time, Gintama is a wild and unpredictable gag spectacle that never ceases to surprise its readers. Set in Edo-period Japan invaded by technologically advanced aliens, the story follows an odd jobs business with an affinity for trouble-seeking.
It's led by the irresponsible loafer Sakata Gintorki, a samurai getting by in a world that banned swords. Humorous, unique, and shockingly heartfelt, Gintama captures the entire spectrum of emotions in its multifaceted skits – from unparalleled mirth to soul-crushing desolation.
17 ReLIFE
By Yayoi Sou
The idea of receiving a second chance to right all the wrongs of the past is an exciting concept explored in many fictional works. While only a dramatic and depressing present can force a hero to seek out another go at existence, ReLIFE adds a humorous twist to the narrative’s contemplative grimness.
Arata Kaizaki resents how his adult life is shaping up. Thankfully, an offer presents itself to send him back into his 17-year-old body and return to high school to again experience youth's laughter, romance, and nearly forgotten tribulations.
16 Mob Psycho 100
By ONE
Coming from the iconic creator of One-Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 is another story of an overpowered superhuman dealing with life’s hilariously mundane tribulations. Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama might be the most powerful psychic the world has ever seen.
Unfortunately, exercising spirits is a breeze compared to becoming popular in middle school, impressing his crush, or getting in shape. Endearing and hilarious in its portrayal of the hero's inner transformation, Mob Psycho 100 proves that crude art style does nothing to conceal the merits of a truly outstanding manga.
15 Dorohedoro
By Hayashida Q
Gory, dark, and gritty, Dorohedoro appears far removed from the conventions of the comedy genre. However, beneath the layer of explicit ultraviolence and bloody plotlines, Dorohedoro sneaks in some of the best comedy beats in seinen manga.
The series is a delightful mix of ruthless action and lighthearted comedy, which many don’t expect from first impressions. Yet, the misadventures of Dorohedoro’s eccentric cast in the lawless Hole district effortlessly suck the readers in with captivating horror elements and jokes that never miss the mark.
14 Beck
By Harold Sakuishi
Beck is a slice of life complemented by comedic highlights. Beck follows a band of hopefuls named Mongolian Chop Squad and their attempt to make it on the world stage.
The realistic relationships between the band members and extended friends of the aspiring rock group generate comedy from the series. Arguably not a comedy in the strictest sense, Beck establishes how humor can brighten any story.
13 One-Punch Man
By ONE
One-Punch Man proves that the same punchline ad nauseam can be utilized for great comedic effect. Additionally, the absurdity of villains that would come across as the final boss in any other manga that get plastered by a single shot is also used to great comedic effect.
What started as a simple repetitive joke soon evolved into a deep series with a varied and entertaining cast. Comedy and action meld in perfect harmony in the One-Punch Man manga, making it difficult to pin down the best attribute of the series. Ultimately, it's easiest just to say that One-Punch Man is a deliriously fun series worthy of its current rating.
12 Monogatari Series: Final Season
By Nisio Isin
The Monogatari Series follows Koyomi Araragi, who has saved a vampire and got himself turned into one. Now, he sits between being a human and a vampire, and as the series progresses, he must decide which side he fully embraces, which will change his life.
This Monogatari has a lot of supernatural elements in its main story while bringing comedic relief to an otherwise serious situation. It was published in 6 volumes from 2012 to 2014, and it still has plenty of aspects that many manga fans would love.
11 Yona Of The Dawn
By Mizuho Kusanagi
Yona of the Dawn is a story that fantasy fans are sure to love. It follows the princess of Kouka named Yona, who tries to rescue her kingdom after her cousin murders her father and takes over. Her only companion and bodyguard, Son Hak, travels with her to find four dragon warriors that can hopefully help her take back her kingdom.
Besides scenes that provide a lot of laughs, this story also includes plenty of classic fantasy elements, like action-packed fight scenes and plenty of romantic tension between characters. The manga is ongoing, so many devoted fans still enjoy it today while waiting for a finale.
10 Yotsuba To!
By Kiyohiko Azuma
Adorable, imaginative, and over the top, Yotsuba To! is family-friendly. Consequently, the strength to appeal to a broad audience reflects a strong universal narrative that captures the simple but absurd charm of childhood imagination and development.
The series is undeniably charming, and can also introduce younger readers to the rich world of manga, both in the comedy genre and in general.
9 GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka
By Tooru Fujisawa
GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka started and concluded before anime's international boom. Consequently, the popularity of the series – considering it dominated either running titles or titles that had their heyday during the existence of the service – speaks volumes to the success of GTO.
