Manhwa, the Korean equivalent of manga, has been gaining popularity worldwide for its unique storytelling, captivating characters, and stunning artwork. In recent years, many manhwa titles have been adapted into anime, introducing these amazing stories to a wider audience. From action-packed adventures to romantic comedies, these adaptations have proven that manhwa can be just as engaging and entertaining as their Japanese counterparts. In this post, we’ll count down the 15 best anime adaptations of manhwa, showcasing the cream of the crop of Korean comics that have made their way to the small screen.
15. Beauty Water
Beauty Water (2020) is a thought-provoking and unsettling South Korean animated film that explores the themes of beauty, identity, and societal pressures. With stunning animation and excellent voice acting, it’s a scathing critique of beauty standards and their devastating consequences.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Languages: Korean (original), English (subtitles), Japanese (subtitles), Mandarin (subtitles)
14. Moriarty’s Perfect Crime
In this clever and intriguing anime, the iconic Sherlock Holmes story is retold from the perspective of his arch-nemesis, James Moriarty. With a unique blend of mystery, crime, and historical drama, the series explores the complexities of Moriarty’s character and his motivations for committing the perfect crime.
Rating: 4.2/5 stars
Languages: Japanese (original), English (subtitles), Spanish (subtitles), French (subtitles)
13. Gosu [Upcoming Anime]
Gosu is an upcoming anime that has garnered significant interest due to its engaging storyline, which is comprised of short chapters that often end in cliffhangers. This narrative technique keeps viewers invested and eager to find out what happens next. Additionally, Gosu boasts a large variety of interesting characters, each with their own unique personalities and emotional depth. The emotional investment in the characters and their journeys adds another layer of complexity to the anime, making it more than just a simple watch. Overall, Gosu seems to have all the ingredients necessary to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
12. True Beauty
A heartwarming anime that explores themes of self-acceptance, beauty standards, and high school life. The story follows Jugyeong Lim, a talented makeup artist who transforms herself every day to hide her insecurities. With a strong and independent female lead, nuanced storytelling, and a sweet romance, True Beauty promises a thought-provoking and emotional viewing experience that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
11. Omniscient Reader [Upcoming Anime]
A unique and captivating anime that explores the concept of an all-knowing reader trapped in his favorite novel. With a complex and intriguing storyline, relatable protagonist, and dynamic characters, this show promises a thrilling ride full of plot twists and surprises. Dokja’s omniscient knowledge creates a fascinating dynamic, as he navigates the world and its characters, trying to prevent the impending apocalypse. A must-watch for fans of fantasy and adventure anime!
10. The Girl Downstairs
It’s a romantic comedy that follows the story of a young woman named Xia Ran, who becomes involved with her neighbor, a kind and gentle man named Pei Mian. The series explores themes of love, relationships, and personal growth, with a focus on the slow-burning romance between the two leads. If you’re a fan of romantic comedies or Chinese anime, Aishang Ta de Liyou might be a great fit for you!
09. Lookism
A popular South Korean webtoon and anime series that blends action, comedy, and fantasy. It follows Daniel Park, a high school student who’s bullied due to his appearance, but discovers an app that lets him transform into a physically perfect version of himself. The series explores themes like self-acceptance, societal pressure, and empathy, with a mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments.
08. Viral Hit
Viral Hit is a decent anime that adapts the popular manhwa “KENKA DOKUGAKU”, following a young boy who gains fame by live-streaming his fights against delinquents. While it’s faithful to the source material and entertaining, with a mix of action and drama that addresses bullying and its impact, it’s marred by rushed pacing and inconsistent animation quality. The show also relies on tired tropes and lacks originality, making it a good but not exceptional watch.
07. Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion
“Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion” is a charming isekai romance anime that follows a young woman who is reincarnated into a novel as the villain’s daughter. With a unique premise and engaging characters, the show explores themes of identity, class, and relationships, featuring a slow-burn romance that adds to the story’s appeal. While it may not break new ground in the genre, its lighthearted tone, beautiful animation, and intriguing plot make it an enjoyable watch.
06. Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
“Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp” is a captivating isekai romance anime that follows a talented doctor reincarnated into a medieval world. With her exceptional medical skills, she navigates royal politics and social hierarchy while trying to find a way back home. The show’s blend of medicine, romance, and fantasy elements makes for a compelling narrative, with admirable character development and a strong female protagonist who faces relatable challenges in a patriarchal society.
05. Noblesse
“Noblesse” is a captivating anime series that follows the enigmatic Cadis Etrama di Raizel, a powerful noble who awakens from a centuries-long slumber to navigate a complex web of intrigue and politics in a modern world. With its blend of action, drama, and science fiction elements, the show explores themes of power, identity, and humanity, featuring a unique and intricate world-building and a cast of complex characters.
04. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is a fantasy adventure series that follows Desir Arman, a young man who is transported back in time to his past life after dying in a tragic accident. With the knowledge and experience of his previous life, Desir sets out to change his fate and become the strongest mage in the world. The series is known for its unique blend of time travel, magic, and adventure elements, with a focus on character development and world-building.
03. The God of High School
The God of High School is an action-packed manhwa and anime series that takes place in an alternate universe where high school students are transported to a parallel world to participate in a mysterious tournament. The story follows Mori Jin, a 17-year-old martial artist who is invited to participate in the God of High School tournament, where the strongest student will be granted any wish they desire. With its blend of martial arts, fantasy, and humor, the series explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the true meaning of strength.
02. Tower of God
The Tower of God anime adaptation is a visually stunning and action-packed series that brings the beloved manhwa to life. The story follows Twenty-Fifth Baam, a young boy who enters the mysterious Tower of God to find his friend Rachel, and must pass grueling tests and battles to reach the top. Along the way, he forms alliances and rivalries with other “Regulars” as they navigate the treacherous world of the Tower. With crisp animation, impressive character designs, and top-notch voice acting, the anime stays faithful to the original story, capturing the sense of wonder and mystery that defines the Tower’s eerie atmosphere. Overall, it’s a thrilling and emotional ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
01. Solo Leveling
The Solo Leveling anime adaptation is a phenomenal representation of the beloved web novel and manhwa series, bringing the dark fantasy world to life with stunning animation and a gripping narrative. The series perfectly captures the essence of Sung Jin-Woo’s journey, from his humble beginnings as the “weakest hunter” to his meteoric rise as a powerful force to be reckoned with. With its well-paced storytelling, intense action sequences, and memorable character designs, the anime stays faithful to the original story while also adding its own flair. The voice acting is superb, with the Japanese cast delivering standout performances that bring depth and emotion to the characters. Overall, the Solo Leveling anime is a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a thrilling and immersive experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next episode.
And there you have it, the 15 best anime adaptations of manhwa that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. From the dark fantasy of “Priest” to the hilarious antics of “The God of High School”, these adaptations have proven that manhwa has a wealth of exciting stories to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just discovering the world of Korean comics, these titles are sure to delight and entertain. So, which one of these adaptations will you be checking out next? Let us know in the comments! With the rise of international collaborations and streaming platforms, we can’t wait to see what other amazing manhwa adaptations the future holds.