10 of the Best Shoujo Manga of All Time

Emerging in the mid-20th century, shoujo manga has evolved from simple romance tales to complex narratives that tackle social issues, fantasy worlds, and coming-of-age journeys. The genre's distinctive art style, with its emphasis on expressive eyes and flowery backgrounds, has become iconic in its own right.

This curated list highlights 10 timeless shoujo manga that have not only entertained millions but also shaped the genre and influenced pop culture at large. Whether you're new to manga or a longtime fan, these series offer a perfect starting point to explore the rich and diverse world of shoujo manga.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

Image: Yen Press

Fruits Basket tells the story of Tohru Honda, an orphaned girl who discovers a family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. With themes of family, acceptance, and healing, this series has touched countless hearts and remains a gateway to shoujo manga.

Takaya’s storytelling elevates Fruits Basket beyond simple romance, delving into trauma, mental health, and complex family dynamics. This exploration of deeper themes helped pave the way for future manga to address serious subjects within shoujo manga.

Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori

Image: Viz Media

This comedic series follows Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student who accidentally joins her school's host club. Ouran blends humor and romance with sharp commentary on class and gender roles.

Ouran High School Host Club stands out for its clever subversion of shoujo tropes, placing a practical heroine in a world of over-the-top romantic clichés. Haruhi’s character also broke ground with her gender-fluid identity, making the series ahead of its time.

Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi

Image: Kodansha

Combining romance, friendship, and action, Sailor Moon follows Usagi Tsukino as she becomes Earth’s protector. Its impact on shoujo manga and anime is immeasurable; it popularized the magical girl genre internationally and set the template for countless series.

The series’ focus on female friendships and empowerment resonated with readers worldwide, turning Sailor Moon into a cultural phenomenon.

Kimi ni Todoke by Karuho Shiina 

Image: Viz Media

Kimi ni Todoke is a heartfelt story of Sawako, a shy girl who slowly finds friendship and love. Known for its slow-burn romance and relatable characters, this series beautifully portrays the journey of self-acceptance and connection.

Kimi ni Todoke shines in its gentle, realistic approach to high school life and relationships. Unlike more dramatic shoujo series, it focuses on small, everyday moments and the gradual growth of its characters. This approach resonated with readers, offering a refreshing take on the high school romance genre.

Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP

Image: Kodansha

Cardcaptor Sakura follows the adventures of Sakura Kinomoto, a young girl tasked with capturing magical cards. Combining magic, friendship, and love, this series has become a staple of shoujo manga with its colorful art style and charming characters.

Cardcaptor Sakura stands out for its progressive portrayal of different types of relationships, including same-sex couples. The series' influence can be seen in numerous magical girl stories that followed, cementing its place as a defining work in the genre.

Nana by Ai Yazawa

Image: Viz Media

Nana offers a more mature take on shoujo, following two young women named Nana as they navigate love, heartbreak, and ambition in Tokyo. Its realistic portrayal of relationships and dreams resonates deeply with older readers.

Nana pushed the boundaries of what shoujo manga could be, tackling adult themes with unflinching honesty. Yazawa's raw emotional storytelling and distinctive art style set a new standard for realism in the genre, also influencing countless josei manga that followed.

Lovely★Complex by Aya Nakahara

Image: Viz Media

Lovely★Complex is a romantic comedy about a tall girl and a short boy finding love amid their height insecurities. Known for its endearing characters and hilarious yet sincere exploration of love and friendship, it offers a fresh take on common shoujo themes.

What makes Lovely★Complex stand out is its focus on an "imperfect" couple by shoujo standards. By centering on characters who don't fit conventional beauty standards, Nakahara creates a relatable and heartwarming story that resonates with readers who might not see themselves as more typical shoujo protagonists.

Boys Over Flowers by Yoko Kamio

Image: Viz Media

Boys Over Flowers follows Tsukushi Makino, a strong-willed girl who stands up against wealthy bullies and finds love in an elite school. Its Cinderella story elements and character growth have cemented it as a shoujo classic.

Boys Over Flowers popularized many tropes that became staples of the genre, such as the poor girl/rich boy dynamic and the "reverse harem" setup. Its dramatic storytelling and memorable characters have made it a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous adaptations across Asia.

Yona of the Dawn by Mizuho Kusanagi

Image: Viz Media

Yona of the Dawn mixes fantasy and romance, following Princess Yona's journey to reclaim her kingdom. With its blend of action, romance, and a determined heroine, this series appeals to fans of epic adventure with a shoujo twist.

Yona of the Dawn stands out for its strong character development, particularly of its female lead. Yona's growth from a sheltered princess to a capable leader offers a refreshing take on the "princess" archetype often seen in shoujo manga. The series' historical fantasy setting also provides a unique backdrop for its romantic elements.

Skip Beat! By Yoshiki Nakamura

Skip Beat! tells a tale of revenge, personal growth, and ambition, following Kyoko Mogami as she enters showbiz to get back at her ex-boyfriend. Its unique premise and strong character development make it a standout in the genre.

What sets Skip Beat! apart is its focus on the entertainment industry and its protagonist's journey of self-discovery through her career rather than romance. Nakamura's dynamic art style and Kyoko's fiery determination have kept readers engaged for over 40 volumes, making it one of the longest-running shoujo series.

Where to Start Reading

If you're new to shoujo manga, here are some recommendations based on your interests:

• For classic romance: Start with Fruits Basket or Kimi ni Todoke
• For comedy: Try Ouran High School Host Club or Lovely★Complex
• For action and fantasy: Begin with Sailor Moon or Yona of the Dawn
• For more mature themes: Dive into Nana

As you explore these titles, you'll discover the depth and diversity within shoujo manga. Each series offers its unique perspective on love, growth, and the challenges of youth, reflecting the evolving concerns and dreams of its readers. Whether you're drawn to the fantastical worlds, dramatic romances, or realistic portrayals of relationships, there's a shoujo manga waiting to capture your heart and imagination.