10 Best 2000s Manga That Still Haven’t Ended Yet

The 2000s saw a wave of talented creators produce some truly memorable manga. Many series launched during that decade became instant classics and continue to be popular today, establishing a new level of quality in manga storytelling.

Many manga series that started in the 2000s have finished, but lots are still continuing or have been on break for a long time. It’s important to remember that ongoing series deserve recognition too, as some of the best ones from that era have built strong fan communities.

Nana’s Emotional Storytelling is Still Appreciated

Launched in March 2000, the manga Nana offered a fresh and unique take on the coming-of-age story. It centers around two women, both named Nana, who lead very different lives. The characters are known for being deeply emotional, flawed, and incredibly realistic. Nana also beautifully captures the vibe of Tokyo in the early 2000s.

Fans were saddened to learn that in June 2009, the manga series Nana went on hiatus due to the creator, Ai Yazawa, experiencing health issues. There haven’t been many updates since then, and while Yazawa wants to finish the story, it hasn’t returned. Despite being on break for a long time, Nana remains a beloved classic of the Shojo genre, and fans are still hoping for a continuation and resolution to its open storylines.

Yotsuba&! Offers a Sense of Childish Wonder

Yotsuba&! is a charming manga series that began in 2003, focusing on the everyday life of Yotsuba, a curious and energetic five-year-old. The story beautifully captures the simple joys of life as Yotsuba makes friends, goes on adventures with her family, learns new skills like riding a bike, and starts doing things independently.

I absolutely adore Yotsuba! It’s just so charming – the way she sees the world with such pure innocence and wonder always makes me smile. It’s clear the author, Kiyohiko Azuma, really pours his heart into this manga, which is why, even though new volumes and chapters come out slowly – sometimes years apart – it’s stayed so popular and consistently delightful. It’s a truly special, light-hearted series!

Kingdom Dives Deep Into Historical Details

Kingdom is a manga series that first appeared in the 2000s. Since 2006, it has grown to over 850 chapters – an impressive feat for any manga! The story takes place during China’s Warring States period and expertly weaves together historical events with political intrigue and epic battles, sustaining these themes across hundreds of chapters.

What truly sets Kingdom apart is its incredibly detailed depiction of warfare – from troop movements and formations to the complex logistics of campaigns. Even with a large cast, the series gives almost everyone a meaningful role, and the political and military strategies are always shifting and becoming more intense. After twenty years of building its characters, Kingdom has established a remarkably strong foundation for its story.

March Comes in Like a Lion Never Downplays Mental Health Struggles

Beginning in 2007, the manga March Comes in Like a Lion quickly gained recognition for its realistic and sensitive portrayal of mental health. The characters grapple with feelings of loneliness, guilt, and the pressures of society, often finding themselves emotionally isolated. Their efforts to overcome these challenges are truly inspiring. While the story revolves around the game of shogi, the matches serve as a window into the players’ inner thoughts and feelings, revealing more about their psychology than the game itself.

The manga March Comes in Like a Lion is known for its beautiful and symbolic artwork, which has captivated fans and sparked a lot of discussion. It also received a highly praised anime adaptation that helped increase its popularity. Remarkably, the story continues to resonate with readers even twenty years after it first came out.

Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki Kun’s Misunderstandings Keep the Manga Entertaining

Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun is a truly delightful comedy that perfectly captures everyday life. It’s funny without relying on inappropriate humor, and focuses on sweet, charming misunderstandings. The characters are incredibly lovable and memorable, making it a really enjoyable series.

With characters ranging from sweet Chiyo to the tomboyish Kashima and the spoiled Seo, Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun cleverly plays with common tropes from shoujo manga. Ultimately, it’s a hilarious romantic comedy that just keeps getting better. New chapters come out every two weeks, and fans eagerly await each release.

Black Butler’s Dark Fantasy Period Piece Elegance Is Bewitching

First appearing in 2006, Black Butler immediately stood out for its sophisticated style. The series mixes gothic horror with the look and feel of Victorian England, and has captivated readers for twenty years thanks to its compelling characters, like the charming butler Sebastian. The world of Black Butler is rich with noble families, hidden criminal groups, and surprising twists of darkness.

Black Butler stands out thanks to its unique art style and blend of dark humor. The series is famous for the unforgettable pairing of Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis, and their complex relationship has inspired a huge number of fan-created stories. While it appeals to a specific audience, Black Butler has remained popular and influential for two decades.

Natsume’s Book of Friends’ Deeply Human Moments are Calming

Since its release in 2003, Natsume’s Book of Friends has consistently offered gentle and heartfelt stories. Its enduring popularity stems from its peaceful and calming atmosphere, which is a refreshing change of pace in today’s manga landscape.

Natsume’s Book of Friends is a touching story about Natsume, a lonely boy who learns to connect with both people and spirits. Each episode features a unique tale about traditional Japanese folklore creatures called yokai, making the series consistently enjoyable. It’s also known for its beloved anime adaptation, which is highly regarded for its consistently high quality and calming atmosphere.

Skip Beat!’s Fiercely Independent Protagonist Stole the Show

When Skip Beat! began in 2002, it stood out for its focus on a determined female lead and a compelling revenge story. Kyoko Mogami remains a beloved character in shoujo manga, celebrated for being both deeply emotional and wonderfully unpredictable. Rather than giving in to despair, she actively pursues a plan to get her revenge.

I’m completely hooked on Skip Beat! – it’s not just a fun romance, but it really pulls back the curtain on how the entertainment world works, and we get to see Kyoko grow so much as she learns the ropes. And, of course, the slow-burn romance between Kyoko and Ren is amazing. It takes hundreds of chapters for their relationship to develop, and it’s so worth the wait!

Snow White with the Red Hair Is a Positive Spin on the Princess Trope

Originally published in 2006, Snow White with the Red Hair is a continuing manga series that has gained a dedicated following, even after a change in the magazine it was published in. While taking inspiration from the classic fairy tale, the story builds its own unique fantasy world and features a strong female lead who focuses on establishing her own career rather than relying on others.

What sets Snow White with the Red Hair apart is its depiction of a genuinely healthy and supportive relationship. The main character, Shirayuki, is loved for being independent and spirited, giving the romance a mature and refreshing feel. Unlike many long-running manga that often lose direction, Snow White with the Red Hair skillfully blends romance, detailed worldbuilding, and everyday life, making it a consistently enjoyable series.

Gakuen Babysitters Is Unbridled Wholesomeness

First published in 2009, Gakuen Babysitters continues to charm readers with the sweet story of the Kashima brothers and the little children they care for. The series beautifully captures the heartwarming moments of children learning, playing, and forming emotional connections, all while the adults watch them grow.

A heartwarming part of Gakuen Babysitters is how it shows people supporting each other. After a difficult loss, the Kashima brothers receive help from a network of caring individuals – the children at the daycare, their families, and fellow teachers – creating a strong, supportive family atmosphere.

2026-03-16 02:42