20+ Manga with Most Chapters (Recommendations)

Updated July 23, 2022 by Esji

Don’t you hate that every time you start reading an exciting manga—like, hands down it has everything you could ever imagine, all condensed in one manga… and it just ends at 50 to 80 chapters?! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve experienced a gaping hole right after I finished reading a good manga; I end up decaying a bit.

You do know what I mean right? And whenever you would think of manga with the most chapters, one would instantly think, ”oh, that would have to be One Piece,” right? I mean that was my first thought … but no, my dear readers.

There are quite several other series that surpass the number of chapters One Piece has. Some of them even share the throne of having the most chapters and volumes ever released! Do you think you would be able to keep up with it?

The beauty of having more chapters is that it keeps you busy before reaching the last chapter. So, it doesn’t leave you with heartache after it ends–but just about the same amount of pain when cliffhangers pop up.

But I have faith in you! Some of the manga listed are classics and you’ll be surprised with how many chapters each of them have! So, I won’t hold you back anymore, and let’s get going!

 

MANGA WITH A LOT OF CHAPTERS

 

21. Haikyuu!!

INFORMATION
Title	Haikyuu!!
Genre	Comedy, Coming of Age, Sports
Status	Completed
Author	Haruichi Furudate
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	402

Coming in at last place is, ironically, favored by many. Haikyuu!! is still one of the best sports anime/manga out there! And the ending was—chef’s kiss, all the character development was spot-on, especially the fan favorites.

The first few chapters would be enough to reel you in. I mean, at 402 chapters my bum has been sitting since Shoyo’s insane jump! 

Okay, okay, if you’re one of the few people who haven’t seen the anime or read the manga; the story starts with Shoyo Hinata whose dream is to become the greatest volleyball player, despite his short stature. The limelight, however, doesn’t always revolve around Shoyo as those who encounter our MC get to grow and develop as well. The manga did a great job of highlighting the individual characters of the series, although the anime did the same, the details are just more in-depth in the manga.

With its recent completion in July 2020, short chapters have been released that showcase the aftermath of it all. Where dreams were finally being reached—ah, but before you read that, why don’t you start at the very beginning? I promise, Haikyuu!! will become one of your favorites! It’s a complete package as it brings you all the action  from sports, the comedic scenes from well-developed characters, and not to mention volleyball facts! What else could you possibly want?

 

20. Fairy Tail

INFORMATION
Title	Fairy Tail
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy
Status	Completed
Author	Hiro Mashima
Publisher	Kodansha
Current Chapters	545

Another banger follows suit with a chapter gap of 143 chapters. Fairy Tail follows next with 545 chapters. I was so engrossed in the story of the amazing mages of Fiore that I did not feel that it reached 500 plus chapters after the manga ended. Fairy Tail follows the chaotic adventures of Natsu Dragneel, Erza Scarlet, Lucy Heartfillia, Gray Fullbuster, and Happy (calm your pits okay, this was the OG team). Filled with magic, brute strength, and stupidity, this will definitely capture your heart and make you want to read more!

Despite it ending in 2017, the final chapter of the manga was a doozy. It left a mark in me that would probably never go away. You see, there is a hint of love amidst the chaos. The kind of love that made the mages in this story do the most outrageous things.

And if you haven’t heard, a sequel to this manga was launched a year after it ended. Just shows how the authors know that we can’t get enough of the crazy bunch from Fairy Tail. This sequel is titled, Fairy Tail: 100 Year Quest which you probably heard Gildarts mention as a quest he took during his prime. 

 

19. Golgo 13

INFORMATION
Title	Golgo 13
Genre	Thriller
Status	Ongoing
Author	Takao Saito
Publisher	Shogakukan
Current Chapters	549

Coming in at number 19, we have Golgo 13 who follows a nameless assassin whose skill is rivaled by none (do you think Twilight could take this guy on?). He is a man of mystery that any agency in the world would have the hardest time finding information about. With many aliases, how are you going to dig up info on him???

With over 549 chapters, it definitely packs a ton of action and thrill that’ll make you hold on to the edges of your seats. Despite pumping uninterrupted updates for the manga, they had to pause the production and resume in July 2020.

Haven’t heard of this classic? Then start reading! You only have—around 549 chapters to start with. Maybe you could list down his skills and compare them to Twilight? Figure out who’s the better secret agent.

 

18. Inuyasha

INFORMATION
Title	Inu Yasha
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Status	Completed
Author	Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher	Shogakukan
Current Chapters	550

Next, with one chapter ahead of Golgo13 is InuYasha, another classic. InuYasha is known for its isekai love story filled with magic and action. Not to mention, many, many, many, many, demons, plenty of teen angst, love triangles, and unrequited feelings.

