In the past, villainesses in anime were often portrayed as evil, seductive women who helped the main villain carry out their schemes.
But recently, this idea has been flipped around in new ways. Many modern anime, especially in the isekai genre, now focus on giving villainesses a chance at redemption.
In these stories, a character is reincarnated as someone who was supposed to meet a terrible fate. Armed with the knowledge of the game or story they’re in, these characters work to change their futures.
Instead of following the path that leads to their downfall, they try to create a better outcome where they avoid the tragic end that was once destined for them.
These villainess characters use their second chance to rewrite their stories. With their unique insight into the events ahead, they take steps to prevent disaster and make positive choices that help others.
By doing so, they go from being feared villains to admired heroes, proving that their fates aren’t set in stone.
This shift in the villainess trope has made these characters more relatable and complex. Instead of being doomed to a life of evil, they’re given the opportunity to show growth and kindness.
As a result, these anime offer inspiring tales of second chances and personal redemption, where the villainess becomes the hero of her own story.
The isekai genre continues to thrive, with each anime season introducing at least one new series. Recently, a new sub-genre called villainess isekai has emerged, capturing the audience’s attention.
This sub-genre revolves around characters who find themselves transported into the bodies of villains in another world.
Living as a villain is no easy task, and these characters quickly realize the challenges that come with their new roles.
They face numerous obstacles and unexpected twists as they attempt to carve out their own paths. Instead of simply embracing their villainous fates, they often seek to change their destinies and avoid the grim endings they were originally meant to face.
Beyond just the villainess isekai, many other isekai series feature characters with darker qualities, including villains or morally ambiguous figures.
This trend caters to viewers who enjoy stories with complex characters who aren’t purely good or bad. As a result, fans have a rich selection of series that go through these themes.
The rise of the villainess isekai sub-genre highlights a shift in storytelling within the isekai anime.
By focusing on characters who confront their villainous roles, these stories add depth and excitement, showcasing the struggle for redemption and the pursuit of a better fate.
This evolution keeps the isekai genre fresh and engaging for audiences looking for new perspectives.
1) The Rise of Ainz Ooal Gown in Overlord
Overlord, based on the light novel series by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by So-bin, tells the story of Momonga, a devoted player of the online game YGGDRASIL.
As Ainz Ooal Gown, he leads one of the strongest guilds in the game. However, over the years, most of his guildmates have left, and only four members remain.
When news comes that YGGDRASIL will be shutting down, Momonga chooses to stay logged in until the end.
To his surprise, when the game’s countdown ends, YGGDRASIL doesn’t shut down. Instead, he finds himself transported into a new world, where the non-player characters (NPCs) gain awareness and life.
Momonga is trapped in the body of his lich character, which is a skeletal figure. This sudden change leaves him confused but determined to figure out what has happened and how to handle this new reality.
With his former guild now nonexistent, Momonga takes it upon himself to protect the kingdom he was part of in the game.
Using his position as the guild leader, he sets out to expand his power in this unfamiliar world. As he interacts with various beings and entities, he begins to take control, establishing dominance over the lands around him.
What makes Overlord particularly intriguing is that Momonga embraces his role as a villain. His personality, shaped by the game’s mechanics, allows him to commit acts of violence without hesitation.
As he continues his journey, he becomes more ruthless, creating a unique story where the protagonist does not resist their dark side but instead fully embraces it.
This twist adds depth to the storyline, making it a compelling watch for fans of fantasy and adventure.
2) Naofumi Fights to Prove His Worth in The Rising of The Shield Hero
The Rising of the Shield Hero, released in 2019 and animated by Kinema Citrus, tells the story of Naofumi Iwatani, an ordinary young man whose life drastically changes when he is transported to a parallel world.
He arrives in this new world alongside three other young men, all of whom are known as Cardinal Heroes. Their mission is to defeat the Waves, which are monstrous creatures attacking from another world.
However, things take a turn for the worse when Naofumi is falsely accused of assault by his companion, Malty Melromarc.
This accusation leads to Naofumi facing harsh judgment and rejection from the people in this new world.
While the other heroes receive help and support, Naofumi finds himself completely isolated and without allies, making his journey even more difficult.
Struggling to survive in this hostile environment, Naofumi also figure out the true nature of the Waves and how to combat them.
As he handles his new life, he becomes increasingly bitter and mistrustful, shaped by the unjust treatment he receives.
