Manga Shoujo is a beloved genre, often set in a gentle school backdrop. The stories typically target female readers in the student age range, so the plot will focus mainly on love and friendship. Let’s explore the top 10 best manga shoujo series currently available and delve into what makes them so captivating.
1 Fruits Basket: Unraveling the Curse
Fruits Basket: A Tale of Friendship and Family
Author: Takaya Natsuki.
Number of Volumes: 23.
Status: Completed.
Fruits Basket, also known as “The Fruit Basket” or “Unraveling the Curse,” centers around Honda Tohru, a high school girl who moves in with the Souma family due to her challenging family circumstances. The Souma clan is cursed by the Chinese zodiac, and Tohru’s arrival brings about a new mission: to help them break free from the curse while keeping their secret. This manga is highly acclaimed and ranks among the best manga shoujo series due to its meaningful storyline that intertwines friendship, family bonds, and love, all while shifting between the past and the present, evoking a range of emotions in readers.
2 Shugo Chara: Guardian Angels
Shugo Chara: Where Angels and Friendship Collide
Author: Mangaka Peach-Pit.
Number of Chapters: 52.
Status: Completed.
One day, Hinamori Amu discovers three mysterious eggs, from which hatch her Guardian Angels (Shugo Chara) with special powers. Together, they fight against the evil Easter Company, an organization that exploits the souls of children. On her journey, Amu meets and befriends others with similar goals. Besides her initial three Guardian Angels, Amu also acquires additional Shugo Chara, enhancing her strength. This manga not only revolves around love but also incorporates other elements. In each battle, Amu faces increasingly difficult challenges, but with the support of her friends, she prevails and defeats her enemies.
3 Ao Haru Ride: The Springtime Journey
Ao Haru Ride: A Sweet and Gentle Love Story
Author: Io Sakisaka.
Number of Chapters: 49.
Status: Completed.
Ao Haru Ride is a highly acclaimed manga shoujo, likened to a sweet and gentle love song. The story revolves around Yoshioka Futaba, a high school girl who strives to reinvent herself to fit into a new environment. During this adjustment period, she reconnects with Tanaka (later known as Kou), the first boy she ever had a crush on. In the past, Futaba was too shy to express her feelings, keeping them buried inside. When they meet again, she realizes Tanaka has changed significantly and is no longer the boy she once adored. Intrigued by this transformation, Futaba is determined to get to know Tanaka again, marking the beginning of their romantic journey.
4 Honey: A Tale of Blossoming Love
Honey: When Opposites Attract
Author: Meguro Amu.
Number of Chapters: 40.
Status: Completed.
Honey is a charming school romance manga, focusing on two main characters: Onigase and Kogure Nao. The story begins with Onigase’s bold confession to Nao: “Let’s date with marriage in mind.” Nao, a shy girl, is shocked but unable to refuse. Sensing her discomfort, Onigase doesn’t force her into a relationship but instead gently pursues her with thoughtful gestures. Onigase’s kindness and goofy nature slowly captivate Nao, and she begins to reciprocate his feelings, allowing him into her life.
5 Hana Yori Dango: The Elite World of Wealth
Hana Yori Dango: Where Money Meets Drama
Author: Kamio Yoko.
Number of Volumes: 37.
Status: Completed.
Hana Yori Dango is a well-known manga shoujo set in an elite school for wealthy students. The protagonist, Makino Tsukushi, is a poor student admitted to this prestigious school under special circumstances. Here, she encounters the F4, a group of four handsome and powerful boys who rule the school. After a run-in with the F4, Makino finds herself in constant trouble, especially with Domyoji Tsukasa, the group’s leader. Unable to bear the bullying any longer, Makino stands up to Domyoji, sparking a complex relationship between them.
6 Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji: The Wolf Girl and the Black Prince
Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji: A Tale of Opposites Attract
Author: Ayuko Hatta.
Number of Chapters: 58.5.
Status: Completed.
Ookami Shoujo to Kuro Ouji tells the love story of Erika Shinohara, a naive and ditzy girl, and Sata Kyouya, a popular yet cold-hearted and sharp-tongued boy. Their relationship begins when Erika lies to her friends, claiming that Sata is her boyfriend. To keep her secret, she asks Sata to pretend to be her boyfriend, and he agrees on one condition: Erika must obey his every demand. Initially, Erika finds Sata cruel, but to maintain her image, she has no choice but to comply. As they tease each other relentlessly, they gradually develop genuine feelings for each other, and their relationship unfolds with twists, turns, and conflicts.
7 Snow White with the Red Hair: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Snow White with the Red Hair: Breaking Free
Author: Akidzuki Sorata.
Number of Volumes: 26.
Status: Ongoing.
