Shoujo manhwa is a genre full of warm romance, dramatic plot twists, and beautiful visual displays that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. If you are a newcomer to manhwa or an avid fan, these 25 titles are the best of the best in storytelling, character development, and artistic achievement. Below, I provide a comprehensive review of each title, including episode counts, themes, and reviews.
1. Marriage of Convenience
Total Episodes: 70+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Marriage of Convenience by Elizabeth Hoyt is a historical romance novel that begins with a noblewoman, Bianca de Arno, and her marriage to Count Zachary de Arno. The narrative is initially a strategic arrangement but eventually turns into a slow-burning romance.
Themes: Slow-burn romance, social norms, and personal growth.
Review:This manhwa truly shines in a character-driven story. Bianca’s growth from a selfish noble into a loving, independent woman is subtle and plausible. Zachary’s stern yet tender personality suits well with her growth. Its artwork will take readers into medieval European with breathtaking detail.
Notable Moments: How Zachary shows affection to Bianca and how she realized her feelings gave depth to the emotions.
Recommendation: Suitable for fans of historical settings and plots about finding love and one’s life’s purpose.
2. My Own Destiny Author
Total Episodes: Over 80+ and still counting
Synopsis: After being reborn as Princess Leticia in a fantasy book, the heroine rebels against the tragic fate scripted for her. She proves intelligent and crafty as she handles court politics and romance.
Themes: Empowerment, free will, and political maneuvering.
Review: The clever heroine and her calculated strategies are the highlights. The pacing balances intrigue and romance beautifully. The art style uses vibrant colors and intricate designs to bring the royal court to life.
Notable Moments: Leticia’s first strategic move against her enemies showcases her wit and sets the tone for the series.
Recommendation: A must-read for fans of strong female leads who rewrite their destinies.
3. My Master’s Boring Daughter Is My Duke
Total Episodes: +50 and more
Synopsis: The story follows the life of Irene, who looks like the spoiled daughter of a duke. But she has some hidden feelings and insecurities, whereas Claude her loyal servant loves her subconsciously.
Themes: Loyalty, love is not spoken out, overcoming the expectations of society.
Review: The dynamic between Irene and Claude is both endearing and complex. The emotional undercurrents are skillfully depicted, making readers root for their happiness. The art excels in capturing nuanced expressions.
Notable Moments: The subtle shift in Irene’s demeanor when she realizes Claude’s unwavering support is touching.
Recommendation: For readers who enjoy layered relationships and slow-building romances.
4. Romance 101
Total Episodes: 120+ (Completed)
Synopsis: This is a slice-of-life story between college students Jung Jiwoon and Baek Seol as they struggle with misunderstandings and first love.
Themes: Modern romance, self-discovery, growing up
Review: The relatable scenarios and emotional authenticity make Romance 101 stand out. Jiwoon’s shy but sincere nature and Seol’s journey of self-awareness are beautifully portrayed. The casual yet expressive art enhances the storytelling.
Memorable Scenes: Seol finally discovers that she feels for Jiwoon.
Rating: A must-read for all realistic rom-com fans.
5. Who Made Me a Princess
Total Episodes: 125 (Completed)
Synopsis: Athanasia, having been reincarnated into the magical kingdom as their princess, has to gain the love of her father, Emperor Claude, the cold-hearted ruler who had banished her for his life if she doesn’t get this done.
Themes: Family, second chances, and healing.
Review: Father-daughter relationship is the highlight. Athanasia’s innocent playfulness and Claude’s gradual softening result in many memorable moments. The lavish art style perfectly suits the royal setting.
Notable Moments: Athanasia’s daring attempts to get closer to Claude are both funny and heartfelt.
Recommendation: A must-watch for fans of wholesome family dynamics and whimsical fantasy.
6. I Shall Master This Family
Total Episodes: 90+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Firentia Lombardi, reborn into her prestigious family, works to secure her place as the rightful heir in a male-dominated world.
Themes: Ambition, family loyalty, and resilience.
Review: Firentia’s intelligence and charisma make her an unforgettable heroine. The manhwa’s rich world-building and intricate familial relationships keep readers engaged.
Notable Moments: Firentia’s clever financial strategy that saves her family from ruin is a highlight.
Recommendation: For fans of ambitious heroines and political intrigue.
7. The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion
Total Episodes: 150+ (Completed)
Synopsis: Reincarnated as Raeliana McMillan, a character doomed to die, the protagonist allies with Duke Noah to rewrite her fate.
Themes: Survival, romance, and mystery.
Review: The witty banter between Raeliana and Noah makes this manhwa a delight. Their chemistry evolves naturally, and the plot’s twists add intrigue.
Notable Moments: Such sweet moments, especially when Raeliana finally realizes that she likes Noah too. Recommendation: Good romantic mystery for fans.
Recommendation: A gem for fans of romantic mysteries.