Though Naofumi doesn’t view himself as a villain, the way others treat him causes him to adopt a more hardened perspective on life.
His experiences highlight the impact of betrayal and prejudice, as he works to overcome numerous challenges.
Naofumi’s journey is one of resilience, as he strives to prove his worth and find the truth in a world that sees him as an outcast.
Ultimately, The Rising of the Shield Hero goes through themes of injustice, redemption, and the struggle for acceptance in the face of adversity.
3) Tanya Aims to Build Her Empire in Saga of Tanya the Evil
Saga of Tanya the Evil is a unique anime that breaks away from typical villainess tropes. Unlike many anime in this genre, it features a true villainess who often displays a ruthless nature.
The main character, Tanya Degurechaff, is a military officer known for her cold demeanor and strategic mind. Her personality and actions set her apart as she handles a world filled with conflict.
The story begins when a man challenges a powerful being known as Being X. After losing the challenge, he is reincarnated as Tanya, a young girl.
Despite her small size, Tanya possesses the memories and intelligence of the man she once was. This unique situation allows her to leverage her tactical skills and experience from her previous life as she rises through the military ranks.
As Tanya climbs the ladder in her new life, she aims to make her empire one of the most formidable forces in the world.
She uses her cunning and determination to overcome obstacles and build a strong military presence. Her goal is not only to gain power but also to confront Being X, the entity that put her in this situation.
Throughout the series, Tanya remains focused on her ambitions while grappling with the challenges of her new life.
Her journey is marked by battles, political intrigue, and personal growth as she seeks to create a peaceful world, even as she embraces her role as a villainess.
The anime offers a fresh take on the genre, showcasing a character who is both formidable and complex.
4) Minoru Kagenou’s Journey from Ordinary Life to Shadowy Ambitions in The Eminence in Shadow
The Eminence in Shadow debuted in 2022 and quickly captured the audience’s attention. This anime, produced by Nexus and adapted from the light novel series by Daisuke Aizawa, tells the story of Minoru Kagenou.
From a young age, Minoru has dreamed of being a secret mastermind, pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
His hopes seem dashed when he is struck by a truck, but instead of dying, he finds himself in a magical world as Cid Kagenou, the second son of a noble family.
Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Minoru decides to pursue his dream. One day, he meets an elf named Alpha who is unwell.
After helping her recover, Minoru concocts a story, claiming to be Shadow, the leader of a fictional group called Shadow Garden, which aims to dismantle a non-existent evil organization known as the Cult of Diablos.
Intrigued by his story, Alpha decides to join him, and soon, she starts to recruit others for their cause. As Shadow Garden expands, Minoru realizes that his fabricated story may not be entirely made up.
The group’s mission begins to take on a life of its own, leading to unexpected developments. While Minoru originally does not see himself as a villain, the intricate web of lies and manipulation he creates causes viewers to perceive him as one.
His ambitions to operate as a shadowy power broker challenge the traditional notions of heroism. This anime appeals to fans who enjoy characters that are strategic and morally complex.
Minoru’s journey is filled with twists and turns, making it an amazing watch for those who appreciate leads that operate in gray areas rather than clear-cut good versus evil.
As the story unfolds, viewers are treated to a unique blend of fantasy, deception, and unexpected consequences.
5) Lugh Hones His Lethal Abilities in The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat
The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat is a story based on the light novels by Rui Tsukiyo.
The main character is a highly skilled assassin who decides it’s time to retire after a long and dangerous career. However, just as he plans to leave, he dies in a plane crash.
After his death, a goddess appears to him and offers him a chance to start over in a magical world. The catch is that she needs him to complete a special mission: to assassinate the hero who is supposed to save the world.
Accepting this unusual task, the assassin finds himself reborn as Lugh Tuatha Dé, a boy from a noble family known for its assassins.
As Lugh grows up, he adapt to his new life while mastering various assassination skills. He also learns how to handle the complexities of high society, which is a big change from his previous life.
The story presents a unique twist on the isekai genre, as Lugh’s character is typically seen as a villain in other stories.
Despite having good intentions, Lugh’s mission to kill the hero requires him to commit morally questionable acts.
This conflict creates an intriguing storyline where viewers can see the struggles of a character who is both a hero and a potential villain.
The series challenges the norms of traditional isekai tales, providing a fresh perspective on the concept of good and evil.
