Best Fantasy Romance Manhwa
Key Takeaways
- Romance and fantasy combine well, offering varied plots and complex characters.
- Manhwa like “The Broken Ring” and “My In-Laws Are Obsessed With Me” showcase slow-burn romances.
- Themes of reincarnation, time travel, and political intrigue enhance the romance genre in fantasy settings.
Romance and fantasy are already two of the most popular media genres out there, but they’re even better together. Romance usually offers an overall positive atmosphere and worldview, presenting an idealistic relationship and the opportunities that come with it. Audiences enjoy the possibility of love and happiness.

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Placing these themes in a fantasy setting allows for more variety in character and plot. There’s more room for interesting sources of conflict or more complex antagonists. The themes and lessons in romance can be expanded upon or emphasized with magical story elements, which is why these two genres work well together.
Updated October 17, 2024 by Garrett Huon: To keep this list relevant and up to date, more manhwa are added and one is removed in this update. The additions to the list are all manhwa that have gained popularity as more chapters have been released.
1 Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
- Published: 2023 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai,
- Author: Lemon Gaeguri
- Illustrator: Ajin
In villainess stories, it’s common for the evil characters to have a change of heart. Not Your Typical ReincarnationStory follows Choi Suna, who is reincarnated as the vile Edith Rigelhof from a novel she once read. The novel featured a love triangle between Rhyse Sinclair and the two Rudwick brothers. Now Edith must find a way to survive through the story after she marries the younger of the brothers, Killian.
While this manhwa follows many clichéd plot points and story patterns, it actually becomes much more interesting as it mixes psychological elements into the story. Suna/Edith’s mentality as she struggles to play her role, as well as push the boundaries of the set story, is intriguing to explore. The plot is more than what it seems.
2 For My Derelict Favorite
MyAnimeList Score: 7.81
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation, Time Travel
- Author: Seonyu Kim
- Illustrator: Kimyong
After being transferred to her favorite novel, Hestia was content watching the story play without getting involved, but that changed when she realized her favorite character, Caelus, had not lived happily after the story ended. Determined to save his life, Hestia barges into the duke’s home, declares herself the duchess, and starts taking care of him and his estate.
For My Derelict Favorite is a refreshing take on reincarnation that doesn’t use the standard formula of similar stories, developing unique characters and circumstances that leave much to interpretation. It makes the developing relationship between Caelus and Hestia much more nuanced and interesting.
3 Happily Ever Afterwards
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
- Chapters: 89
- Published: 2020 to 2022
- Genres/Theme: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
- Author: Dotol Hwang
- Illustrator: Jeongseo
After being reincarnated into her favorite novel, Princess Peony takes the first chance she has to marry her favorite character Richt, the second male lead in the original story. He is banished to the north and suffers from heartbreak, so Peony decides to make him happy in any way possible, starting with marriage.
Many romance stories will often make a relationship start abruptly using a sense of inexplicable attraction or love at first sight. Happily Ever Afterwards is focused on the growing relationship between Peony and Richt, and their slow build-up of emotions is what makes the story so precious.
4 My In-Laws Are Obsessed With Me
MyAnimeList Score: 7.95
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
- Author: Yoonseol Han
- Illustrator: Seungu
Contract marriages are common in fantasy romance stories, and in this manhwa, Pereshati Jahardt has no choice but to enter one with Duke Therdeo Lapileon. She has actually gone back in time after being poisoned by her stepmother, and with no other options, she seeks aid from Duke Lapileon, uncovering the dark secret of his family in the process.
My In-Laws are Obsessed with Me is one of the slowest slow-burn romances out there, but that’s what makes it stand out from other manhwa. It’s a much more realistic depiction of two adults falling in love as they navigate complicated issues. Conflicts in the story aren’t caused by misunderstandings, and as a couple, they communicate openly and honestly with each other.
