Castles, kings, queens, and knights are quintessential parts of classic Western fantasy. Along with other various elements, they are easily recognizable, which can help an audience understand the setting quickly without too much exposition. Many isekai default to this environment to get the story started right away or to immediately introduce conflict.

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20 Best Villainess Manhwa

Telling a story through the eyes of the antagonist, these villainess manga create fascinating characters and interesting worlds.

This has led to a variety of manhwa featuring royalty and the upper class as the main focus. That kind of lifestyle is one most people can only dream about, and there is a romantic element to it, which is why it’s such a popular theme. However, these stories don’t have to be just love and fairy tales; they can be high-paced adventures as well.

Updated March 28, 2025 by Garrett Huon: Nobility backgrounds are often used in isekai because they facilitate popular story archetypes and themes, like classic fairy tales, stories of redemption, and over-the-top power fantasies. The manhwa added in this update will help showcase the diversity of narratives that can be told from the perspective of an aristocrat, especially in fantasy where anything is possible.

1

I Married The Male Lead’s Dad

A Loveable, Wholesome Family Isekai

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.51
• Published: 2020 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Eunchae Go
• Illustrator: Eongsseu

After dying in a car accident, the main character is reincarnated into Aisha Heathcliff, a minor noble with no part in the protagonist’s favorite novel. Given her love for the main character, Abel, Aisha spends her time helping him from afar, but that garners the interest of Abel’s father, Hades, leading to an unsuspecting marriage.

At first, this story may seem odd, given that the protagonist is pretty much stalking a young child, but that’s what makes her growth so satisfying later. This manhwa has a great change in tone down the line, going from a mild cliché to an actual heartfelt story about family.

2

Tyrant Of The Tower Defense Game

A Prince Defends His Kingdom

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.66
• Published: 2022 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Military, Reincarnation, Video Game
• Author: Garam Ryueun
• Illustrator: Gyong

After finishing the unbeatable game “Protect the Empire” on the hardest difficulty, streamer Mr. Gamer Geek is sucked into the game, becoming Prince Ash in the middle of the tutorial mission. It doesn’t take long to realize that every choice he makes has life-or-death consequences, and after seeing his teammates die, he vows to keep his entire party alive through the end of the game.

Of all game manhwa, this one has an incredibly interesting concept, straying from the usual open-world RPGs to tower defense with more restrictions. This story includes good, well-developed characters, great suspense and payoffs, and an interesting world with its own rules.

3

Being Raised By Villains

Adopted By An Evil Family

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.63
• Published: 2023 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Eunhyang Ja
• Illustrator: Asong Lee

Whenever she feels neglected by her family, Cha Miso goes to her favorite novel for comfort, but one day, she wakes up in the world of that novel. She’s not the main character, Sharne, but a secondary character named Eileen Etam. Eileen is supposed to be kicked out of her home in the novel, but through an off-script meeting with the young duke, she gets herself a father who’s a little intense.

Being Raised by Villains is a great manhwa centered on children. Often these manhwa can be boring or repetitive, but this one develops its characters and plot very well, leading to a good reading experience. While there are many stories like this, none have a protagonist who turns into a little pink lizard.

4

Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With The Lamp

The Isekai’d Dr. Princess

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.72
• Published: 2017 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Reincarnation
• Author: Yuin
• Illustrator: mini

In the world of isekai, anything is possible, even reincarnating multiple times. Elise, the daughter of a marquess, is executed for her crimes, but she lives another life as Song Jihyeon, a genius doctor and surgeon. Unfortunately, Song Jihyeon dies in a plane crash and wakes up once again as Elise De Clorance.

As Elise, she is slated to marry the Crown Prince and eventually become queen, but given the experience of two lives, she decides to devote herself to medicine. Using her status and position, she’s able to introduce modern practice in the medical field, which is where the plot is focused.

5

Ending Maker

Gaming Duo Saves The World

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.78
• Published: 2022 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai
• Author: Chwiryong
• Illustrator: Does

Typically, stories have a single protagonist, but Ending Maker stands out because it has two. One day, the top two players in the game Legend of Heroes 2 are isekai’d into the game world as their favorite characters, Yuder Bayel and Cordelia Grace. Although they have hundreds of hours in the game, living inside it is much more difficult, especially now that they have their lives on the line. Nevertheless, they need to level up to stop the cataclysmic end of the game.

