One of the most popular themes in storytelling is to portray the tale from the point of view of the villain. As great as it is to see the hero prevail, sometimes knowing what the antagonist has gone through or what their thoughts are can lead to a more enriching narrative. That's why stories about a villainess are so common in the medium of manhwa.
Villainess stories come in all types and genres, but normally, they're set in a fantasy world where the main character is known for being cruel, cunning, and evil. With the intersection of other genres like isekai or regression, the plots can vary wildly, but what matters most is how well the villainess is living her life.
Updated April 5, 2024, by Garrett Huon: There are plenty of villainess manhwa out there, and many of them are spectacular. When originally curating this list, some amazing stories were left out in favor of others. Some use the classic format of villainess stories, and others put their own little spin on it. With this update, those honorable mentions can be added to the list, so fans of this genre have even more options to check out.
Best Isekai Villainess Anime, Ranked
Not all Isekai protagonists get to be reincarnated as heroines as some find themselves as a villainess who is destined to be doomed in the very end.
14 The Villainess Flips the Script!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.59
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
- Author: Ken
- Illustrator: Garine
After waking up in her favorite story, the protagonist realizes that she has become Judith, the protagonist's aunt who is known for cruelty and violence. She begins mending their relationship, hoping to hand off Luca to his uncle, following the novel and hiding far away.
For better or for worse, Luca asks her to stay, leading to a makeshift family with Duke Rudiger. Judith's character isn't developed as well as it could be, nor does she stand out among other protagonists in this genre. However, the growing family dynamic makes the story great.
13 For Better or For Worse
MyAnimeList Score: 7.77
- Chapters: 116
- Published: 2020 to 2023
- Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Villainess
- Author: No Heeda
- Illustrator: Eunren
Dillon grew up as a child of a rural noble, doting on her beloved little sister Emily. She was supposed to be greedy and jealous, but after recalling her past life, she doesn't care about being like the original.
In the intended plot of the story, Emily is meant to marry Duke Cedric and later dies due to childbirth. In order to prevent that, Dillon becomes involved with the duke instead. Through many problems and situations, they get to know each other more and actually start to like each other. The story can be a bit slow at times, but fans of romance will enjoy watching the two building their relationship.
12 Miss Not So Sidekick
MyAnimeList Score: 7.70
- Chapters: 178
- Published: 2017 to 2022
- Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
- Author: Ellianyang
- Illustrator: Yumyum
After passing out reading her favorite webnovel, the protagonist wakes up as Latte Ectrie, the daughter of a viscount and a supporting villain character. She's such a minor character that she's seen none of the main cast for ten years.
Her plans to increase her relevance fail; however, she is able to establish a career in writing BL novels. Her books become widely-known bestsellers, becoming so popular that the original story is changed. This manhwa is filled with funny moments, leaning into the comedy to show each character's personality.
11 Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story
MyAnimeList Score: 7.65
- Published: 2023 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess
- Author: Lemon Gaeguri
- Illustrator: Ajin
After dying, the protagonist of this manhwa reincarnates into the wicked and callous Edith Rigelhof, a villain from her favorite novel. She's married off to a rival family as a part of her father's schemes, and she's met with suspicion and hatred. As in other stories, Edith acts more kindly to restore her reputation and build trust, but it seems like the world is against her.
This manhwa is more than meets the eye. Behind the romance is a subtle mystery concerning Edith's reincarnation and the one in control of the story. There's a greater power at play, and this added element makes the story much more exciting to read.
10 Kill The Villainess
MyAnimeList Score: 7.48
- Author: Saeng Sawol
- Illustrator: Haegi
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Villainess
After reading a generic romance novel, the main character finds herself in the body of Eris Miserian, the antagonist of the original story. However, instead of trying to live life as Eris or treading her own path in the world, the main character wants to die, since dying is the only way to return home.
Kill The Villainess separates itself from other villainess-themed manhwa by depicting a very genuine reaction to becoming a disposable side character. Eris's desperation and fear as her situation changes are palpable in each panel. This story is thrilling and amazing.
9 Author of My Own Destiny
MyAnimeList Score: 7.56
- Author: Gyeoulip
- Illustrator: Jeokbal
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess
In this manhwa, an author takes over the body of the main antagonist in her own book, Fiona Green. Fiona is the illegitimate child of a noble family and is constantly mistreated and abused, so she grows up resenting everyone for her miserable life.
However, in this story, the main character has no reason to resent anyone, since she's not actually Fiona. It's the classic case of an isekai victim using the villainess's powers to do whatever she wants, resulting in a fun and lighthearted story.