The story follows a reincarnated shrine maiden, Kagome, who is yeeted into the past by the doing of the Shikon Jewel. Her adventure starts with the shattering of the jewel all over Japan, she and Inuyasha must gather all the shards before it gets taken by the demons.

Like all classic manga, the angst of the young couple is the most gut-wrenching annoying thing I’ve ever read. But it was worth it since it fleshed out the story more. With the history of Inuyasha and his world being forced onto Kagome, she struggles with it at first… but 550 chapters later, you’ll get a satisfying ending.

Also, a sequel to the anime was released last October 3, 2020, where it follows the children of the protagonists. Are you interested? Then you’re going to have to sit through 550 chapters and 8 seasons of the anime like the rest of us! No shortcuts! Just go watch and comment down below on why Sesshoumaru is the hotter brother.

 

17. Captain Tsubasa

INFORMATION
Title	Captain Tsubasa
Genre	Sports
Status	Completed
Author	Yoishi Takahashi
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	625

Kicking its way into the list of most manga chapters is Captain Tsubasa with 625 chapters that’ll fill you up with nostalgia. This series focuses on the friendships formed by the MC and the dynamic soccer moves which are showcased as stylish.

This is giving me Inazuma 11 vibes, but with waaaaay more chapters until its completion. The main plot of this series is Tsubasa Oozora’s soccer journey, his life lessons, and his experiences with his friends and his rivals.

This is definitely a classic as it was first released on April 13, 1981, I wasn’t even born yet, sheesh! Since then, a number of films have been released, and manga sequels have followed suit. This garnered the title of one of the best-selling manga series and not to mention, inspired many to try out soccer. So, why don’t you try reading this one out?

 

16. Ace of the Diamond

INFORMATION
Title	Ace of Diamond
Genre	Sports
Status	Ongoing
Author	Yuji Terajima
Publisher	Kodansha
Current Chapters	672

Batting right next is Ace of the Diamond with 672 chapters. Wanna know how to watch it? Worry no more ’cause we got the watch order for Ace of Diamond and its filler list covered! I swear these sports manga are really milking out the development. With their number of chapters, you won’t get that feeling of certain portions being rushed. If you like baseball, then this manga might be for you. The story starts with a crushing defeat, already a hint of a story that aims for greatness.

Eijun Sawamura is the skilled MC of this story, and he is similar to Hinata Shoyo. They both used their defeat as an opportunity to grow and hone their skills to become the best player in their respective sports; the only difference is that Eijun is very skilled from the get-go.

This is definitely worth reading as this was the 25th best-selling manga back in 2011. This sports manga packs a punch, so if you’re looking for something longer than Haikyuu!! Then, give this one a shot!

 

15. Muscle Man

INFORMATION
Title	Muscle Man
Genre	Action, Comedy, Sports
Status	Ongoing
Author	Yudetamago
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	696

Punching his way onto our list at 15 is Muscle Man. This was originally intended as a parody to Ultraman but we have 696 chapters to prove otherwise. The manga is about a superhero who needs to compete and win a wrestling tournament so he can keep the title of the prince of Planet Kinniku.

To get a better context of him as a prince, Suguru Kinniku is a typical superhero, a bit foolish and clumsy, who suddenly finds out that he is a prince of the planet of Kinniku. The missing prince to be exact, but because of his clumsy nature, he ends up having to prove that he is worthy of the title.

On his journey, he meets interesting characters, probably all muscled men, and continues his journey to become the prince. Most of his allies start as his enemies, it reminds me of Dragon Ball and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure with all the muscles and some plot lines. 

 

14. Naruto 

INFORMATION
Title	Naruto
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts
Status	Completed
Author	Masashi Kishimoto
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	700

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Naruto. 700 beautiful and well-written chapters right at your fingertips. I’m sure we’re all familiar with Naruto’s story but I believe a refresher is called for the occasion.

The story starts with a young Naruto Uzumaki who navigates his shinobi life seeking recognition from the Leaf Village. He also set his goal to becoming a Hokage—which is no spoiler anymore since Boruto’s release.

If you’re itching to reread the life of Naruto and his gang, then why not start at the beginning? Don’t you miss getting the feel of his humbling beginnings and reliving the emotions we got during Naruto’s first time meeting his parents’ chakra? Are you in tears yet?