In video games with historical fantasy settings, the player usually takes the role of an adventurer and completes quests, and that’s reflected in many isekai. Having the main characters be nobles is interesting because it puts restrictions on their actions. Although they’d like to raid dungeons, they also need to behave like the real Yuder and Cordelia. As a whole, this manhwa is extremely fun and offeres a mix of actiona and romance for people interested in both.

6

Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story

A Villainess’s Marriage Trouble

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
• Published: 2023 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai,
• Authors: Lemon Gaeguri
• Illustrator: Ajin

Enemies-to-lovers stories are popular because the characters often go through tremendous growth, which can be fun to follow. That’s what makes this manhwa great as well. Choi Suna is suddenly reincarnated as Edith Righelof, the villain who is forced to marry one of the male leads from the original novel, Killian Rudwick. Their families have been bitter enemies for generations, so Edith is seen as a threat the moment she walks through the door. However, that doesn’t stop her from trying to gain his favor.

In stories like this, it’s easy to hate characters, especially when some of the things they do are particularly abhorrent. Edith is treated terribly at the start, and it takes a while for her to be treated like an actual person. However, not only does this make their growing relationship feel earned, but it also helps certain plot points have more impact ane weight.

7

Miss Not-So Sidekick

When A Side Character Becomes The Star

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
• Published: 2017 to 2022
• Chapters: 178
• Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
• Author: Ellianyang
• Illustrator: Yumyum

For a fangirl, would there be anything better than being transported into the world of a beloved novel? For Kim Hyejung, it’s nothing special since she can’t even see any of the male leads. She reincarnated as Latte Ectrie, the daughter of a viscount and a minor character with little screen time. In fact, she waited ten years for anything regarding the story to happen.

In the meantime, she became a prolific author, writing boys’ love stories about knights and gaining massive success. This business, however, caused ripples in the original story and changed certain events. It’s a fun take on this type of story and makes Latte much more relatable.

8

Happily Ever Afterwards

The Dream Of Every Fangirl

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
• Published: 2020 to 2022
• Chapters: 89
• Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Dotol Hwang
• Illustrator: Jeongseo

The main character of this manhwa is reincarnated into Princess Peony in her favorite novel, “The Song of Askar.” Normally, the protagonist is thrown into the middle of the plot, but Peony arrives after everything has ended. The male and female lead are married happily ever after, but her favorite character is suffering.

Richt was rejected by the female lead and banished from society, living in the abandoned northern territory. However, that doesn’t stop Peony from chasing her man. Using all her power as a fan girl, she’s dedicated to marrying Richt. It’s a refreshing take on reincarnation stories, especially when most involve harems or long lines of love interests.

9

Beware The Villainess!

Overpowered Sister Takes Control

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
• Chapters: 128
• Published: 2020 to 2022
• Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess
• Author: Ppongtta Mat Screw Bar
• Illustrator: Blue Canna

The protagonist of this manhwa reincarnates into Melissa Fodderbrat, the eldest daughter of the duke and the villainess in the original novel. Known for being obsessed with the crown prince, Melissa had a terrible reputation throughout the nation, and it doesn’t get any better with the new Melissa.

What happens when a modern woman is restricted by antiquated expectations? This manhwa addresses that question in the best way possible. Melissa spends her time undermining the patriarchal values of her world and punishing those who have wronged her.

10

Kill The Villainess

A Villainess Gets Her Happy Ending

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.85
• Published: 2021 to Jan 1, 2024
• Chapters: 102
• Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Villainess
• Author: Sawol Saeng
• Illustrator: Haegi

Kiill the Villainess is a pretty unique story in the villainess genre, taking a tried-and-true formula and turning it on its head. One day, the protagonist awakens as Eris Miserian, and instead of acclimating to her new surroundings, she immediately tries to end her own life, convinced it is the ticket home. When nothing works, she takes on her role as the villainess in the story, antagonizing the prince and causing trouble everywhere so she can get the ending she wants.

