Looking for the Best Manhwa to Read in 2025? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve put together this guide that showcases the best manhwa out of ten different genres, including action, fantasy, romance, smut, and thriller.

It doesn’t matter if you’re into heart-pounding action, emotional love stories or mind-bending fantasy. There’s a manhwa story on this list for everyone.

Get ready to be entertained!

 

What is Manhwa?

Manhwa is the Korean term for comics and graphic novels, and they are similar to Japanese manga.

The word itself dates back to the early 20th century. However, manhwa really began picking up global attention in the 2000s, thanks to the rise of digital webtoons and international translations.

Traditionally, manhwa was printed much like Western comics. But today, many popular series are released as webtoons, which are digital-first comics you can scroll through on your phone.

What sets manhwa apart from other comics is often its art style. It comprises full-color pages, and storytelling that blends Eastern and Western influences.

Japanese manga tends to be black and white with right-to-left reading. By contrast, manhwa usually reads left-to-right, which makes it a bit easier for Western readers to follow.

 

Why is Manhwa Gaining Global Popularity?

Over the last couple of decades, Manhwa has exploded in popularity around the world, and it’s easy to see why.

Boasting full-color art, relatable characters, and fast-paced storytelling, manhwa offers a fresh experience when compared to traditional comics. They also cover a wide range of genres, which means they appeal to a diverse fan base.

Moreover, the rise of Korean culture globally, fueled by K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean films, has also helped shine a spotlight on the world of manhwa. At the same time, platforms have made it easy for readers to access new series instantly on their phones.

 

Types of Manhwa Genres

As mentioned, there are several different genres of manhwa. Below are the ten we will focus on in this post:

 

1. Action Manhwa

These manhwas usually focus on action-packed storytelling, which often center around battles, superpowers and martial arts.

They typically feature thrilling adventures, intense fight scenes, and major conflicts that have readers hooked.

 

2. Comedy Manhwa

Comedy manhwas entertain their audience with humor and funny situations. They can be anything from slapstick and laugh-out-loud to lighthearted or satirical in their nature.

 

3. Fantasy Manhwa

When you read a fantasy manhwa, you get transported into magical and imaginative destinations that often involve supernatural elements, mythical creatures, and the undertaking of heroic quests.

Sometimes these stories wonderfully incorporate elements of magic, adventure, mythology and the building of creative worlds.

 

4. Historical Manhwa

As its name implies, historical manhwas are set in different time periods. They tend to focus on romance stories that give readers the opportunity to visit the distant past and experience what-if scenarios.

As well as being charming, they usually sprinkle a bit of mystery into the storyline.

 

5. Horror Manhwa

This genre of manhwa is not for the faint-hearted. Heavy on psychological and supernatural elements, these stories often explore themes of existential dread and fear of the unknown.

 

6. Romance Manhwa

Romance is one of the most popular of all genres of manhwa, and its storylines cover a wide range of themes and topics. They include love triangles, same sex relationships, and tales of forbidden love that put the reader through a range of emotions.

 

7. Slice of Life Manhwa

This genre focuses on character-driven stories that are based on everyday experiences. They tend to concentrate on themes like overcoming daily challenges, relationships, coming-of-age and personal growth.

 

8. Smut Manhwa

Smut Manhwa uses erotic writing and striking artwork to convey storylines that contain sexually explicit content for adult audiences.

Often, they are written for women by women, with a strong focus on seduction.

 

9. Supernatural Manhwa

Supernatural manhwas test even the strongest of nerves. They dive into the realms of the paranormal and supernatural through ghost stories, tales of psychological terror, and supernatural powers that make you look over your shoulder as you read.

 

10. Thriller/Mystery Manhwa

This genre is all about enigmatic characters, unexpected plot twists and suspenseful narratives.

Typically, they revolve around psychological thrillers, detective investigations, and the solving of murders or other crimes.

 

How we chose the best manhwa

Choosing the best manhwa to recommend for 2025 wasn’t easy, simply because there is just so much incredible work out there. So, it actually took us a while to come up with this list!

To help us compile it, we focused on a few key areas, such as strong storytelling, memorable characters, high-quality artwork, and overall reader buzz. We also looked at fan reviews, awards, and how often a series was recommended across different platforms.

Overall, our goal was to highlight some established favorites across every genre. So, whatever one you are into, you should find something compelling to read.

 

Best Manhwa by Genre

So, what are our recommendations for the best manhwas to read in 2025?

Here is an overview of each genre.

 

1. Action Manhwa Recommendations

If you’re idea of a good read is heart-pounding fights and epic storylines, then Solo Leveling is one story you simply have to read.

A real fan favorite, it follows Sung Jin-Woo, a once-weak hunter who gains incredible powers and takes on dangerous dungeons. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves seeing a true underdog rise.

Another top pick is The Breaker, a thrilling martial arts story about a bullied high school student who trains under a secretive master. That said, if you’re into futuristic twists, Nano Machine offers a perfect blend of sci-fi and action. It follows a prince who receives nanotechnology enhancements that instantly change his destiny.

