Summary
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.
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 July 19, 2025 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.
1Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
In villainess stories, it’s common for the evil characters to have a change of heart.Not Your Typical ReincarnationStoryfollows 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.
2For My Derelict Favorite
MyAnimeList Score: 7.81
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 Favoriteis 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.
3Happily Ever Afterwards
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
Afterbeing reincarnatedinto 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 Afterwardsis focused on the growing relationship between Peony and Richt, and their slow build-up of emotions is what makes the story so precious.
4My In-Laws Are Obsessed With Me
MyAnimeList Score: 7.95
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 Meis 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.
5Secret Lady
MyAnimeList Score: 7.98
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.
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.
6The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway
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 Ringis 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, aslow-burning romancethat allows both characters to grow. It’s one of the most well-written manhwa in the last two years.
7Marriage Of Convenience
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 Convenienceis 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.
8The Perks Of Being A Villainess
MyAnimeList Score: 7.99
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.
9Kubera
My AnimeList Score: 8.03
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, apowerful 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.Kuberais a great coming-of-age, adventure story, but for a main plot about lovers, other manhwa would be much better.
10The Remarried Empress
My AnimeList Score: 8.04
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.