This manga follows Shirayuki, a talented red-haired pharmacist in the kingdom of Tanbarun. Her striking hair color catches the attention of the greedy and cruel Prince Haji, who wants to make her his plaything. Determined to escape this fate, Shirayuki flees to a neighboring kingdom, where she meets Zen Wistaria, the Second Prince of Clarines, and a beautiful love story unfolds. *Snow White with the Red Hair* emphasizes adventure and exploration, showcasing Shirayuki’s quest for freedom and self-affirmation. While the romance takes a back seat, the bond between Zen and Shirayuki is deeply moving, earning this manga a spot among the year’s best shoujo manga.
8 Kamisama Kiss: A Divine Romance
Kamisama Kiss: A Tale of Star-Crossed Lovers
Author: Julietta Suzuki.
Number of Volumes: 25.
Status: Completed.
Kamisama Kiss is a popular manga in Japan, centering on the sweet and romantic relationship between Nanami, an accidental earth deity, and Tomoe, a cunning fox spirit. After a series of events, Nanami becomes a deity and encounters Tomoe, marking the beginning of their hilarious and adorable romance. The manga captivates readers with its intriguing and unique storyline, as well as its detailed exploration of the characters’ inner worlds. Despite Nanami’s outward optimism and kindness, she carries hidden complexities. Tomoe, too, tries to bury his painful past, but it continues to haunt him. Their journey is one of learning to let go of the past and embracing a shared future.
9 Cardcaptor Sakura: The Magical Girl
Cardcaptor Sakura: Capturing Hearts and Magic
Author: CLAMP.
Number of Volumes: 12.
Status: Ongoing.
Cardcaptor Sakura is a renowned manga shoujo, widely loved and considered one of the best manga of all time. It stands out for its adorable characters, humorous moments, and gorgeous costumes, enchanting female readers worldwide. The story revolves around Kinomoto Sakura, an elementary school student who discovers magical cards called Clow Cards in her basement. From that moment, she becomes the cardcaptor, tasked with collecting all the cards and assisting Keroberos, the card guardian.
In her quest to seal the magical cards, Sakura makes new friends who join her in this enchanting adventure.
10 Sailor Moon: Fighting Evil by Moonlights
Sailor Moon: Fighting for Love and Justice
Author: Takeuchi Naoko.
Number of Volumes: 23.
Status: Completed.
Sailor Moon follows the journey of the Sailor Guardians as they battle dark forces and protect the Earth. Set in Tokyo, Japan, the story centers on Usagi Tsukino, an ordinary, clumsy, and tearful middle school student. After encountering a talking black cat named Luna, Usagi gains powers and transforms into Sailor Moon, fighting against evil to protect Earth’s peace. As the series progresses, Usagi and her team of Sailor Guardians face greater challenges, but their unwavering friendship and determination always shine through.
11 Kaichou wa Maid-sama!: The Student Council President’s Secret
Kaichou wa Maid-sama!: A Tale of Dual Identities
Author: Hiro Fujiwara.
Number of Volumes: 18.
Status: Completed.
Kaichou wa Maid-sama! is a highly regarded manga shoujo, focusing on Ayuzama Misaki, the student council president who presents a strict and strong exterior while working tirelessly to improve the school and protect its female students. However, she has a secret: she works part-time as a maid at a cafe. When Usui Takumi, the school’s heartthrob, discovers her double life, he finds her intriguing and adorable, leading him to tease her relentlessly. Despite Ayuzama’s anger at his jokes, she can’t risk losing her position if her secret gets out. Eventually, Usui falls for Ayuzama and confesses his love. Surprisingly, Ayuzama immediately accepts because she has also developed feelings for him.
12 Oke no Monsho: Queen of Egypt
Oke no Monsho: A Journey Through Time
Author: Chieko Hosokawa.
Number of Volumes: 69.
Status: Ongoing.
Oke no Monsho, or “Queen of Egypt,” centers on Carol Reed, a blonde, blue-eyed American girl from a millionaire family with a passion for Egyptian archaeology. Upon hearing about an ancient tomb excavation, Carol sets out to explore it but finds herself transported back in time to ancient Egypt, where she meets Memphis, a brave young pharaoh. They fall in love, marry, and together, they fight against invading forces from other nations. This manga blends history, romance, and adventure, offering readers a unique and captivating experience.
13 Strobe Edge: Love at First Sight
Strobe Edge: When Love Overcomes Obstacles
Author: Io Sakisaka.
Number of Chapters: 37.
Status: Completed.
Strobe Edge narrates the love story of Kinoshita Ninako and Ichinose Ren. Kinoshita falls in love with Ren at first sight on a train, but Ren rejects her because he already has a girlfriend, Korenaga Mayuka. Despite the rejection, Kinoshita is determined to befriend Ren. As they grow closer, Ren develops feelings for Kinoshita, and after breaking up with his girlfriend, he confesses his
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