Shoujo manga, a genre deeply rooted in the hearts of its readers, offers a diverse world of storytelling that transcends mere romance and fantasy. The best shoujo manga offers stories that range from the fluttering excitement of first love in Ao Haru Ride to the magical and transformative journeys in Cardcaptor Sakura.
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Shoujo anime is a large genre, and with many titles to choose from, fans may wonder which ones are the best.
These narratives often defy conventional boundaries, exploring complex themes like identity and societal roles, as seen in Revolutionary Girl Utena. The shoujo manga series in this list have unique characters and captivating plots, inviting readers into worlds where every emotion is magnified and every moment holds the potential for both heartache and joy.
10Revolutionary Girl Utena
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.31
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Why Read Revolutionary Girl Utena?
Revolutionary Girl Utena is a shoujo manga that presents the story of Utena Tenjou, a tomboyish teenage girl who aspires to become a prince. Upon entering Ohtori Academy, she takes part in several duels to win over the Rose Bride, named Anthy Himemiya, who is said to possess the power to revolutionize the world.
One of the most compelling aspects of the manga is its approach togender and identity. Utena’s character challenges gender norms, embodying both masculine and feminine traits, a stark departure from typical shoujo protagonists. The manga’s unique storytelling style and avant-garde approach to traditional shoujo motifs make Revolutionary Girl Utena a groundbreaking and thought-provoking series.
Release Date
Where To Read
July 17, 2025
9Ao Haru Ride
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.14
Ao Haru Ride
Why Read Ao Haru Ride?
Ao Haru Ride shoujo manga revolves around a high school girl, Futaba Yoshioka, who wants to change her image as she enters a new school. When she was younger, girls teased Futaba for being popular with boys, particularly Kou Mabuchi, whom she admired. In high school, she meets Kou again, but he has changed his surname to Tanaka, and his personality has become more aloof and distant.
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Ao Haru Ride stands out for its realistic portrayal of adolescent emotions and relationships. The transformation in Kou’s character, from a kind-hearted boy to a more reserved individual, reflects how personal tragedies can affect one’s demeanor. The story also deals with the courage to express one’s true feelings.
June 27, 2025
8Sailor Moon
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.20
Sailor Moon
Why Read Sailor Moon?
Sailor Moon is a Kodansha Manga Award winner that follows Usagi Tsukino, a clumsy and ordinary 14-year-old girl who discovers she is Sailor Moon, a magical warrior destined to save the world from evil. After meeting Luna, a talking cat, Usagi gains the ability to transform into Sailor Moon. She is joined by other Sailor Soldiers, each named after planets in the solar system.
What makes Sailor Moon special is its pioneering role in popularizing the magical girl genre. It blends action, romance, and fantasy, appealing to a broad audience. For example, the transformation sequences of Usagi into Sailor Moon combine visual splendor with iconic music, creating a memorable and influential staple of the genre.
Aug 09, 2025
Crunchyroll
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.33
Why Read Love★Com?
Love★Com, the winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award showcases the unusual love story of Risa Koizumi and Atsushi Otani. Risa is unusually tall for a Japanese girl, while Atsushi is shorter than the average boy, leading them to be playfully nicknamed the All Hanshin Kyojin duo after a famous Japanese comedy duo known for their height difference.
What makes Love★Com stand out is its humorous and relatable approach to insecurities and love. Unlike typical shoujo manga, where protagonists often fit idealized beauty standards, Risa and Atsushi’s height differences challenge societal norms. The manga skillfully balances comedy with emotions, as the characters navigate their feelings for each other.
August 19, 2025
6The Rose Of Versailles
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.34
The Rose Of Versailles
Why Read The Rose Of Versailles?
The Rose of Versailles is a historical shoujo manga set in the years leading up to the French Revolution. The story focuses on Oscar Francois de Jarjayes, a woman raised as a man to serve in the French military. Oscar, an expert swordsman and commander of the Royal Guard, is torn between her aristocratic duties and the plight of the impoverished French people.
