They quickly discover that navigating life as a villain presents its own set of challenges, leading to many unexpected developments as they seek to forge their own destiny. Furthermore, beyond the realm of villain-centric anime, many isekai series delve into the lives of morally ambiguous, criminal, or malevolent characters, ensuring that viewers eager for darker character dynamics have a wide range of series to explore.
1/ Saga of Tanya the Evil
Tanya's sinister saga begins with the murder of a simple Japanese worker by the employee who fired him. However, as the man bleeds out, an entity appears before him, proclaiming itself to be a Supreme Being. This entity criticizes the man for his lack of faith, but the employee laughs, enraging the entity. To teach him a lesson, the entity incarnates the man as a girl named Tanya Degurechaff, an orphan living in an alternate universe equivalent to the 1920s, a world where magic and magical technology are the norm, and war looms large. The entity then gives the man an ultimatum: if Tanya doesn't die a natural death as a believer, the man's soul will be banished directly to Hell.
To avoid damnation and doom, the man decides to join the Mage Corps, hoping to be quickly promoted to a high rank and never see the battlefield again. Because of this, the man lets nothing stand in his way, engaging in numerous schemes and operations to get what he wants, even if it means killing others.
2/ Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord
After a girl dies in an accident, she is reincarnated in the world of Light Magic and the Hero, a role-playing game she played just before her death. She awakens in the body of Yumiella Dolkness, the game's villain. Through her experience in the game, the girl learns that Yumiella Dolkness is the hidden boss of the game, the person the heroes fight after defeating the Demon Lord.
But the girl decides to change her fate. Instead of focusing on social matters, Yumiella chooses to secretly level up. When it comes time to join the Royal Academy, Yumiella realizes that she has significantly over-leveled, reaching level 99, while most other students are below level 10. This sudden power leads many groups to contact Yumiella and ask for her help. However, these requests get her embroiled in the complex political situation in the world. Because of this development, Villainess Level 99 is an exciting villain isekai anime that will keep viewers guessing throughout.
3/ The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated In Another World As An Aristocrat
Based on Rui Tsukiyo's light novels, "The World's Best Assassin Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat" centers on the world's most skilled assassin. As he reaches advanced age, he considers retiring. But fate intervenes when he dies in a plane crash before he can officially retire. In the aftermath, a noble spirit appears and offers him the chance to be reincarnated in a magical world. However, this offer comes with a condition: he must save the world by assassinating the hero.
By accepting the mission, he awakens in the body of Lugh Tuatha Dé, the scion of a noble family of assassins. As he navigates this unfamiliar world, he must master new assassination techniques and adapt to aristocratic society. "The World's Best Assassin Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat" subverts the typical isekai narrative by following a character traditionally portrayed as the antagonist. While Lugh's intentions are noble, his mission to eliminate the hero leads him down a mysterious path, where he must commit acts that could be considered evil.
4/ The Eminence in Shadow
"The Eminence in Shadow," which aired in 2022 to widespread acclaim, follows the story of Minoru Kagenou, a character who longs to become a mastermind operating from the shadows. After a fateful end due to a truck, Minoru finds himself transported to a magical fantasy world, where he inhabits the body of Cid Kageno, a member of the noble Kageno family.
Seeing this as an opportunity to fulfill his ambitions, Minoru takes on the form of Shadow, the leader of Shadow Garden, a phantom group dedicated to combating the nonexistent Diablos cult. As he recruits followers, including an elf named Alpha, whom he previously helped, Minoru's web of deception begins to unravel, revealing unexpected truths.
Although Minoru doesn't see himself as a villain, his manipulative actions paint a different picture for viewers. This departure from traditional hero narratives makes "The Eminence in Shadow" an attractive masterpiece for fans drawn to mysterious heroes and complex plot-makers.
5/ Endo and Kobayashi Live!
Aoto Endo and Shihono Kobayashi are both members of their school's drama club. Shihono is particularly excited to discuss a dating simulation game called "A Magical Romance," which features a protagonist named Fiene who attends the Royal Academy of Magic and battles the supposed villain, Lieselotte Riefenstahl. However, Aoto holds a different perspective, seeing Lieselotte not as a true villain but as a misunderstood person longing for companionship.
While playing the game, Aoto and Shihono provide commentary and analysis of the game. Unexpectedly, their voices reach Lieselotte's fiancé, Prince Sigwald Fitzenhagen, who believes they are mentors sent by the rulers. This prompts Aoto and Shihono to attempt to change Lieselotte's fate by suspending them.
