Summary
- Anime & manga with villainess main characters offer unique & quirky narratives.
- Villainesses accepting their roots rather than correcting perceptions is refreshing.
- Meaningful character development in these isekai stories makes fans root for the villainess.
Anime and manga, where the main character ends up isekai-ed as a villainess, are ripe setups for unique and quirky stories. The usual trope of villainess protagonists fighting their pre-determined fate in an Otome game is a compelling narrative. However, what’s even more interesting is when the reincarnated protagonist is so done with everything that she accepts her villainous roots.
Best Isekai Anime Of All Time, Ranked (2026 Edition)
From classics to modern standouts, these are the best isekai anime of all time—ranked by impact, staying power, and relevance in 2026.
Seeing the villainesses not bothering to correct other people’s perceptions of them is a refreshing change of pace. The manga and anime focusing on this aspect rather than the typical reformist one or something in between have more nuance. There is quite a selection with this kind of premise for fans to enjoy, each more intricate and deep than the last. The meaningful character development beyond the gimmick phase makes fans root for the villainess.
1 I'm In Love With The Villainess
Selfish Goals Motivate The Reincarnated Villainess To Pursue Her Heart’s Desire
I'm in Love with the Villainess
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2023 - 2023
- Network
- Tokyo MX
- Japanese Title
- Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou
I'm in Love with the Villainess presents viewers with one of the most relatable character motivations ever — love. This isekai villainess anime flips the script drastically by putting the heroine in the role of the main love interest. The protagonist, Rae Taylor, is the reincarnated heroine of an Otome video game. Instead of falling for the male main leads of the story, Rae is in love with the game’s antagonist, Claire Francois. Despite Claire’s icy-cold persona and constant rebukes, Rae is hardly deterred. If anything, Rae becomes even more enamored by Claire’s resistance and doubles down on wooing her.
The comedy angle is one of the biggest strengths of the anime, but there’s also a lot of heart in the story. Fans will enjoy seeing the moments of emotional turmoil and angst that both Rae and Claire experience. The anime keeps things interesting by balancing the drama with fast-paced action. Rae’s dual-caster status makes her a formidable magic user, but sometimes even she is out of her depth, making for unpredictable outcomes.
2 My Next Life As A Villainess: All Roads Lead To Doom
The Pioneer Of The Villainess Isekai Sub-Genre Doesn’t Miss A Beat
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2020 - 2021
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta
Many fans consider My Next Life As A Villainess, All Roads Lead To Doom! A modern-day classic. It popularized the entire sub-genre of isekai villainess anime and essentially paved the way for others like it. Catarina, or rather Bakarina — her affectionate nickname by the fandom — is the reincarnated villainess. A sudden bump to the head jogs her memory of isekai-ing into an Otome game, and she’s desperate to avoid all its bad ends. The problem here is that she’s a simpleton without even an iota of cleverness or tact.
7 Anime Girls Who Are Ridiculously Clumsy
These eccentric anime girls are among the clumsiest characters in the anime franchise.
Rather than cunning, Catarina faces her challenges impulsively, which works for some reason. Even more surprising is how her naivety and pure-heartedness keep helping her succeed, almost like she’s intentionally manipulating everyone like a textbook villainess (she’s not). The charming way she forms strong bonds with everyone is a treat to watch. Fans who love slice-of-life anime are going to love the wholesome energy that My Next Life As A Villainess brings.
3 With One Day Left I'll Break All the Destruction Flags: "Serves You Right!" RTA 24-Hour Record
24-Hour Deadline For The Villainess To Plot, Scheme, And Execute Her Masterful Plans
- Released: 2021
- Genre: Fantasy
- Japanese Name: Nokoi Ichinichi de Hametsu Flag Zenbu Heshioirimasu: Zama RTA Kirokou 24Hr
With One Day Left I'll Break All the Destruction Flags: "Serves You Right!" RTA 24-Hour Record is a masterclass in storytelling intrigue. Fans shouldn’t let the mouthful name of the manga deter them from enjoying this highly original and captivating isekai villainess manga. It stars Alexandra, an ordinary woman reborn as a Duchess after getting isekai-ed into an Otome game. With only 24 hours before her humiliation and disownment are set in motion, she suddenly regains memories of the game's plot — and realizes she's not the only one who's been reborn into this world.
Fans are in for a wild ride as Alexandra goes to work in a time crunch to collect dirt on everyone bewitched by the game’s real "heroine." Ironically, the heroine is the actual antagonist, and the other character isekai-ed into this new world. The tension-filled game of cat and mouse between the two leads and the suspenseful (and fairly questionable) ways Alexandra overcomes the odds is exhilarating.