8. Villains always die at the end
Total Episodes: 120+ (ongoing)
Synopsis: A modern woman becomes trapped in a brutal otome game as the villainess, Penelope Eckhart. Survival is her aim, and she must wade through a web of deadly choices.
Themes: Redemption, resilience, and romance.
Review: It’s a dark tome and a real struggle with Penelope, but the artwork captures the emotional depth and gothic atmosphere perfectly.
Memorable Scenes: Sometimes the surprises of goodness from others are a ray of hope for Penelope in the midst of all her tribulations.
Recommended for: Fans of dramatic emotional journeys.
9. Daytime Star
Total Episodes: 50+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Yura, an aspiring actress, is given new opportunities when she encounters a popular star, Kang Jaehoon.
Themes: Love, ambition, and overcoming failure
Review: The manhwa does a heartwarming job in telling the story of pursuing dreams. The character of Yura and Jaehoon, who has his vulnerability locked inside, makes for a compelling pair.
Notable Moments: Yura’s first major breakthrough as an actress is an emotional turning point.
Recommendation: For those who enjoy stories about personal growth and romance.
10. The Villainess Turns the Hourglass
Total Episodes: 100+ (Completed)
Synopsis: Betrayed and reborn, Aria uses her knowledge of the future to outwit her enemies and reclaim her power.
Themes: Revenge, strategy, and empowerment.
Review: Aria’s transformation from victim to cunning strategist is utterly satisfying. The art captures the opulence of her world.
Memorable Scenes: Aria’s victory over her arch-nemesis is unforgettable.
Recommendation: This book is a must-read for revenge plot lovers and those who love intelligent protagonists.
11. Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage
Total Episodes:100+ (Running)
Synopsis:Jubelian, a daughter of a powerful duke, is made to enter into an arranged marriage. But she plans to run away from this marriage and the rest is plenty of comedic and heartfelt moments.
Themes: Family ties, anti-social, and forbidden love.
Review: Witty writing and a sweet father-daughter relationship make this manhwa shine. It’s so touching how their bond develops, but the romance that’s blooming is filled with swoon-worthy moments.
Notable Moments: The overprotectiveness of the duke creates hilarious and tender scenes.
Recommendation: Great pick for fans of lighthearted romance with a strong focus on family.
12. Beware the Villainess
Total Episodes: 90 Episodes (Completed)
Synopsis: Melissa, a villainess who has reincarnated into a novel, begins to rewrite her own story and breaks every rule that existed in order to defy her. A cheeky and witty attitude subverts the stereotype of the classic villainess.
Themes: Feminism, satire, and empowerment.
Review: Melissa’s approach to life is fresh and hilarious in its no-nonsense, and full of humor are the dialogue exchanges. Its vibrant art style matches this manhwa’s tone.
Distinguishing Scenes: Melissa, with her suitors are power play and hilarious.
Recommended Audience: Recommended for viewers who prefer having the fierce, independent heroine character and plenty of humor involved.
13. The Villainess Is a Marionette
Total Episodes: +100 (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Cayena was turned into a political puppet from an initially entitled princess that found the need to take command of her destiny through master manipulation.
Themes: Political intrigue, transformation, and romance.
Review: The best part of this manhwa lies in its portrayal of the court politics and character development. How Cayena gradually progresses from a passive to an intelligent strategist is very exciting. The art is really detailed, bringing the whole scene of the royal court into life.
Notable moments: Cayena’s strategy to ally with the influential players in the court by making a calculated move was a masterclass.
Recommendation: For the reader who enjoys intricate plots and strong female leads.
14. Fantasie of a Stepmother
Total Episodes: 70+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Shuri, a young widow who becomes the stepmother to a noble family, faces societal prejudice and familial challenges as she navigates her new role.
Themes: Sacrifice, resilience, and complex family dynamics.
Review: The emotional depth of this story is unmatched. Shuri’s struggles and eventual growth as a stepmother are heartwarming. The mature themes are handled with grace, and the art reflects the story’s poignant tone.
Notable Moments: The moment Shuri wins over her stepchildren through her quiet strength is particularly moving.
Recommendation: A poignant read for those who appreciate emotional and mature storytelling.
15. A Wicked Tale of Cinderella’s Stepmom
Total Episodes: 80+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: This reimagining of the Cinderella tale focuses on the stepmother’s perspective, offering a more nuanced view of her struggles and motivations.
Themes: Redemption, perspective, and layered relationships.
Review: The fresh take on a classic story is refreshing. The stepmother’s complexity and her interactions with Cinderella challenge traditional archetypes. The art beautifully conveys the emotional nuances of the characters.
Notable Moments: The revelation of the stepmother about her own humanity and weakness is one notable moment.
Recommendation: For readers who enjoy unorthodox retellings of fairy tales.
