Villainess anime, especially in otome game settings, are currently taking the anime world by storm, and it’s not hard to see why. These shows often offer a fresh twist on the typical isekai formula. Instead of the protagonist being the usual hero or heroine, they’re stepping into the shoes of the game’s designated antagonist. That’s a cool shake-up of the genre right there.
But it’s not just about the premise. Villainess stories often bring quirky, strong-willed female leads to the forefront, and let’s be honest, we all love a good character-driven tale. Plus, there’s the whole element of “reversing the script.” We usually get to see these villainesses trying everything in their powers to change their fate, to avoid their grim endings.
And don’t even get me started on the romance. These anime give us all kinds of interesting and unexpected relationships. Whether it’s girl-girl, girl-guy, or some other combo, there’s a lot of room for exploration, and it keeps things exciting.
Now, without further ado, here’s a handpicked list of 10 captivating villainess anime for your viewing pleasure.
10. Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord
- Episodes: N/A
- Genres: Fantasy
- Aired: 2024
In the upcoming anime series Villainess Level 99, Yumiella Dolkness is a reincarnator who accidentally overachieves by reaching Level 99 in the otome RPG Light Magic and the Hero. Her original goal was just to survive, but her unexpected power attracts unwanted attention and leads to deviations from the game script.
The series is set to premiere in January 2024, promising an intriguing twist on the typical otome game narrative with a protagonist who’s taken her leveling-up skills to a whole new level.
9. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
- Episodes: N/A
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy
- Released: 2024
Rishe Weitzner finds herself stuck in a never-ending time loop where her engagement to the crown prince is annulled repeatedly. In her seventh loop, she catches the eye of Prince Arnold from the neighboring Hyne Kingdom and agrees to marry him under the condition that she doesn’t have to perform royal duties.
As she starts using her past life skills to help the people of the Hyne Kingdom, she begins to see a different side of Arnold and wonders what caused his heart to grow cold.
A new anime series based on this premise is set to premiere in 2024.
8. Game World Reincarnation
- Episodes: 8
- Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Josei
- Released: 2022
Although not having the deepest or original plot, those who seek lewd romance that falls into the otome and villainess genres are likely to enjoy the very short episodes of this anime. Moreover, the adult audience can opt-in for the H-rated version.
Game World Reincarnation starts as every other anime in this genre: an ordinary office lady is reborn as the villainess in her beloved otome game. She strives to win over the prince to avoid a disastrous ending but finds herself unexpectedly winning his heart.
7. Tearmoon Empire
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
- Released: 2023
In 2023, it appears that the bag of villainess anime has spilled open, and Tearmoon Empire is one of the gems it has brought to the forefront. While the female protagonist doesn’t fit the usual villainess mold, she undeniably played a villainous role in her previous life.
When Princess Mia Luna Tearmoon is executed, she doesn’t meet her end but instead awakens in her 12-year-old self with her previous life’s knowledge. Determined to change her tragic ending, she decides to rebuild her falling empire.
Now, Mia isn’t your typical selfless, goody-two-shoes character seeking redemption even after being “reborn”. Her motives behind rebuilding the empire and gaining allies are actually not noble but rather selfish: her primary goal is to avoid the painful death by guillotine!
6. I’m in Love with the Villainess
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Yuri, School
- Released: 2023
Currently airing in 2023, I’m in Love with the Villainess is a fresh addition to the otome villainess and yuri genres. The anime follows a girl named Rei who gets reborn into her favorite otome game as the main character, but she’s more interested in the game’s villainess than the princes. Her ultimate goal is to change the villainess’s fate to a happier one before a revolution in the game messes everything up.
Instead of following the typical romance routes, the series takes a refreshing approach by focusing on a yuri relationship and changing the villainess’s destiny. Fans of cute yuri romance and those looking for a unique twist on the genre will likely enjoy this.
5. The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Fantasy, Josei
- Released: 2023
One of the latest in the villainess genre, The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior just wrapped up its run in the Fall of 2023. While the series doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking, the characters behave like you’d expect in real life, which is exceptionally rare in anime.
In this series, a young girl gets a second shot at life when she’s reborn as the villainess in a fantasy game she used to play. Now, her mission is to rewrite her fate by doing heroic things and steering clear of the tragic ending that’s looming. Come along for her journey of redemption and a fresh start in life.
4. Endo and Kobayashi Live! The Latest on Tsundere Villainess Lieselotte
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
- Released: 2023
Aoto and Shihono are members of the broadcasting club who play the otome game “A Magical Romance”. They’re determined to shed new light on the misunderstood villainess, Lieselotte. With Aoto adding his insights and Shihono providing colorful commentary, they catch the attention of Prince Siegwald, Lieselotte’s fiancé, who takes their words to heart.
Endo and Kobayashi Live! is a villainess anime unlike any other. Instead of following the conventional villainess reincarnation formula, the show shifts focus to two childhood friends who remain in the real world but gain the extraordinary ability to interact with characters in an otome visual novel, all in hopes of saving the villainess. Additionally, the evolving relationship between them provides a heartwarming and relatable element that distinguishes the series from the rest.
3. I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
- Released: 2022
I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss is a sweet romance anime that follows Aileen, a character reborn into an otome game as the villainess. If this premise sounds familiar, it’s because it shares some similarities with the famous My Next Life as a Villainess. To avoid her tragic fate, she tries to make Claude, the first prince and demon lord, fall in love with her, ultimately striving for a happily-ever-after ending.
The series offers a lighthearted and humorous experience, showcasing Aileen’s unwavering determination, good-hearted nature, and ability to charm everyone around her.
2. Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion
- Episodes: 12
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
- Released: 2023
Unlike many other recent shows where the protagonist becomes the game’s villainess, Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion introduces a unique twist by placing the heroine in a book she’s previously read, as a side character facing an early demise. Determined to rewrite her destiny, Raeliana turns to Duke Noah Wynknight, the novel’s main character, in an attempt to dissolve her engagement with Lord Francis Brooks.
Moreover, the series stands out for its well-crafted world-building. Viewers are treated to a rich and immersive setting that delves into the political dynamics, religious structures, and cultural traditions of the land. It’s this combination of fresh storytelling and a well-developed world that has resonated with fans.
1. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1 and Season 2)
- Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
- Released: Season 1 in 2020, Season 2 in 2021
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is one of the early entries in the isekai villainess genre, and it played a significant role in popularizing the genre.
The story revolves around Katarina Claes, who is reincarnated into an otome game she played in her previous life. Realizing she’s been cast as the villainess who meets various bad ends, Katarina decides to change her destiny by avoiding the doom flags.
In essence, the anime stands out as a light-hearted, fun, and heartwarming series that captures the hearts of viewers with its big cast of charming characters and a feel-good atmosphere.