This isn’t a traditional otome isekai manhwa. It focuses on rejecting the fairy tale where other stories would embrace it. All the characters are complex and realistic, and Eris especially goes through great change as she struggles to find a way home. It’s an incredibly deep and dark story that does a lot to change the shojo isekai formula.

11

Trash Of The Count’s Family

The Trash Noble Goes Worldwide

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
• Published: 2020 to Present
• Genre/Themes: Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Ryeo Han Yu
• Illustrator: PAN4

Cale Henituse is the drunkard son of a count and a minor antagonist in the novel “Birth of a Hero.” Originally meant to be defeated and forgotten, everything changes when Kim Roksu reincarnates in his body. Kim Roksu knows the events that will happen in the book, and he wants to stay out of all that trouble.

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Action Manhwa With Weak Protagonists

The protagonists in these manhwa aren’t the strongest when their stories start, but they build strength in many ways over the course of their tales.

Of course, to be completely safe, he needs vast amounts of wealth and protection. This leads to a long, arduous journey, but by befriending the original main character and other members of the supporting cast, Cale doesn’t need to lift a finger.

12

The Male Lead’s Little Lion Daughter

Being Adopted By The Duke Is The Best

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.02
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Latine
• Illustrator: Ttona

While it’s true Leonia is a reincarnated person from another world, she isn’t immediately part of the nobility. She’s stuck in a terrible orphanage for a long time before Duke Voreoti adopts her and takes her home. However, it’s hinted that Leonia is a lost member of the family with her resemblance to the duke, which is further supported by her development of special powers that come from the Voreoti bloodline.

The story is made up of slice-of-life episodes, but given how complex and rich the characters are, each chapter is still fun and exciting to read. The humor and drama are well-balanced, and the hints of action keep the pacing smooth.

13

The Perks of Being a Villainess

Money Makes Isekai Much Better

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
• Published: 2022 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Villainess
• Author: Gokim Mang
• Illustrator: Yoteh

The Perks of Being a Villainess is best known for having a protagonist who doesn’t completely change a character’s personality after being reincarnated. When Yoon Dohee is reincarnated as Deborah Seymour, she doesn’t care much about her reputation and enjoys living as a member of a wealthy family. Rather than fix her image in society, she uses her notoriety to set up businesses and make money.

What’s great about this story is the effort it takes to include the protagonist’s past. Normally, the main character’s previous life is nothing more than an extra detail to make them more sympathetic, but it’s actually a driving force in this plot. Yoon Dohee was a pushover in life, and now she’s able to reinvent herself to be the confident woman she always wanted to be.

14

Secret Lady

The Duke’s Daughter Has A Supernatural Gift

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Anngato
• Illustrator: Banana

Normally, the protagonist gains their powers after being reincarnated, but Rosentine Arzen has been able to see ghosts since her last life. Due to her past trauma and her standing as the daughter of a ducal house, she hides her abilities to keep herself safe. However, when the ghosts begin talking about the death of the second prince, Charteris Kartazen, she can’t turn a blind eye. She offers her abilities to the prince to save his life, but this is just the beginning of a much darker secret.

The first thing to notice about this manhwa is the elegant and romantic art style. It’s incredibly memorable among the vast number of manhwa. The plot is also well done, mixing mystery and suspense with a light-hearted romance. Rose’s ability to speak to ghosts is not only an interesting detail, but it also adds to the world building and history of the story.

15

How To Win My Husband Over

Becoming The Hated Princess In A Novel

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.15
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Villainess
• Author: Nyangi-wa Hyangsinnyo
• Illustrator: Siru

Religious institutions have historically held great power, often competing with the monarchy for control. In that sense, Rudbeckia is like a princess since she’s the daughter of the Pope. Unfortunately, her life isn’t that of a princess, and she suffers every day under her family’s abuse.

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In the vast Manhwa realm, the following are among the most iconic blonde female characters.

The protagonist reincarnates as Rudbeckia when she’s sent to a rival kingdom for an arranged marriage with the man who would kill her. While there isn’t much action, this manhwa’s emotional conflicts are well-written, bringing a darker tone to a usually bright genre.

