10 Best Manhwa to Read in 2025

Introduction

Imagine stepping into a world where the impossible becomes reality—where warriors defy fate, underdogs rise against destiny, and love stories unfold in the most unexpected places. Manhwa, the Korean answer to manga, has taken the world by storm, delivering some of the most gripping and visually stunning stories ever created.

In the past few years, we’ve seen Korean webtoons climb the ranks, rivaling even the biggest names in Japanese manga. With anime adaptations like Tower of God, Solo Leveling, and The God of High School gaining global popularity, more readers than ever are diving into manhwa’s rich storytelling and breathtaking artwork. But what’s next?

2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for manhwa lovers. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed battles, deep psychological thrillers, or heartwarming romances, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. We’ve scoured the best upcoming and ongoing series to bring you the top 10 manhwa you absolutely need to read this year.

So, get ready to turn the virtual pages of some of the best webtoons Korea has to offer. First up? A title that needs no introduction—because if you’ve read Solo Leveling, you already know what’s coming.

The shadow monarch may have left his mark, but the story is far from over. If Solo Leveling was a storm, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is the lightning strike that follows, igniting a new era of hunters, monsters, and power struggles.

📖 The Story So Far

Set in a world where hunters battle monstrous gates that threaten humanity, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok picks up after the events of its predecessor. Sung Jin-Woo’s legacy lives on, but with new threats emerging, a new generation must rise. This time, the focus shifts to Sung Su-Ho, the son of the legendary hunter. But living in his father’s shadow is no easy task.

When ancient forces awaken and new enemies threaten to tip the balance of power, Su-Ho must embrace the destiny he never asked for. Armed with the abilities passed down from his father, he faces challenges that could reshape the hunter world forever.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• A Worthy Sequel – Unlike most spin-offs that fail to capture the magic of the original, Ragnarok expands on the worldbuilding and lore, giving fans even more of what they loved in Solo Leveling.
• Next-Generation Action – If you thought Sung Jin-Woo’s battles were epic, wait until you see Su-Ho in action. With new skills and an evolving power system, every fight is a spectacle.
• A Darker, Grittier Tone – Ragnarok leans into a more intense, high-stakes narrative, exploring the consequences of absolute power and the burden of legacy.

🔮 Will There Be an Anime Adaptation?

With Solo Leveling finally getting its anime adaptation in 2024, many fans are wondering—will Ragnarok follow? While nothing is confirmed yet, the massive success of the original means it’s only a matter of time before we see Sung Su-Ho animated in all his glory.

What happens when a madman with godlike martial arts skills gets a second chance at life? Absolute chaos, of course.

⚔️ A Madman’s Second Chance

Imagine standing at the peak of power, only to have it ripped away in the most tragic—and ridiculous—way possible. Lee Jaha, the infamous ‘Mad Demon,’ was once a feared and unstoppable force in the murim (martial arts world). But his thirst for power led to an untimely death when he fell off a cliff… while being chased for stealing divine treasures.

Fate, however, wasn’t done with him. Reincarnated into his younger self, Jaha now has the knowledge of a future that hasn’t happened yet. This time, he won’t make the same mistakes. This time, he’ll claim ultimate power—not just for revenge, but because he simply enjoys the chaos.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• Unhinged Yet Brilliant Protagonist – Unlike your typical hero, Jaha is unpredictable, hilarious, and terrifying all at once. His strategies are as clever as they are insane, making every fight a mix of genius and comedy.
• Peak Martial Arts Battles – If you love intricate, beautifully choreographed martial arts fights, Return of the Mad Demon delivers some of the best hand-to-hand combat in manhwa.
• A Fresh Take on Reincarnation Stories – Instead of a goody-two-shoes MC, we get a battle-hardened madman who refuses to follow conventional logic. If Reincarnation of the Strongest Sword God and The Legend of the Northern Blade had a chaotic cousin, this would be it.

