Why Everyone is Obsessed with the 'Villainess' Trope in Anime & Web Novels

Over the past few years, the ‘villainess’ trope has exploded in popularity across anime, web novels, and manhwa. No longer just a side character doomed to an early downfall, the villainess has become the star of her own story, often outshining the original protagonist. But why has this trope resonated so deeply with fans, and what does it say about the evolving tastes of anime and web novel audiences?

The Rise of the Villainess Isekai

The villainess genre is most commonly seen in isekai (otherworld) stories, where a modern-day protagonist is reincarnated into a fantasy world as the villainess of a romance novel or otome game. Instead of meekly accepting her fate, she uses her knowledge of the story’s plot to avoid doom, carve out her own destiny, or even steal the spotlight from the so-called heroine.

Popular examples include:

• My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! (2020) – One of the defining series in this genre, following Katarina Claes, a noblewoman who realizes she’s the villain of a dating sim and scrambles to avoid her inevitable downfall.

• The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior (2023) – A tale of redemption as a reincarnated villainess chooses to protect her kingdom rather than become its oppressor.

• I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss (2022) – A protagonist who rejects her tragic fate by seducing the game’s ultimate villain instead of the designated love interests.

Meanwhile, Korean web novels and manhwa have taken the trope to new heights with titles like The Villainess Turns the Hourglass and Death Is the Only Ending for the Villainess, where female leads use wit, cunning, and sometimes dark revenge to survive their second chance at life.

Why Fans Love the Villainess Trope

1. Rewriting Destiny & Defying Expectations

One of the biggest appeals of villainess stories is the idea of taking control of fate. Traditional romance narratives often portray heroines as passive, allowing events to unfold around them. In contrast, villainesses are forced to think ahead, strategize, and actively shape their futures, making them more dynamic protagonists.

2. Power, Agency, and Revenge

In many of these stories, the villainess was originally a tragic figure—betrayed, executed, or humiliated. Watching her turn the tables on those who wronged her is deeply satisfying. Whether it’s through political maneuvering, magical power, or sheer intelligence, villainesses represent female agency in ways traditional heroines often don’t.

3. Morally Gray, but Lovable Characters

Unlike stereotypical ‘pure-hearted’ protagonists, villainesses often have flaws, ambitions, and sharp tongues. They aren’t afraid to fight for what they want, and their personalities make them far more interesting than the usual damsel-in-distress leads. Fans appreciate the complexity of these characters, who often balance kindness and ruthlessness in a way that feels refreshing.

4. A New Twist on Romance

Traditional romance stories often revolve around a sweet, innocent girl capturing the heart of a cold, aloof male lead. Villainess stories flip the script—suddenly, it’s the so-called villainess who wins over the prince, the nobleman, or even the final boss. These romances are often more compelling because they focus on earned respect, power struggles, and unexpected chemistry rather than simple attraction.

The Future of Villainess Stories

With the continued rise of isekai and fantasy web novels, the villainess trope isn’t disappearing anytime soon. More adaptations, both anime and live-action, are in development, proving that audiences can’t get enough of watching these once-doomed characters take charge of their own narratives.

Ultimately, the appeal of the villainess trope lies in its empowerment. These characters break free from their supposed fates, challenging outdated storytelling norms and proving that even the so-called villain can be the hero of her own story.