by Villainess anime has become very popular in recent years. These shows usually follow a girl who finds herself in the role of the “villain” in a romance story — often after being reincarnated into a fantasy or game-like anime world. Instead of following the story where she loses everything, she decides to change her fate.
These anime are full of drama, comedy, romance, and clever twists. The villainess is no longer the enemy — she’s the main character. And her story is one of growth, second chances, and finding her own happy ending.
What Is a Villainess Anime?
A villainess anime is a story where the main character plays the role of the “villain” in a romance or fantasy setting — usually in an otome game world. She is often a noblewoman or rival who is supposed to lose everything by the end of the story: her love, her status, or even her life.
But in villainess anime, things don’t go as planned. The villainess becomes self-aware or is reborn with memories of her past life, and she decides to change the story. Sometimes she wants to avoid a bad ending, and other times she simply wants to live freely.
This type of anime became very popular around 2019, especially after the success of My Next Life as a Villainess. Since then, many new titles have followed, offering fresh takes with comedy, romance, drama, and even dark revenge plots.
Reincarnated and Ready: Top 10 Villainess Anime of All Time
1. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
Hamefura
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Isekai, Harem
- Studio: Silver Link
- Year: 2020
This romantic comedy kicked off the villainess anime boom and remains one of the most beloved in the genre. Based on a manga with over 6 million copies sold, Hamefura has inspired a movie, a game, and multiple media adaptations.
The story follows Katarina Claes, the daughter of a noble family, who suddenly regains memories of her past life after hitting her head. She realizes she’s been reincarnated into her favorite otome game, FORTUNE LOVER — not as the heroine, but as the villainess who is doomed to be exiled or killed.
To escape her fate, Katarina begins changing her behavior and relationships, accidentally charming everyone around her. Her honest, goofy personality is the opposite of a traditional villainess, and she even raises love flags with both male and female characters — including the game’s original protagonist. With lots of laughs, heartwarming moments, and a fresh twist on romance tropes, this is a must-watch for fans of light and funny stories.
2. I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss
Akuyaku Reijou nano de Last Boss wo Kattemimashita
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Isekai
- Studio: Maho Film
- Year: 2022
Aileen Lauren Dautriche’s life turns upside down when her engagement to Prince Cedric is suddenly broken off so he can be with the “heroine,” Lilia. At that moment, Aileen regains memories of her past life and realizes she has been reincarnated into the world of an otome game — as the villainess who dies in the tragic route.
To avoid her doomed ending, she makes a bold decision: to court and marry the game’s final boss, Demon King Claude, Cedric’s powerful and mysterious half-brother. But Claude doesn’t trust her at first, and Aileen must work hard to prove herself — not just as a love interest, but as an ally in his dream to bring peace between demons and humans.
Based on a light novel series by Sarasa Nagase, this anime is packed with classic villainess drama, heartfelt romance, and a satisfying plot. With strong characters and a clear resolution in one season, it’s perfect for viewers who enjoy a full, well-written story.
3. The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior
Higeki no Genkyou to naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Min no tame ni Tsukushimasu.
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Isekai
- Studio: OLM, Studio Palette
- Year: 2023
At just eight years old, Pride Royal Ivy regains memories of her past life and realizes she’s been reincarnated as the final boss of the otome game Our Ray of Light. In the game, Pride was a cruel princess who caused pain to her family, her kingdom, and even her people — only to be defeated in the end. But this time, Pride refuses to walk the same path.
Using her knowledge of the future, Pride begins taking actions that change everything — saving lives, helping those around her, and becoming someone admired rather than feared. Her ability to “predict” events earns her respect, but behind it all is her desperate attempt to undo the future she once saw.
Based on the light novel by Tenichi, which has sold over 1 million copies, this anime offers a unique villainess tale that feels more like a redemption epic. With emotional depth and a heroine who works selflessly to rewrite her fate, it’s a refreshing and uplifting take on the genre.