What sets this manga apart is how it weaves real historical events and figures, like Marie Antoinette, into its narrative. The manga is also notable for exploring gender and societal roles as Oscar navigates a male-dominated world. The Rose of Versailles is a wonderful combination of melodrama, romance, and action.
July 19, 2025
5Cardcaptor Sakura
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.37
Cardcaptor Sakura
Why Read Cardcaptor Sakura?
Cardcaptor Sakura is a shoujo manga that tells the story of Sakura Kinomoto, a cheerful and energetic fourth-grader who accidentally unleashes a set of magical cards, the Clow Cards, into the world. She is then tasked by Cerberus, the guardian of the cards, to retrieve them to prevent catastrophe. Each card possesses a unique power and can take various forms.
Unlike many magical girl manga focusing solely on transformation and battles, Cardcaptor Sakura emphasizes relationships, growth, and the ethical use of power. For instance, Sakura’s gradual mastery of the Clow Cards parallels her growing confidence and maturity. The manga also stands out for its art style, detailed costumes, and expressive characters.
4Ouran High School Host Club
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.50
Ouran High School Host Club
Why Read Ouran High School Host Club?
Ouran High School Host Club is aninfluential animeand shoujo manga set in the Ouran Academy. The story is about Haruhi Fujioka, a bright scholarship student. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers the Host Club. Haruhi, mistaken for a boy, shatters an expensive vase and finds herself indebted to the club.
Ouran High School Host Club’s blend of comedy and romance makes it stand out, subverting typical gender roles and shoujo tropes. For example, the club’s leader, Tamaki, embodies the princely character common in shoujo manga, but his melodramatic nature is used for comic effect. Haruhi, in contrast, is practical and uninterested in wealth or status, challenging the traditional damsel-in-distress archetype.
June 10, 2025
3Kamisama Kiss
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.54
Kamisama Kiss
Why Read Kamisama Kiss?
Kamisama Kiss is a shoujo manga that combines romance, comedy, and supernatural fantasy. The story revolves around Nanami Momozono, a high school girl who becomes homeless after being abandoned by her debt-ridden father. Her life takes a turn when she encounters Mikage, a man who bestows upon her the powers and responsibilities of a land god at a local shrine.
Nanami then meets Tomoe, a fox yokai who becomes her familiar, and together, they navigate various challenges in the spirit world. What makes Kamisama Kiss stand out is its fusion of traditionalJapanese folklorewith modern shoujo elements. The manga is noted for its lighthearted humor and charming characters, which balance the more serious aspects.
June 13, 2025
2Skip Beat!
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.56
Skip Beat!
Why Read Skip Beat!?
Skip Beat! is a shoujo manga that follows the journey of Kyoko Mogami, a young girl who initially moves to Tokyo to help her childhood companion and crush, Shotaro Fuwa, in a quest to become a pop star. When she realizes that Shotaro is using her, Kyoko vows revenge by becoming an entertainer.
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What makes Skip Beat! stand out is its unique take on revenge and personal growth. Unlike most shoujo manga that focus on romance, Skip Beat! highlights Kyoko’s development from a submissive character to a passionate, independent individual. The manga also dives into the intricacies of the showbiz industry by depicting the hardships and realities of becoming an actress.
July 01, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.79
Why Read Nana?
Nana is #1 on this list because it is a unique shoujo manga that tells the intertwined stories of two young women named Nana. Nana Osaki is a punk rock vocalist, dreaming of success, while Nana Komatsu is a naively optimistic girl who moves to Tokyo chasing love and happiness. Their paths cross when they become roommates in Tokyo.
What sets Nana apart is its mature and realistic portrayal of relationships, adulthood, and the pursuit of dreams. The manga is known for its stylish artwork, which not only appeals aesthetically but also helps to define and express the characters' personalities. However, the manga has been on an indefinite hiatus due to the mangaka’s health issues.
August 11, 2025
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