5 Secret Lady
MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Anngato
- Illustrator: Banana
Much to her chagrin, Rosentine Arzen retained her ability to see ghosts from her past life, a power that led to a miserable existence. In her new life, Rosentine has loving parents and a sister she cares for, so she desperately hides her power. However, when the second prince Charteris Kartazen’s life is in danger, she breaks her own rules to save his life.

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This manhwa is a well-crafted story of political intrigue that contains many secrets and conspiracies, but despite its proficiency in developing suspense, the romance aspect does not suffer. Rather, Rosentine and Charteris slowly develop their relationship as mysteries are uncovered. It’s an incredibly fun slow-burn romance.
6 The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway
MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
- Author: Chacha Kim
- Illustrator: Cheong-gwa
Inés Valeztena is known as a dull and plain woman, but despite having no affection for anything, she chose Cárcel Escalante as her husband when she was a young girl. For Cárcel, having his partner determined since childhood led him to a life of promiscuity and womanizing. His feelings change when he realizes Inés doesn’t care whether he’s cheating or not.
Broken Ring is an intense and complex story that explores love and its relationship to trauma. This manhwa is a cycle of push and pull as Inés resists Cárcel’s growing affection for her, a slow-burning romance that allows both characters to grow. It’s one of the most well-written manhwa in the last two years.
7 Marriage Of Convenience
MyAnimeList Score: 7.95
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
- Author: Ken
- Illustrator: Ant Studio
After suffering in her first life, Bianca di Blanchefort is sent back in time to when her husband, Zachary de Arno, is still alive. Determined to avoid a miserable death, she decides to have a child to cement her place as the count’s wife. Due to his refusal, she is forced to find other means to survive.
Marriage of Convenience is a classic time travel romance where the changes in the second timeline lead to a fruitful relationship. However, unlike other stories, this one provides much-needed context for each character’s change, presenting them as real people rather than caricatures of popular tropes.
8 The Perks Of Being A Villainess
MyAnimeList Score: 7.99
- Published: 2022 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Villainess
- Author: Gokim Mang
- Illustrator: Yoteh
When known pushover Yoon Dohee dies, she is reborn as Deborah Seymour, the spoiled, pompous villain of a reverse harem novel. Despite her terrible reputation, Yoon Dohee is happy to be Deborah as it means she no longer needs to work or worry. However, to prevent Deborah’s tragic ending, she needs to get married to avoid being sent to the monastery.
This manhwa is great because it’s mostly about Deborah taking control of her own life rather than being at the mercy of others. As a romance story, the author does a great job of developing Deborah’s relationship with Isidor as she grows as a character. It all progresses naturally, so it’s easy to be immersed in what’s happening.
9 Kubera
My AnimeList Score: 8.03
- Published: 2010 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Currygom
- Illustrator: Currygom
After living peacefully for fifteen years, Kubera’s life is changed when her village is destroyed by a red and gray monster. She survives with the help of Asha, a powerful magician. They escape together, and Kubera starts her journey towards revenge. Unbeknownst to her, she’s part of a bigger picture, the centerpiece that will determine the fate of the world.
This manhwa is mostly adventure and action. There is some light romance. However, it’s not expanded upon and appears rarely. Kubera is a great coming-of-age, adventure story, but for a main plot about lovers, other manhwa would be much better.
10 The Remarried Empress
My AnimeList Score: 8.04
- Published: 2019 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Alphatart
- Illustrator: Sumpul
Navier is the proud and strong empress known for her talent in politics and management. She’s universally respected for her work and her beauty. However, not even she can go against the emperor, so when he brings in a concubine, there’s nothing she can do. Not even when she’s being pushed from her position.
This manhwa is full of political struggles and secrets to the point it gets a little confusing, but the relationships between all the characters are even worse. It’s like a spiderweb with a string connecting everyone. That’s not to say it’s a bad story. It’s just a lot to process.
11 Witch Of Mine
My AnimeList Score: 8.06
- Chapters: 31
- Published: 2015 to 2018
- Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Heyoon
- Illustrator: MAS
Traditionally, witches are portrayed as evil beings who only care for themselves and curse innocents for the fun of it. In this story, those who know too much or are too pretty are regarded as witches. They are beautiful people who come back to life even if they die. They can create illusions, alter memories, and much more.

