Top 25 Best Manga Arcs Of All Time
25. Jailbreak Arc
Manga: Promised Neverland
This is the first arc in the series and still remains one of the best introductory arcs to a Shonen series. Norman, Emma, and Ray live at the Grace Field House, where they learn that the orphanage is essentially a human farm where the demons are fed. Later, they intend to escape the orphanage taking other kids resulting in a battle of wits with Isabella.
Promised Neverland’s introduction arc is one of the best Shonen introductory arcs I’ve ever read. This arc was a suspenseful thriller with plenty of mysteries, horror elements, and well-developed characters.
24. Dark Tournament Arc
Manga: Yu Yu Hakusho
Yusuke, Hiei, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Genkai compete in a dark tournament organized by selfish humans and attended by vicious demons in this series. The team competed against four other teams before meeting Team Toguro in the final. Before facing Togoro’s team, they face Team Rokuyukai, Team Ichigaki, Team Masho in the quarterfinals, and Uraotogi in the semifinals.
Each battle is extremely difficult to win. Furthermore, all of the battles are innovative and creative. Tournament arcs are notorious for being boring due to a lack of stakes and a compelling plot, yet this one avoided both. The tournament trope in Shonen was taken to new heights with this arc. This is without a doubt one of the most memorable tournament arcs in anime history.
Check – Best Yu Yu Hakusho Arcs Ranked Here
23. Namek Saga
Manga: Dragon Ball Z
Namek Saga is part of the series Dragon Ball written by Toriyama. This arc follows Bulma, Krillin, Gohan, and later Goku as they travel to the planet Namek to face the Ginyu force. Following the annihilation of the Ginyu Force, the long-awaited clash between Goku and Frieza begins. Goku develops into the famed Super Saiyan in this storyline.
This arc epitomizes the cliches that have been so popular in recent years. The impact of this arc on the genre is unequaled. It isn’t hyperbole to say that the legendary Super Saiyan transformation shattered and mainstreamed the anime stereotype.
22. Chunin Exams arc
Manga: Naruto
Chunin Exams arc is the second arc in Naruto, written by Kishimoto. The Chunin Exams, in which Genins from several villages compete to become Chunin, are depicted in this arc. The tournament starts with a written test, followed by a trip through the Forest of Death, and finally one-on-one knockout fight. Orochimaru emerges in the Forest of Death and curses Sasuke. In the first round, Naruto fights Kiba, and in the second, he fights Neji. In the first round, Lee falls to Gaara, while Sasuke battles Gaara in the second round but is halted by the Sunagakure ambush.
Most shonen series have a problem with tournament arcs. The plot can be boring and uninteresting when the stakes aren’t always high, but this isn’t the case in this arc. Overall, Chunin exams is my favorite tournament arc in all of the anime with only Yu Yu Hakusho’s Dark tournament arc coming close.
Check – Best Naruto Arcs Ranked Here
21. Diamond Is Unbreakable
Manga: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures
Diamond is Unbreakable is the fourth part of the series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures. This chapter follows Josuke and his pals as they search the calm town of Morioh for a mystical bow and arrow that provides people dangerous Stand abilities. Later on, it becomes a mystery about discovering Kira, a serial killer.
A fascinating scenario that is underused is magical powers in a generally calm suburban town. In addition to that, a serial killer who wants to live a quiet life in that setting makes this arc one of the best in Shonen.
20. Shibuya Incident Arc
Manga: Jujutsu Kaisen
The Shibuya arc tells the story of Fake Geto’s plan to imprison Satoru Gojo in Shibuya. Gojo gets sealed early in the arc, and the rest of the story revolves around regaining the Prison Realm in which he was imprisoned. Making Gojo the strongest in the verse and then locking him away is a fantastic storytelling move.
There were huge stakes throughout the arc, and the idea that anyone may die was interesting. All of the sacrifices were true emotional and heartfelt. The environment, action, emotional moments, and character development of the characters are all fantastic throughout the arc.
Check – Best Arcs In Jujutsu Kaisen Ranked here
19. Western Zhao Invasion Arc
Manga: Kingdom
Next on our list is Western Zhao Invasion Arc. This arc is the start of the long-awaited quest for the unification of China. This arc focuses on the war on Zhao by Qin to capture Gyou.
In the battle of wits between Ousen and Riboku, Yotanwa-Bajio moments are some of the best in the series. Shin, Karyo Ten, and Kyokai shined throughout the arc. One downside might be that the arc is too long but personally, it isn’t a big deal.