The 10th of November in 2014 may have been a sad day since Naruto ended, but the next projects that came right after it gave us really cool glimpses of their lives. Like certain weddings of certain couples *wink-wink*. Also, the sequel is currently ongoing as the children of our favorite ninjas now take their spots in the modern shinobi world.

 

13. Gintama

INFORMATION
Title	Gintama
Genre	Adventure, Science Fiction, Comedy
Status	Completed
Author	Hideaki Sorachi
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	704

Coming in next with 4 chapters ahead of Naruto is Gintama, the plot follows a historical path where carrying swords was suddenly banned. This comedic masterpiece is set in an alternate-Edo period where aliens roam the earth. It is up to the samurais to defend their land, but the shogunate became a puppet to the “aliens”. Sounds familiar?

We follow Gintoki Sakata who is a samurai and at the same time, a free-lancer in search of odd jobs. This is where all the weird and funny tropes happen since the style of this manga is based on gags with a little bit of drama here and there. But the essence of comedy will never leave this manga.

Despite it being bizarre, it became the focal point that made it “new” and “fresh” and the fact that it sold 50 million volumes should be enough to label it as a success. Although it may have ended last 2016, it continues to bring laughter to old fans and probably new ones too! So, what else are you waiting for? 704 chapters are waiting for you!

 

12. Bleach

INFORMATION
Title	Bleach
Genre	Adventure, Supernatural
Status	Completed
Author	Tite Kubo
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	709

Another classic with a vast difference between the manga and anime is Bleach. Coming in at 709 chapters it definitely doesn’t disappoint. You’ll also get to see the initial art changes as more volumes were kept pumping out.

The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki who happens to be hot headed and somewhat a delinquent, getting his whole life shifted. Everything started to change after his encounter with Rukia Kuchiki (or did it really start there?). Anyway, after gaining Shinigami abilities he sets on his journey as a substitute Shinigami to help Soul Society when he can, but little does he know that his involvement with this spiritual realm will help uncover some truth about himself.

The manga finished its run in 2016 with a really interesting ending. I was also hoping that they’d continue it like Boruto, although some might not agree with me. It would be interesting to see what Ichigo and the gang are up to if their kids become the focal point.

If you’ve finished the manga by the way, then I’m sure you’re hyped up about the release of the final arc this 2022. But if you haven’t got the slightest clue as to what I’m saying, then you have to start reading Bleach before the big release! I promise you; you won’t be disappointed.

 

11. The Prince of Tennis

INFORMATION
Title	The Prince of Tennis
Genre	Coming of Age, Sports
Status	Ongoing
Author	Takeshi Konomi
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	721

Serving up next is another sports manga titled, The Prince of Tennis. With a whopping 721 chapters, it’s definitely going to be a long and interesting read since it’s also ongoing. The story starts in Tokyo, Japan with Ryoma Echizen who is a tennis prodigy!

He is a shoo-in to get a regular spot on his school’s tennis team, beating a number of upperclassmen left and right. It’s comparable to Soma defeating chefs in a Shokugeki every other episode.

Aside from Ryoma being a prodigy, the story also explores his experiences as a tennis player and slowly reveals what the sport really means to him. Think of it as an awakening of some sorts, a realization of a purpose—he gets that feeling and develops his own style of tennis.

You may be shocked at the amount of sports manga there is, but you’ll definitely want to check this one out since it’s a lot longer than the sports manga mentioned earlier!! So, go right ahead!

 

10. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures

INFORMATION
Title	Jojo”s Bizarre Adventure
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural
Status	Ongoing
Author	Hirohiko Araki
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	957

Next up on our list is Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure with 957 chapters. Its chapters aren’t the only feat as many fans have taken the liberty to create a lot of memes that almost anyone can point out is from Jojo.

What’s really cool about this series is that it has a division of 9 story arcs ,each with a different MC. Despite having different MCs it can be assured that the story it gives is still cohesive. Not to mention having the protagonists share the same nickname as “JoJo.”

The story is set in a universe where people can possess unique abilities, these abilities can either be a Stand or Hamon. The Joestar family is known for theirs, so we follow the descendants of this family as they navigate their universe battling enemies they come across.

The manga is still ongoing and the bizarre adventure continues. The next part of the story gives us a chance to see the Joestar family once more. With a tentative title of JOJOLANDS, who knows what crazy story awaits us.

 

9. Major

INFORMATION
Title	Major
Genre	Sports, Coming of Age
Status	Ongoing
Author	Takuya Mitsuda
Publisher	Shogakukan
Current Chapters	965

Batting next is another baseball manga that will hit you right in the feels. This classic story tells the journey of Goro Shigeno and how his baseball dream is achieved. If you’re familiar with this, then you probably noticed how its story progression is similar to Naruto since we get to see the MC grow up right before our eyes.