🎭 The Perfect Blend of Comedy and Action

While most murim manhwa take themselves too seriously, Return of the Mad Demon thrives on balancing high-stakes action with laugh-out-loud moments. Jaha’s interactions with enemies, allies, and even bystanders are pure gold. One moment, he’s breaking bones with deadly precision; the next, he’s stealing someone’s food mid-battle just to piss them off.

If you’re looking for a martial arts manhwa with high-energy fights, top-tier humor, and an MC who refuses to play by the rules, this is one you can’t afford to miss.

What if you were reborn with the memories of your past life—but this time, you had the power to change everything? That’s the brutal reality Eugene Lionhart faces in Damn Reincarnation, a manhwa that takes the reincarnation trope and turns it into an epic tale of revenge, destiny, and power struggles.

🦁 The Story of Eugene Lionhart

Eugene wasn’t always Eugene. In his past life, he was Hamel, a warrior who fought alongside the great Vermouth—the legendary hero known for sealing the Demon Kings. While Vermouth was celebrated, Hamel died unceremoniously, just another piece in history’s puzzle.

But fate had other plans. Reborn centuries later as Eugene Lionhart, a direct descendant of Vermouth himself, he finds himself in a world where the truth of their past battle has been twisted. Why did Vermouth betray him? Why did the Demon Kings survive? With newfound talent and knowledge of his former life, Eugene isn’t about to sit back and let history repeat itself.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• A Ruthless, Strategic MC – Unlike many reincarnation protagonists who rely solely on past memories, Eugene is a powerhouse from the start, combining his old experience with a new, monstrous level of talent.
• Deep, Layered Worldbuilding – From ancient conspiracies to hidden secrets about Vermouth’s true role in history, Damn Reincarnation creates a rich, immersive fantasy world filled with mystery and intrigue.
• Brutal, High-Stakes Fights – The combat in this manhwa is intense, mixing swordsmanship, magic, and sheer battle IQ. Every fight is a mind game as much as it is a display of raw power.

⚖️ Revenge, Destiny, and Betrayal

At its core, Damn Reincarnation is a revenge story wrapped in layers of political tension and magical warfare. Eugene’s journey isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about unraveling the lies of history, confronting the betrayal of his former comrade, and carving out his own legend.

If you loved the strategic brilliance of The Beginning After the End or the intensity of Second Life Ranker, this manhwa will pull you into its world and never let go.

What happens when you’re the last survivor of an apocalyptic world—and everyone else has abandoned reality for a better one? Welcome to The World After the Fall, a manhwa that takes the concept of survival to new, mind-bending levels.

🌎 A World on the Brink of Destruction

Jaehwan was just an ordinary warrior when the world was invaded by Towers—mysterious structures filled with monsters that humans had to conquer to survive. But when things got too difficult, humanity took the easy way out. Instead of fighting, most people chose to “regress”—returning to the past in a parallel timeline where they could try again.

But Jaehwan? He refused to run. Instead of regressing, he fought alone, pushing forward even when the world abandoned him. He became the last man standing in a crumbling reality, a warrior who defied fate itself.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• A Unique Take on the Regression Trope – Unlike other manhwa where the MC rewinds time, Jaehwan refuses to take the easy way out. His story is one of sheer determination, suffering, and defiance.
• Mind-Bending Concepts & Existential Themes – The World After the Fall isn’t just about fighting; it explores deep, philosophical questions about reality, free will, and what it means to exist.
• Incredible Art & Action Sequences – The battles in this manhwa are drawn with stunning detail, making every clash feel larger than life.

🛡️ A Journey Beyond Time and Space

Jaehwan’s path isn’t just about survival—it’s about breaking free from the constraints of a system that dictates reality. As he fights through impossible odds, he discovers secrets that could change the very fabric of existence.

If you’re a fan of Solo Leveling but crave something darker, deeper, and more philosophical, The World After the Fall is a must-read.

What happens when the deadliest martial artist gets enhanced by futuristic nanotechnology? Pure, unstoppable domination.

