When it comes to anime , most people immediately think of adaptations of Japanese manga. However, in recent years, manhwa—Korean comics—have been gaining traction and spawning surprising anime. With engaging plots, unique visuals, and distinctive narrative styles, these adaptations are here to stay.
In this post, you'll check out the best anime based on manhwa, a must-see selection for those who want to step outside the box and explore new stories. Keep reading to find out which titles deserve to be added to your list right now.
Anime based on manhwa – Top 10
10. Noblesse
- MAL Grade: 6.90
- Year: 2020
- Studio: Production IG
- Episodes: 13
You know that anime that begins 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 a random Korean school. Of course, nothing is simple: soon he's facing secret organizations and bizarre monsters.
Despite a 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 brawls with a touch of high school comedy.
09. Doctor Elise : The Royal Lady With The Lamp
- MAL Grade: 7.26
- Year: 2024
- Studio: Maho Film
- Episodes: 12
Have you ever thought about being reincarnated after death… as yourself, only in a different time? Elise, a brilliant real-life doctor, 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 some 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 bet on Doctor Elise without fear.
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 dies... except Desir, who miraculously goes back in time to try to fix everything. And that's where the real adventure begins: he uses everything he learned from the previous timeline to better prepare himself—and his friends, too.
This one blends 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 a try.
07. The God of High School
- MAL Grade: 7.07
- Year: 2020
- Studio: MAPPA
- Episodes: 13
Right off the bat, The God of High School kicks things off with a high-level beating. It's a tournament where teenagers with superhuman abilities face off, and the further the story progresses, the more absurd (in a good way) things get.
It's true that the story is quite fast-paced, but the focus here is on the insane action. The fights are beautifully animated, with choreography worthy of a kung fu movie with superpowers. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush and don't mind long explanations, this anime is perfect.
06. The Girl Downstairs
- MAL Grade: 7.85
- Year: 2023
- Studio: Red Dog Culture House
- Episodes: 22
On the other hand, The Girl Downstairs is more down-to-earth, focusing 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 relationship creates moments filled with tension and meaningful silences.
The vibe is slower, more contemplative. Don't expect any major twists, but rather the kind of story that slowly 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 will have any wish granted. But the execution? Full of layers, complex characters, and unexpected twists.
Little by little, you 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
- MAL Grade: 7.33
- Year: 2024
- Studio: Okuruto Noboru
- Episodes: 12
Imagine a skinny teenager who decides to become a fighting YouTuber. Sound unlikely? Well, that's exactly what happens in Viral Hit . After being humiliated, he begins training and recording his fights—and, as the name suggests, the videos go viral.
But it's not just fighting. The anime also touches on bullying, self-esteem, and how the internet can change lives (for better or worse). With plenty of action and hints of social commentary, it's a fun and provocative choice.
Anime based on manhwa – Top 3
03. Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion
- MAL Grade: 7.53
- Year: 2023
- Studio: Typhoon Graphics
- Episodes: 12
You wake up in a cliché romance... like the character who dies right at the beginning. This is the drama of Raeliana, who decides to defy the script and change her own destiny. To do so, she decides to fake an engagement to the most powerful duke in history.
In fact, the cool thing about this anime is the play on appearances, the intrigue, 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 fall in love easily.
02. Lookism
- MAL Grade: 7.42
- Year: 2022
- Studio: Studio Mir
- Episodes: 08
On the other hand, the story here is about appearance—literally. In short, a fat, outcast student gains the power to switch between his original body and a perfect, beautiful, and fit one. 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. Ground Leveling
- MAL Rating: 8.26 (Season 1)
- Year: 2024
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
If there's one anime that dominated the world, it's Solo Leveling . Sung Jinwoo starts out as the worst hunter ever, but everything changes when he receives a mysterious system that allows him to level up alone. From then on, it's all growth and epic battles.
With spectacular action scenes, a truly evolving protagonist, and a story that only gets better, this anime has rightly become a hit. It's addictive, well-animated, and has that video game feel we love. If you enjoy dark fantasy with escalating power, you'll love it.
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