With 965 chapters, it definitely is enough to encompass his whole baseball career. The story literally follows Goro’s life from his childhood all the way up to his adulthood, and we get to see his struggles, triumphs, and his dreams being met.

Although his greatest triumph is reaching his dreams, we can’t overlook how his origin story began. Like all sports manga, the usual theme of a relative dying early in the story can be seen here as well. If you haven’t heard of this classic yet, I suggest you start reading it since it’s already completed. 900+ chapters will definitely fly by when you’re in the zone. 

 

8. Silver Fang – The Shooting Star Gin

INFORMATION
Title	Silver Fang–The Shooting Star Gin
Genre	Adventure
Status	Completed
Author	Yoshiro Takahashi
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	1,001

We have something a little different here as Silver Fang-The Shooting Star Gin is a story that follows a young Akita Inu puppy who leaves his master to join a pack of strong dogs. They were to defeat a deranged bear and his henchmen.

The author of this manga was inspired by hunting dogs and since then, we were gifted with a masterpiece that ended its run in 1987 with 1,001 chapters. The manga was also known to have violent scenes which were toned down for the anime series, and even then, it was still awarded the best shounen series.

The synopsis already speaks for the story itself, but it may not be for everyone since the art is pretty dated, but I think it brings a cool story and an interesting perspective of wild dogs working together to take down an apex predator.

 

7. One Piece

INFORMATION
Title	One Piece
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy
Status	Ongoing
Author	Eiichiro Oda
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	1053

Ah, now for a more favored and well-known manga. One Piece is currently ongoing with 1053 current chapters since its initial run in 1997. With over a thousand chapters the fans have stayed loyal, and everyone is eager to know what happens next.

If you’re unfamiliar with the series, the story follows a young man who’s made of rubber, Monkey D. Luffy, who follows his dream and aims to become the King of Pirates. With his effort, he is able to organize his own pirate crew called the Straw Hat Pirates and the rest is history.

Imagine having a successful series top the charts for 11 years since 2008 and continuing to be— it  is amazing. It may have lost its top position by 2020, but it continued to be one of the best-selling manga. And if you’re worried about the art style not appealing to you, then you’ll have to understand that the art for this one will definitely progress from the oldest chapters to the new ones, you’re just going to have to sit through it to really appreciate the beauty of One Piece.  

If you’re still confused how to watch it, we have a One Piece watch order prepared all for you 😉

 

5. Detective Conan

INFORMATION
Title	Detective Conan
Genre	Mystery, Thriller
Status	Ongoing
Author	Gosho Aoyama
Publisher	Shogakukan
Current Chapters	1,080

Number 6 on our list is another classic series that garnered 1,080 chapters and is also currently ongoing since 1994. The story follows Jimmy Kudo, more known as Shinichi Kudo, who is a high school detective who sometimes helps the police solve crimes.

Due to an altercation during an investigation, the MC found himself kidnapped and forced to consume an experimental drug. Instead of dying, he ends up transforming into a child and there begins his journey of having to talk through microphones to solve cases.

Despite the ordeal, he does what he can to keep his cover under wraps and continues to solve cases with an alias such as Conan Edogawa. Hence, the alternate name Detective Conan.

What’s also cool about this manga is the amount of awards it was able to garner. I mean, probably, all the hit mangas that we know today are definitely well-received and with awards. Moreover, we can’t also deny the fact this series was incredibly inspired by detective novels like Sherlock Holmes and other mystery detective literary pieces. Well, go on then, start reading this if you haven’t!

 

5. Baki the Grappler

INFORMATION
Title	Baki The Grappler
Genre	Action, Sports
Status	Ongoing
Author	Keisuki Itagaki
Publisher	Akita Shonen
Current Chapters	1,203

At number 5, we have Baki the Grappler with 1,203 chapters that center around Baki Hanma. Baki was raised by a wealthy mother who made sure his needs were met and his training  up to par. Baki uses this to his advantage and makes sure that he becomes a powerful warrior like his father.

In the initial part of the story, Baki has milked out whatever he can learn from his own training and goes forward with his journey to try out his father’s ruthless training regime. In this one, he has to face different opponents and fight his father as the last test.

Like all sports anime, the MC has to taste defeat before unlocking his real potential. Baki is no challenge to his father at all and loses. This ignites a spark in him and he continues to hone his skills and one day defeats his father.