🤖 A Weak Prince Turned Overpowered Monster

Cheon Yeo-Woon was nothing more than a disposable pawn—a low-ranking prince of the Demonic Cult, constantly hunted by his own bloodline. Born into a brutal world where only the strong survive, he was destined to be eliminated by his powerful half-siblings.

That is… until an unexpected visitor from the future injected him with Nano Machines—microscopic AI-powered devices that enhance his body, mind, and abilities beyond human limits.

Suddenly, the weak and overlooked prince became a genius martial artist overnight, mastering techniques that should take decades in mere days. His enemies had no idea what was coming.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• Martial Arts Meets Sci-Fi – Nano Machine blends classic murim (martial arts world) action with advanced technology, creating a fresh and unique take on the genre.
• Insane Power Growth – If you love watching an underdog rise to dominance, this manhwa delivers power progression on steroids. Yeo-Woon goes from prey to predator in the most satisfying way possible.
• Smart, Tactical Battles – With the AI-powered Nano Machine guiding his every move, fights are not just about brute strength—they’re high-speed chess matches with deadly stakes.

⚔️ The Rise of a Martial Emperor

With intelligence-enhancing nanotechnology and unparalleled combat skills, Yeo-Woon is no longer just surviving—he’s dominating. Every opponent who underestimates him meets a swift and humiliating defeat.

If you love the overpowered protagonist trope, mixed with sci-fi and martial arts in a high-stakes power struggle, Nano Machine is a must-read.

What if the gods abandoned humanity, leaving them to die at the hands of demons? What if your final act of defiance gave you a second chance?

⚔️ A Hero’s Last Stand… and His Unexpected Return

Zephyr was humanity’s last hope—a warrior who fought until his dying breath against the demonic forces that destroyed the world. Betrayed by the very gods who were supposed to protect mankind, he died in despair, his life a tragic tale of struggle and sacrifice.

But fate had other plans.

Instead of perishing, Zephyr was sent back in time—to a moment before everything fell apart. Armed with memories of his brutal past, battle-hardened skills, and the fury of a warrior who refuses to lose again, he is determined to rewrite fate and crush the gods who abandoned humanity.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• A Ruthless, No-Nonsense MC – Zephyr isn’t here to play nice. He knows the horrors that await and has zero patience for weakness, deception, or betrayal.
• Gods, Demons, and Power Struggles – The story isn’t just about fighting—it’s about unraveling the schemes of the gods and outmaneuvering powerful enemies in a world filled with hidden dangers.
• Masterfully Crafted Battles – If you love hard-hitting, visceral combat with top-tier strategy, Reincarnation of the Suicidal Battle God delivers fight scenes that hit like a sledgehammer.

🔥 Revenge, Redemption, and a New Destiny

This time, Zephyr isn’t just fighting to survive—he’s fighting to win. Armed with knowledge of the future and the will to change history, he’s not just going to save humanity—he’s going to make the gods regret ever crossing him.

If you love dark, intense action series like Solo Leveling and Damn Reincarnation, this manhwa is one you can’t afford to miss.

When the world’s greatest warriors fall, who will rise from the ashes? A lone survivor, sharpened by betrayal and fueled by vengeance.

❄️ A Silent Prodigy in the Frozen North

For generations, the Northern Heavenly Sect protected the world from darkness, standing as an unshakable pillar of strength. But treachery from within led to its downfall. Accused of conspiring against the Murim Alliance, the sect’s leader—Jin Kwan-Ho—was forced to die in disgrace, leaving behind his only son, Jin Mu-Won.

With his father’s death, Mu-Won became a prisoner in his own home, stripped of his inheritance and ignored by the martial world. But they made a grave mistake: they left him alive.

