In recent years,manhwaandwebtoonshave experienced a boom thanks to incredible adaptations such asSolo Leveling,Tower of GodandNoblesse,which have quickly become international successes and have millions of followers. This popularity has led many studios to acquire the rights to several popular manhwas, such asOmniscient Reader Viewpoint, to adapt them into anime to the delight of fans around the world.
However, even though there’s a great variety ofmanhwa with anime currently in production, there are still excellent works that, if adapted, could revolutionize Japanese animation by offering a different and exciting experience for both fans and new viewers alike.
From fantasy isekai, far from the typical Japanese tropes of the genre, to game-themed stories and revenge journeys that display the best of martial arts, there is no doubt thatif these manhwas are adapted, they have the potential to increase the number of masterpieces in anime.
10 Best Anime Adaptations of Manhwa
Manhwa adaptations are taking over the anime world with unexpected and innovative stories and characters.
10Villains Are Destined to DieIs a Unique Otome Isekai
Original novel by Gyeoeul Gwon, Adapted by Gyeoeul Gwon & SUOL
AlthoughVillains Are Destined to Diefollows a common premise seen lately inthe otome isekai genrewith series such asMy Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!where the protagonist, after playing a dating simulator, is reborn in said virtual reality as the villain,this manhwa, has a more mature approach, in which Penelope does not focus solely on making the male characters fall in love with her but on her survival.
Penelope moves away from the classic adorable and loving character, demonstrating coldness and a calculating mind. Furthermore, despite being a romance, the story gives importance to showing the rawness of the palace environment as well as the courtly dramas and intrigues. By managing to convey the beauty of the characters and settings, stories likeVillains Are Destined to Diework well in animated format, as seen lately with the adaptation ofWhy Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion.
9Nano MachineGives an Original Twist to Martial Arts Training
Original novel by HANJUNG WOLYA, Adapted by Great H & GGBG
Nano Machinefollows Cheon Yeo-un’s journey, who didn’t have any talent and was targeted to be killed because he was an illegitimate son of the Lord of the Demonic Cult. However, one day, he is visited by his descendant from the future and implanted with nanotechnology in his body. With the nanocomputer, Cheon Yeo-un’s life changed as he was able to adapt to this technology and use it to learn martial arts quickly and better, determined to change his fate and become the heir to the Demonic Cult.
Nano Machine is a unique manhwa that, instead of magic,mixes advanced technology in a world of martial artswith an underdog protagonist who gains incredible strength that may appeal to fans of Sung Jinwoo fromSolo Leveling. The battles and intrigue in the Demonic Cult are nothing short of breathtaking and will adapt amazingly in animation.
8Hardcore Leveling WarriorIs an Immersive Story in an MMORPG
Created by Sehoon Kim
The manhwa revolves around Hardcore Leveling Warrior, also called Ethan Gong, who is known as the Number 1 Ranker in Lucid Adventure, a VR game that is played while sleeping. Although he is the most powerful player in the game, in the real world he is involved in money troubles, incurring a large debt with a sketchy organization. What makes this manhwa so unique is the fact that Ethan is already the strongest at the beginning of the story, but he will lose everything and must start from scratch again.
Hardcore Leveling Warrioris the journey of Ethan’s goal of returning to the topand paying his debt while also experiencing important growth along the way, leaving behind his arrogance.HCLWwill make an incredible anime as it conveys the essence of MMORPGs better than popular series likeSword Art Online, but without forgetting the real world. Epic battles, amazing character designs, and an interesting job system like Ethan’s class gambler,Hardcore Leveling Warrior, would be the perfect anime for fans of video games and overpowered characters.
7Jungle JuiceIs the Perfect Hero Story in a World of Bugs
Created by HYEONG EUN
While the premise ofJungle Juice’s manhwaof humans turning into insect hybrids after inhaling bug spray might appear odd to some people,Suchan Jang’s story follows the blueprint of a superhero journey, filled with action that takes the survival of the fittest to a new level. InJungle Juice’s society, those who suffer mutations like Suchan Jang become outcasts but find a safe place in The Nest, a college town where there are others who share his struggle.
Jungle Juice’s focus on humanity makes the manhwa feel like a more fun, lighthearted version ofTokyo Ghoul, but here the insects are used to represent themes like hierarchy and self-acceptance. Additionally,Jungle Juice’s highlights are the way it presents different characters, each fused with an insect who gives them a unique ability, and how they use those skills to fight in this society ruled by the food chain. This setting offers some incredible fights without frills about violence or blood, which, along with the colorful art style, would make for a great distinctive anime.
6Wind BreakerIs an Exciting Story about an Underrated Sport
Created by Yongseok Jo
Isekai and romance manhwas have become globally popular, but sports were a genre without noteworthy works besides the popular webtoonThe Boxer. However,Wind Breakeris an excellent portrayal of the fun of cyclingthrough detailed explanations of the techniques, physics, and biology behind the discipline that are easy to follow and make the reader take an interest in the sport.
InWind Breaker, Jay is the president of the student council and an excellent cyclist with innate ability who is forced to join his school’s cycling team. Similar to cycling animes likeOver DriveandYowamushi Pedal,Wind Breakeris a story of self-discovery with epic competitions that stands out for its focus on Jay’s life and friendships as they try to achieve their dreams. WhileWind Breaker’sartwork conveys action and emotion effectively, the tense atmosphere of bike racing could be enhanced in an animated format.
