Summary
Deviating from the conventional framework of embarking on fantastical adventures, isekaivillainess mangahave carved out an entirely new subgenre that has revolutionized the overused reincarnation trope. With the inescapable fate of the villainess forcefully thrust upon the protagonist, a race against time ensues for these contrived villainesses to undo their doom-ridden fate.
Although thepremise of villainess storylinestends to teeter on the comedic side of things, a few mature themes are often embedded in the narrative. The villainess trope has traditionally been confined to otome (dating sim) settings, but recent isekai villainess manga have introduced rather unorthodox narratives. Some denounce their villainess origins, while others play the game to their advantage, though the bottom line remains the same — doom is inevitable.
Updated June 07, 2025 by Ahmed Rehan Nasir:The isekai villainess subgenre has delved into all sorts of new themes and narratives, with newer villainess manga straying from the tried-and-tested otome setting.
From fantasy novels to RPG games, mangaka have come up with a number of intriguing settings that offer a fresh spin to the villainess theme. For avid fans of the theme who have exhausted their libraries, this list has been updated with a few more exciting isekai villainess manga.
21+
Japanese Title
Akuyaku Reijou wa Nightingale wo Mezasu
Transmigrated villainesses are often portrayed as damsels in distress as they desperately try to evade their eventual fate.The Villainess Who Became a Nightingalemanages to avoid this trope, as Leysritt focuses more on what she can offer to this world instead of worrying about her fate.
Being a nurse in her previous life, Leysritt brings her knowledge of modern medicine to this world, giving way to all sorts of new developments to take place. While the premise is akin toDoctor Elise: The Royal Lady With the Lamp, the manga adds a few novelties of its own in the form of Leysritt’s profession andknowledge of the medicinal framework.
56+
Akuyaku Reijou wa Ringoku no Outaishi ni Dekiaisareru
The Villainess Is Adored by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Kingdominitially follows the same premise as any other isekai villainess manga, with the protagonist regaining memories of her past life right before her trial. In this case, however, things pan out differently, as the prince of a neighboring nation saves the villainess from her doom-ridden fate.
While the manga is bogged down by a few unappealing elements, such as the ridiculously long and absurd character names and overused clichés, it still manages to offer a somewhat novel premise. Moreover, the romantic chemistry between the two primary characters makes up for these pitfalls.
29
Tensei Reijou wa Boukensha wo Kokorozasu
True to its namesake,Forget Being the Villainess, I Want to Be an Adventurer!features the story of a transmigrated villainess who chooses to become an adventurer, all in a bid to avoid her grim fate. However, straying from the book’s storyline has its consequences, with the original characters from the story interfering with her plans.
While the manga has its unique nuances,Forget Being the Villainess, I Want to Be an Adventurer!is riddled with a few flaws. The age gap between the two primary love interests can seem a bit problematic, though a few time skips mitigate this issue to some extent. Moreover, the focus largely remains on Serefione and her tiger companion, which makes the rest of the manga’s cast feel rather shallow and underdeveloped. Nevertheless, the manga makes up for its flaws with a thoroughly unique premise that meshes together villainess themes with isekai adventure.
24+
Hiroro Akizakura
Akuyaku Reijou, Cecilia Sylvie wa Shinitakunai node Dansou suru Koto ni Shita.
At the age of five, the arrogant and entitled Cecilia Sylvie regains her memories of a past life, accompanied by the realization that she is the villainess of an otome. With every route leading to her eventual demise, Cecilia decides to improvise by cross-dressing as a boy named Cecil.
Cecilia’s cross-dressing antics may save her from her fate, but only if she can maintain her guise. As one of thefew cross-dressing isekaivillainess manga out there,Cross-Dressing Villainess Cecilia Sylviemerges two eccentric tropes for a truly amusing premise.
16
Akuyaku Reijou wa, Shomin ni Totsugitai!!
As a fan of the game ‘Love Magical,’ the would-be villainess always had her eyes set on the supporting character named Ursch, even forgoing the game’s main leads. After being reincarnated asvillainess Isabella Ali Rottensteinin the same game, she no longer has to fawn over Ursch through her screen.
Isabella may be the villainess, but a fickle title like that won’t stop her from winning Ursch over.The Villainess Wants to Marry a Commoner!!stays true to its namesake, with the transmigrated villainess denouncing her evil origins simply to be with her favorite commoner.
28+
Albert-ke no Reijou wa Botsuraku wo Goshomou desu
The usual premise of isekai villainess narratives revolves around undoing the villainess’ doom-laden fate.Young Lady Albert Is Courting Disaster, on the other hand, has an entirely contrary premise. After realizing she is the villainess of an otome game, Mary Albert vows to go down the same path as the original villainess, despite being aware of the eventual fate that awaits her.
The premise might be unique, yetYoung Lady Albert Is Courting Disasterfalls into a few common pitfalls. With a rushed pacing, the manga fails to flesh out its ancillary characters, coupled with a lack of reasoning behind the villainess’ actions. Nevertheless, the manga is perfect for those new tothe isekai villainess theme, especially since the narrative doesn’t delve into any intricate plotlines.
34+
Reijou wa Mattari wo Goshomou.
A Japanese office lady finds herself reincarnated to the last novel she read right before her demise. Taking on the role of Ronia, the villainess eventually defeated and banished in the novel, the transmigrated protagonist remains aware of the eventual punishment that awaits her.
Instead of trying to change the course of the storyline, Ronia accepts her exile and decides toopen a café in the countryside.My Lady Just Wants to Relaxfeatures a rather laid-back approach to the isekai villainess trope, with a protagonist who simply wishes to relax.
22+
Izumi Ookido
Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni Naru zo: Akuyaku Reijou ni Naru hodo Ouji no Dekiai wa Kasoku suru you desu!
Similar to any other villainess manga,I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in Historystarts with the transmigration of a young girl in the body of Alicia, the villainess of an otome game. There’s a twist, however, as the newly transmigrated villainess earnestly takes on the role of the antagonist, even vowing to become the greatest villainess of all time.
The manga certainly defies the usual premise that villainess storylines feature, even more so with a focus on political nuances instead of the usual romance-centered themes. The manga’s success has landed the title an anime adaptation that is set to premiere in Fall of 2024.
18
Shun Fukutome
Nokori Ichinichi de Hametsu Flag Zenbu Heshiorimasu: Zamaa RTA Kiroku 24Hr
With just one day left before her condemnation, Alexandra regains her memories and realizes that a doom-ridden fate awaits her in less than 24 hours. With her life on the line, Alexandra tries to reroute the game’s course, all while avoiding any death flags that would speed up her impending doom.
With One Day Left I’ll Break All the Destruction Flags: “Serves You Right!” RTA 24 Hour Recordmight be similar to otherisekai otome narratives, yet the 24-hour deadline adds a unique sense of urgency to the premise.
17+
Genkai OL-san wa Akuyaku Reijou-sama ni Tsukaetai
After losing her job for an absurd reason, Midori Natori finds herself siphoned into herfavorite novel RPG game. Instead of transmigrating into the game as either the villainess or the heroine, Midori maintains her own identity within the game, without being bound by the game’s storyline.
With the game’s villainess Lapis Tenebrae standing before her, Midori pledges her allegiance to the wicked character, vowing to serve her till the very end.The Fed Up Office Lady Wants to Serve the Villainessswitches things up in the narrative by introducing a protagonist willing to root for the villainess.