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18. Soul Society Arc
Manga: Bleach
The story is around Rukia’s capture at the hands of the Soul Society. We see Ichigo and the others have to face increasingly bigger threats as the arc progresses in pursuit of Rukia. Along with the structure of Soul Society with its military force: Soul Reapers. There are many new characters and is essentially the introduction to Bleach’s world.
The arc does wonders for Bleach’s world-building. Furthermore, Kubo has Ichigo and the company progressively increases in strength until meeting their goal by having them encounter progressively harder opponents. Far from convenient, this is explained by the end of the arc. Each character’s agency makes it so there’s always something happening in the arc independent of Ichigo and his friends. Which adds realism to the environment. And the plot escalates in a believable manner. Full of mystery, struggle, drive, comradely, and much more; Soul Society stands as one of the best arcs in shonen.
17. Shogun Assassination Arc
Manga: Gintama
Shogun Assassination arc is one of the serious arcs in Gintama. The Protagonist’s side must safeguard Shogun from an assassination plot that has been set in motion. After numerous episodes of setup, Gintoki finally fights Takasugi in this arc amidst a war that brings together various forces.
In terms of plot, this arc isn’t groundbreaking, but the emotional high points it provides are nothing short of astounding. Gintoki’s fight with Takasugi is one of the best in the medium. It’s difficult to describe, yet it’s something that can only be felt. Shogun Assassination explains why Gintama is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Check – Best Arcs In Gintama Ranked here
16. Magnostadt Arc.
Manga: Magi
Magnostadt arc is the best arc in the Magi series and in this arc, Aladdin is in Magnostadt Academy trying to figure out the connection it has with Al-Thamen. It also deals with the war between Magnostadt, the Reim Empire, and the Kou Empire.
15. Tsukiyama Family Extermination Arc
Manga: Tokyo Ghoul
There are several great arcs in Tokyo Ghoul but the Tsukiyama Family Extermination arc takes the place on the list. It shows an operation launched by the Commission of Counter Ghoul to eliminate the members of the wealthy Tsukiyama Family. The original operation targeted the Tsukiyama Estate, with the intention of eliminating the Tsukiyama Group’s president and his family. Then the story progressed to the Luna Eclipse, with the goal of exterminating the Tsukiyama heir apparent.
Check – Best Arcs In Tokyo Ghoul Ranked here
14. Pain’s Assault Arc
Manga: Naruto
Pain’s Assault arc is the second entry here from the Naruto franchise. This arc depicts the Pain’s invasion of Konoha in order to seize Naruto’s Nine-Tails. While Naruto is practicing at Mount Myoboku, Pain invades the town and kills the majority of the residents. In desperation, Naruto fights Pain and transforms into his Nine-Tails form. Naruto defeats all versions of Pain, meets Nagato in person, and brings Jiraiya’s wish to life.
Prophecies aren’t one of my favorite types of tropes. However, this series adds an intriguing twist to it by having two separate prophecized chosen ones, keeping the trope mysterious. Despite the fact that Pain was the stronger individual, Naruto defeats Nagato ideologically. With everyone returning back to life, the finale is a little underwhelming. Pain’s invasion should have resulted in repercussions. However, this is a small quibble; ultimately, this is one of the best anime arcs ever.
Check – Best Naruto Arcs RankedHere
13. Yorknew City Arc
Manga: Hunter X Hunter
Yorknew City arc is from the series Hunter X Hunter written by Togashi. This story is set in Yorknew, where Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika had agreed to meet. The Phantom Troupe is presented, and they rob the auction house of everything. Shadow Beasts make an attempt to halt them, but they are defeated. Kurapika, on the other hand, catches Uvogin and subsequently fights him, resulting in Uvogin’s death. Troupe captures Gon and Killua, whilst Kurapika captures Chrollo. Later on, it turns into a game of cat and mouse, with each side trying to outsmart the other.
Yorknew City Arc is in excellent condition and has no flaws. The arc is fast-paced, non-linear, and unpredictable, and the use of Nen as a power source was a joy to behold. Phantom Troupes are fascinating since each figure has its own distinct personality. Given that none of the Phantom Troupes have a detailed genesis story, the interaction between them is incredible. It is without a doubt one of the best anime arcs of all time.
Check – Best Hunter X Hunter Arcs Ranked Here
12. Spring High Preliminary Arc
Manga: Haikyuu!
Spring High Preliminary arc corresponds the season 3 of the anime. This arc shows the match between Karasuno and Shiratorizawa in the finals of the Spring High Preliminary Arc. Both teams meet in the final and Karasuno has to beat a team that has an Under-19 Japan National Volleyball team member with them.