 

4. Doraemon

INFORMATION
Title	Doraemon
Genre	Comedy, Science Fiction
Status	Completed
Author	Fujiko F.Fujio
Publisher	Shogakakukan
Current Chapters	1,345

Doraemon was a staple in the hearts of most kids back then and could very be the same for the children now. The manga reached 1,345 chapters and has since completed its run in 1996. Since then, this robot cat has continued to live among different age groups.

The story follows Nobita Nobi, a typical 10-year-old child who happens to come across an earless robot cat from the future. You see, he wasn’t just sent there on a whim. Nobita’s descendants actually sent Doraemon back in time because Nobita is known to be lazy at home and at school, has terrible luck, and is a bit weak-willed.

However, these negativities don’t outshine how he is a great kid with a kind heart. But life won’t change that as his descendants yeeted Doraemon to guide Nobita for a better chance at life for his family.

One thing that is set in stone is that Doraemon will always be a comfort anime for some of us adults. So, if you’re feeling nostalgic now, why not revisit the manga—just don’t be daunted by the number of chapters. If you can sit through One Piece then you’ll definitely enjoy Doraemon, hehe.

 

3. The First Step

INFORMATION
Title	The First Step
Genre	Action, Comedy, Sports
Status	Ongoing
Author	George Morikawa
Publisher	Kodansha
Current Chapters	1,353

Boxing their way to the top 3 is The First Step or more known as Hajime No Ippo with 1,353 chapters and is still ongoing since 1989. Another classic is what we have here folks. I’m sure at some point you’ve heard Hajime No Ippo on different channels, be it local or cable. So, as a refresher, the story follows Ippo Makunouchi who happens to be a bashful high schooler. He finds it difficult to make friends since he is busy helping his mother run their business.

To make matters worse, his lonesomeness made him a target for bullies. One time, when he was pretty beaten up, a professional boxer passed by and ceased the fight. He saved Ippo from the bullies and took him to Kamogawa Gym to treat his injuries.

This was where Ippo’s boxing journey began. Over time, he does his best to train, and soon the fruits of his labor are ripe and ready for the taking. He encounters numerous opponents and dreams of obtaining a plethora of titles and awards. If you want to continue feeling the nostalgia, reading the manga won’t be so bad. Not to mention that you may be reading for a while since it’s still ongoing.

 

2. King of Minami

INFORMATION
Title	King of Minami
Genre	Action, Suspense
Status	Ongoing
Author	Dai Tennoji & Rikiya Go
Publisher	Nihon Bungeisha
Current Chapters	1,395

Coming in at 2nd place is King of Minami with 1,395 current chapters and is still ongoing since 1992. What’s really cool about this series is that since it’s a hit, many live-action films were adapted including original videos and television films.

The story follows Ginjirou Manda who is a businessman in league with the loan shark business. If that’s not scary, he also has many connections with Yakuza gangs in Osaka. In his business, he charges a 10% interest rate for every 10 days or roughly 365% in one year. He is labeled as a ”demon” because of his tactics in making sure his clients always pay him back. Some would say his unrelenting skills of gaining his money earned his title, perhaps it holds the truth?

Now, I know watching the adaptation films would be way easier but why not start with the manga? Start with the source and then proceed with the films, by then you’d be able to have enough material to compare which is better, right?

 

1. This is the Police Station in Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward 

INFORMATION
Title	This is The Police Station In Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward
Genre	Comedy
Status	Completed
Author	Osamu Akimoto
Publisher	Shueisha
Current Chapters	1,960

Taking the number 1 spot with the longest-running manga is “This is the Police Station In Front of Kameari Park in Katsushika Ward” better known as “KochiKami.” The story takes place in modern world Japan with a local police station.

We have our MC, Kankichi Ryotsu, and his misadventures as a middle-aged police officer. He is also underpaid which pushes him to come up with underhanded schemes to earn some quick cash but ends up making a mess and getting in trouble.

The plot is driven by different gags as it evolves with the times to keep up to date. So it’ll be pretty cool to read the recent chapters because of the difference in years. It ended last year with a bang by having the Guinness World Records acknowledge that it had the highest number of volumes for a SINGLE manga series!?

 

Conclusion

Were you shocked to see One Piece not being in the top 5 of most manga chapters? Well, the story is still ongoing so maybe one day, right? I hope you were able to see some of your favorites up there, and if they weren’t and you think they deserve to be on the list then don’t worry! The list is easily expandable with the growing manga out there, And don’tforget this list is based on manga and not manhwa or manhua.

Leave a comment down below if you’re interested in topics like these! I hope you had as much fun as I did writing this piece. It’s really cool to know that there are classics out there that paved the way to inspire other manga that we know and love today.