Summary
- Villainess manhwa often feature complex protagonists living out unique and compelling storylines.
- Stories vary from family-focused plots to action-packed adventures with charismatic heroines.
- The intersection of different genres like isekai adds depth to the narratives and creates diverse storytelling.
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.
Best Isekai Villainess Anime That Will Make You Root for the ‘Bad’ Girl
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.
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 February 28, 2025 by Garrett Huon: Shojo manhwa generally don't include much action, and that's true even in villainess stories where the protagonist is more likely to be in dangerous situations. Protagonists usually exert their influence through other means. This update will add villainess manhwa where the main character isn't afraid to use her fists to resolve an issue.
1 Cassmire: The Loyal Sword
The Hated Sister Becomes Beloved
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.32
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Isekai, Reverse Harem, Villainess
- Author: Si-ion
- Illustrator: ilye
Many protagonists remember their past lives after trauma to the head. For Cassmire, it's when she hits her head after doing some mercenary work. She realizes she's become the antagonist of the story, and her sister is the heroine. Given they already have a great relationship, Cassmire decides to protect her sister until the original story starts.
Cassmire is a fun manhwa, and it's actually quite wholesome despite being a reverse harem story. The protagonist is dedicated to her duty as a sister, but she's incredibly oblivious to romantic advances and flirting. All the male leads struggle to convey their feelings because she just doesn't quite understand.
2 Master Villainess The Invincible!
The Villain Changes Her Fate By Learning Martial Arts
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.41
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Martial Arts, Villainess
- Author: Willbright
- Illustrator: Yooani
When an unpopular author dies, she's reincarnated into a martial arts novel as Haewon Tang, the villain who is in love with the main character. Known for her vile nature and jealousy, she's hated by everyone. To prevent her eventual death, Haewon must find allies within her family and learn martial arts to defend herself. Luckily, she's a prodigy who's overflowing with inner chi.
Master Villainess The Invincible! Has tons of fun action and fight scenes with great choreography and presentation. Shojo manhwa tend to have very stiff battle scenes, so it's great to see fluid movement in the illustrations. Haewon is a great protagonist who's charismatic and relatable despite becoming a martial expert.
3 Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom
A Stepmother Doesn't Have To Be Evil
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.51
- Author: Ilu
- Illustrator: Moguraeng
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
This villainess story is special because the protagonist is an evil stepmother rather than a romantic rival. Lily reincarnates into Abigail Freidkin, the wife of King Sabrian and stepmother of the female lead, Blanche. Because of her love for children, Lily wants to befriend Blanche and build a relationship, but the original Abigail had previously been extremely cruel and abusive.
Most manhwa in this genre focus only on romance, so it's nice to see a family-focused plot where the goal is to strengthen existing relationships. Many people love this manhwa for its great character growth and the cute family dynamics.
4 The Baengri Clan's Unwanted Granddaughter
A Minor Character Regresses To Save Her Father
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.63
- Published: 2023 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Time Travel, Villainess
- Author: Marubyeol
- Illustrator: Siyo
Not all villains are important, and sometimes they have little impact on the story. Baengri Yeon remembers her past life at her father's funeral. Knowing how she'll eventually die, she decides to run away, but she's suddenly killed by the main antagonist of the martial arts novel. Then she wakes up as a six-year-old with the opportunity to build a relationship with her father.
Villainess manhwa usually begin when the protagonist is a young adult, so it's hard to call Baengri Yeon a villainess at such a young age. This is a simple family-building story where the main character tries to strengthen her relationship with her dad. While there isn't much villainy in the plot, it's a cute manhwa with some martial arts elements.
5 The Villainess Flips the Script!
The Villainess Accidentally Becomes A Mom
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.66
- Author: Ken
- Illustrator: Garine
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
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.
6 Villainess In Love
A One Night Stand Changes The Story
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.62
- Author: Haron Lee
- Illustrator: R Su Eopseum
- Published: 2019 to 2022
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess
In this manhwa, the protagonist wakes up as Yunifer Magnolia, the villainess of a novel who dies due to her jealousy toward the female lead, Raelle. However, she has reincarnated a year before any of the novel's events, so she decides to avoid the plot entirely and live her own life. Then she gets drunk and accidentally sleeps with the male lead, Ishid Lucrenze.
Villainess in Love is a fun romance story that is cute and charming. It follows a traditional shojo reincarnation plot, but it's written well enough that it remains interesting, especially the friendship between Yunifer and Raelle. In general, all the relationships feel very grounded and real.
7 For Better Or For Worse
A Simple Romance Between Two Opposites
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.78
- Author: No Heeda
- Illustrator: Eunren
- Chapters: 116
- Published: 2020 to 2023
- Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Villainess
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. 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 build their relationship. Dillon makes for a great, dynamic protagonist, which makes her growth in the story incredibly fulfilling.
8 Miss Not So Sidekick
A Villainess's Fanfiction Changes The Work
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.78
- Author: Ellianyang
- Illustrator: Yumyum
- Chapters: 178
- Published: 2017 to 2022
- Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Villainess
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 can establish a career in writing BL novels. Her books become widely-known bestsellers, and their popularity changes the original story. This manhwa is filled with funny moments, leaning into the comedy to show each character's personality.
9 Author Of My Own Destiny
The Last Boss Changes Her Ending
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.64
- 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.
10 Villainess Is A Marionette
A Princess Who's Tired Of Reincarnating
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.58
- 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.
15 Manhwa That Are Worth Reading Just For Their Gorgeous Artwork
Some of these manhwa stories may not be the best; however, their art style makes them captivating to read and experience.
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. It can get confusing at times, but for the most part, it's an enjoyable story.