Isekai anime exploded in popularity over the last few years and branched into multiple subgenres. This increased popularity was just the push creators needed to further embrace the genre. Roughly translating to "other world," isekai presents intriguing stories where protagonists from the real world find their way to a fantasy setting.

In recent years, manhwa (comics originating from Korea) has captured readers with a range of isekai subgenres, from horror to historical romance. Continually growing in popularity, manhwa's best isekai stories take readers on wild adventures they'll never forget.

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25 Best Isekai Manga Of All Time
Some of the best isekai of the last several years has come in manga form, whether as a standalone book or a companion to a popular anime.

Updated on January 20th, 2024 by Chelsea Steele: Isekai is an incredibly popular genre within anime, manga, and manhwa alike. With more titles available than ever, it's hard for fans to know where to start. For manhwa newcomers, it's even harder to decide what to check out. This list has been updated to fit CBR's current publication standards while providing more info on some of the best manhwa titles for fans to check out.

20 How To Use A Returner Takes Place In The World Of A High-Stakes Death Game

Story By Heuksujeo & Art By Midnight Studio (Ongoing)

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7.53/10

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4.12/5

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4.42/5

Like many other isekai heroes before him, How to Use a Returner's Giyoung Lee finds himself thrown into a world that utilizes his wits. However, his is no mere fantasy quest, and the stakes are higher than ever.

Giyoung's forced into a world based on a life or death game. However, he's the lowest on the totem pole and must climb to the top. But Giyoung is far more cunning than his opponents and has a somewhat unethical skill up his sleeve. Although his less-than-stellar morals can be frustrating, Giyoung makes this isekai manhwa all the more entertaining.

Kiyoung Lee is looking cunning, and Hyunsung Kim is holding a sword (How to Use a Returner).

19 A Returner's Magic Should Be Special Follows A Young Hero Into The Past

Story By So-nan Yu & Art By Uk-jakga (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.53/10

Anime-Planet

4.07/5

Goodreads

3.93/5

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25 Isekai Manga That Are Better Than You'd Expect
There are a lot of Isekai stories out there, but these 15 manga are some of the best (if underrated) ones that fans should read now.

Time travel is often a common theme within isekai stories. Protagonists will find themselves transported to the past, where they must change history to prevent tragedy and death. A Returner's Magic Should Be Special stars one such hero, a magician named Desir Herrman.

After war ravages his world, Desir travels back in time to his academy days. Armed with knowledge of the future, he uses this opportunity to rewrite history and save those he loves. The series is a unique spin on a classic concept, featuring a well-written cast and a relatable protagonist fans can root for.

Desir Herrman from A Returner's Magic Should Be Special

18 Author Of My Own Destiny Stars A Villainess Trying To Turn Her Life Around

Story By Gyeoulip & Art By Jeokbal (Ongoing)

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7.57/10

Anime-Planet

4.20/5

Goodreads

4.20/5

Fans of My Next Life as a Villainess can see similarities between Catarina Claes and Author Of My Own Destiny's Fiona Green. Both have been wronged by their respective story outcomes and wish to change things for the better. The story begins when the author of a popular romance series called The Emperor and the Saint gets reincarnated as Fiona, the story's villainess.

Author of My Own Destiny's villainess starts as a foil to the story's central couple, but she soon decides to dedicate her life to good. The new path she embarks on takes her by surprise when she unexpectedly saves the male romantic lead, a prince named Siegren.

Fiona Green with her child version and adult version; Siegren is kissing Fiona's hand (Author of My Own Destiny).

17 The Villainess Is A Marionette Tells Of A Young Woman Who Refuses To Live Her New Life As A Villainess

Story By Hanirim & Art By Manggle (Ongoing)

The Villainess is a Marionette Cover
The Villainess Is a Marionette
Writer
Han Yi Rim
Penciler
Monggeul, Manggle
Colorist
Monggeul, Manggle
Publisher
Tapas Media, Kakaopage & Yeondam

MyAnimeList

7.56/10

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4.20/5

Goodreads

4.03/5

Related
20 Must-Read Villainess Manhwa For Fans Of My Next Life As A Villainess
There are many funny and enjoyable "reincarnated as a villainess" manhwa that are a must-read for fans of the series.

As the villainess, an isekai heroine has a chance to rethink her character's life choices and turn them around to her benefit. The stakes are high, whether comedic or more severe, but she's nonetheless serious about creating the best outcome for herself.

The Villainess Is A Marionette's heroine wakes up as Kayena Hill, the most beautiful girl in the empire, but has died twice in her past lives. Kayena's story intrigues the heroine, but she refuses to let circumstances change her fate a third time. She's desperate to take control to avoid the worst fate possible.

Kayena Hill being protected by Raffaello Kidrey; Raffaello Kidrey holding Kayena Hill's wrist as her hand rests on his cheek (The Villainess Is a Marionette).