6) Catarina’s Quest to Change Her Fate in My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom is a light novel series written by Satoru Yamaguchi that was subsequently adapted into a 25 episode anime and a feature film.
The story revolves around Catarina Claes, an avid otaku who finds herself reincarnated in an otome game.
Unfortunately for Catarina, she learns that her character is doomed to meet a bad end, whether through exile or death, no matter what choices players make in the game.
Determined to change her fate, she decides to take action to avoid these unfortunate outcomes. To escape her destined doom, Catarina becomes proactive in her new life.
She throws herself into various activities, such as farming and making friends, hoping to build strong relationships and keep everyone close.
Her efforts lead her to be surrounded by a group of people who genuinely care for her, including both men and women.
However, Catarina remains blissfully unaware of the romantic feelings some of her friends have for her, focusing instead on her goal of surviving in this new world.
As she attends a magic academy, Catarina continues to handle her life with humor and charm. Her antics often lead to funny and heartwarming situations, showcasing her clumsiness and earnestness.
Despite her lack of awareness regarding her friends’ affections, she remains determined to change the story’s outcome and prevent her character from facing a grim fate.
With a mix of comedy, friendship, and adventure, Catarina’s journey is both entertaining and relatable.
Viewers can expect plenty of laughs as they follow her quest to avoid doom and forge meaningful connections in her magical new life.
As Catarina learns more about herself and those around her, she grows into a beloved character in a world where she once thought she was destined to fail.
7) Aileen’s Journey to Rewrite Her Destiny in I’m the Villainess, so I’m Taming the Final Boss
I’m the Villainess, so I’m Taming the Final Boss is an isekai light novel series written by Sarasa Nagase, which was adapted into a 12-episode anime that premiered in late 2022.
The story follows Aileen Lauren d’Autriche, a girl who was terminally ill in her previous life and loved playing otome games.
After her death, she finds herself reincarnated as the daughter of a duke in her favorite game, but things don’t go as smoothly as she hoped.
In the game, Aileen is labeled the villainess, and her fate is grim she is destined to die at the hands of the final boss, Claude Jean Ellmeyer.
Determined to change her destiny, Aileen devises a plan to avoid her terrible end. Instead of succumbing to her fate, she decides to earn Claude’s trust by proposing to him, hoping to alter the course of their story.
Claude, who is meant to embrace his demon side and kill Aileen off-screen in the game, is surprised by Aileen’s boldness.
Her reincarnation adds an unexpected twist to the original plot, allowing for new possibilities. As they spend time together, Aileen and Claude gradually start to open up to each other, and their relationship begins to blossom.
What began as a desperate attempt for survival turns into a sweet romance as Aileen handles her new life.
Through her efforts to tame the final boss, Aileen not only seeks to rewrite her fate but also discovers the joys of love and connection.
The series showcases her journey of growth and transformation in a world where she was once destined to be the villain.
8) Rishe’s Relentless Cycle of Death and Rebirth in 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! is a fantasy romance light novel by Touko Amekawa that was adapted into a 12-episode anime, which debuted in early 2024.
The story follows Rishe Weitzner, a young noblewoman trapped in a time loop. Each cycle of her life ends with her dying after five years, leaving her desperate to find a way out of this endless cycle.
In her seventh loop, Prince Arnold Hein unexpectedly proposes to Rishe, claiming that he fell in love with her at first sight.
Initially, Rishe is skeptical of Arnold. In her previous loops, he was responsible for numerous disasters, including wars and her own death.
Because of this, she finds it hard to trust him, expecting the worst based on their past encounters. However, this time, Arnold acts differently than she remembers.
He is distant yet surprisingly kind, leading Rishe to question her assumptions about him. As she handles her new life with Arnold, Rishe decides to help improve his kingdom, using her knowledge from previous loops to make positive changes.
As she grows closer to Arnold, Rishe also grapples with the mystery of why he became the villain in her earlier lives.
Her journey becomes one of not just survival but also understanding and transformation, as she seeks to uncover the truth behind their complicated history while finding joy in her unexpected relationship.
9) Yumiella’s Fight to Escape Her Fate in Villainess Level 99
Villainess Level 99 is a 12 episode fantasy isekai anime adapted from the light novel series by Fujimi Shobo.
The story follows Yumiella Dolkness, who used to be an ordinary college student before being reincarnated as the hidden boss of an otome game.
Yumiella’s main goal is to live a peaceful life, and she spends her childhood training hard to ensure that.