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This story isn’t about their power. It’s about their tragic love. As eternal beings, they are fated to lose loved ones endlessly. Since they aren’t human, they can’t understand humans and do things that seem wrong and twisted for the people they love. The display of these emotions is superbly portrayed in this short manhwa.
12 Roxana
My AnimeList Score: 8.10
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Psychological, Villainess, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Kin
- Illustrator: Yeoreumbit
Suddenly trapped in the romance novel she read, the protagonist becomes Roxana Agriche, the daughter of an evil duke who has kidnapped the older brother of the original female lead. Since she’s not the real Roxana, the protagonist decides to protect him. However, she must do it while acting just as cruel as her father.
This story is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, featuring two houses as mortal enemies and a pair of would-be lovers. However, Roxana and Cassis’s relationship is much more tragic given one is a prisoner to the other. Despite that, they learn to trust each other. Because their characters have so much depth, their relationship feels more rewarding.
13 Winter Woods
My AnimeList Score: 8.11
- Chapters: 55
- Published: 2014 to 2017
- Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance
- Author: Cosmos
- Illustrator: VAN.J
The story of Frankenstein’s monster is well known. Due to his hubris, the doctor dies at the hands of his creation. But what if, instead of a cold scientist, the monster met someone with more compassion? EL-10 is the product of dozens of experiments; an artificial “person” who can walk and talk.
To see if he can become “alive,” he’s given to children’s novelist Jane, who is in a slump with her career. What unfolds is a tender story about their progress in understanding each other. However, with a serial killer on the loose, the winter might not be too peaceful.
14 Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion
My AnimeList Score: 8.16
- Chapters: 158
- Published: 2017 to 2021
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
- Author: Milcha
- Illustrator: Gorae
After being pushed off a building, the protagonist wakes up as Raeliana, a minor noble lady who is a side character in a murder mystery novel. Of course, she is determined to prevent her death, so she asks the duke for a marriage contract. Unfortunately, the duke is not exactly normal and displays some questionable behavior.
The romance is quite slow in this story, but it’s pushed along by greater conflict due to the original narrative changing. There is a subplot in the background regarding the protagonist’s original death, but it’s not explored in depth.
15 A Stepmother’s Märchen
My AnimeList Score: 8.20
- Published: 2019 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Time Travel, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Nyangi-wa Hyangsinnyo (Story)
- Illustrator: ORKA (Art)
After taking care of her stepchildren until they reached adulthood, Shuli believed she’d be able to rest. Unfortunately, her life ends suddenly, and she wakes up on the day of her husband’s funeral many years prior. Her children never liked her, but at this point, their animosity was the highest.
This time travel story is more than a redo of past events. It’s a mystery of Shuli’s regression. It’s a drama between family members who are scarred after a loved one’s death. It’s a romance between Shuli and all the young men who are interested in her. This manhwa has amazing depth with a lot to explore.
16 Your Throne
My AnimeList Score: 8.19
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: SAM
- Illustrator: SAM
Love triangles are common in romance novels and other media. The tension between three people and the opportunity to pick sides can be fun. Medea Solon and Psyche Callista compete to be the next Crown Princess. Despite being the best candidate, Medea is rejected in favor of Psyche. However, this love triangle has more going on.
There’s drama, a body swap, and dark secrets at the heart of this story. They all help make this manhwa thrilling to read, leading the reader to discover the many twists and turns. As far as romance goes, Your Throne is one of the most exciting.
17 Villains Are Destined To Die
My AnimeList Score: 8.38
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Theme: Reverse Harem, Villainess, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Author: Gyeoeul Gwon
- Illustrator: SUOL
After playing a popular otome game at the hardest level, the protagonist was transported into the game with a real challenge for her. Becoming Penelope Eckhart, she must achieve a happy ending with at least one of the male leads. The problem is Penelope is the universally hated villain, meaning her likability with everyone is abysmal.

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