16 Second Life Ranker Is A Murder Mystery Story With Supernatural Elements

Story By Sadoyeon & Art By Nongnong (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.57/10

Anime-Planet

4.32/5

Goodreads

4.14/5

Second Life Ranker is an intriguing, adventure-based murder mystery with enough supernatural elements and suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Tapas Media has been publishing this isekai manhwa since early 2021, but it's unknown when it will reach its conclusion.

After his brother's disappearance, Yeon-woo Cha is desperate to know his whereabouts. But his search quickly ends when he learns his brother had been killed while competing in the mysterious Tower of God. All hope seems lost until Yeon-woo notices the clues his brother leaves behind. Now driven by revenge, he goes on a journey to investigate the secrets behind his brother's death.

Yeon-woo is wearing a white mask and about to battle (Second Life Ranker).

15 The Swordmaster's Son Stars A Young Man Who Gets A Second Chance At Life

Story By Hwangje Penguin & Art By Jewon Lee (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.67/10

Anime-Planet

4.24/5

Goodreads

3.71/5

The Swordmaster's Son isn't a traditional isekai where the hero gets sent to a new world. Instead, Jin Runcandel becomes isekai'd through reincarnation and time travel. After meeting an untimely end, Jin awakens to find he's been reborn as an infant. Now that his life has started over, he takes this opportunity to right past wrongs and secure his destiny as the head of his clan.

The Swordmaster's Son is a beautifully written and exciting fantasy series, starring a very unique protagonist. With its stunning art, dynamic action scenes, and rich worldbuilding, it's the perfect read for fans of reincarnation isekai.

Jin from The Swordmaster's Son wielding his sword

14 Pick Me Up! Follows A Skilled Gamer Who Finds Himself Trapped In The World Of His Favorite Game

Story By Hermode & Art By Wasakbasak (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.78/10

Anime-Planet

4.27/5

Pick Me Up! is a video game isekai series starring Loki, one of the highest-ranked masters of a popular mobile gacha game. However, after he loses consciousness one day while playing, Loki awakens inside the world of the game as a weak, 1-star player named Han Yslat.

Now trapped in the game as Han, the only way he can escape is by leading a team and clearing the 100th floor of the dungeon. With his powers reduced back to starter levels, this won't be an easy task. The series is a unique addition to the MMORPG subgenre, featuring a relatable hero who has to put in the work to become strong, unlike most overpowered isekai protagonists.

Han Yslat from the Pick Me Up! manhwa series

13 My Blasted Reincarnated Life Is A Time Travel Reincarnation Isekai Starring A Hero With Godly Power

Story By Mongma & Art By Jeongyeol Park (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.67/10

Anime-Planet

4.26/5

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25 Most Powerful Isekai Anime Characters, Ranked
Isekai characters like Dr. Stone's Senku Ishigami and SAO's Kirito are extremely overpowered, making them fearsome forces in their new worlds.

My Blasted Reincarnated Life begins with a fierce warrior named Hamel on a quest to defeat the Demon King. However, he's killed before he can accomplish his goal and reincarnates into Eugene Lionheart, a descendant of the legendary Great Vermouth. Now blessed with unspeakable power, Eugene sets out again to finish what he had started in his previous life.

Using elements of time travel and reincarnation, this captivating series tells an exciting tale of a hero's journey to save the world. Though the premise is nothing new, it's a fun story with a likable cast and a surprisingly well-balanced protagonist.

Eugene Lionheart from My Blasted Reincarnated Life

12 Latna Saga: Survival Of A Sword King Forces Its Protagonist To Learn How To Survive In A New World

Story By Kyung-bae Yim & Art By Soonkyu Kwon (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.64/10

Anime-Planet

3.93/5

Goodreads

4.0/5

Like most isekai series, Latna Saga: Survival of a Sword King forces the main character to learn new skills in an unknown environment. They must learn to survive in their area, testing their endurance and adaptability as they cope with being separated from their former home.

Han-bin Ryu has just left his mandatory military service, becoming a drifter with little to no purpose. He suddenly wakes up in a new world without fighting skills and must quickly adapt to his new surroundings. Han-bin changes his name to Eric and keeps himself in isolation while training. Making the series more fascinating is the trauma that still plagues him as he learns about his new home.

Han-bin Ryu in his original form, and Han-bin Ryu as "Eric" (Latna Saga: Survival of a Sword King).

11 The Novel's Extra Stars A Novelist Who Wakes Up In The World He Created

Story By Gapsong Ji & Art By Carrot Studio (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.67/10

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4.27/5

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3.96/5

There are plenty of isekai stories featuring protagonists who wake up in the world of their own creation. While this usually seems like a dream come true for these heroes, it's more like a nightmare for Hajin Kim, the main character of The Novel's Extra. That's because he gets transported to the world of his novel as a weak extra, with no power or significance to show.