However, she may have taken things too far, as most people in her world stop leveling at level 10, while Yumiella has reached the maximum level of 99. Despite her overwhelming strength, she wants to avoid becoming the villain everyone fears.
With her knowledge of the game’s events, Yumiella carefully plans to avoid any actions that could turn her into a bad guy.
She just wants to stay out of trouble and live quietly. However, her immense power makes it difficult for her to blend in at school, where she’s much stronger than her classmates.
As Yumiella handles her school life, she realizes that living a peaceful life won’t be as easy as she hoped. Her strength draws attention, and it becomes clear that staying unnoticed is nearly impossible.
Even though she tries to keep a low profile, her journey shows that sometimes avoiding trouble is harder than facing it.
10) Rae Challenges Otome Game Norms in I’m in Love With the Villainess
I’m in Love With the Villainess is a romantic comedy isekai light novel written by Inori that was adapted into a 12-episode anime series in late 2023.
The story revolves around Rae Taylor, who was previously known as Rei Ohashi, an office worker who worked tirelessly in her past life.
Unfortunately, her dedication led to her untimely death, but instead of the afterlife, Rae finds herself reincarnated in her favorite video game.
In this new life, Rae has the option to pursue one of three handsome princes. However, Rae identifies as a lesbian and is only interested in the game’s villainess, Claire Francois.
Despite Claire’s role as the main antagonist in the original story, Rae feels a deep connection to her and is determined to change Claire’s fate.
Instead of following the game’s story, Rae seeks to give Claire the happy ending she believes she truly deserves.
As Rae handles her new world, she focuses on building a relationship with Claire. Their interactions challenge the typical tropes associated with villainess characters, allowing Rae to anime that love can flourish even in unexpected places.
This unique approach sets the stage for a heartwarming story filled with humor, romance, and self-discovery.
Through her journey, Rae not only seeks to transform Claire’s destiny but also learns to embrace her own identity and desires.
I’m in Love With the Villainess offers a fresh perspective on the isekai genre, showcasing the power of love and understanding while challenging the conventional roles of heroes and villains.
11) Terakomari’s Unforeseen Destiny in The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess is an entertaining and whimsical anime adapted from the light novel series by Kotei Kobayashi.
The 12-episode anime, which streamed in 2023, follows Terakomari Gandesblood, a vampire who is part of a powerful vampire family.
Unlike most villainesses in anime, Komari isn’t part of an otome game or reincarnated she’s simply a shut-in vampire who avoids drinking blood, making her much weaker than she could be.
Komari is content living a quiet, peaceful life as a recluse, but things take a wild turn when she’s unexpectedly appointed as a commander in the Mulnite Imperial Army.
Her new role comes with a lot of pressure, especially since her soldiers are tough, unruly fighters who expect their leader to be strong.
Unfortunately for Komari, she’s anything but strong, and her lack of power puts her in a tricky situation.
Despite her weakness, Komari has to figure out how to lead her rough squadron without showing any signs of vulnerability.
Thankfully, she’s not completely on her own. Her loyal and dependable maid, Villhaze, is by her side to offer support and help her handle the challenges of being a commander.
Throughout the series, Komari tries to survive in her new position while hiding her lack of strength.
With Villhaze’s help, she faces the difficulties of commanding an unruly group and tries to prove that even a weak vampire can find a way to succeed in a world that values power above all.
12) Pride’s Quest to Overcome a Doomed Future in The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior
The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen is a 12-episode anime bas ed on the light novel series by Tenichi. The story follows Pride Royal Ivy, a young princess who realizes that she has been reincarnated into a world based on a video game.
In the game, Pride was meant to grow into a cruel and heartless queen, known for her evil deeds and eventual downfall.
However, this new version of Pride is determined to avoid that fate and change the course of her life.
With the knowledge of her dark future, Pride decides to take a different path. Instead of following the steps that would lead her to become a villainess, she focuses on making choices that will benefit her kingdom.
She quickly abandons any thoughts of cruelty and instead chooses to be kind and just. This transformation sets her on a new journey, where she works to protect her people and improve their lives, steering away from the destructive behavior that her original self would have embraced.
Throughout the series, Pride faces various challenges that test her resolve and push her to grow as a ruler.
She handle complex relationships with those around her, including family members, allies, and potential enemies.