16

Roxana

She’s A Sheep In Wolf’s Clothing

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.10
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Psychological, Villainess
• Author: Kin
• Illustrator: Yeoreumbit

Like many other villainess stories, the main character is reincarnated into the daughter of the evil Agriche ducal house, which is known for its diabolic and terrible schemes. Roxana is the eldest daughter, whose fate was to be killed along with her family. However, instead of participating in her family’s cruelty, she decides to save the protagonist’s brother rather than torture him, fully changing the original story.

Roxana is an interesting take on the villainess theme that addresses the possession of another person and living their life. Roxana struggles throughout her childhood to stay sane in the face of terrible things happening around her. This psychological aspect of the story is what makes this manhwa so intriguing and why many readers enjoy it.

17

Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion

How To Get Married To A Duke

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.19
• Chapters: 158
• Published: 2017 to 2021
• Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Milcha
• Illustrator: Gorae

Park Eunha is a normal Korean office worker, but when she dies, she wakes up as Raeliana McMillan, the daughter of a baron who is destined to die. In fact, her death starts the plot of an entire book. However, instead of accepting her death and waiting, she convinces Duke Wynknight to have a contract marriage. He’s callous, cruel, and manipulative. Still, Raeliana wants to avoid dying again, and even more so, she wants to find out who killed Park Eunha.

This mystery is thrilling and exciting, adding something unique to otome isekai. Most stories don’t get more complex than the main character making the most of her situation, but this story has something to be invested in. The dynamic between Raeliana and the duke is entertaining, even if the romance is a slow burn.

18

I Shall Master This Family

A Story Of The Economics Of The Upper Class

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.33
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Time Travel
• Author: Roah Kim
• Illustrator: Mon

Although this manhwa includes reincarnation, it’s only mentioned briefly in the beginning. In this story, a Korean woman is reincarnated as Firentia Lombardi, an illegitimate child of a powerful noble house. Because of her status, she couldn’t gain recognition or power, so she was unable to keep the family from falling into ruin. When she dies in an accident, she wakes up as a child once more. With her knowledge of the future, she decides to become the next head of the Lombardis.

I Shall Master This Family is a great manhwa for many reasons. All the characters are interesting and well-written, and each of them gets their spotlight. The plot involves economic and political conflict, which doesn’t slow down the story. The romance is slow, but the relationship between Firentia and Perez is incredibly wholesome. It’s a manhwa that was planned and executed very well.

19

Who Made Me A Princess

The Iconic Princess Story

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.48
• Published: 2017 to 2022
• Chapters: 125
• Genres/Theme: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Reincarnation
• Author: Plutus
• Illustrator: Spoon

When a Korean woman reincarnates in the body of a young girl, she realizes she is destined to die. Athanasia is a forgotten princess who will one day be executed by her father, according to the book, but Athy isn’t going to accept that fate. She begins plotting her escape, but through certain coincidences, her relationship with Claude starts to develop into something resembling a family.

Who Made Me A Princess is well known for the wholesome moments between Athy and her dad, but it’s also a great coming-of-age story for a young girl who finds strength in herself. Despite living like a fairy tale princess, Athy feels incredibly real, struggling with her own selfishness and greed. Her journey is what makes this story so beloved.

20

The Greatest Estate Developer

The Grand Journey Of A Count’s Son

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.73
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Back-kyung Moon
• Illustrator: Hyunsoo Kim

Normally, a college degree wouldn’t be much use in a fantasy world with magic and dragons, but Kim Suho can work it out. Reincarnated as Lloyd Frontera, a member of the lower nobility, he must find a way to resolve his family’s debt, and with a degree in civil engineering, he realizes the solution is infrastructure. By building homes and using inventions unheard of in a medieval kingdom, he can prevent disaster from befalling his territory.

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10 Best Comedy Manhwa You Should Read, Ranked

These humor-filled stories are perfect for readers searching for funny reads in the manhwa medium.

Lloyd is an incredibly funny and exciting protagonist to follow as his ambitions lead him to do bigger and better things. His aggressive kindness has made him notorious as one of the best characters in manhwa. This comedy is a perfect example of how isekai can be exciting without revolving around combat or normal story tropes.

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10 Best Isekai Romance Manhwa

Even though Isekai Romance is arguably the most exploited genre in Manhwas, these are some of the best recommendations to read.