Hajin must use his knowledge of the world and its inhabitants in order to survive as a background character in his own story. However, this won't be easy, as the events of the book keep changing with no explanation. The Novel's Extra is a fresh take on an old trope, featuring an immersive magical world and well-written characters that bring it to life.

Hajin Kim from The Novel's Extra holding a gun in his hand

10 Lout Of Count's Family Is A Unique Reincarnation Isekai Story

Story By Ryeo Han Yu & Art By PAN4 (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.76/10

Anime-Planet

4.30/5

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4.50/5

Lout of Count's Family is like an isekai within an isekai, yet to be seen in the genre. Reincarnating the main character as a villain or anti-hero seems to be a famous trope in most isekai, so seeing how the creator combines these traits in this storyline is interesting.

Rok-soo Kim falls asleep in the middle of his novel Birth of a Hero. A kind-hearted soon-to-be hero, Han Choi, loses everything and falls into deep sorrow. But Rok-soo falls asleep just as Han encounters a drunk noble in a nearby city. Then Rok-soo wakes up as said noble just before his encounter with Han and his subsequent beating.

Cale Henituse is standing in a room (Lout of Count's Family).

9 Beware The Villainess! Features A Feisty & Powerful Female Lead

Story By Ppongtta Mat Screw Bar & Art By Blue Canna (Complete)

MyAnimeList

7.77/10

Anime-Planet

4.30/5

Goodreads

4.32/5

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The Best Manhwa With Female Protagonists That Become Badass After Reincarnation
The most popular manhwa are often action or adventure-based, but here are some with badass female protagonists that are just as great.

Strong female leads in isekai are a must nowadays. Readers want to see a heroine take control of her fate and crush the oversaturated "damsel in distress" trope. This is the case of Beware the Villainess! and its well-written protagonist, Han-da Young.

After dying in a car accident, Han-da wakes up as Melissa Foddebrat, a famous novel's antagonist. She struggled as a college student in her past life but now wants to live in luxury. As Melissa, she must deal with four handsome but superficial suitors vying for her. She refuses to let them take advantage of her and will do what she can to protect herself.

8 Doom Breaker Is A Perilous Adventure Of Humanity's Only Hope

Story & Art By Cheongdam

MyAnimeList

7.80/10

Anime-Planet

4.28/5

Goodreads

4.18/5

Doom Breaker is a time travel and reincarnation isekai starring a warrior named Zephyr. As the last human resistance, Zephyr battles against the forces of evil, hoping to reclaim his world for humanity. After he's tragically killed in battle, the gods intervene and give him a second chance at life.

However, when he awakens, he's been sent back to his early days, before he becomes a powerful hero. The only way he can get his revenge and save the world is by reliving his harsh past, so he can change the future's dark fate. Though the series is nothing groundbreaking, it's a great addition to the genre that utilizes its time travel concept flawlessly.

Zephyr in the midst of battle in the Doom Breaker manhwa series

7 My Life As An Internet Novel Follows The Romantic Adventures Of A Girl Who Wakes Up In The World Of An Internet Novel

Story By Han-ryeo Yu & Art By Ah Hyun (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.81/10

Anime-Planet

4.26/5

Goodreads

4.39/5

Manhwa can't get any more meta than My Life as an Internet Novel. After spending its first few episodes introducing Dani as an avid reader of internet novels with a vast knowledge of famous internet novel tropes, the isekai manhwa takes a twist by putting Dani at the center of an internet novel.

As one might have assumed, the internet novel Dani drops into is full of the tropes she's come to expect from such novels. My Life as an Internet Novel is a hilarious meta isekai manhwa with incredibly drawn characters and settings.

6 The Male Lead's Little Lion Daughter Centers Around A Wholesome Father-Daughter Relationship

Story By Latine & Art By Ttona (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

7.90/10

Anime-Planet

4.38/5

Goodreads

4.21/5

Reincarnation is a popular theme among isekai manhwa, and many follow a similar premise. A young heroine dies tragically and then finds herself reincarnated as the child of a fearsome nobleman. The Male Lead's Little Lion Daughter employs this concept, and though it's not exactly original, fans still love it.

The series follows the wholesome father-daughter relationship between the terrifying Duke Voreoti and Lionia, his adopted child. With its adorable family dynamic, lovable cast, and surprisingly dramatic storyline, The Male Lead's Little Lion Daughter is perfect for those who love found family stories.

Lionia and the Duke from The Male Lead's Little Lion Daughter

5 How To Win My Husband Over Is A Villainess Story & A Sweet Romance

Story By Nyangi-wa Hyangsinnyo & Art By Siru (Ongoing)

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7.99/10

Anime-Planet

4.24/5

Goodreads

4.45/5

How to Win My Husband Over is yet another reincarnation isekai series. Following the popular villainess trend, this isekai manhwa stars a young woman who awakens after a plane crash to find she's been reborn as Rudbeckia de Borgia — a minor villain in a historical novel who dies at the end.