⚔️ The Birth of a New Legend

For years, Mu-Won trained in the shadows, mastering the lost techniques of the Northern Heavenly Sect. With nothing but patience and unwavering determination, he transformed into a warrior unlike any before him. And when the time was right, he stepped into the world once more—not as a forgotten heir, but as a legend reborn.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• A Slow-Building Yet Satisfying Revenge Tale – If you love stories where the underdog rises through sheer will and skill, this manhwa delivers one of the most rewarding power progressions ever.
• Phenomenal Art & Combat Sequences – The battles are fluid, cinematic, and deeply strategic, capturing the grace and brutality of martial arts with breathtaking detail.
• Rich World-Building & Political Intrigue – The story isn’t just about fighting—it’s about rebuilding a fallen legacy and unraveling conspiracies that span generations.

❄️ The Return of the Northern Blade

Jin Mu-Won isn’t after mindless vengeance—he seeks justice for those who destroyed his sect and disgraced his father’s name. With every step he takes, the martial world begins to tremble—because the Northern Blade has returned, and nothing will stand in his way.

If you’re a fan of deep character development, thrilling martial arts, and grand-scale storytelling, The Legend of the Northern Blade is a must-read in 2025.

What if you were thrown into a brutal otome game where the villainess is destined to suffer and die, no matter what choices you make?

🎭 A Game of Survival… as the Villainess

Penelope Eckhart was never meant to be the heroine.
In the popular dating sim game Daughter of the Duke, Love Project, players control a beautiful noblewoman trying to win the affection of powerful love interests.

But there’s one problem.

Before the real heroine arrives, there’s another character in the story—the villainess, Penelope. And no matter what, she is hated, abused, and ultimately killed off.

That’s where our protagonist comes in.

One day, a modern-day girl wakes up inside the game— not as the heroine, but as Penelope Eckhart, the doomed villainess. With her death flags waiting at every turn, she must outsmart the game’s mechanics, manipulate the male leads, and find a way to survive.

💀 Fighting Fate with Strategy & Wit

• Every Decision Matters – The game’s difficulty is set to “hell mode,” meaning every wrong move leads to instant death.
• Twisted Romance & Dangerous Relationships – The love interests aren’t just charming—they’re lethal. Some would rather kill Penelope than love her, making every interaction a game of strategy and manipulation.
• A Strong Female Lead Who Won’t Back Down – Unlike typical weak heroines, Penelope is cunning, ruthless, and refuses to be a victim. Watching her turn the tables on those who once controlled her fate is one of the most satisfying aspects of the story.

🎭 Why You Need to Read It

• A Dark, Addictive Take on the Otome Genre – This isn’t your typical fluffy romance. It’s a psychological survival game with intense stakes.
• Gorgeous Artwork & Emotionally Gripping Storytelling – Every expression, emotion, and moment of despair is breathtakingly illustrated.
• A Mystery That Keeps You Hooked – Can Penelope truly escape her fate? Or is she doomed to follow the game’s cruel path, no matter how hard she fights?

💀 Defying Destiny, One Choice at a Time

In a world where everyone wants her dead, Penelope must manipulate, deceive, and fight for her life. The question is—will she truly find freedom, or is she destined to die no matter what she does?

If you love villainess stories with high stakes, clever protagonists, and unexpected twists, Villains Are Destined to Die is a must-read manhwa for 2025.

The Boxer – A Story of Pain, Power, and the Pursuit of Greatness

Some fighters are born with unwavering willpower. Others are forged through blood, sweat, and agony. But what happens when a cold, emotionless prodigy enters the ring?

🥊 The Rise of a Soulless Champion

In the brutal world of boxing, hard work beats talent—unless talent is unstoppable.

The Boxer follows Yu, a boy with inhuman reflexes and a blank, lifeless gaze. He doesn’t dream of becoming a champion. He doesn’t even care about fighting. But when legendary boxing coach K stumbles upon him, he sees something terrifying—a fighter with godlike potential, hidden beneath apathy.

K offers him a choice: Step into the ring, train under the best, and become an unstoppable force.

And so, a monster is born.

🥊 More Than Just a Sports Story

• A Psychological Deep Dive – Unlike typical underdog stories, The Boxer explores trauma, isolation, and the meaning of strength.
• Brutal, Realistic Fights – Every match is a work of art, combining breathtaking motion, raw impact, and emotional storytelling.
• A Riveting Cast of Fighters – From struggling underdogs to arrogant champions, each opponent has their own dreams, fears, and scars.