GTO follows the titular teacher and is known for its crude and over-the-top humor. The series was ultimately anchored by a teacher who put his students first. The manga has seen such great success that GTO has been adapted into an anime, live-action, and various spin-off series.
8 My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected
By Wataru Watari
Also known as My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected is about Hachiman Hikigaya and his struggle with being social. After he turns in a rather cynical paper about being young, his teacher makes him join the school's Volunteer Service Club, which lets students help others with their problems.
Soon, the club gains plenty of new members, leading Hachiman to be surrounded by new people while meeting others through the club's activities. The humor comes from Hachiman's personality and awkwardness, but the story can also be heartwarming.
7 Monogatari Series: Second Season
By Nisio Isin
After rescuing a vampire, Koyomi is faced with the pros and cons of being a vampire, mainly because he can still choose between the monster world and the human world. More supernatural creatures emerge, and events start to happen that he hadn't noticed before, making him embrace that his life has dramatically changed.
Many fans appreciate the wonderful art style, the themes of concepts like self-reflection, and how this season doesn't focus only on Koyomi but on the interesting people that he meets along the way as well.
6 Haikyuu!!
By Haruichi Furudate
Haikyuu!! showcases how comedy has become integrated into a large portion of the sports genre. This seems to stem from the ability of the genre to bring together a large and diverse cast and put them in an atmosphere that requires many personas to bounce off of each other. Undeniably, a large cast with unique personalities is bound to generate some humor.
Even if fans don't adore all characters in the manga, the series has taken the sport of volleyball and made it a smash hit by adding comedic elements to the high-stakes atmosphere that automatically accompanies competitive sports.
5 Monogatari Series: First Season
By Nisio Isin
The season that started it all for the Monogatari Series shows fans how Koyomi Araragi rescued a vampire named Shinobu Oshino. This encounter is the catalyst for Koyomi's transformation into a vampire. Now, he must try to find a new "normal" among many different creatures in his new life.
For fans of the series, Monogatari is just a part of Nisio Isin's manga universe. There are quite a few side stories and even some alternative versions of the series for fans to explore. These different versions cause a lot of discussions among fans about what storylines they prefer, but Monogatari Series: First Season's hilarious content right at the start has a special place in fans' hearts.
4 Kaguya Sama: Love Is War
By Aka Akasaka
Pat Benatar once expressed that "love is a battlefield," and in Kaguya Sama: Love is War, this idea is taken to its full comedic potential. The never-ending battle is expressed in making mental battles out of the most mundane actions, as the two potential partners fight to make sure their romantic intents are never made apparent. Furthermore, the tension is always heightened through the third member of the student council in Chika (the star of the fun and meme-fuelled closing sequence).
The Kaguya Sama: Love Is War anime, being such a smash hit, does offer some things that the manga does not, but it also falls short in certain regards. As most manga fans will agree, the manga adds better narrative depth and is also boosted by some really great bonus chapters not seen in the series. Regardless of which fans prefer, both are worth checking out to get the full scale of the comedic brilliance of Love is War.
3 Slam Dunk
By Takehiko Inoue
Slam Dunk is able to capture intense matches in both anime and manga incarnations. The series also builds on the camaraderie between the players on the team, and how their struggles are complemented by the strong and playful bond they share.
The adventures of the basketball team from Shohoku High School, which arguably set the gold standard for Shonen rivalries, is the second series to have its run before anime's international recognition. As a '90s classic, Slam Dunk features hilarious high jinks that show another side to the athletic cast.
2 Grand Blue Dreaming
By Kimitake Yoshioka
In comparison to the other sports manga, Grand Blue Dreaming is a comedy manga first and a drama second. The series leans on the machismo of the diving club at Izu University, which is known for partying and eccentric behavior, which of course, makes for some very amusing scenes.
Few series make readers laugh out loud at the stories and illustrations of characters "losing it" as much as Grand Blue. Great comedic timing and a riotous cast have made Grand Blue Dreaming one of the best comedy series.
1 One Piece
By Eiichiro Oda
The adventures of the elastic Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew are undeniably riotous. With One Piece running since 1997, it may be daunting for new readers. However, the manga offers a deep exploration of the world created by Eiichiro Oda and is likely to always be a contender for one of the best manga series of all time.
Luffy's journey to becoming the Pirate King comes with epic battles, heartwarming moments, and sidesplitting comedy. Once fans dive into the pirate world, they will be met with nonstop silliness from innumerable characters in addition to the series' vast world-building and intricate storyline.