15 Best Revenge Manhwa

Summary

• Revenge manhwa offer readers the satisfaction of seeing despicable characters get what they deserve.
• Revenge stories create morally gray characters that add depth to the plot.
• Revenge manhwa have gained popularity, leading to the use of the revenge trope in increasingly more series.

Be it petty or violent, revenge stories have always been popular and these manhwa execute the revenge trope to perfection. With a knack for creating some of the most disliked antagonists in popular media, revenge manhwa offer readers the unique satisfaction of seeing these despicable characters finally get what they deserve. In fact, it is this catharsis that has led to the popularity of the trope and the stories that make use of it.

More importantly, revenge stories usually give rise to more complex, morally gray characters that add depth to the overarching plot. While readers may not always be able to rationalize a character’s actions in pursuit of vengeance, as long as there is a justifiable motive, readers can often find themselves relating to even the most manipulative characters, even living vicariously through them in a way, which is why many other manhwa have begun to also make use of the trope.

15 Iris: The Lady and Her Smartphone (2021)

Based on the Novel by YOOSWAN, Created by YOON HYE & SWAN

Referred to as many readers’ first otome isekai manhwa, Iris: The Lady and Her Smartphone puts its titular character through the gauntlet as she is betrayed and killed by her family and husband. The resulting reincarnation gives her a glimpse at another life’s knowledge, where she gains the modern-day knowledge of Yeonhwa Baek and a curious magical smartphone. Finally, she sets out on a quest for vengeance, enlisting the help of Duke Valenciaga in the process.

14 Priscilla’s Marriage Proposal (2020)

Based on the novel by Lim Seo-rim & illustrated by Merona

Priscilla’s Marriage Proposal follows Priscilla Mortia, a fallen aristocrat-turned-mage who travels back in time, hoping to change her fate. Priscilla was originally forced into a political marriage to save her estate from debt and ruin but was forced to abandon her home and become a mercenary after learning about her stepmother and husband’s evil scheme to kill her and steal her title. Featuring the classic fake relationship trope and plenty of healthy romance for good measure, Priscilla’s Marriage Proposal is perfect for readers looking for quick payoff.

Fans of
Priscilla’s Marriage Proposal
might also enjoy Lim Seo-rim’s other notable work,
Empress of Another World
.

13 Second Life Ranker (2021)

Based on the Novel by Sadoyeon

Aside from being an acclaimed light novel with hundreds of chapters, Second Life Ranker is a fun read for those seeking a brilliant and competent handling of tower genre tropes. This includes an easy-to-grasp leveling system akin to Western RPGs like The Elder Scrolls but with a story that builds up to impressive depth as it expands. As Yeonwoo copes with the loss of his brother, who competed in the Tower of the Sun God, he discovers a trail of betrayal, resolving to avenge his brother’s loss and ascend the Tower under the callsign “Cain.”

12 Marry My Husband (2021)

Based on the novel by sungsojak & illustrated by LICO

Marry My Husband follows Kang Ji-won, who, after a loveless marriage and years of abuse by her in-laws, finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her with her best friend. After her boyfriend kills her in a rage when confronted, Ji-won mysteriously travels ten years to the past and decides to take revenge by having her best friend marry her sorry excuse of a husband instead. Ji-won sees through the lies this time and outsmarts her manipulative best friend and ex-husband at every turn, making her revenge satisfying despite the absurdity of the antagonist’s scheming towards the end.

Marry My Husband
has also been adapted into a K-drama starring Park Min-young as Kang Ji-won and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

11 Solitary Lady (2021)

Based on the novel by Kin & illustrated by Minsung

Solitary Lady centers around Hillis Inoaden, a noblewoman who has lived seven lives, each one ending in death. Hillis reincarnates every time only to repeat the same cycle of abuse and abandonment at the hands of her cruel brother and step-sister. It is only after seven such unfortunate lives that Hillis finally decides to break the cycle and live her eighth life solely for herself.

Described as “a tale of vengeance, self-confidence, and defeating the enemies of one’s past,” Solitary Lady is realistic in its portrayal of the difficulties of breaking away from abusive relationships, making the manhwa worth a read despite its slow pacing.

10 Roxana (2021)

Based on the novel by Kin & illustrated by Juniljus

Roxana is a must-read manhwa for fans of the villainess trope looking for a fresh take on the trope. The protagonist of Roxana finds herself reincarnated into a scandalous novel called The Abysmal Flower as Roxana Agrece. Unfortunately, the Agrece family are the antagonists of the story, doomed to a grim fate at the hands of the story’s real heroine. Not wanting to go down with her villainous family, Roxana takes matters into her own hands and the key to her survival is none other than Cassis, the heroine’s brother.

Unlike other series, Roxana isn’t afraid to be gory and violent in the slightest, with a refreshing morally ambiguous villainess as a change of pace.

Roxana
contains mature themes and depictions of violence and gore that could be triggering for some audiences.

9 Kill the Hero (2021)

Created by Cartoon life and D-dart

Far too many RPG-inspired manhwa feature furious protagonists who quickly become overpowered in their second lives, but with Woojin, his death at the hands of his guild still stokes the flames of vengeance. As he develops his skills and gains more from the Lord of the Underworld, Woojin uses guile, subterfuge, and different allegiances between enemies and allies to achieve his means. The result is a mastermind revenge fantasy, with Woojin pulling the strings as he works his way to the #1-ranked Messiah Guild.