Sports series don’t get as much appreciation as they should and this arc is a perfect example of it. It is my favorite arc from any new generation series. Every episode in this season was perfect with each character having great moments. It is a true David vs Goliath story with amazing emotional peaks that truly exemplifies why we love the Shonen genre.
11. War Arc
Manga: Vinland Saga
War arc is the first arc of Vinland Saga and only arc with an anime adaptation. This arc follows Thorfinn journey as he vowed to avenge his father’s death by killing Askeladd. But both of them find themselves in a war with a dangerous enemy hunting them down and a royal prince to protect.
Vindland Saga first arc is one of the best anime adaptation for a well received dark Seinen series. Anime managed to capture the story that Yukimura was trying to tell in this arc.
10. Enies Lobby Saga
Manga: One Piece
Enies Lobby Saga is an arc from the series One Piece written by Eiichiro Oda. This arc follows Strawhats on Water 7 Island, as the crew falls apart, with Robin and Usopp abandoning the crew and themselves losing to CP0. They later return to Enies Lobby to recapture Robin and fight World Government and CP0.
For both the Strawhats and the audience, this arc is an emotional roller coaster. There are various tragic moments, such as the loss of Going Merry, Usopp’s confrontation with Luffy, Robin’s departure from the gang, and so on. The Strawhats go to great lengths to overcome their foes, and Luffy’s fight is one of the best. Enies Lobby’s emotional peaks are unrivaled. Overall, this is one of the best arcs in the medium.
Check – Best One Piece Arcs Ranked Here
9. Second Yoshioka arc
Manga: Vagabond
The Second Yoshioka arc is the seventh of the story arcs in Vagabond, and it shows the events corresponding to Musashi Miyamoto’s large conflicts against the Yoshioka School when he is 22 years old and returns to Miyamoto’s farming in a poor village.
Denshichirō Yoshioka formally challenges Musashi for a rematch, and Musashi accepts. Seijūrō Yoshioka knows his brother Denshichirō doesn’t stand a chance against Musashi, so he sets to secretly assassinate Musashi before the duel. He attacks him at night but Musashi manages to defeat him later on in the arc. Musashi defeats Denshichiro and 70 other members of Yoshioka school.
Second Yoshioka arc is truly one of the greatest Manga arcs of all time. The peaks it touched are only rivaled by very few other Manga arcs.
Check – Best Vagabond Arcs Ranked Here
8. Conviction Arc
Manga: Berserk
This arc follows the journey of Guts after the events of the eclipse. Initially, he encounters Rosine, an apostle who transforms the children into Elves. Later, he goes on a journey to rescue Casca who is prophecized to be burnt alive by Guts’ demon child. The Holy See acts as the primary antagonist group with Mozgus being the main obstacle to Guts. Parallelly, the Egg of the Perfect World is preparing to get Griffith reincarnated.
Holy See is an extremist religious group that punishes those they consider as heretics. Farnese and Serpico are introduced and track Guts. Later they team up with Guts to defeat Mozgus and his underlings in an extremely tough battle night. After the incarnation ceremony triggered by the Egg of the world’s Behelit, Griffith is incarnated.
This is such an enthralling arc throughout its entirety. The stakes were really high throughout the arc and Guts was put in so many tough battles. All the characters shine including the minor characters like Luca, Jerome, etc. Mozgus is one the most underrated character in the series and is not really appreciated for his portrayal as an antagonist. He genuinely believed his actions were indeed what God wanted and acted as God’s puppet, while Guts literally saw angels and decided to go against them. This provided a great clash of their ideals enhancing their physical battle.
Check – Best Berserk Arcs Ranked Here
7. Ruhenheim Arc
Manga: Monster
Ruhenheim is the final arc of the manga series, Monster written by Naoki Urasawa. Ruhenheim may not be defined as an arc in the traditional sense as Monster as a whole doesn’t fit the arc format but the final segment of Monster is just too good so I wanted to include it here.
The arc has a perfect conclusion for every character, and the thematic conclusion is also great. Johan is one of the greatest antagonists in Manga and these make this one of the greatest in Manga.
6. Return To Shiganshina Arc
Manga: Attack On Titan
Return To Shiganshina Arc is from the series Attack On Titan written by Hajime Isayama. The story of the Survey Corps’ latest journey to Shiganshina to reclaim the lost area is told in this arc. To retake the territory, they had to confront Beast Titan, Colossal Titan, and the Armored Titan. Erwin must give up his life in order for Levi to face Beast Titan. Armin eats Colossal Titan to become the Colossal Titan himself after Levi uses the Titan serum on him.