What makes these series so good is that they all deliver fast-paced battles, strong character growth, and unforgettable moments that will keep you hooked from the very first chapter.

 

2. Comedy Manhwa Recommendations

When you next find yourself in need of a good laugh, check out A Business Proposal.

This hilarious office romance is based on the story of a woman who goes on a blind date posing as her friend, only to discover the man is her company’s CEO! 

It’s packed with awkward moments, sharp banter, and unexpected sweetness that will make you experience the full gamut of emotions.

If you have already read that, try The Male Lead’s Little Lion Daughter instead. It offers a funny and adorable twist on the fantasy genre, as it follows the story of a girl who suddenly finds herself in the care of a stoic male lead character.

For something a bit different, Murim Login brings laughs and action together, conveying the story of an office worker who accidentally logs into a real-world martial arts game.

All of these stories are packed with plenty of laugh-out-loud scenes and heartfelt moments that will instantly boost your mood.

 

3. Fantasy Manhwa Recommendations

Fantasy manhwas can offer you a welcome escape from the stress of your daily life. So, the next time you want to lose yourself in an incredible world, make sure you check out Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.

It puts a clever twist on the apocalypse genre, as it follows a reader who becomes the unlikely hero of a world trapped inside a novel. It’s gripping, emotional, and packed with unexpected turns that will captivate you from the first page.

Tower of God is another essential pick, which tells the story of Bam as he climbs a mysterious, endless tower to reunite with his best friend. The world-building is absolutely massive, and each floor offers new challenges and surprises that you won’t see coming.

For those who enjoy darker tales, The World After the Fall showcases the courage of a lone warrior who refuses to give up under the most trying of circumstances.  In turn, it delivers a powerful story about survival after humanity’s downfall and features deep emotional storytelling with a bit of action and mystery thrown in for good measure.

 

4. Historical Manhwa Recommendations

Typically, these types of stories completely pull you in from the moment you pick them up, and that can definitely be said for Golden Time.

Blending medical drama with historical intrigue, it tells the tale of a modern surgeon who finds himself in an ancient world where he must use his skills to survive. If successful, he might just change the course of history.

For readers who like their historical romances with a bit of fantasy mixed into them, The Elixir of the Sun is a must-read. It tells the story of a cursed young woman who is sold to a powerful emperor but, in a strange twist of fate, holds the mysterious power to save his life. Combining deep emotional storytelling with breathtaking historical settings, it’s filled with court politics, romance, and gorgeous artwork that you are sure to love. 

Should you fancy something a little different, When the Black Moon Rises conveys hidden secrets and forbidden love through a story that offers a darker, more suspenseful ride through a kingdom on the precipice of chaos.

 

5. Horror Manhwa Recommendations

If you’re ready for a good scare, there are quite a few stories that provide a different flavor of fear, incorporating everything from slow-burn psychological tension to adrenaline-fueled survival horror.

A good starting point is to read Monster Child, which is a chilling story that revolves around a girl who hides a terrifying secret. As it slowly unravels, it blends psychological horror with a series of heartbreaking twists that might force you to sleep with the light on for a day or two!

If you prefer fast-paced terror, Shotgun Boy follows a bullied teenager who stumbles into a nightmare involving alien-like creatures and who must fight to survive. Alternatively, Delusion draws you into a deeply unsettling world where nothing is quite what it seems.

This story is based on a young artist who becomes entangled with a mysterious woman and a web of eerie events. It features plenty of thrills, chills, and dark mysteries that keep you guessing until the last page.

 

6. Romance Manhwas Recommendations

The romance genre of manhwa is arguably the biggest, with thousands upon thousands of stories featuring within it. This makes choosing recommendations extremely difficult, because someone, somewhere, will say “why didn’t they pick….”.

That said, many people will agree that Matchmaking of the Amagami Household is well worth a read. Charming and lighthearted, it revolves around a young woman who ends up living with five brothers. With one of which love quietly blooms.

For something more soothing and intimate, Our Secret Garden tells a slow-burning, very relatable love story between two people who find healing and hope while tending a forgotten garden together.

If you like your romance stories with a bit of playful banter and a deep, albeit unrevealed, emotional connection, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim should be right up your street.

This office romance is full of hilarious misunderstandings and heartfelt moments. It follows the relationship between a self-absorbed boss and his ultra-competent secretary who suddenly decides to quit.

 

7. Slice of Life Manhwa Recommendations

There is nothing like a slice-of-life manhwa to warm your heart and keep things real. So, if you are looking for a story that will stay with you long after you’ve read it, The Tale of Goldiluck, the Black Kitten should definitely be added to your list.

This sweet and emotional story about a lonely boy who forms an unlikely bond with a talking kitten offers a gentle look at friendship and healing. It may even help you reevaluate your own friendships.

Another exceptional read is Same School Friend. This story captures the bittersweet feeling of growing up through the eyes of two childhood friends who navigate school life, changes, and the feelings that come with it.

Days of Hana is another story that explores real emotions through beautiful storytelling. While it’s setting it in a world where werewolves and humans coexist might suggest otherwise, at its heart, it is a touching story about love, acceptance, and understanding. Readers are provided with plenty of profound, heartfelt, and possibly even introspective moments as they read this delightful manhwa.