In an effort to save her new life, Rudbeckia decides to get married, hoping her husband will protect her from any possible doom flags. Emotional and surprisingly bittersweet, How to Win My Husband Over is perfect for readers who enjoy a good love story.

Rudbeckia and Iske from How to Win My Husband Over manhwa

Story By Milcha & Art By Gorae (Complete)

Raeliana and the Duke in Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

Eunha Park is sent into a fictional world to become Raeliana, a character destined to be murdered, but she gets a second chance to avoid her fate in Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion.

Release Date
September 3, 2017
Author
Milcha
Artist
Milcha
Genre
Manhwa

MyAnimeList

8.15/10

Anime-Planet

4.35/5

Goodreads

4.37/5

Related
10 Most Romantic Scenes in Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion
Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion's two leads offer fans plenty of romantic moments, but a few in particular stand out.

This isekai manhwa's title is certainly a handful, but it barely compares to the mess that unfolds when Park Eunha wakes up in the middle of one of her favorite novels. Having passed away in modern-day Korea, Park discovers she's now Raeliana McMillan, a character destined to be killed by her fiancé.

Raeliana tirelessly works to change the story she's living within and save her life but fails to consider what might happen if she does. Even with prior knowledge of the story, the new protagonist can't be sure who to trust after disrupting the novel's plot. Readers will be glad to know this isekai manhwa has also been adapted into a hit anime series.

3 I Shall Master This Family Stars A Young Girl Who Goes Back In Time & Lives Her Life Over Again

Story By Kim Roah & Art By Mon (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

8.22/10

Anime-Planet

4.42/5

Goodreads

4.54/5

I Shall Master This Family is a reincarnation-style isekai manhwa series with a unique focus on historical fantasy and time travel. The series follows the adventures of a Korean woman who finds herself reborn as Firentia, the illegitimate daughter of the head of the Lombardi House.

After Firentia is cast away and left to die yet again, she gets yet another chance at life and travels back in time to when she was a young child. Now armed with knowledge of the future, Firentia uses this second chance to right her family's wrongs and ultimately save her life. I Shall Master This Family is a one-of-a-kind isekai manhwa that takes all the usual reincarnation tropes and turns them on their heads.

The main cast from I Shall Master This Family

2 The Greatest Estate Developer Is A Comedy-Based Isekai Starring A Lazy Nobleman

Story By Back-kyung Moon & Art By Kim Hyunsoo (Ongoing)

MyAnimeList

8.41/10

Anime-Planet

4.47/5

Goodreads

4.49/5

The Greatest Estate Developer is a fun and comedic isekai manhwa featuring the adventures of a young man who falls asleep, only to wake up in the fantasy world of the novel he was reading. Now he's been reborn as Lloyd Frontera, a lazy individual whose family is overwhelmed with debt.

To save himself from a terrible fate, Lloyd uses his past-life knowledge of engineering to create inventions to sell. As he works to keep his family from ruin, he ultimately becomes one of the land's greatest estate developers, amassing an impressive fortune along the way. With its exciting story, lovable characters, and hilarious comedy, The Greatest Estate Developer is one of the best in the genre.

Protagonist from The Greatest Estate Developer

1 Who Made Me A Princess? Tells A Harrowing Story Of One Girl's Fight To Survive

Story By Plutus & Art By Spoon (Complete)

Who Made Me A Princess
Who Made Me A Princess

Athanasia, executed for treason in her past life, wakes up reborn as a child princess in the very kingdom she threatened. Now, she must navigate a treacherous court, filled with hidden agendas and deadly secrets, all while maintaining the innocent facade of a princess.

Release Date
December 20, 2017
Author
Plutus
Artist
Spoon
Genre
Comedy , Fantasy , Romance
Chapters
125
Volumes
9
Publisher
Tappytoon, Seven Seas Entertainment

MyAnimeList

8.45/10

Anime-Planet

4.42/5

Goodreads

4.47/5

Who Made Me a Princess? is currently one of the most popular isekai manhwa titles out there. The story features a classic reincarnation premise, following the harrowing journey of young Athanasia as she tries to please her father the Emperor, and avoid being killed. After finding herself transported to the world of a fairy tale story, Athanasia soon discovers she's been reborn as the tragic child of the cruel Emperor.

In order to change her fate, Athanasia tries to win her father over and get in his good graces. However, she soon finds this will prove harder than she first thought since many obstacles get in her way of salvation. The premise is nothing new, but Who Made Me a Princess? has nevertheless captured reader's hearts with its emotional story of survival.