5Legend of the Northern BladeIs an Epic Martial Arts Story
Original novel by Woo-Gak, Adapted by Woo-Gak & Hae-Min
In a world ruled by martial arts,Legend of the Northern Bladetells the story of Jin Mu-Won, who was isolated in the Northern Heavenly Sect after his father, the leader, was betrayed by his allies. However, an incident helps him escape, and Mu-Won trains and master the hidden martial arts inherited by his father to avenge him, restore the sect’s honor, and unravel the power conspiracies that led to its downfall.
Among the many manhwas about revenge,Legend of the Northern Bladestands out for its grim background and intense fight scenes.The manhwa also has an incredible art style and character development, since Mu-Won is not simply blinded by rage but tries to determine the best path for him. Because of this,Legend of the Northern Bladeis considered to be one of the best murim manhwas on par with popular webtoons likeGosu, and given that the latest will have an anime, it may open the possibility forLOTNBto get adapted as well.
4Pick Me Up: Infinite GachaIs Not the Typical Game Manhwa
Original novel by Hermod, Adapted by Nicesun & Wasakbasak.
Pick Me Up: Infinite Gachais an isekai manhwa that tells the story of Han Seojin, a gamer who gets mysteriously sucked into the gacha game he is playing and becomes one of the characters in it. In the game, he has the name Han Israt, a 1-star character, and has to survive the dungeons under another player’s control.
Players and game systems are one of the most popular themes in anime. Examples of anime with a game-like system theme areShangri-La FrontierandLog Horizon.
Unlike other typical fantasy manhwas, Han Seojin is not that powerful and has to struggle every time. Also,Pick Me Upis quite gruesome,as there are high stakes involved due to the deadly characteristics of the gacha game. As the author doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice various characters,Pick Me Upis filled with suspense, which creates an exciting story with a dynamic and fast character rotation.Pick Me Up’s story is gripping, with conflict difficult to predict, and its tense atmosphere can be well conveyed in an anime adaptation.
3ElceedIs the Perfect Mix of Superpowers and Cute Cats
Written by Jeho Son with Art by ZHENA
Eleceed’s writer, Jeho Son, is the author of the seriesNoblesse, adapted to anime in 2020, and the artist, Zhena, was the illustrator of the popular manhwaGirls of the Wild’s, so this creator duo already guarantees satisfying action with striking art and attractive characters. However, whereEleceedtruly shines, it’s for its lighthearted humor and focus on the hilarious dynamic between Jiwoo and Kayden, who share an endearing mentor-student bond that stands out for their totally opposite personalities.
Eleceedis currently one of the highest-rated series on webtoon with a rating of 9.93, surpassing appraised manhwas like Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.
The story ofEleceedbegins with Jiwoo saving a chonky tabby cat badly injured, who turns out to be one of the strongest awakeners, Kayden Break. Jiwoo himself has the ability to move at super speed, and his meeting with Kayden will introduce him to the world of awakeners. Not only does the once fierce and feared Kayden strongly contrast with his cute cat form, but Jiwoo is a kind and gentle cat lover, which makes forsome adorable scenes that balance the peak battles. This combination makes an original story that, if adapted into anime, is set to become a worldwide hit.
2The Greatest Estate Developer Is One of the Funniest Isekai
Original novel by BK_Moon, Adapted by Lee Hyun Min & Kim Hyunsoo
The Greatest Estate Developer is an isekai manhwa that tells the story of Kim Suho, a civil engineering student who suddenly wakes up in the world of a fantasy novel he was reading and now has to live in the body of a lazy, hateful noble named Lloyd Frontera. Suho will use his knowledge of civil engineering to create innovations and build his legacy in the new world.
The Greatest Estate Developeris one of the funniest manhwa of all time, as Suho is even worse than the devil King, an exploitative employer. However, even though he might have skipped the work ethics class in college and claimed he does everything for his own benefit, he does worry and helps others, which makes it impossible to not root for him. This, along with the manhwa’s absurd humor with orcs being gym-obsessed, explanations of the engineering of materials for swords masters, and the horrifyingly funny and meme-worthy faces that Suho makes, is enough reason to deserve an anime adaptation.
1The Beginning After The EndIs an Isekai with Western & Eastern Influence
Based On The Web Novel By TurtleMe
The Beginning After The Endis an isekai webcomic that follows a powerful ruler named King Grey who, after his sudden death, is reborn as a baby with his memory intact, beginning his new life as Arthur Leywin, the son of an adventurer couple in a vast and detailed fantasy world full of magic where he will attempt to achieve greatness again while trying to fix the regrets of his previous life. Because of their similarities in the early chapters, despite the difference in the protagonist’s backgrounds,TBATEis often compared to the popular seriesMushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.
However,TBATEtakes a different direction because of its western and eastern influences, becoming more of an epic fantasy adventure where Arthur grows stronger not only because of his talent but also thanks to his intellect and dedication, without common isekai tropes like harem or fanservice. Also,TBATE’s solid story and rich world, ranging with different magic, races, and monsters, have gained it immense popularity, leading fans to believe thatit’s only a matter of time for this masterwork to have its own animated adaptation.
