In anime, when one thinks of a villainess, they used to think of a seductive, evil woman doing her best to help the main villain. The villainess was just a side-character, but recent anime has turned that trope on its head. Nowadays, villainess anime tend to be tales of redemption, often in the isekai genre.
In modern villainess isekai anime, the character is reincarnated as someone destined for a bad end. These characters use the knowledge they have of future events and outcomes to forge more hopeful possibilities and potentially avoid the painful death fate had planned for them. Though there have been some bigger twists in the genre, these anime bring the villainess into the spotlight for a chance at redemption and heroism.
Updated on February 26th, 2025 by Chelsea Steele: Anime villainesses have always been around, but the concept has seen a unique twist in recent anime. Many series now star an average protagonist who finds herself reborn into the body of a villainess character destined for a tragic fate. These subversive series turn the villainess trope on its head, offering some of the most interesting titles to come out in recent years. With the villainess trend more popular than ever, there are even more great villainess protagonist characters out there. We’ve updated this list to meet CBR’s current publication standard, while featuring more new titles starring a villainess heroine.
10 Best Villainess Isekai Anime, Ranked
Discover the best villainess isekai anime, where clever twists and fresh takes redefine this beloved genre.
13Diana Use Her Charms to Steal Away the Hero in Game World Reincarnation
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Like most “reborn as a villainess” series, Game World Reincarnation begins when a modern-day office worker meets an early demise after working herself to death. She’s then reincarnated into the world of a popular otome game as the story’s villainess, Diana Diafell. But what makes this title different from others in the subgenre is that rather than trying to save herself from her fate as a villainess, Diana decides to use her past knowledge to save the entire world. Aware of the future destruction that will take place, she attempts to alter the timeline by seducing the prince and stealing him from the heroine.
Though Diana initally turns on her charms for the sake of saving her new world, she finds herself developing true feelings for the game’s hero. Game World Reincarnation follows the two as they navigate their complex relationship and the consequences that arise from it. A standout of the villainess genre, the series is much more explicit than most out there. Not all fans may appreciate the spiciness of the story, so it’s definitely not for everyone. But for those interested in a more mature take on the villainess story, it’s worth a watch.
12Alicia Embraces Her New Villainess Role in I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History
Streaming on Crunchyroll
In most villainess anime, the protagonist sets out to change their doomed fate, ultimately going from a villainess to the heroine. I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History switches things up by introducing a main character who revels in her newfound status as a villainess. After reincarnating into the world of her favorite otome game, she’s more than thrilled to see she’s been reborn as Alicia Williams, the story’s main villainess.
The series follows Alicia as she embraces her new role, staying true to her villainess roots while still evading the bad ending that awaits her. After regaining her past life memories, she uses her knowledge of the game to master all the world’s secrets and level up her abilities. It’s a unique and refreshing take on the subgenre that relies less on the usual tropes associated with villainess stories, which fans will surely appreciate.
Rate Now
I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History
Comedy
FantasyRomanceRelease DateOctober 2, 2024
Cast
Kamen CaseyDuke- Eduardo VildasolAlbert Williams
- Kanna NakamuraAlicia Williams
- Rumi OkuboRebecca
Powered by
11A 52-Year-Old Civil Servant Becomes a Villainess in From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!
Streaming on HIDIVE
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! is one of the most recent villainess anime series to hit the scene, and it’s also probably the most unique. While most villainess anime star a female protagonist, this series begins with Kenzaburou Tondabayashi, a 52-year-old bureaucrat who meets an untimely end, only to reincarnate into the world of an otome game his daughter used to play. Here, he’s Grace Auvergne, the game’s snobby villainess character.
With the little knowledge he has on the game from his past life, Kenzaburou sets out to be the best villainess he can be, trying his hardest to replicate the original Grace’s personality and mannerisms. However, his kind heart and mild temperament make it near impossible for him to accomplish this goal, and he soon charms the rest of the student body. In one of the most creative takes on the villainess trope, From Bureaucrat to Villainess follows Kenzaburou as he works hard to keep the story going as it’s meant to.
Rate Now
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!
Comedy
Sci-Fi & FantasyRelease DateJanuary 10, 2025NetworkTBS, MBS, CBC, Tulip Television, BSN, tys, NBC, HBC, RKK, i-Television, SBS, IBC, BSS, MRO, OBS, TUF, RSK, TUY, tbc, RKB, SBC, KUTV, RBC, UTY, RCC, MRT, atv, MBC
Cast
Kazuhiko InoueKenzaburo Tondabayashi (voice)- Mao IchimichiGrace Auvergne (voice)
- Akira SekineAnna Doll (voice)
- Kaito IshikawaVirgile Vierge (voice)
10Pride Becomes a Compassionate Queen in The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen
Streaming on HIDIVE
The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen is a 12-episode anime based on the light novel series of the same name by Tenichi. The anime may be short, but it’s an excellent example of a protagonist choosing to redeem themselves from the villainess they could have become. Like many other series within the subgenre, The Most Heretical Last Boss begins with a modern-day girl eager to play the newest otome game. But before she can get home to start it up, she dies in a tragic accident, only to be reincarnated into that very game.