8 Villainess Is A Marionette
MyAnimeList Score: 7.56
- Author: Hanirim
- Illustrator: Manggle
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
Sometimes, a story takes isekai and reincarnation to a whole new level. In Villainess is a Marionette, the main character is reborn twice, having three lives in total. Her name is Cayena Hill, and she is the most beautiful princess in the empire. She loses her life twice after being used and betrayed by others. In her third life, she is determined to live for herself.
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This manhwa has stunning art and an adventurous plot. It's full of political intrigue and scheming and romance, everything needed for a great fantasy drama.
7 Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage
MyAnimeList Score: 7.64
- Author: Heesu Hong
- Illustrator: Roal
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Romance, Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
To live a normal life after getting isekai'd, a normal person must right the wrongs of Jubelian Eloy Floyen as she inhabits her body. This includes breaking up with her terrible boyfriend. Unfortunately, that means her estranged dad can play matchmaker for her.
Story elements and character behaviors become tropes because they are popular, and in Father, I Don't Want This Marriage, they are put to use very well. Jubelian is a typical protagonist and the plot a is common one, but there is still enough individuality in both aspects to make it stand out.
6 Beware the Villainess!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.77
- Author: Ppongtta Mat Screw Bar
- Illustrator: Blue Canna
- Published: 2020 to 2022
- Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess
For a breath of fresh air in a genre overflowing with similar content, Beware the Villainess! bring a much-needed element of contemporary feminism to villainess stories. Following an isekai'd Melissa Foddebrat, this story rejects the normal reverse harem theme and puts the male characters in their place.
In this story, Melissa takes it upon herself to get rid of the chauvinistic behavior of the men surrounding her, so she can live a peaceful life. Her candor and aggression are welcome in a genre where protagonists typically must speak with propriety.
5 The Perks Of Being A Villainess
MyAnimeList Score: 7.86
- Author: Gokim Mang
- Illustrator: Yoteh
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Villainess
Yoon Dohee gets isekai'd after dying, waking up as villainess Deborah Seymour from a webnovel she read. Deborah is a vain and selfish woman. Dohee was a pushover in life, but now she has a second chance to do whatever she wants.
The struggles of a villainess are never simple, especially with a reputation as terrible as Deborah's, but part of the fun is seeing the disparity between her behavior and her inner monologue. The art is also fantastic, which makes the reading experience even better.
4 Roxana
MyAnimeList Score: 7.94
- Author: Kin
- Illustrator: Yeoreumbit
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Psychological, Villainess
Normally, the villainess in a story comes from a relatively normal family, or nobility which is typical for the fantasy genre. In Roxana, the protagonist is part of a family known for their underhanded scheming and illegal dealings. She's a villain by default, but that doesn't mean she agrees with what her family does.
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It's great to see a change in the dynamic of family relations in this manhwa. Roxana must keep up her evil facade in order to keep the male lead alive, and the juxtaposition of her false cruelty and her genuine kindness adds tension throughout the story.
3 How to Win My Husband Over
MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
- Author: Nyangi-wa Hyangsinnyo
- Illustrator: Siru
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Isekai, Psychological, Villainess
Having died in her miserable life, the protagonist is reincarnated as Rudbeckia de Borgia, the villainess who started a war in the novel she read. However, her life isn't any better in the fantasy world, unlike many other stories.
This manhwa delves deep into the psychological nature of depression and eating disorders. Despite its fantastical setting, the consequences feel very real. It keeps the story grounded and makes it easy for readers to relate.
2 Your Throne
MyAnimeList Score: 8.16
- Author: SAM
- Illustrator: SAM
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Psychological, Villainess
Medea is powerful yet cruel. Psyche is beautiful yet naive. When the competition to be the crown princess ends with Psyche's victory, Medea intends to take what's hers. However, an encounter with a god switches their bodies.
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It's a thrilling story with many twists and turns. The story and its characters are constantly changing as truths come to light, and it's a testament to how well dramatic irony is used. By far, it is one of the best stories told in this genre.
1 Villains Are Destined To Die
MyAnimeList Score: 8.26
- Author: Gyeoeul Gwon
- Illustrator: SUOL
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reverse Harem, Villainess
Otome games are common in villainess stories, since the protagonist usually ends up living as the final boss. In this case, the main character is Penelope Eckhart, and she's literally playing on hard mode. Even the slightest mistake can get her killed.
The otome game elements drive the story, while they would typically be forgotten in other manhwa. Having it take an active part in the narrative is thrilling because it creates urgency. There is a time limit. There are stakes. That's what makes it so good.
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