Shonen Manhwas has been the beating heart of the manhwa as well as the manga industry for close to three decades now. The fight sequences, focus on friendship, troupes of rising above the adversities, and the protagonists’ ability to persevere and remain true to themselves have captivated millions.
Top 15 Martial Arts Manhwa To Read In 2025, Ranked
Like many others, you must be a fan of the awesome tales of friendships, foes, and growing stronger. But, finding readworthy titles without wasting your time on random manhwas can be quite a challenge. That’s why we’ve curated this list, which features the best Shonen manhwas that you should read having breathtaking art style, great storylines, and much more.
15. UnOrdinary
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urusai-Baka | Ongoing | 359+ | July, 2024 |
Starting our list with one of the most popular shounen manhwa in recent years, UnOrdinary supercharges an ordinary plot. Following the life of John Doe, a powerless student at a school for the elite where one’s abilities make or break a person. John seems not to have any until he does. When he suddenly receives his powers, he is embroiled in an epic power struggle with intense fights and a journey to find his place in this world.
Ranking fifteenth on the list, UnOrdinary Manhwa faces criticism for its repetitiveness and slow pacing, which can make some arcs feel overly drawn out. Additionally, the lack of clear explanations for John’s power surges might leave you with unanswered questions. However, it still delivers thrilling action and embodies all the essential elements of a classic Shounen title, making it a worthwhile read.
14. Hardcore Leveling Warrior
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Sehoon | Ongoing | 387+ | January, 2025 |
One of the more unique entries, Hardcore Leveling Warrior takes place in a virtual world. Centered around an MMORPG world, it follows the story of Ethan Gong, the top player of this game with the best gear. This was until he was defeated and all of his glory stripped off him. Now back at square one, Ethan has to start again. A wonderful mix of battle Shonen and modern game mechanics with a new art style.
This lands at the fourteenth rank because, while the concept is certainly interesting and the MMO logic makes for good fight scenes, it feels lacking depth in a few scenes. Many times the power-ups are abrupt, which makes it harder to connect with Ethan’s growth. The over-reliance on game mechanics might seem unlike classic Shonen, but its amazing fight scenes and brilliantly depicted art style certainly is as Shonen as it gets, and you might give it a try.
13. The Primal Hunter
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zogarth, UnoDay Studio | Ongoing | 57 | January, 2025 |
A title reminiscent of the Isekai-Shonen genre, The Primal Hunter features an ordinary office worker Jake who is suddenly flung into a new world involving the entire multiverse. This new game that he is now a part of is deadly and pushes Jake to use his intellect, strength, and luck. Jake is not like before. He unlocks something primal within himself, and his decisions will affect even the fates of gods and demons.
Securing the thirteenth spot on our list, this manhwa offers a captivating mix of a game-inspired world and Shonen tropes, weaving a wild, unpredictable setting with a skilled protagonist. However, Jake’s powers occasionally feel overly convenient, with plot armor becoming noticeably apparent. Inconsistencies in pacing and exposition further disrupt the narrative flow. Even so, its experimental approach and bold storytelling make it one of the best ongoing Shounen manhwa.
12. The Beginning After The End
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurtleMe, Fuyuki23 | Ongoing | 201 | January, 2025 |
The Beginning After The End is a popular and masterful mix of swords, magic, and limitless adventures. It expresses the tale of Arthur Leywin, a king who once possessed power, wealth, and glory but harbored a desolate heart. Reborn into a world of magic and mysticism, Arthur vows to live a better life and avoid the mistakes of his past. However, as he adjusts to this new realm, he uncovers a sinister force lurking beneath its surface. Will he rise to protect his newfound world? Only time will tell.
Securing the twelfth spot on our list, this manhwa stands out with its compelling storyline, intricate character dynamics, and immersive world-building. While the narrative is captivating, uneven pacing occasionally slows plot progression, and some characters or arcs feel like filler. Additionally, the power scaling can be jarring, with sudden, unexplained power-ups disrupting immersion. Despite these minor flaws, this title delivers an exceptional package for fans of epic fantasy and adventure.
11. The God Of High School
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryu Ki-Woon | Completed | 233 | June, 2021 |
Perhaps the oldest and most well-known entry on the list is The God Of High School. It follows the story of Jin Mori, a martial arts prodigy. Jin takes part in a martial arts tournament to find the strongest in South Korea. In the process, he makes new friends and bitter enemies. But any semblance of control is thrown out the window once a mysterious organization hijacks the tournament. Now Jin and his friends have to fight against them to find the truth.
