Survival manga is a genre that has captivated and enthralled countless readers worldwide. Let’s explore the 15 best survival manga series of all time that are definitely worth reading!
1 Cage Of Eden
Cage Of Eden
Cage of Eden is a thrilling manga series written and illustrated by Yoshinobu Yamada. It first debuted in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine in 2008 and later inspired an anime adaptation. The story revolves around a group of Japanese high school students who encounter a life-changing event when their plane crashes on a mysterious island. Upon waking up, they find themselves in a primeval forest, surrounded by prehistoric creatures, vegetation, and lurking unknown enemies. The students must learn to survive and navigate their way out of the island, facing countless dangers and forming unbreakable bonds along the way.
2 Death Note
Death Note
Death Note follows the story of Yagami Raito, an intelligent high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook called the “Death Note.” This notebook possesses the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it, as long as the writer knows the person’s face. Raito, driven by a sense of justice, decides to use the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and create a better world. As the story unfolds, he finds himself in a cat-and-mouse game with L, a brilliant detective investigating the mysterious string of deaths.
3 Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho tells the tale of Yusuke Urameshi, a rebellious teenager who sacrifices his life to save a child. For his brave act, Yusuke is offered a second chance at life and becomes a “Spirit Detective,” tasked with solving supernatural cases. During his adventures, Yusuke befriends Kuwabara, Kurama, Hiei, and Botan, forming a formidable team. Together, they embark on thrilling journeys, facing dangerous challenges, evil foes, and uncovering the dark secrets of the spirit world.
4 All You Need Is Kill
All You Need Is Kill
All You Need Is Kill is a captivating manga that blends elements of survival and science fiction. Written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, it debuted in 2004 and later inspired the Hollywood film Edge of Tomorrow in 2014. The story centers around Keiji Kiriya, a young man who finds himself in a relentless battle against an alien race invading Earth. Keiji dies in his first battle but mysteriously wakes up to find himself reliving the same day over and over, trapped in a time loop where he must fight and die repeatedly.
5 Drifters
Drifters
Drifters introduces readers to Shimazu Toyohisa, a warlord who, instead of dying on the battlefield, finds himself transported to another world. This new realm is a gathering place for legendary heroes and villains from different eras. Toyohisa encounters historical figures like Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Miyamoto Musashi, and even William Shakespeare, and together, they form the group “Drifters” to battle against evil forces. Despite internal conflicts and formidable enemies, the Drifters never back down from their fight, making this manga an exciting blend of history and fantasy.
6 Kingdom
Kingdom
Kingdom is an epic manga series that combines historical, fantasy, and war elements. Serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2006 to 2026, the story revolves around Xin, a poverty-stricken boy living during the Warring States period in China. Dreaming of becoming a great general, Xin crosses paths with Ying Zheng, a young prince in disguise. After saving the prince’s life, they form a strong bond, and together, they embark on a journey to fulfill Ying Zheng’s dream of unifying China, facing countless challenges and becoming heroes of their time.
7 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a long-running manga series by Hirohiko Araki, first published in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1987. The story is divided into eight parts, each focusing on a different generation of the Joestar family as they confront dangerous enemies who aim to use Stands for nefarious purposes. With its unique art style, intriguing characters, and imaginative battles, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has captivated readers worldwide and continues to be a beloved franchise.
8 Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is the continuation of the beloved Dragon Ball series, following the adventures of Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from various threats. The story picks up five years after Goku’s victory over Piccolo Jr., and he now lives a peaceful life with his son, Gohan. However, their tranquility is short-lived as the Saiyans arrive on Earth with conquest in mind. Goku and his friends must rise to the challenge, facing formidable foes like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu, pushing Goku to continuously surpass his limits.
9 Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
Attack on Titan is a critically acclaimed manga series set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives within walled cities to protect themselves from gigantic man-eating creatures known as Titans. The story centers around Eren Yeager, a young man determined to eradicate all Titans after they bring devastation to his hometown. Joining the military with his childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, Eren sets out on a path of vengeance and discovery, aiming to uncover the truth behind the Titans and restore peace to humanity.
10 Survival: Shōnen S no Kiroku
Survival: Shōnen S no Kiroku
Shōnen S no Kiroku is a captivating manga set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is under constant threat from giant man-eating Titans. The story focuses on Satoru, a young boy with the unique ability to see these dangerous monsters. Together with his friends Rin and Yui, Satoru joins the military to fight against the Titans and protect the remaining human settlements.
11 Battle Royale
Battle Royale
Battle Royale is a gripping manga that follows a group of Japanese high school students forced to participate in a deadly game. Instructed by the Japanese government, they are stranded on an island and must fight to the death until only one survivor remains. Each student is provided with a weapon and equipment, but they also wear explosive collars that will detonate if they do not kill within 24 hours. As the game unfolds, alliances form, and the students must decide whether to trust each other or turn on one another.
12 Rise Invasion (Tenkuu Shinpan)
Rise Invasion (Tenkuu Shinpan)
Rise Invasion introduces readers to Yuri Honjou, a high school girl who finds herself transported to a strange world filled with towering skyscrapers connected by suspension bridges. In this world, people live in fear of masked predators who kill anyone they encounter. Yuri must navigate this treacherous environment and soon realizes that she is not alone in her desire to escape. She joins forces with others seeking freedom, and together, they must survive and uncover the secrets behind the masked predators.
13 It’s an Endless World!
It’s an Endless World!
It’s an Endless World! is a manga that explores the themes of war and conflict between different worlds. The story centers around Elijah, whose world is invaded by the forces of Atrocity. Elijah, a young boy with mysterious powers, is chosen to join the battle between these two worlds. Along with his companions, Elijah faces countless challenges and dangerous enemies in a world filled with violence and hatred. Their journey ultimately leads to a hard-won peace, leaving readers with a captivating story that blends science fiction and action.
14 I Am a Hero
I Am a Hero
I Am a Hero tells the story of Hideo Suzuki, a struggling manga artist searching for meaning in his life. Living in a small Japanese town, Hideo struggles to maintain his relationship with his girlfriend, Taeko. One day, he encounters an injured man and offers to help, only to discover that the man is infected with a virus that turns people into zombies. As the infection spreads, Hideo finds himself in a battle for survival, armed with only his wits and a baseball bat.
15 Btooom!
Btooom!
Btooom! follows the story of Ryota Sakamoto, a professional gamer in the online game Btooom! who suddenly finds himself stranded on a deserted island. He soon realizes that he and other players have been brought there to participate in a real-life version of the game, where they must fight to the death using explosive BIMs. Ryota must rely on his gaming skills and strategize to survive, all while searching for a way to escape the deadly island.
These 15 survival manga series are sure to keep you entertained and engaged. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to it, these stories will take you on thrilling journeys filled with danger, courage, and unforgettable characters. So, get ready to dive into some of the best survival manga has to offer!