8 The Villainess Lives Again (2020)

Based on the novel by Mint & illustrated by PEACHBERRY

Artezia Rosan has devoted her entire life to ensuring her brother becomes the Emperor, committing countless crimes and ruining many lives through her genius schemes, all for his sake. However, Artezia’s efforts are only met with betrayal, and she is framed for murder, tortured, imprisoned, and branded a traitor after her brother gets what he wants. Filled with many regrets yet unable to change anything in the present, Artezia turns back time, vowing to help the mysterious Grand Duke Cedric who saved her and ensure her brother’s downfall.

Overall, The Villainess Lives Again boasts a well-paced story, an intelligent, likable protagonist, and an easy-to-despise antagonist that makes Artezia’s revenge all the sweeter.

Fans of
The Villainess Lives Again
might also enjoy
The Villainess is a Marionette,
which follows a similar story line.

7 Depths of Malice (2021)

Written by Doori & illustrated by Paldu

Depths of Malice takes off when Rita swaps bodies with Verta Alberhart. Though Rita’s life has been hellish thus far, she refuses to simply keel over and die from the terminal illness that afflicts her body. Now in the body of the beautiful and influential daughter of the Alberhart family, Rita vows to find happiness at whatever cost, full of malice and willing to get rid of anybody who gets in her way.

Depths of Malice is yet another manhwa that isn’t afraid to feature a manipulative and self-centered protagonist who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to do whatever she needs to accomplish her goals.

6 Killer Peter (2023)

With clear influence taken from John Wick, Killer Peter has quickly secured its place as an excellent option for enjoyers of revenge manhwa. Following the familiar premise of a manhwa protagonist reverting to his prime to exact vengeance on Glory Club, his former employer, elderly terminal cancer patient Peter is roped back into the assassin world after a hit is taken out on him at his bookstore. The result is a fascinating mixture of over-the-top combat, brilliant action with Peter showing his ability to think on his feet, and perfectly over-the-top power fantasy entertainment perfect for Sakamoto Days fans.

5 Your Throne (2020)

Written & illustrated by SAM

Your Throne revolves around Medea and Psyche, two ladies competing for the title of the crown princess. Believing herself superior in every way, Medea feels betrayed when the Crown Prince, Eros, chooses Psyche to be his wife instead. Thus begins Medea’s plot to take back her rightful throne and title. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn when Medea and Psyche switch bodies after falling into the fountain at the temple. Though pitted against each other at the start, Medea and Psyche quickly realize their true enemy is someone else entirely.

Unlike other revenge manhwa which usually include romance in some form or another, Your Throne chooses to focus on the duality between its two protagonists and their developing relationship instead.

4 Villainess Turns the Hourglass (2020)

Based on the novel by SANSOBEE & illustrated by Antstudio

The Villainess Turns the Hourglass is a classic in the revenge genre and a must-read for fans of the trope. The story follows Aria who, much like many other manhwa protagonists, gets a chance to travel back in time and live life differently. In her first life, Aria was every part the villainess, known for mistreating her step-sister to no end. However, just as she is about to be executed, her meek little sister Mielle reveals she has been manipulating Aria all along, provoking her into ruining her reputation, which led to her punishment.

Now aware of Mielle’s little scheme, Aria decides to truly become the villainess she was believed to be, outsmart Mielle, and save herself and her mother from her step-sister’s wicked plans.

3 I Shall Kill That Sweet Devil (2021)

Based on the novel by ggul ggi & illustrated by ROSÉ

I Shall Kill that Sweet Devil follows Chloe, an illegitimate child of the Garnache family who, after the death of her mother, suffers years of abuse until she is taken away by her uncle, Grand Duke Kairos Ludwig. However, the duke has an ulterior motive in doing so and plans to use Chloe to entrap the Emperor and kill him. Having never been offered such kindness before, Chloe easily falls for the Duke’s charms and allows him to manipulate her, but meets a pitiful end once she fulfills her role.

Given a second chance at life, Chloe vows not to be swayed by the Duke’s sweet words the second time around. Far from petty revenge, I Shall Kill that Sweet Devil is a mature, thought-provoking, and truly heart-wrenching story that addresses serious themes of trauma and grooming.

This series includes depictions of incest and violence.

2 Hero Killer (2021)

Written by Kkulbeol and Illustrated by Beolkkul

Hero Killer is stylish, action-packed, and gorgeously-drawn, with readers quickly adding this to their anime adaptation wishlist. However, this revenge manhwa pits Ihwa, a villain, against the Hero Clan, a corrupt faction who is responsible for her sister, Yeon. Armed with multiple Gifts, a form of powers in Hero Killer, Ihwa can absorb Gifts from other users while demonstrating proficiency in many others, making her a force to be reckoned with in one of Webtoon’s most hotly-discussed ongoing action manhwa.

1 The Taming of the Tyrant (2021)

Based on the novel by yusoy & illustrated by Melting

Wanting to bring honor to her family, Charlize Ronan unknowingly agreed to become a tool for the Emperor. Little did she know that the Emperor would quite literally turn her into a sword through a painful magical procedure. Now used as a weapon to endlessly kill and torture people against her will, Charlize pleads for a chance to take revenge and finds herself back in her old human body, four hundred years in the past. Charlize vows to tear down the empire this time, starting with replacing the emperor with a tyrant of her choosing.

Simple as it starts out, The Taming of the Tyrant quickly evolves into a twisted yet enthralling story with ethereal art that makes it worthy of being titled the best revenge manhwa.