The Eren’s Basement chapters are possibly the most important element of the series. We learn about Grisha, Zeke, Eldian, Marley, and other characters, and most of the world’s mysteries are revealed. This arc is just perfect. The disclosure of the mystery, the world-building, the conclusion of Erwin’s character, the conflict between Zeke and Levi, and the satisfying climax of them finally seeing the Ocean. This arc is flawless in every way, and the surprise reveals are among the best Manga experiences ever.
Check – Best Attack On Titan Arcs Ranked Here
5. Steel Ball Run
Manga: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures
Steel Ball Run is the seventh part of the series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki. It stars Johnny Joestar, a paraplegic former jockey who wishes to reclaim his legs, and Gyro Zeppeli, a disgraced former executioner who seeks amnesty for a kid on death row, and is set in 1890. They, along with others, compete in a fictitious cross-continental horse race for a grand prize of $50 million, but the competition has a hidden objective.
Steel Ball Run is the best Jojo part and Funny Valentine is one of the greatest antagonists in Manga ever.
4. Chimera Ant Arc
Manga: Hunter X Hunter
Chimera Ant arc is the second entry from Hunter X Hunter here. This arc depicts the Chimera Ants’ development and eventual ambition for power in the human world. The Ant King Mereum is born after the Queen gives birth to numerous Chimera ants, and three Royal Guards. Kite is dead, but Gon, who is unaware of Kite’s death, holds out hope that Kite will be saved.
Meanwhile, Netero, Morel, Knov, Knuckle, and Shoot join the fight against the ants. Meanwhile, Komugi begins playing Gungi with Mereum, but Mereum is unable to defeat her, and their relationship begins to blossom.
The initial half of the Chimera Ant arc has pacing flaws, as well as a few extraneous plotlines like Phantom Troupe, Palm’s date, and so on. However, the arc’s payoffs are among the best in the anime genre. One of the best parallels between antagonist and protagonist in the anime is Mereum’s transition from an emotionless killer to someone who can truly exhibit love for Komugi, and Gon’s path from a happy-go-lucky boy to a monster who can kill someone without remorse.
Check – Best Hunter X Hunter Arcs Ranked Here
3. Coalition Invasion Arc
Manga: Kingdom
The arc which takes the third spot is the Coalition invasion arc. This covers the story of the war against Qin by an alliance force of all other states except Qi. The arc can be considered to have two parts Battle of Kanyou pass and Battle of Sai.
This arc is one of the best in Manga history. Every character on both sides was exceptional in the arc. The action scenes, the tactics behind the war, and the brilliant characters all make this arc an epic one. The battle of Kanyou is legendary but the battle of Sai makes this arc one of the greatest Manga arcs.
Check – Best Kingdom Arcs Ranked Here
2. Marineford Saga
Manga: One Piece
Marineford Saga is the second entry from One Piece here. This story begins with Strawhats’ defeat in Sabaody, after which Luffy embarks on a voyage to save Ace from Impel Down, and then proceeds to the Marineford War. It depicts the long-awaited conflict between the Whitebeard Pirates and the World Government, which erupted as a result of the announcement of Ace’s execution. Luffy joins the fight alongside his Impel Down allies.
The arc is filled with so many important characters that it is amazing that Oda manages to use everyone efficiently. Marineford is one of the best examples of long-term story planning. Mysteries, fights, emotional moments, character moments, and thematic storytelling were on point. This arc’s last stretch of chapters elevates it to one of the best in anime or manga.
Check – Best One Piece Arcs Ranked Here
1. Golden Age Arc
Manga: Berserk
This arc tells the story of Guts from his childhood to the events of the Eclipse.
From Guts’ childhood to the events of the Eclipse, this arc covers his story. After Griffith overcomes him, Guts joins Griffith’s Band of the Falcon. They get popularity as a result of their achievement later on. Griffith gets closer to realising his ambition of establishing an empire. Guts decides to leave the group after hearing about Griffith’s principles and aspires to be on par with him.
Guts defeats Griffith and leaves the band. Frustrated Griffith has a lapse of judgment and sleeps with Charlotte which resulted in his imprisonment. Guts joined the group again to rescue Griffith but Griffith is now crippled after several physical and mental torture.
Griffith decides to commit suicide but finds his Behelit resulting in the summoning of the God Hands. Griffith accepts their proposal to be a God Hand member at the expense of all other Band members. Only Guts and Casca survives the ordeal with the help of Skull Knight but others suffer a horrific death.
The journey of Guts and Griffith is one of the best character writing one will ever experience. All the other arcs are great but none match Golden Age in its storytelling and character writing. There is a reason why Guts and Griffith are considered one of the greatest protagonists and antagonists respectively. Golden age arc is definitely the greatest arc in manga.
Check – Best Berserk Arcs Ranked Here
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