Because of its historical depth and deep lore, as well as its impact on the Shonen manhwas, it ranks eleventh on our list. Despite its abundance of fight sequences and action-packed storylines, you might notice that halfway through, the plot diverges from the initial premise, which does seem confusing. But if you can move past minor inconsistencies, then you should give it a read. With its length, it will surely keep you entertained for a long time.
10. Weak Hero
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seopass | Ongoing | 269+ | November, 2023 |
As classic as it gets, Weak Hero focuses on the story of Gray, a high schooler fighting against bullying. To free himself, he enters the world of high school gangs. In this dangerous world where everyone is so much stronger than him, he uses his brains and intellect. He uses various strategies to outsmart his enemies and defeat them in the process. In this process, he also begins to stand for those who can’t stand for themselves.
Arriving at number tenth on our list for the clear portrayal of bullying and emotional storytelling. While sometimes the continued fight against other gangs may feel repetitive, it still makes the fights interesting. The pacing might be a little slow at times, but the mix of mind games and actual fights makes this an interesting Shonen experience. If you want a more realistic and entertaining plot, you should go for this.
9. Tower Of God
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIU | Ongoing | 644+ | January, 2025 |
Another well-known classic manhwa on our list, Tower of God, is a long-running series that covers the story of Bam, an irregular who enters the Tower. In this tower, he wants to find his friend who left him to climb the tower. In this journey, he goes on to encounter many friends and many foes, all determined to reach the top. Can he find his friend back, or will he fall like so many before him? Or will he succumb to the darkness? There’s a lot for you to uncover.
Claiming the ninth spot on our list, this series shines with its brilliant plot, intricate world-building, and compelling characters, ensuring you are hooked. However, its complexity can be overwhelming at times. With a sprawling world and a multitude of characters introduced throughout, it’s easy to feel lost, especially given the slower pacing of such a long-running series. Despite these challenges, the classic Shonen themes of action and adventure make it a captivating read for manhwa fans both old and new.
8. The Breaker (Series)
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeon Geuk-jin, Park Jin-Hwan | Ongoing | 373+ | January, 2025 |
A timeless tale to rise past one’s weakness, The Breaker series shows Shi-Woon Yi trying to free himself from the relentless bullying that he is going through. In a strange twist, he crosses paths with a master martial artist and convinces him to be his teacher. Now training under him, Yi does not know yet, but he has been thrust into a shadowy world of Murim with treachery lurking at every corner.
Securing the eighth spot on our list, this manhwa excels with its heartfelt plot. At its core, it embodies the essence of Shonen, a weak boy overcoming his insecurities and growing stronger, a theme this title captures beautifully. While the pacing can feel uneven at times, with abrupt transitions between arcs, the stunning artwork and brilliantly depicted fight scenes elevate the reading experience, making it a standout in the Shonen genre.
7. Eleceed
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jae Ho-Son | Ongoing | 331 | January, 2025 |
A delightful mix of action and comedy, Eleceed earns its spot as number seven on our list. The story follows Seo Jiwoo, a kind-hearted boy with the hidden ability of super speed. His life takes a turn when he meets a peculiar cat, who also happens to be Kayden Break, a well-known Awakener. Acting as his mentor, the duo ventures through a dangerous world filled with others like them, both allies and adversaries. It’s up to Jiwoo to protect those he cares about, but does he have what it takes?
One of the most popular ongoing titles, Eleceed captures the essence of Shounen with its hidden abilities and engaging narrative. While some arcs may feel repetitive and character growth sometimes takes a backseat to action, the series compensates with its perfect mix of humor and intense battles. With its entertaining storyline and vibrant energy, it’s a must-read for fans of the genre.
6. Standard Of Reincarnation
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kim Pyung-Beom, Blue Jaeng-I | Ongoing | 124+ | January, 2025 |
A gritty and intense story of betrayal and revenge, Standard of Reincarnation is the next entry. It follows the story Daven reincarnated as Vinchen Adenca. Daven, despite his handicap, is a prodigy and soon outclassed the main heir of the family. Despite all, however, he was betrayed and killed. But when he opened his eyes, he was reborn. And with both arms. With his memories intact and with a stronger body, he is out for vengeance.
At the sixth entry of our list comes this. If you like more darker and edgy stories, then this is for you. The journey from a tragic victim to a vengeful rouge is thrilling and compelling. While it has its low points, such as plot progression and some stories being predictable, it still serves as a very immersive read. It comes as the perfect title for Shonen lovers who want a story of justice and redemption.
