Manga popularity in 2026 is shaped by more than what sells the most. A series can be “popular” because its anime season just landed, because it dominates weekly online discussion, or because it has become a shared cultural reference point. This snapshot looks at the titles that readers and collectors keep circling back to right now, and the reasons they keep holding attention.
Long-Running Series That Still Define the Mainstream
Some manga remain central because they continue to develop with their fans. Regardless of whether they are still being released or have already been completed many years ago, these volumes are an essential point of reference in the dialogues of readers separated by several age groups. In this sense, it speaks volumes as to how powerful world-building and certain core themes can have a lasting effect on cultures.
One Piece
Deep into its final saga, One Piece remains one of the most read and discussed manga in the world. Its expansive world, emotional continuity, and long-term storytelling reward readers who have followed it for years, while still welcoming newcomers drawn in by its reputation and ongoing developments.
My Hero Academia
Approaching its conclusion, My Hero Academia continues to resonate through its focus on character growth and moral uncertainty. Its influence can be seen across newer action series, particularly in how it blends spectacle with introspection and social pressure.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen holds its popularity through a darker tone and unpredictable narrative choices. Its fast pacing and willingness to subvert expectations keep readers engaged, making it one of the most debated series of the current era.
Attack on Titan
Although finished, Attack on Titan remains widely read and re-examined. Its complex political themes and challenging moral questions ensure it continues to generate discussion well beyond its original run.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man continues to attract attention for its blend of violence, dark humor, and emotional vulnerability. Its unconventional approach to character motivation and storytelling keeps it feeling unpredictable even years after its debut.
Spy×Family
Spy×Family remains popular by focusing on warmth and everyday comedy rather than high-stakes drama. Its broad appeal makes it one of the most widely read manga across different age groups in 2026.
Kaiju No. 8
By centering on an older protagonist in a genre usually dominated by teenagers, Kaiju No. 8 offers a fresh perspective on familiar monster-fighting themes. This shift has helped it build a loyal and growing readership.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren stands out through its quiet pacing and reflective storytelling. Its focus on memory, time, and loss offers an alternative to action-heavy trends, earning strong long-term engagement from readers.
Blue Lock
Blue Lock continues to dominate sports manga discussions by emphasizing competition and individual ambition. Its approach contrasts sharply with traditional team-focused narratives, keeping it highly visible in 2026.
Oshi no Ko
Oshi no Ko blends entertainment industry drama with psychological tension. Its exploration of fame, pressure, and exploitation resonates strongly with readers navigating similar themes in real-world media culture.
Demon Slayer
Despite being completed, Demon Slayer remains one of the most widely read manga globally. Its clear emotional arc and accessible storytelling ensure it continues to reach new readers.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Boruto maintains popularity by extending a well-established universe. Readers invested in earlier generations continue to follow the series, while newer audiences engage through its evolving cast and conflicts.
The Shape of Manga Popularity in 2026
Even as it is, the list, The most popular manga of 2026 manga, blends innovation and tradition. Both ongoing serials and short episodic sequences find a place in this classification along with that of cross-genre works as there is a place for sagas. Also, although adaptations greatly help in lifting sales, genuine popularity today implicates interaction with the text itself in the reader, interactivity in the fan community, or even how a given story continues to be resonant long after its initial publication.