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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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.

Updated June 6, 2024 by Garrett Huon: This topic examines some of the greatest isekai manhwa where the protagonist is reincarnated into a member of the nobility, but there are many great stories with similar themes that were not included originally. As such, a few other manhwa deserve recognition. The manhwa added in this update differentiate themselves in premise or character development, straying from the standard formula in some way or another.

13 I Married The Male Lead's Dad

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 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.

12 Tyrant Of The Tower Defense Game

MyAnimeList Score: 7.53

• 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 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.

11 Being Raised By Villains

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.

10 Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With The Lamp

MyAnimeList Score: 7.70

• 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.

9 Miss Not-So Sidekick

MyAnimeList Score: 7.71

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

For a fan girl, 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 waits 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

MyAnimeList Score: 7.75

• Chapters: 89
• Published: 2020 to 2022
• 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.

7 Beware The Villainess!

MyAnimeList Score: 7.77

• 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.

6 Trash Of The Count's Family

MyAnimeList Score: 7.77

• 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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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.

5 The Male Lead's Little Lion Daughter

MyAnimeList Score: 7.91

• 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.

4 How To Win My Husband Over

MyAnimeList Score: 8.00

• 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, suffering every day under her family's abuse.

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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.

3 Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion

MyAnimeList Score: 8.16

• 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.

She bites off more than she can chew since the duke isn't a normal person. 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, adding something unique to otome isekai.

2 The Greatest Estate Developer

MyAnimeList Score: 8.44

• 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.

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By building homes and using inventions unheard of in a medieval kingdom, he can prevent disaster from befalling his territory. This comedy is a perfect example of how isekai can be exciting without revolving around combat or the normal story tropes.

1 Who Made Me A Princess

MyAnimeList Score: 8.45

• Chapters: 125
• Published: 2017 to 2022
• 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 hiding valuables and saving money for the day she eventually needs to run away.

However, that plan gets ruined when her dad, the emperor, actually takes an interest in her. Athy decides to get in his good graces instead, hoping his affection will prevent her future death. This leads to some great father-daughter moments and a wholesome story to enjoy.

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