When people talk about anime , most immediately think of adaptations of Japanese manga. However, in recent years, manhwa—Korean comics—have gained ground and generated amazing anime. With engaging plots, unique visuals, and different narrative styles, these adaptations are here to stay.
In this post, you'll find the best anime based on manhwa, a must-see selection for those who want to move beyond the obvious and explore new stories. Keep reading and discover which titles deserve a place on your watchlist right now.
Anime based on manhwa – Top 10
10. Noblesse
- Note MAL: 6.90
- Year: 2020
- Studio: Production IG
- Episodes: 13
You know that anime that starts with a super-powerful vampire waking up after centuries? Well, that's Noblesse . Rai, the protagonist, barely understands the modern world, but still ends up enrolling in some random Korean school. Of course, nothing is simple: soon he's facing secret organizations and bizarre monsters.
Despite its somewhat rushed start, especially for those who haven't seen the OVA, Noblesse has its charm. The action is fun, Frankenstein (yes, that's the butler's name) steals the show several times, and the visuals don't disappoint. It's ideal for those who enjoy stylish action with a touch of school comedy.
09. Doctor Elise : The Royal Lady With The Lamp
- Note MAL: 7.26
- Year: 2024
- Studio: Maho Film
- Episodes: 12
Have you ever thought about reincarnating after death… as yourself, but in another time? Elise, a brilliant doctor in real life, gets a second chance and returns as a noblewoman in a world full of intrigue. And this time, she wants to do everything differently — including using her knowledge to save lives.
So, between improvised medieval surgery and somewhat tense romances with handsome nobles, this anime delivers plenty of emotion. If you enjoy a good historical drama, with romance and a protagonist determined to change her own destiny, you can confidently Doctor Elise
08. A Returner's Magic Should Be Special
- MAL rating: 7.06 (Season 1)
- Year: 2023
- Studio: Arvo Animation
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
The world is on the brink of collapse, everyone is dying… except Desir, who miraculously travels back in time to try and fix everything. And that's where the real adventure begins: he uses everything he learned in the previous timeline to better prepare himself—and his friends, too.
This one mixes magic, combat schools, and that "this time it's going to work" vibe. It has cool fights, strategy, and a touch of humor here and there. If you enjoy stories with time travel and heroes who truly evolve, it's worth giving it a chance.
07. The God of High School
- Note MAL: 7.07
- Year: 2020
- Studio: MAPPA
- Episodes: 13
Right off the bat, The God of High School kicks the door down with high-level action. It's a tournament where teenagers with superhuman abilities face off, and the more the story progresses, the more absurd (in a good way) things get.
It's true that the story picks up speed quite a bit, but the focus here is on the insane action. Therefore, the fights are very well animated, with choreography worthy of a kung fu movie with superpowers. If you're looking for adrenaline and don't mind long explanations, this anime is perfect.
06. The Girl Downstairs
- Note MAL: 7.85
- Year: 2023
- Studio: Red Dog Culture House
- Episodes: 22
On the other hand, The Girl Downstairs is more down-to-earth, focused on everyday life and relationships. The protagonist is a college student who, out of nowhere, ends up living in the same building as a mysterious former idol. Their cohabitation leads to moments full of tension and meaningful silences.
The vibe is slower, more contemplative. Don't expect big plot twists, but rather the kind of story that gradually wins you over. Ideal for those who enjoy slice-of-life with a touch of melancholic romance.
Anime based on manhwa – Top 5
05. Tower of God
- MAL rating: 7.56 (Season 1)
- Year: 2020
- Studio: Telecom Animation Film
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
Few anime are as enigmatic as Tower of God . At first, the premise is simple: whoever reaches the top of the tower gets any wish granted. But the execution? Full of layers, complex characters, and unexpected twists.
Gradually, you'll realize that nothing is as it seems. Baam, the protagonist, is more than just a "boy searching for his friend." With a rich universe and a constant atmosphere of mystery, this anime is for those who enjoy mental challenges and crazy theories.
04. Viral Hit
- Note MAL: 7.33
- Year: 2024
- Studio: Okuruto Noboru
- Episodes: 12
Imagine a skinny teenager who decides to become a fighting YouTuber. Sounds unlikely? Well, that's exactly what happens in Viral Hit . After being humiliated, he starts training and recording his fights — and, as the name suggests, the videos go viral.
But it's not just about fighting. The anime also deals with bullying, self-esteem, and how the internet can change lives (for better or for worse). With plenty of action and hints of social commentary, it's a fun and, at the same time, thought-provoking choice.
Anime based on manhwa – Top 3
03. Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion
- Note MAL: 7.53
- Year: 2023
- Studio: Typhoon Graphics
- Episodes: 12
You wake up inside a cliché romance novel… as the character who dies right at the beginning. This is Raeliana's drama, as she decides to defy the script and change her own destiny. And to do so, she decides to fake an engagement with the most powerful duke in history.
In fact, what's great about this anime is the game of appearances, the intrigues, and the subtle humor between the protagonists. If you enjoy a good romance with twists and turns and that touch of "nobility with romantic tension," you'll easily fall in love with it.
02. Lookism
- Note MAL: 7.42
- Year: 2022
- Studio: Studio Mir
- Episodes: 08
On the other hand, here the story is about appearance — literally. In short, an overweight and excluded student gains the power to alternate between his original body and a perfect, beautiful, and fit body. From then on, he begins to live two lives, and the contrast between them is what drives the plot.
More than just a story about bullying, Lookism is a direct critique of beauty standards and social hypocrisy. But don't worry: it has comedy, drama, and even some good action scenes. A complete package with more depth than it seems at first glance.
01. Solo Leveling
- MAL rating: 8.26 (Season 1)
- Year: 2024
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
If there's one anime that completely dominated, it was Solo Leveling . Sung Jinwoo starts out as the worst hunter of all, but everything changes when he receives a mysterious system that allows him to "level up" on his own. From then on, it's all about growth and epic battles.
Thus, with spectacular action scenes, a protagonist who truly evolves, and a story that only gets better, this anime has become a sensation for good reason. It's addictive, well-animated, and has that video game feel that we love. If you enjoy dark fantasy with increasing power, you'll love it.
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