The Best Villainess Manhwa

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.

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.

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.

11

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage

The Wholesome Love Story Of Two Villains

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.73
• 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 and becoming more mature. 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 is a common one, but there is still enough individuality in both aspects to make it stand out.

12

Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story

Reforming The Villain Of The Novel

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.77
• Author: Lemon Gaeguri
• Illustrator: Ajin
• Published: 2023 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Villainess

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.

13

Hero Killer

A True Villain Who Disrupts Society

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.61
• Author: Kkulbeol
• Illustrator: Beolkkul
• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Themes: Action, Super Power

Unlike other manhwa on this list, Hero Killer has nothing to do with romance or royalty. Set in a world full of superheroes and villains, the story follows Ihwa, a young woman who is looking to get revenge on hero society for killing her sister. She may be a villain, but she’s far from the most evil person in the world.

Ihwa is a true villain, and she does more than a little bullying. Whether it’s stealing, lying, or killing, she’s ready to cross the line to achieve her goals and get stronger. This is one of the best action manhwa with a female protagonist. The story is suspenseful and well-written, and the fights are extremely fun.

14

Kill The Villainess

The Protagonist Who Hates Being Isekai’d

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
• 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 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.

15

Beware The Villainess!

The Villain Challenges Romance Stereotypes

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
• 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! brings 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.

16

The Perks Of Being A Villainess

The Romance Of An Oblivious Businesswoman

• MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
• 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.

17

Roxana

The Evil Villainess Is Only Acting

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.10
• 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.

It’s great to see a change in the dynamic of family relations in this manhwa. Roxana must keep up her evil facade to keep the male lead alive, and the juxtaposition of her false cruelty and her genuine kindness adds tension throughout the story.

18

How To Win My Husband Over

A Story With A Sympathetic Villainess

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.13
• 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 a novel she read. However, her life isn’t any better in the fantasy world, unlike many other stories. She’s forced to marry into a hostile environment, and the only way to survive is to play pretend.

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.

19

Your Throne

Frenemies Work Together To Find The Truth

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.20
• 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.

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.

20

Villains Are Destined To Die

The Stakes Are High In This Otome Game

• MyAnimeList Score: 8.37
• 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 being reincarnated as the final boss. In this case, the main character becomes Penelope Eckhart, and she’s literally playing on hard mode. With her approval ratings in the ground, 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.