In The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen, young protagonist Pride Royal Ivy realizes that she’s been reincarnated into an otome game after she recalls her past life. Though she was destined to become a sadistic and abusive queen who’s ultimately killed, this new Pride has the foresight to avoid the cruel acts the original Pride committed. Instead of becoming a villainess, Pride has instead become a benevolent ruler who cares for her people.
Rate Now
The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior
FantasyIsekaiRelease Date2023 – 2023
Powered by
Expand
9Yumiella Harnesses Her Inner Darkness in Villainess Level 99
Streaming on Crunchyroll
Villainess Level 99 is a fantasy isekai based on the light novel series by Fujimi Shobo. The anime adaptation is 12-episodes long. Its protagonist, Yumiella Dolkness, was once an ordinary college student in the human world before reincarnating as the secret boss of an otome game.
All Yumiella wants is a peaceful life, and she spends her childhood grinding to do so. She may have gone a little overboard though, since most normal people stop leveling at level 10. Yumiella is maxed out at level 99. With the knowledge she has of the game’s events, Yumiella plans to avoid doing anything that might accidentally make her into a bad guy. However, school life won’t be easy when she’s so much stronger than her classmates. It seems like a peaceful, quiet life is out of reach.
Rate Now
Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord
TV-14
Comedy
Action
FantasyIsekaiRelease DateJanuary 9, 2024NetworkAT-X
Cast
- Ai FairouzYumiella Dolkness
- Azumi WakiAlicia Ehnleit
- Taku YashiroEdwin Valschein
- Yuma UchidaPatrick Ashbatten
8Komari Never Intended to Become One of the Seven Crimson Lords in The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess
Streaming on HIDIVE
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess is a comedic, fantastical adventure based on the light novel series by Kotei Kobayashi. The anime streamed for 12 episodes in 2023. In this anime, Terakomari Gandesblood, is a rare example of a villainess who is neither in an otome game nor has been reincarnated in any way. Rather, she’s a shut-in vampire from a prestigious line of vampires. She could be incredibly strong, but her refusal to drink blood makes her rather weak instead.
What was meant to be a peaceful life as a shut-in gets turned on its head when Komari finds she’s been appointed as a commander in the Mulnite Imperial Army. Even worse, her squadron is a bunch of ruffians who rebel at the slightest show of weakness – and, if Komari is anything, it’s weak. Komari is going to need the help of her reliable maid Villhaze if she’s ever going to survive the predicament she’s found herself in.
Rate Now
The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess
TV-MA
Comedy
Sci-Fi & FantasyRelease Date2023 – 2023
Cast
- Tomori Kusunoki
- Sayumi Suzushiro
- Manaka Iwami
- Fairouz Ai
7Aileen Courts the Demon King in I’m the Villainess, so I’m Taming the Final Boss
Streaming on Crunchyroll
I’m the Villainess, so I’m Taming the Final Boss is an isekai light novel series by Sarasa Nagase. This anime ran for 12 episodes in late 2022. In this anime, Aileen Lauren d’Autriche is the reincarnation of a terminally ill girl who adored otome games. She may have been reincarnated as the daughter of a duke in her favorite game, but fate isn’t too kind to Aileen. She’s a villainess, destined to die at the hands of the final boss.
10 Reasons to Rewatch I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss
I’m The Villainess, So I’m Taming The Final Boss subverts some common romance tropes, making for a series with fantastic replay value.
Looking to avoid this dark fate, Aileen instead chooses to gain the final boss’s trust instead by proposing to him. Claude Jean Ellmeyer was destined to give into his demon side and kill Aileen off-screen in the game, but reincarnation puts a wrench into fate’s plans. Slowly, Aileen and Claude open up to each other, turning what was meant to be Aileen’s chance at survival into something sweeter.
Rate Now
I’m the Villainess So I’m Taming the Final Boss
Comedy
8/10Release Date2022 – 2022
Powered by
Expand
6Princess Mia Luna Tearmoon Chooses to Rebuild the Empire in Tearmoon Empire
Streaming on Crunchyroll
Tearmoon Empire is an anime based on the light novel series by Nozomu Mochitsuki. The anime ran for 12 episodes in late 2023, during the Fall 2023 season. It is the story of a selfish princess who is willing to do whatever it takes to avoid revolution and the sting of the guillotine’s blade at her neck.
Princess Mia Luna Tearmoon was sentenced to death by guillotine at the age of 20, but the afterlife didn’t follow her death. Instead, Mia was given a chance to make things better. This time, Mia is choosing to be selfish and put her own safety first, doing whatever it takes to avoid execution. This includes rebuilding her own empire. If only things were that easy. Old habits die hard, and Mia is finding that out the hard way. That won’t stop her from trying though.