4. I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History
Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni Naru zo
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Isekai
- Studio: MAHO FILM
- Year: 2024
Most people would dream of being the beloved heroine in a fantasy world — but not Alicia. In her past life, she admired the strong, sharp-tongued villainess of her favorite otome game, and thought the sweet-talking heroine was all show and no depth. So when she wakes up as the noble girl Alicia Williams, she’s thrilled — because she finally has the chance to become the ultimate villainess herself.
Armed with knowledge of the future and her family’s powerful dark magic, Alicia sets out to become a villainess who will go down in history. But despite her efforts to act cold and calculating, everyone around her sees her actions as noble, brave, and kind. The more she tries to be the “bad girl,” the more she wins people over — including the prince she’s supposed to torment.
Based on the light novel by Izumi Okido, this series puts a fresh and comedic twist on the villainess formula. Alicia’s passionate goal to be feared — while accidentally becoming loved — makes this a fun and charming ride for anyone who enjoys clever, determined leads and good-hearted humor.
5. Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord
Akuyaku Reijou Level 99: Watashi wa Ura Boss desu ga Maou de wa Arimasen
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Isekai
- Studio: Jumondou
- Year: 2024
In the world of the otome RPG Light Magic and the Hero, a girl named Yumiella Dolkness is feared for her dark magic and cold appearance. But at age five, she regains memories of her past life in Japan and realizes she’s been reincarnated as the game’s hidden boss — an optional enemy stronger than the Demon Lord.
Not interested in romance, Yumiella quietly grinds levels in the shadows, preparing for survival. But her peaceful plan backfires when she enters the Royal Academy and reveals her absurd power level: 99. This stuns the entire kingdom, and rumors begin to swirl that she might be the real Demon Lord.
Based on the light novel by Tanabata Satori, which has sold over 1 million copies, this anime delivers a mix of deadpan humor, misunderstood strength, and a lead who just wants to be left alone. Yumiella’s quiet determination and poor communication skills create a dry, surreal comedy that makes this series stand out in the villainess genre.
6. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimamana Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu Suru
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Time Loop
- Studio: Studio KAI × HORNETS
- Year: 2024
Rishe Irmgard Weitzner has died six times already — always getting caught in wars or tragic fates no matter how many times she tries to live differently. Now, in her seventh life, she just wants to live peacefully. But her plans fall apart when she meets Arnold Hein, the cruel prince who once killed her in a past life. To her surprise, he suddenly proposes marriage.
Despite being former enemies, Rishe accepts his offer — not for love, but to stop the war before it starts. With the knowledge gained across her past six lives, she uses her wisdom, diplomacy, and charm to uncover the real reasons behind Arnold’s brutality, and maybe… change him too.
Based on the award-winning light novel by Touko Amekawa, this story stands out with its mature heroine, beautiful visuals, and thoughtful time-loop structure. If you enjoy clever storytelling and a slow-burn romance with high stakes, this one’s not to be missed.
7. From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!
Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi: Reijou ni Tensei shita Ossan Kokkain
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Isekai, Gender-Bender
- Studio: Ajia-do
- Year: 2025
Kenzaburou Tondabayashi, a 52-year-old government bureaucrat, never expected to die in an accident and wake up in the body of a young noble girl — let alone the villainess of his daughter’s favorite otome game, Magical Academy: Love & Beast. Now reborn as Grace Auvergne, the classic prideful noble daughter, he must navigate a world of magic, romance, and social status — all while adjusting to life as a teenage girl.
Thankfully, Kenzaburou remembers everything his daughter told him about the game’s story and characters. With his practical mindset, kind heart, and unshakable “dad energy,” he approaches life as Grace in his own unique way — often confusing those around him with his thoughtful (and very un-villainous) actions.
This anime stands out for its wholesome comedy and creative spin on the genre. Watching a doting father try to play the role of a spoiled noble girl — and unintentionally becoming a better version of her — makes this series both hilarious and heartwarming. Sometimes, being a good person is the best plot twist.
8. I’m in Love with the Villainess
Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou.