16. Seasons of Blossom
Total Episodes: 100+ (Completed)
Synopsis: This anthology series explores love, heartbreak, and healing in interconnected stories across different seasons.
Themes: Youth, nostalgia, and emotional growth.
Review: The episodic structure allows for diverse storytelling, with each season offering a unique flavor of romance. The writing is poignant, and the art shifts in tone to match the narrative arc of each season.
Notable Moments: The bittersweet moments of first love in the Spring arc resonate deeply.
Recommendation: A must-read for fans of romantic anthologies with emotional depth.
17. Roxana
Total Episodes: 90+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Set against the dark fantasy world, Roxana is entangled in the complicated relationships with her powerful family and must find love and freedom amidst it all.
Themes: Power dynamics, forbidden love, survival.
Review: One of the standouts with this manhwa is that it has a gothic atmosphere and gray characters; Roxana is smart, and resilient, while the artwork captures the haunting beauty of her world.
Notable Moments: Roxana’s ability to manipulate those around her while staying true to her goals is compelling.
Recommendation: For readers who enjoy dark and complex narratives.
18. The Perks of Being a Villainess
Total Episodes: 70+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: A lighthearted spin on the villainess trope, this story follows a cheerful protagonist who uses her charisma to charm her way out of sticky situations.
Themes: Humor, romance, and self-confidence.
Review: The funny situations and lovable characters make this a light and entertaining read. The optimism of the protagonist is contagious.
Memorable Scenes: Her sassy retorts during arguments are great.
Recommendation: For those who enjoy feel-good romantic comedies.
19. Positively Yours
Total Episodes: 70 (Ended)
Synopsis: A one-night stand turns into an unexpected pregnancy; the heroine must navigate love and parenthood with a man she barely knows.
Themes: Modern romance, family, and second chances.
Review: The realistic approach to relationships and the drama of parenthood add emotional value to the show. The lead chemistry is organic and warm.
Memorable Scenes: The moment when the leads decide to work together for their child is touching and empowering.
Review: A heartwarming read for those who love slice-of-life romances.
20. See You in My 19th Life
Total Episodes: 90 (On-going)
Synopsis:Ban Ji-eum recalls all her past lives, and in her 19th life, she wants to reconnect with her love from her 18th.
Themes: Reincarnation, love, and destiny.
Review: The unique premise and emotional depth make this manhwa unforgettable. Ji-eum’s determination and the exploration of love across lifetimes are beautifully handled.
Notable Moments: The reunion scene between Ji-eum and her past love is heart-wrenching.
Recommendation: A gem for fans of romantic reincarnation stories.
21. Miss Not-So Sidekick
Total Episodes: 130 (Completed)
Synopsis: A side character, reincarnated into a novel, chooses to enjoy life and not interfere with drama.
Themes: Humour, meta-narrative, and self-discovery.
Review: It really stands out with the level of comedy and the quality of writing. The sarky remarks of the heroine herself on the absurdity of the plot add an added layer of humor.
Notable Moments: Her interaction scenes with the male leads.
Recommendation: Great choice for meta-humor enthusiasts.
22. Business Proposal
Total Episodes: more than 100+ Episodes. (Completed)
Synopsis:When blind date turns hilariously wrong. The protagonist discovers her blind date is her boss, a mess of chaos and romance.
Themes: Romantic comedies, office romances, and misunderstandings
Review: Chemistry between leads sizzling, and comedy scenes leave laughter out. The art masterly captures the comedy, but also the romance.
Notable Moments: The dinner scene where the protagonist tries to play it cool is side-splittingly funny.
Recommendation: A great rom-com for fans of lighthearted romances.
23. Another Cliché Fantasy Romance
Total Episodes: 50+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: A satirical take on the common fantasy romance tropes, this manhwa is as entertaining as it is self-aware.
Themes: Satire, romance, and genre commentary.
Review: The playful art style and sharp humor make this a standout in the fantasy romance genre.
Notable Moments: The sarcastic inner monologues of the protagonist are a highlight.
Recommendation: Must-read for those who love fantasy but also enjoy poking fun at its clichés.
24. The Girl and the Geek
Total Episodes: 50+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: Quirky romance between an introverted artist and a tech-savvy geek.
Themes: Opposites attract, humor, and personal growth.
Review: Light tone and relatable characters make this a charming read.
Notable Moments: Their first team-up is both hilarious and sweet.
Recommendation: A warm read for fans of odd couples.
25. For My Derelict Favorite
Total Episodes: 70+ (Ongoing)
Synopsis: The heroine enters a book to rescue her beloved from a tragic ending with dire consequences.
Themes: Loyalty, redemption, and love.
Review: The emotional resonance and the original concept really make this stand out. The artwork is very expressive; it captures the characters at their worst and best.
Notable Moments: The moment she wins the trust of her “favorite” is so heartwarming.
Recommendation: Must-read for the fans of emotional and character-driven stories.