🥊 Why You Need to Read It

• A Different Kind of Protagonist – Yu isn’t your average shonen-style hero. He’s cold, unfeeling, and terrifying in the ring. Watching him slowly develop emotions and purpose is one of the manhwa’s most powerful elements.
• A Masterpiece of Visual Storytelling – The art shifts with the emotion of the scene, from chillingly still frames to explosive action.
• A Deep, Thought-Provoking Narrative – The Boxer isn’t just about fights. It asks what it truly means to be strong—and whether raw talent can ever replace heart.

🥊 Strength vs. Humanity: A Fight With No Easy Winner

In the end, The Boxer isn’t just about victory. It’s about what fighters are willing to sacrifice for greatness. As Yu steps into the ring against hungry, desperate challengers who live and breathe boxing, the question remains:

Will he become the greatest of all time—or will he remain an empty shell, undefeated but unfulfilled?

For those who love deep, emotional sports dramas with intense action and psychological depth, The Boxer is an absolute must-read in 2025.

What if the story you’ve been reading your whole life suddenly became your new reality? Would you survive knowing exactly how it all ends?

📖 A Reader Turned Survivor

Kim Dokja was just a regular office worker—with one small obsession. For years, he was the only person reading an obscure web novel called Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse.

He knew everything. Every plot twist, every power-up, every hidden secret.

Then, the novel became real.

One day, the world crumbled, and the events of the story began unfolding in real life. Monsters roamed the streets, people died, and the only way to survive was to play by the novel’s cruel rules.

But unlike everyone else, Kim Dokja isn’t lost or afraid—because he already knows how the story ends.

🔮 Outsmarting Fate with Future Knowledge

While others struggle to survive, Kim Dokja uses his knowledge to stay ahead.
He forms alliances, manipulates events, and rewrites fate itself to ensure he survives.

But there’s one problem—he was just a reader, not the protagonist. The true hero of the story? A man named Yoo Joonghyuk.

A man who dies over and over again in countless timelines, desperately trying to save the world.

Now, Kim Dokja must work alongside him, changing the novel’s course without revealing that he knows everything. Because if the story breaks apart completely… there might not be a world left to save.

🔥 Why You Need to Read It

• A Mind-Blowing Plot – This isn’t your average “reincarnation” or “isekai” story—it’s a deeply layered narrative about fate, free will, and the power of stories.
• An Overpowered Protagonist Who Wins with Strategy – Unlike other manhwa heroes, Kim Dokja isn’t a fighter—he’s a tactician. He wins with knowledge, manipulation, and pure intellect.
• Unpredictable Twists & High Stakes – Even though Kim Dokja knows the original novel, his choices change everything. The deeper he goes, the more the story fights back.

📖 When the Reader Becomes the Hero

Kim Dokja was never supposed to be the protagonist. But if he wants to survive, he must become one.

With a web of betrayals, shocking revelations, and a race against destiny itself, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a must-read in 2025—not just for manhwa fans, but for anyone who loves stories that challenge the boundaries of reality and fiction.

Conclusion – The Best Manhwa to Read in 2025

The world of manhwa is more exciting than ever, delivering unforgettable stories, jaw-dropping art, and characters that stay with us long after we turn the last page. Whether you’re into martial arts epics, overpowered protagonists, deep psychological thrillers, or immersive fantasy worlds, there’s something on this list that will captivate you.

From the brutal revenge saga of The World After the Fall to the mind-bending twists of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, these 10 manhwa offer the best storytelling, action, and emotional depth you’ll find in 2025.

🚀 What’s Next?

With Korean webtoons gaining more global popularity than ever, we can expect even bigger adaptations, deeper stories, and groundbreaking artwork in the coming years. Whether you’re a longtime manhwa fan or just getting started, this list is the perfect place to find your next obsession.

Which of these must-read manhwa are you most excited about? Or is there one you think deserves a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments!