Science fiction is one of the most popular genres in entertainment. For many, the first franchise that may come to mind when thinking of science fiction would be Star Wars or the majority of comic book universes. For science fiction manga specifically, Fullmetal Alchemist or Steins;Gate might come to mind.
Regardless of what fans perceive as proper science fiction, it is important to understand that many fans love the genre and have thus garnered favorites in various website outlets. Several manga authors have delivered compelling content in the sci-fi genre, and outlets such as MyAnimeList have compiled a list that illustrates the most well-received stories.
Updated on September 14th, 2022 by Xandalee Joseph: Sci-fi manga continues to be one of the most popular categories among manga fans. As readers dive into new and old novels, MyAnimeList updates their stats to reflect fans' current favorites.
10 Pluto
(8.61)
Pluto is a deep psychological retelling of Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, written and drawn by acclaimed mangaka Naoki Urasawa. Known for creating suspenseful and mysterious content, Urasawa sets Pluto in a futuristic world where detective Gesicht sets out to solve a series of unusual murders involving both robots and humans.
As Gesicht dives deeper into his investigation, he discovers a plot that seeks to destroy their current society. Pluto is a politically charged masterpiece that will both thrill and fascinate readers as it discusses humanity’s relationship with technology.
9 Gintama
(8.62)
Set in a fictionalized version of the Edo period, Gintama follows Gintoki Sakata, a freelance worker who fights to defend the Earth from the Amanto aliens who've taken over. Despite the ban placed by the new government, Gintoki maintains the ways of the samurai.
Throughout his journey, Gintoki gains help from the teenage Shinpachi Shimura, and the alien Kagura – together they form the Yorozuya. While out on odd jobs that help them earn a living, the Yorozuya constantly help others and seek to restore order to their world. Gintama is an intriguing story that creatively incorporates Japanese history, while also including action and comedy.
8 Aria
(8.63)
Aria takes place in the 24th century on Mars, known as Aqua, modeled after Venice, Italy. Aqua is a haven for people who no longer want to live on Earth, also known as Manhome. The series follows Akari Mizunashi who recently made the town of Neo-Venezia her home to achieve her dream of becoming a tour guide.
After joining the Aria company, she begins her dream job as she explores the world of Aqua, Neo-Venezia, and her new profession. Aria is a unique and wonderful science fiction tale that is also a slice-of-life at heart.
7 ShinYaku Toaru Majutsu No Index
(8.65)
ShinYaku Toaru Majutsu no Index is a light novel series written by Kazuma Kamachi. This series picks up after its prequel series Toaru Majutsu no Index. After the previous protagonist, Kamijou Touma successfully ends the Third World War, he disappears, adding more mystery to this follow-up.
Unfortunately, the world’s peace is short-lived as a new threat arises. With Kamijou gone, Earth’s remaining heroes must step up to the plate. Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index is filled with magical lore and extensive worldbuilding – giving fans more of what they love most from this mystical series.
6 Akira
(8.69)
Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira is considered a masterpiece in anime, though it’s a revolutionary work in all entertainment mediums. Although most fans recognize Akira as an anime, the manga is just as good, if not better.
Taking itself in new directions while also exploring the setting in ways bleaker than the film, this is a worthy read for any manga fan to have on their shelf. Akira’s dazzling worldbuilding with Neo-Tokyo and the political corruption boiling beneath the surface make for an exciting storyline fans still find groundbreaking today.
5 Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou
(8.69)
Taking place on a peaceful post-apocalyptic Earth where humanity is declining, Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou puts a spin on the seinen genre by adding slice-of-life elements. The world is mostly flooded, with a majority of the world overrun with a new species that resemble flying fish.
Showcasing the daily life of Alpha, a robot who runs a coffee shop in the new world, the series is primarily a slice-of-life manga that is best known for its clean and detailed inking style that's sparse when necessary. If readers love reading about human relationships and little inklings of the new world, this is the manga for them.
4 Made In Abyss
(8.79)
Made in Abyss is a science fiction, dark fantasy adventure that follows a young girl named Riko and her robotic companion Regu, as they bravely venture into the mysterious giant hole known as the Abyss to find Riko’s mother. Set in the town of Orth, the area that surrounds the Abyss, Made in Abyss brilliantly captures the thrill of adventure and couples it with heartwarming elements that highlight the importance of family and never giving up.
The series has an incredibly unique art style that showcases adorable childlike characters that are a direct contrast to a dark world that’s riddled with horror-esque features. Made in Abyss' exciting tale and exceptional artwork is sure to entice any reader.
3 Uchuu Kyoudai
(8.79)
After seeing a UFO two brothers, Hibito and Mutta, decide to venture off into space. Hibito sets his sites on the moon while Mutta aims to go to Mars. 19 years later, while Hibito is an accomplished astronaut who’s a part of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and is set to be the first Japanese man to land on the moon, Mutta is dissatisfied with his life and has just been fired from his job.
However, Mutta has a change of luck and receives a letter stating that he’s been accepted into JAXA’s new program. Space Brothers is an inspiring tale that conveys the importance of second chances and knowing it's never too late to chase one’s dreams.
2 Eighty-Six
(8.82)
86-Eighty Six is a science fiction light novel that dives deep into government conspiracy, propaganda, and the casualties of war. This series delivers an exciting plot that explores prejudice, war, equality, justice, and freedom. In the series, the Republic of San Magnolia’s 86th district is a throwaway district that is purposefully set apart from the Republic’s legitimate 85 districts.
District 86 is reserved for the ostracized Colorata people who are forced to pilot Juggernauts – drones that fight against the Republic's enemies. When the Republican soldier Vladilena Milize meets the honorable Shinei Nouzen, she starts to question her government's treatment of the Colorata, setting the series up for a thrilling narrative.
1 20th Century Boys
(8.95)
When Kenji receives troubling news that his childhood friend “Donkey” has suddenly committed suicide, he’s set on an investigative path that leads him to uncover mysterious circumstances. As a new cult leader named “Friend” rises in popularity, Kenji discovers that this disturbing organization is a threat to him and his friends, as well as the world.
20th Century Boys is another Naoki Urasawa classic that’s a thrilling sci-fi mystery. Standing alongside Monster and Pluto, 20th Century Boys is another one of Urasawa’s greatest works. The series’ distinct science fiction theme is combined with a looming apocalyptic threat. Manga readers can’t go wrong with this series.