This shoujo manga tells the story of Tohru Honda, a kind and compassionate girl who moves in with the mysterious Sohma family. The Sohmas are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex. Tohru learns about the Sohmas' secret and vows to help them break the curse.
2. Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP
This magical girl manga follows Sakura Kinomoto, a fourth-grade girl who discovers that she has magical powers. Sakura must use her powers to capture escaped magical cards, which can cause disasters if they are not controlled. Along the way, she makes new friends and learns more about her family and herself.
3. Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori
This reverse harem manga tells the story of Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student at Ouran High School, an elite all-boys school. Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase and is forced to join the Host Club, a group of boys who entertain female guests. Haruhi disguises herself as a boy and quickly becomes popular with the girls, but she must keep her true identity a secret.
4. Nana by Ai Yazawa
This josei manga follows two 20-year-old women named Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki who meet on a train to Tokyo. The two Nanas are very different from each other, but they quickly become friends and roommates. Nana Komatsu is a naive and innocent girl from a small town, while Nana Osaki is a tough and independent punk rocker. The story follows the two Nanas as they navigate their lives in Tokyo, dealing with love, friendship, and their dreams for the future.
5. Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina
This shoujo manga tells the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a shy and withdrawn girl who is nicknamed "Sadako" because of her gloomy appearance. Sawako is afraid to talk to people because she is worried that she will scare them. However, she longs to make friends and be loved. One day, Sawako meets Shota Kazehaya, a popular and friendly boy who is not afraid of her. Kazehaya helps Sawako come out of her shell and make new friends.
6. Ao Haru Ride by Io Sakisaka
This shoujo manga follows Futaba Yoshioka, a high school girl who is trying to reinvent herself after being bullied in middle school. Futaba cuts her hair and changes her appearance, hoping to make a fresh start. However, she is surprised when she meets Kou Mabuchi, a boy from her middle school who she had a crush on. Kou has also changed a lot since middle school, and Futaba is not sure if she still likes him.
7. Honey and Clover by Chica Umino
This seinen manga tells the story of a group of art students who live in an apartment complex called "Honey and Clover." The story follows the students as they deal with their relationships, their art, and their dreams for the future. Honey and Clover is a heartwarming and slice-of-life manga that is perfect for fans of art and friendship.
8. Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa
This shounen manga tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who are trying to restore their bodies after a failed alchemy experiment. The brothers travel the country, searching for a way to undo the damage they have done. Along the way, they meet many interesting characters and learn more about the world of alchemy.
9. Gintama by Hideaki Sorachi
This seinen manga is set in an alternate history of Japan where aliens have conquered the planet and implemented a ban on swords. The story follows Gintoki Sakata, a samurai who works as a freelancer to make ends meet. Gintama is a comedy manga with a lot of heart, and it is perfect for fans of action and humor.
10. Haikyuu!! by Haruichi Furudate
This shounen manga tells the story of Shoyo Hinata, a middle school student who loves volleyball. Hinata is inspired by a professional volleyball player named "The Little Giant," and he dreams of becoming a great volleyball player himself. Hinata joins the volleyball club at his high school, but he is the only member. He is eventually joined by other players, and they form a team that competes in the high school volleyball tournament.