Rate Now
Tearmoon Empire
TV-14
ComedyRelease Date2023 – 2023
Cast
- Sumire UesakaMia Luna Tearmoon
- Tomori KusunokiAnne Littstein
- Yuuichirou UmeharaLudwig Hewitt
- Yoshitsugu MatsuokaAbel Remno
5Broadcasting Club Members Provide Play-By-Play Commentary in Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
Streaming on HIDIVE
Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Liselotte is a fantasy rom-com that keeps the real and otome worlds mostly separate. What started as a light novel series by Suzu Enoshima became a 12-episode anime in early 2023. There’s no reincarnation in this anime but, rather, two broadcasting club members playing the otome game Love Me Magically! and offering commentary on the characters.
That would make it an ordinary gaming anime if it wasn’t for Lieselotte’s fiancee, Crown Prince Siegwald Fitzenhagen, who can actually hear the broadcasting club’s commentary and takes it to be the word of God. His fiancee Lieselotte may seem aloof and haughty, but the game’s fan disc proves she meant no harm. Thus, this tsundere villainess finally has a chance to be understood and keep her engagement with Siegwald.
Rate Now
Endo and Kobayashi Live!
Comedy
FantasyRomanceRelease DateJanuary 7, 2023WritersTomoko Konparu
Cast
- Tomori Kusunoki
- Yuichi Nakamura
- Kaito Ishikawa
- Kana Hanazawa
Powered by
Expand
4Elise Gets a Second Chance as an Empress in Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady With the Lamp
Streaming on Crunchyroll
Doctor Elise started as a South Korean webtoon by Mini that was later adapted into an anime in early 2024. The series follows the third life of its titular empress, who went from a terrible ruler to a well-studied doctor. Doctor Elise hasn’t had it easy, but she’s willing to do what it takes to make amends for her past life.
In her first life, Elise was spoiled and self-centered, causing her people to rebel and execute her. In her second life, Elise became a doctor to repent, but died in an unfortunate plane crash. In her third life, she’s Elise again, with the knowledge of how her first life turned out and the medical wisdom she gained in her second life. This time, she’s vowed to get her life right by improving both health standards and her relationships with others.
Rate Now
Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
10/10Release Date2024 – 2024
Cast
- Yui Ishikawa
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
Expand
3Rae Has No Interest in Princes in I’m in Love With the Villainess
Streaming on Crunchyroll
I’m in Love With the Villainess is rom-com isekai light novel by Inori that was later adapted into a 12-episode anime series in late 2023. The series follows Rae Taylor — formerly Rei Ohashi — who was an office worker in her past life. Unfortunately, Rae worked herself to death, only to be reincarnated in her favorite video game.
10 Best Female Isekai Anime Villains, Ranked
Female villains can be just as evil as male villains especially in the isekai genre, and some of these characters are more conniving than others.
Rae could romance one of three princes, but she’s a lesbian who only has eyes for game’s villainess, Claire Francois. Claire may have been the main antagonist in the original game, but Rae is determined to give her villainess crush the happy ending she believes Claire so rightfully deserves. A wholesome series with surprisingly well-done LGBTQ+ representation, I’m in Love with the Villainess is a great addition to the villainess subgenre that switches things up with its unique premise.
Rate Now
I’m in Love with the Villainess
TV-PG
Comedy
FantasyRelease Date2023 – 2023NetworkTokyo MX
Cast
- Yu SerizawaRae Taylor (voice)
- Karin NanamiMisha Jur (voice)
- Ciarán StrangeClaire François (voice)
- Daisuke NamikawaThane Bauer (voice)
Expand
2Rishe Sees Her Fiancee in a New Light in 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
Streaming on Crunchyroll
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 later adapted into a 12-episode anime in early 2024. The protagonist, the young noble Rishe Weitzner, is stuck in a time loop that always ends with her dead in 5 years. Rishe is desperate for a way to escape this time loop and is willing to take drastic measures to do so.
On her 7th time loop, Prince Arnold Hein proposes to her, claiming he fell in love with her at first sight.. Rishe is suspicious at first. Arnold was nothing but bad news in her previous loops. He caused world wars, pestilence, and even killed Rishe in her last loop. This time, though, he’s nothing like what she expected. He’s aloof but kind. While Rishe helps improve his kingdom in her own way, she can’t help trying to figure out what turned Rishe’s heart so cold in her last loop.
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
Rishe is already on her seventh time around being reborn and has had all kinds of excitement in her previous lives. But to savor the high life, she first has to marry the handsome prince, the same one who happens to be her murderer.Seasons1
Powered by
1Katarina Is Determined to Avoid All Bad Ends in My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
Streaming on Crunchyroll
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom started as a light novel series by Satoru Yamaguchi and was later adapted into a 25-episode anime and a movie. The anime follows Katarina Claes, who was an otaku in her past life and was reincarnated into an otome game. In this game, no matter what path the player took, Katarina was destined to be exiled or killed. To avoid any bad ends, Katarina has taken measures into her own hands.
Now, the would-be villainess is surrounded by both men and women who love her dearly, as a friend and otherwise. Katarina remains oblivious as she does whatever she can, from farmwork to making friends, to keep from reaching an unforuntate end. Expect plenty of good laughs as the clueless Katarina and her dearly beloved (and loving) friends attend a magic academy where Katarina hopes to change her fate.