Her determination to prevent the cruel actions of her original counterpart helps her build trust with her subjects, showing them that she is a leader they can rely on.
As Pride continues to rewrite her fate, she proves that it’s possible to overcome a dark destiny and choose a better path.
Her journey of redemption makes The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen an inspiring story about self-awareness, growth, and the power of making the right choices, even when fate seems set against you.
13) Lieselotte’s Journey in Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte is a fantasy romantic comedy that combines the real world with an otome game.
Originally a light novel series by Suzu Enoshima, it was adapted into a 12-episode anime that aired in early 2023. Unlike many other stories in the genre, this anime does not involve reincarnation.
Instead, it follows two members of a broadcasting club who play the otome game Love Me Magically! and provide commentary on the game’s characters.
The twist comes from the fact that Lieselotte’s fiancé, Crown Prince Siegwald Fitzenhagen, can hear the commentary from the broadcasting club.
He believes their words to be the absolute truth. This unique situation adds an interesting layer to the story, as the club’s insights influence Siegwald’s understanding of Lieselotte and her actions in the game.
Lieselotte is portrayed as a tsundere character initially cold and aloof but ultimately kind-hearted. Throughout the series, viewers learn that her seemingly haughty behavior comes from misunderstandings, and the game’s fan disc reveals her true intentions.
This sets the stage for her character to finally anime her more vulnerable side, allowing her to be seen in a different light.
As the story unfolds, Lieselotte gets the opportunity to prove herself and keep her engagement with Siegwald.
The anime goes through themes of love, misunderstanding, and personal growth, showcasing how communication and understanding can change perceptions.
Ultimately, this romantic comedy provides a fresh take on the otome game genre while highlighting the challenges faced by its characters.
14) Elise’s Third Life as a Healer in Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With the Lamp
Doctor Elise originated as a South Korean webtoon by Mini and was later transformed into an anime that debuted in early 2024.
The story centers on Elise, an empress who experiences her life three times, each one teaching her valuable lessons.
In her first life, Elise was a spoiled ruler whose selfish actions led to her downfall. Her people grew tired of her poor leadership and revolted, resulting in her execution.
In her second life, Elise takes a different path by becoming a doctor to atone for her past mistakes. Unfortunately, her journey is cut short when she dies in a plane crash.
However, this experience doesn’t end her story. In her third life, Elise is reborn with the memories of her first life and the medical knowledge she gained from her second.
Armed with this wisdom, she is determined to make better choices. Now, Elise has a chance to change her fate. She vows to improve her relationships and the health conditions of her kingdom.
With the knowledge of her past failures, she works hard to earn the trust of her people and make a positive impact on their lives.
This new life gives her the opportunity to anime that she can be a caring and effective leader. As Elise handles her challenges, she learns the importance of humility and compassion.
Her journey of redemption makes Doctor Elise an inspiring tale about growth, understanding, and the power of second chances. With each step she takes, Elise strives to become the ruler her people deserve.
15) Mia’s Struggle for Change in Tearmoon Empire
Tearmoon Empire is an anime adapted from the light novel series by Nozomu Mochitsuki, which aired for 12 episodes in late 2023.
The story revolves around Princess Mia Luna Tearmoon, a spoiled and selfish princess facing a dire fate.
At just 20 years old, she is sentenced to death by guillotine due to her reckless actions that led to unrest in her empire.
However, instead of facing death, Mia experiences a twist of fate when she finds herself in the afterlife. Given a second chance, she decides to focus on her own safety and make sure she avoids execution this time around.
To do this, she sets out to rebuild her empire, believing that her actions can change the outcome of her story.
Mia’s journey is not without challenges. She quickly realizes that changing her ways is harder than she thought, as old habits and selfish tendencies linger.
Despite her intentions to improve and protect herself, her past behaviors often resurface, complicating her efforts to save her life and empire.
Determined not to give up, Mia continues to fight for her future. Her story highlights her struggle between selfishness and the need to grow as a ruler.
As she handles the obstacles in her path, Tearmoon Empire presents a tale of redemption, showing how one can learn from their mistakes while trying to secure their place in the world.
Honorable Mentions
Ain Nguyen – Makima Cosplayer
All Sauces
Vainilla~
Mitasarete Mezameru Asa ni, Jimi na Choushoku wo
Kono Koi ni Kizuite
Princess lover
NTR
Tsuma ni Damatte Sokubaikai
Otome Dori
Daraku Reijou