4 I’m The Villainess, So I’m Taming The Final Boss
A Resourceful Villainess Who Will Go To Great Lengths For Self-Preservation
I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2022 - 2022
- Japanese Title
- Akuyaku Reijou nanode Last Boss wo Kattemimashita
The feel-good vibes of I’m The Villainess, So I’m Taming The Final Boss will give fans plenty to enjoy. The immediate hook of this isekai villainess anime is the main character, Aileen. She’s an outspoken villainess with terrifying magical powers and a sharp mind. Aileen isn’t the least bit bothered by rejection from the Otome game’s love interests and is more focused on surviving her doomed fate. Using her game knowledge to court the demon prince, Claude, Aileen plans to survive her death at his hands.
Most Unique Powers In Shonen Anime
Shonen anime is famous for the fantastical powers its characters display. These series have come up with some creative new abilities to showcase.
Her daring personality is the perfect foil for Claude. The two have this fun rom-com chemistry, but with a twist. She convinces him to marry her despite his initial disdain toward her very forward personality. Initially, it’s an alliance of convenience that blossoms into a sweet romance throughout the story.
5 Villainess Level 99
Overpowered Villainess Who Doesn’t Give A Toss About Country And Family
Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2024 - 2024-00-00
- Network
- AT-X
- Directors
- Shunji Yoshida, Yui Kanbe, Kim Seung-deok
- Japanese Title
- Akuyaku Reijou Level 99: Watashi wa Ura-Boss desu ga Maou dewa Arimasen
For all the gamer girls (and guys) out there, Villainess Level 99 is here to represent! Yumelia is the one isekai-ed villainess who keeps her original gamer spirit intact after her reincarnation. She initially tries to keep her powers hidden as much as she can. But when she does flex them, everyone’s awestruck with how strong she really is. Her overwhelming strength creates a lot of drama as people instantly assume she’s some kind of villain just because they’re terrified of her. It doesn’t help that her appearance matches the game’s secret end-game boss, destined to destroy the world.
Yumelia’s motivation is lazing around and not getting involved in anything while befriending the game’s protagonist. But thanks to all the prejudice stacked against her, she somehow ends up right in the middle of everything anyway. The entire series is essentially just a villainess rendition of Overlord.
6 I’ll Become A Villainess Who Goes Down In History
The Villainess Who Doesn’t Pull Any Punches And Gets Wanted And Unwanted Attention For It
I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2024 - 2024-00-00
- Japanese Title
- Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni Naru zo
I’ll Become A Villainess Who Goes Down in History proves that subverting the conventional isekai villainess anime tropes is still possible. Alicia, the reincarnated villainess, intends to embrace her role as an antagonist wholeheartedly. Her powerful magic makes people fear her, and she makes it a point to keep that status quo. Conversely, the very same people flock toward Liz, the Otome game’s heroine.
8 Best Kingdom Building Isekai Anime, Ranked
Kingdom-building isekai anime are not that common, but there are a few great series out there.
The dynamic between Alicia and Liz is fascinating. Liz holds a very simple-minded view of how things are, whereas Alicia is highly perceptive and understands that people are complex. Alicia is the reason that the anime is so entertaining. She’s smart and deals with difficult situations in practical ways, making her one of the most memorable isekai villainesses in recent memory.
7 The One Within The Villainess
A Complex Revenge Tale Of The Villainess With Noble Intentions
- Released: 2021
- Genre: Drama
- Japanese Name: Akuyaku Reijou no Naka no Hito: Danzai sareta Tenseisha no Tame Usotsuki Heroine ni Fukushuu Itashimasu
Fans who love complex revenge tales will get a kick out of The One Within The Villainess. This manga reinforces the adage "you mess with the bull, you get the horns." The plot has a unique twist centered on Remilia, the isekai villainess of the Otome game. She shares the same body and will as Emi, the pre-isekai protagonist, who quietly guides her toward becoming a better person. And surprisingly, it works — Remilia ends up loved by everyone instead of hated.
The twist comes when the Otome game "heroine" is also isekai-ed and heinously destroys Remilia’s reputation. With Emi’s consciousness in despair as everyone shuns her, Remilia takes full control. Remilia intends to hurt the heroine, and everyone else is swayed by her deception. It’s a touching dynamic where Remilia is now returning the favor to Emi, who had gone to great lengths to make Remilia’s life better previously.
25 Anime Characters With The Most Emotional Backstories
Across the world of anime, plenty of characters have faced tragedy in their pasts. These backstories tug fans' heartstrings the hardest.