Manga has become much more than just a part of Japanese culture, it’s now loved all around the world. From exciting pirate adventures to intense ninja battles, manga stories have entertained millions of people and inspired fans everywhere. Over the years, thousands of manga series have been released, but only a few have become truly legendary by selling huge numbers of copies and gaining massive popularity.
This is a look at the Most Sold Manga of All Time, series that have created unforgettable stories and characters that fans will never forget. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting started, get ready to discover the biggest names in manga history.
10. Crayon Shin-chan by Yoshito Usui
Sold Over 148 million copies
Crayon Shin-chan is about the funny and naughty adventures of a five-year-old boy named Shinnosuke Nohara. He’s known for saying rude things and acting in strange ways. The manga uses silly and sometimes rude humor to make fun of kids’ behavior and everyday life in Japan. It first came out in 1990 and quickly became a big part of Japanese pop culture.
Even though some people found its jokes too bold, Crayon Shin-chan became very popular, especially because of its long-running anime series. After the creator, Yoshito Usui, passed away in 2009, a new team continued the series. Thanks to its huge sales and funny stories, the manga remains a favorite for many people of all ages and is one of the most loved comedy mangas ever.
9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge
Sold Over 150 million copies
Demon Slayer is a recent hit that became incredibly popular between 2016 and 2020. It tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a kind boy who becomes a demon slayer after demons kill his family and turn his sister, Nezuko, into a demon. The series is loved for its touching story, beautiful artwork, and exciting fight scenes.
Even though it didn’t run for many years, Demon Slayer sold over 150 million copies, with many of its volumes being bestsellers. The anime, especially the Mugen Train movie made by Ufotable, helped make it famous all over the world. It proves that a powerful and well-told story can become a legend in a short time.
8. KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops by Osamu Akimoto
Sold Over 157 million copies
KochiKame is the longest-running manga in Weekly Shonen Jump, running from 1976 to 2016. It tells the story of Kankichi Ryotsu, a clumsy but kind police officer who works in a Tokyo neighborhood. Each chapter is usually a funny, short story about his crazy ideas to make money fast and his everyday problems.
The manga stayed popular for so long because of its humor, clever jokes about Japanese life, and up-to-date topics like new technology and trends. Its easy-to-read style and fun characters made it a favorite in many Japanese homes for 40 years. Even though it ended in 2016, people still celebrate it through museum displays and special events around Japan.
7. Slam Dunk by Takehiko Inoue
Sold Over 185 million copies
Slam Dunk made basketball popular in Japan and many other Asian countries. It tells the story of Hanamichi Sakuragi, a troublemaker who joins his school’s basketball team to impress a girl. At first, he doesn’t care about the sport, but over time, he starts to love it. The story mixes comedy, action, and emotional moments as Hanamichi and his teammates try to become champions. The anime of slam dunk is also one of the best sports anime of all time.
The creator, Takehiko Inoue, drew the games in a very realistic and detailed way, which made the manga stand out. Even though the series ended years ago, Slam Dunk still inspires many people. A movie released in 2022 called The First Slam Dunk brought it back into the spotlight. Its popularity shows that sports stories can be just as exciting and deep as any action manga.
6. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto
Sold Over 250 Million Copies
Naruto is about Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who is often treated badly by his village because he has a powerful demon called the Nine-Tails inside him. The story shows how Naruto changes from being lonely and rejected to becoming a strong and respected hero who wants to be the leader of his village, called Hokage. The manga talks about important ideas like finding yourself, dealing with loss, and making up for past mistakes.
The series ran from 1999 to 2014 and became very popular all over the world, connecting fans from both East and West. Its story continues with a sequel called Boruto, and many newer manga have been inspired by it. With more than 250 million copies sold, Naruto is one of the most loved stories about hard work and friendship.
5. Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama
Sold Over 260 Million Copies
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is one of the most important manga and anime series ever. It started as a fun adventure story inspired by a Chinese book called Journey to the West, but later turned into an exciting action story with martial arts, space battles, and famous transformations like Super Saiyan. The story follows Goku from when he is a child to an adult as he protects Earth and the universe from strong enemies.
Dragon Ball has had a huge influence on many other manga that came after it. It made tournament battles, power levels, and big rivalries very popular in stories. The series continues to be successful with new versions, movies, and merchandise, making it one of the most sold manga of all time.
4. Detective Conan (Case Closed) by Gosho Aoyama
Sold Over 270 Million Copies
Detective Conan, called Case Closed in English, is about a high school detective named Shinichi Kudo. He is turned into a child while trying to catch a secret group. Using the fake name Conan Edogawa, he keeps solving crimes while looking for a way to become an adult again. The story mixes solving different cases with a bigger mystery that keeps readers interested.
What makes Detective Conan special is how it keeps people excited with many cases and surprising twists. Since 1994, it has sold well and kept many fans. The popular anime, yearly movies, and versions in other countries helped make it famous. It is seen as one of the best detective stories in manga history.
3. Doraemon by Fujiko F. Fujio
Sold Over 300 Million Copies
Doraemon first came out in 1969 and tells the story of a robot cat from the future who travels back in time to help a lazy boy named Nobita. Doraemon has many cool gadgets like the “Anywhere Door” and the “Time Machine” that help solve everyday problems in fun ways. This makes the series loved by kids and people all over the world.
Even though the story is simple, Doraemon teaches important lessons about working hard, being kind, and being responsible. The series is very popular and has influenced schools, movies, and toys across Asia. Doraemon is one of the most famous characters in Japan and is even used as a symbol by the Japanese government.
2. Golgo 13 by Takao Saito
Sold Over 300 Million Copies
Golgo 13 is a manga for adults that started in 1968. It is about Duke Togo, a top assassin who is very professional and an expert sniper. The stories are different from usual young boys’ manga because they include serious topics like politics and spy missions. Each story is different and often shows real-world problems and history.
The creator, Takao Saito, who died in 2021, made a lasting impact with Golgo 13. It is one of the few manga that has been published without stopping for more than 50 years, making it one of the most sold manga of all time. Its long run and many sales show how important and popular it still is in Japanese culture.
1. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
Sold Over 500 Million Copies
One Piece started in 1997 and quickly became very popular. It tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they travel across the sea looking for the famous treasure called One Piece. With more than 1000 chapters, the manga has stayed popular for a long time. Its themes about friendship, dreams, and freedom connect with fans of all ages.
What makes One Piece special is how Eiichiro Oda creates a detailed world and mixes exciting adventures with deep character stories. The manga has sold over 500 million copies worldwide, making it the top-selling manga ever. It even holds a Guinness World Record for selling the most copies by one author, showing how important it is in manga history.