5. Solo Leveling (Series)
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEE So-Lyung, JANG Sung-Lak | Ongoing | 230+ | January, 2025 |
The Shonen manhwa that catapulted Manhwas to global prominence, Solo Leveling, tells the story of Sung Jin-Woo, an F-Class hunter in a world plagued by monster-filled gates. Known as the weakest hunter, Jin-Woo faces death in a dungeon until a mysterious system saves him, granting him a unique leveling ability. This marks the beginning of his journey to become the strongest, as he battles increasingly powerful foes and rises through the ranks. With exhilarating action and a gripping narrative, Solo Leveling easily secures the fifth spot on our list.
The saga continues in Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, where Jin-Woo’s son, Sung Suho, takes center stage. As new enemies rise to threaten the world, Suho inherits his father’s mantle while embarking on a personal quest to find his missing parents, including the legendary Jin-Woo himself. The sequel expands the universe of Solo Leveling, offering fans a fresh yet familiar adventure filled with action, mystery, and heartfelt moments.
4. Devil Returns To School Days
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sancheon, Siwon | Ongoing | 75+ | January, 2025 |
A twisted and edgy story, Devil Returns To School Days tells the tale of Kim Hyun-Sung. On the day of graduation, he was pushed off the roof and spent the next ten years in a vegetative state. But one day he suddenly returns to the day of graduation. With a second chance at life and knowledge of the future at his call, he is determined to take revenge on all who betrayed him, especially The Golden Circle.
While being a somewhat darker plot compared as compared to other manhwas in the genre, it lands at rank four on the list. The story itself is good, but the best thing is the intricate plots and the planning done by the MC towards taking down the Golden Circle. The plot may also not appeal to everyone. But if you like the darker aspects of Shonen, then you should try this.
3. Myst, Might, Mayhem
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanjung Wolya | Ongoing | 54+ | January, 2025 |
Coming next is a Myst, Might, Mayhem, a story about revenge. Mok Gyeongwoon, whose grandfather was betrayed and killed, and Gyeongwoon, who wants nothing but revenge. For that, he needs to train and become proficient in martial arts. And in his quest for that, he becomes the scythe demon. With classic elements like a training arc and long fight sequences, it’s the quintessential title in this genre.
Securing the third spot, this fresh Shonen manhwa is quickly making waves with its electrifying mix of action and chaos. Though still in its early stages with only a handful of chapters released, it shows immense promise. The plot is engaging, and the fight sequences are skillfully crafted, delivering the adrenaline rush that Shonen fans crave. If you’re looking for a quick yet captivating Shonen read, this series is a strong contender worth giving a read.
2. Reformation Of The Deadbeat Noble
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doip | Ongoing | 130+ | January, 2025 |
Set in a medieval world of swords and knights, the lazy lord suddenly had a change of heart. Reformation Of The Deadbeat Noble narrates the story of Airen Perreira who used to escape from the world by sleeping and refuting reality, which led to his moniker of the Lazy Lord. But one day he dreams of a talentless man who has been swinging his sword for decades. With a changed heart, he picks up a sword.
Claiming the second spot on the list, this Shonen manhwa delivers a timeless tale of self-reflection, strong moral values, and overcoming personal weaknesses. Its captivating focus on deconstructing the rigid structure of nobility and crafting intricate world-building draws readers into a richly layered narrative. With its thoughtful pacing and immersive storytelling, this is a must-read Shonen manhwa start in the genre.
1. Return of the Mount Hua Sect
| Author(s) | Status | Chapters | Last Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biga | Ongoing | 152+ | January, 2025 |
A humorous and refreshing standout, Return of the Mount Hua Sect also known as Blossoming Blade secures its place as a top-tier Shonen manhwa with its sharp, well-crafted dialogue. The story follows Chung Myung, a renowned swordsman from the Mount Hua sect who sacrifices himself to vanquish the Heavenly Demon. Reincarnated, Chung takes a path less traveled in Shonen narratives, eschewing vengeance or power-hunger for a lighthearted tale brimming with humor and masterful martial arts.
Earning the top spot on the list, Return of the Mount Hua Sect captures the heart of what makes a great Shonen. Its seamless mix of humor with action sequences, complemented by wholesome, well-paced interactions between the protagonist and the supporting cast. With stunning artwork and a narrative that balances engaging pacing with thrilling fight sequences, this manhwa stands as the must-read Shonen title of the year.