In a departure from typical isekai novels, "Endo and Kobayashi Live!" offers a unique take on the villain archetype. Although the story is not told from Liselotte's point of view, she remains the main focus, compelling viewers to follow her as the narrative develops.
6/ The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior
The anime "The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen," produced by OLM and based on a light novel series by Tenichi, revolves around Pride Royal Ivy, an eight-year-old girl who suddenly realizes she is a character in the game "Your Ray of Light." Recalling her past life as a fan of the game who tragically died before the game was replayed, Pride discovers that she is destined to be the final boss of the game, and is destined to meet her demise at the hands of the hero—a fate desired by the kingdom's inhabitants due to her cruel actions.
Dissatisfied with the previous ending of the game, she resolves to improve the outlook of the kingdom's people and the lives of its people. However, she quickly realizes that changing fate is no simple task, even with foreknowledge of the story's outcome. Furthermore, lingering guilt over the actions of her former character complicates her mission to effect positive change.
7/ I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss
Produced by Maho Film and based on Sarasa Nagase's light novel series, "I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss" revolves around Aileen Lauren Dautrich. After her engagement to Crown Prince Cedric Jean Elmire, Aileen's world is shattered when Cedric abruptly ends his engagement for another woman, triggering memories of her past life.
Realizing that she has been reincarnated in the otome game "Regalia of Saints, Demons, and Maidens," Aileen understands her role as a villain destined for a tragic end. Determined to rewrite her destiny, she plots to capture Claude Jean Elmire, the Demon King and her future slayer.
However, orchestrating this plan requires Aileen to use all her intelligence and cunning, resorting to cunning and sometimes unethical methods to achieve her goals. As she navigates the intricate web of the game, Aileen embarks on a journey of strategic maneuvers and unexpected challenges.
8/ My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
The movie "My Next Life as a Villainess," based on Satoru Yamaguchi's light novel series, premiered in 2020. The story revolves around Katarina Claes, the daughter of a noble family, who suddenly experiences memories of her past life as a young Japanese woman. Realizing she has been reincarnated into a game she once played, Katarina also becomes aware of her inevitable demise or exile within the game's story, regardless of the player's actions.
Determined to change her fate, Katarina embarks on a journey to avert her impending doom. However, her efforts lead to unexpected consequences, radically altering her relationships and guiding the story in unexpected directions. Everyone loved "My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!" for exploring the challenges of defying fate in an engaging and entertaining way. Although Katarina may not embody the stereotypical image of a truly evil villain, her efforts to manipulate the game lead to many enjoyable and memorable moments throughout the series.
9/ The Rising of the Shield Hero
Released in 2019 by Kinema Citrus, "The Rising of the Shield Hero" tells the story of Naofumi Iwatani. Naofumi, an ordinary young man, finds his life radically changed when he and three other individuals are transported to a parallel world and hailed as the Cardinal Heroes. Their mission: to defeat the Waves, monstrous entities from another world that threaten to invade the world.
However, Naofumi's journey takes an unexpected turn when his traveling companion, Malty Melromark, accuses him of assault. Falsely accused and ostracized by the people of this new world, Naofumi finds himself alone and devoid of support, a stark contrast to the other heroes. Struggling to survive amidst discrimination and adversity, Naofumi seeks to uncover the truth behind the Waves. Despite being a hero, he is unfairly treated as a villain by the people around him, profoundly impacting his worldview and approach to the challenges he faces.
10/ Overlord
Based on the light novel series by Kugane Maruyama with manga illustration by So-bin, Madhouse's "Overlord" centers on Momonga, a dedicated player of the online game YGGDRASIL. As the leader of the formidable guild Ainz Ooal Gown, Momonga witnesses the gradual departure of his guild members until only four remain. When news of YGGDRASIL's impending shutdown emerges, Momonga chooses to remain logged in until the final moments of the game.
However, when the shutdown countdown expires, the game fails to end as expected. Instead, the non-playable characters gain consciousness, and the kingdom where Momonga resides is transported to an entirely new world. To completely change the story, Momonga finds himself trapped within the game, reincarnated in his skeletal form.
Realizing the need to protect the kingdom and uncover the truth behind their predicament, Momonga assumes the role of his guild leader to initiate a plan to dominate an unknown world. However, as his personality is influenced by the game's characters, he gradually loses his humanity and sense of guilt over violence and manipulation, developing into a darker character over time.
"Overlord" disrupts the usual paradigm by making the hero irresistible to the urge to be evil, resulting in a unique story.