 

8. Smut Manhwa Recommendations

Romance manhwas are all well and good, but sometimes you want a bit of down-and-dirty smut in your life. Thankfully, there are plenty of smut manhwas that can satisfy your need for mature themes and intense romances.

One you definitely have to read is Painter of the Night. This beautifully illustrated and emotionally charged story is about a young artist drawn into the dangerous world of a powerful nobleman. It’s known for its complex characters and gripping tension. For sure, it will definitely get your heart racing with its highly charged sexual overtones.

Exploring themes of forbidden romance, An Innocent Sin is a brilliant tale you should definitely read. It centers around a woman who is grappling with the consequences of love, lust, and betrayal, against very high stakes.

We also recommend you get into Secret Relationships if you want to read a story packed with steamy moments and emotional twists. It explores the tangled web of hidden desires between colleagues and friends. What is great about it is that it takes a refreshingly modern approach to narratives within this genre.

 

9. Supernatural Manhwa Recommendations

There are plenty of supernatural manhwas that are not for those with a nervous disposition. One of which is Leviathan.

If you scare easily or live alone, you might want to give this one a miss. It plunges you into a terrifying, flooded world where humanity clings to survival. All while battling sea monsters and darker human instincts.

Overall, it’s a tense, gripping story with plenty of eerie atmospheres, impending senses of danger and dread in every chapter. Don’t be surprised if you read it with one hand over your eyes!

It is also worth giving Night of Shadows a go as it has a cult following. Set in a city that is haunted by deadly spirits, it follows a group of strangers who are forced to survive the horrors that lurk after dark. The suspense slowly builds as you turn the pages. So, each encounter seems even more terrifying when it eventually happens.

The one thing that stands out about the supernatural genre of manhwas is that the art styles are extremely striking. This is particularly true of Pontus, a story that takes you to a world ruled by ancient beings where survival depends on wit, courage, and the ability to overcome heart-pounding fear.

 

10. Thriller/Mystery Manhwa Recommendations

Full of gripping plots, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, thriller and mystery manhwas are the kind of publications you can’t put down once you’ve started.

One story that exemplifies this is L.A.G. It pulls you into a dog-eat-dog world where survival depends on the execution of calculated risks. Overall, it’s a tense, mind-bending story that keeps you guessing (usually incorrectly) at every turn. 

Rotten and Parallel City are two other excellent stories you should read. The former offers a chilling look at the darker side of human nature by relating the story of a detective who is tasked with solving a series of gruesome crimes in a corrupt society. The latter explores two interconnected worlds where every decision you make has unexpected consequences. Some are good, others not so.

Both of these manhwa combine strong storytelling with clever pacing as they pull you deeper into dark, compelling worlds. They are ideal for readers who love solving puzzles and are fascinated by nefarious acts.

 

Best Rating Manhwas

You shouldn’t just take our word for what makes a recommended manhwa. There are plenty of other people who have their own opinions. That is why reviews have been invented.

On our site, readers have reviewed over 1900 of them. Here is the top 10 along with their rating out of five stars.

• The Greatest Estate Developer – 4.9 stars from over 1000 reviewers
• Solo Leveling – 4.8 stars from over 878 reviewers
• Revenge of the Sword Clan’s Hound – 4.8 stars from over 432 reviewers
• Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint – 4.8 stars from over 430 reviewers
• Manager, Please Scold Me – 4.8 stars from over 349 reviewers
• Killer Pietro – 4.8 stars from over 348 reviewers
• Mercenary Enrollment – 4.8 stars from over 306 reviewers
• Pick Me Up – 4.8 stars from over 289 reviewers
• Star-Embracing Swordmaster – 4.8 stars from over 272 reviewers
• Eternally Regressing Knight – 4.8 stars from over 247 reviewers

 

Where to read Manhwa’s online

Finding great manhwa online has never been easier. All you need to do is a Google search for “Best Manhwa” and it should come up with a good list of platforms you can use.

You should be aware that some sites offer free chapters to get you started. However, they then require you to pay to unlock the full series or premium content as you go.

Most genres are easily accessible on your phone, tablet, or computer. That said, some might only be from specialized or niche providers.

 

Upcoming Manhwas to look out for in 2025

There have been some brilliant manhwas that have come out already in 2025. Here is a selection of five you should definitely put on your must-read list:

• Eleceed
• Standard of Reincarnation
• Summoners Wars Academy
• The Primal Hunter
• Dark Fantasy Paladin

 

Summing Up

As you have read, there are so many incredible manhwa to choose from. So, the best one for you really depends on what you are into.

That said, don’t be afraid to expand your horizons and explore different genres. You never know, you might discover a new favorite!

 

FAQs

Here are some answers to questions that are frequently asked about manhwas.

 

Do I need to know Korean to enjoy manhwa?

Not at all! Most popular manhwa are officially translated into English and other languages. Also, many platforms release new chapters quickly after the original Korean versions. This makes it easy for international readers to stay up to date.

Additionally, some sites also offer fan translations for series that haven’t been officially released yet.

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