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Girls’ Love (Yuri)
- Studio: Platinum Vision
- Year: 2023
Rei Oohashi, a tired office worker, spends her free time obsessing over Revolution, an otome game filled with handsome princes — but her favorite character isn’t one of the love interests. It’s the elegant, sharp-tongued villainess Claire François. So when Rei suddenly dies and wakes up inside the game as the heroine Rae Taylor, she wastes no time chasing after her dream girl.
Unbothered by the male leads, Rae persistently declares her love for Claire, even enjoying her constant bullying. What follows is a playful and heartfelt story of unexpected romance, where the real obstacle isn’t fate — but breaking through Claire’s icy exterior.
Based on the light novel by Inori, this anime blends self-aware comedy with genuine emotion and stands out for its LGBTQ+ representation. The witty banter, lovable characters, and slow-burning yuri romance make this a standout entry in the villainess genre. It’s bold, funny, and full of heart.
9. Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
Tsundere Akuyaku Reijou Liselotte to Jikkyou no Endou-kun to Kaisetsu no Kobayashi-san
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, Otome Game
- Studio: Tezuka Productions
- Year: 2023
Kobayashi is obsessed with MagiKoi, an otome game where the villainess, Lieselotte, is misunderstood and fated to fall. Her friend Endou joins her for a live playthrough, only for something unexpected to happen: the game’s main love interest, Prince Siegwald, suddenly hears their voices.
Believing them to be gods, Siegwald begins to act differently — especially toward Lieselotte, who he learns isn’t cruel at all, just incredibly bad at expressing her feelings. Thanks to the hilarious real-time “commentary,” the game’s tragic events start to shift, giving Lieselotte a second chance at love.
Based on the light novel by Suzu Enoshima, this anime puts a creative spin on the villainess genre by blending it with in-game live reactions and meta-humor. Lieselotte’s tsundere charm, combined with Endou and Kobayashi’s enthusiastic narration, creates a heartfelt, funny, and one-of-a-kind viewing experience. A must-watch for fans who enjoy romance, redemption — and a little chaos from the gods.
10. Tearmoon Empire
Tearmoon Teikoku Monogatari: Dantoudai kara Hajimaru, Hime no Tensei Gyakuten Story
- Episodes: 12
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Historical, Reincarnation
- Studio: SILVER LINK.
- Year: 2023
Princess Mia Luna Tearmoon dies at the guillotine—only to wake up as her 12-year-old self, memories intact and diary in hand. Desperate to avoid her doom, Mia sets out to “fix” the empire, save her life, and maybe enjoy a few desserts along the way. What starts as a selfish survival mission ends up transforming the kingdom, with Mia unwittingly gaining admiration as a wise and kind ruler.
Adapted from Mochitsuki Nozomu’s popular light novel, Tearmoon Empire brilliantly plays with the villainess formula. Mia isn’t your typical evil noble—she’s lazy, proud, and hilariously self-serving. Yet her accidental good deeds keep winning people over. It’s this ironic charm, combined with genuine emotional growth, that makes Tearmoon Empire such a delightful and satisfying watch. It’s a masterclass in comedy, character development, and second chances.
Final Thoughts: The Rise of the Villainess
From misunderstood nobles to time-traveling royalty, villainess anime has carved out a niche that’s both refreshing and empowering. What began as a quirky twist on isekai and otome tropes around 2019 has now grown into a full-fledged genre that blends comedy, drama, romance, and even political intrigue.
At its heart, these stories are about second chances—good people reincarnated as “villainous” young ladies who decide to defy their tragic fates. Whether it’s exile, execution, or heartbreak, they turn the tables with wit, charm, and a surprising amount of self-awareness.
The genre also leans into humor and exaggerated facial expressions, making even tense moments feel light and accessible. Whether the heroine is dodging death flags, wooing her enemies, or accidentally becoming a saint, the tone often balances comedy and sincerity in a way that watching them flip the script never gets old.
From romantic chaos to political redemption arcs, villainess anime offers a wide range of styles—so there’s something here for everyone. Just pick your favorite flavor, and enjoy the ride.
