7 Best Anime Like Though I Am an Inept Villainess to Watch

For fans searching for their next historical drama after finishing Though I Am an Inept Villainess (Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga), the best recommendations share its unique blend of courtly conspiracy, supernatural curses, and a clever heroine forced into a difficult role. The series excels at building tension within a gilded cage, where political survival depends on outsmarting hidden enemies.

The story follows Reirin, a maiden whose life is upended when a jealous rival, Keigetsu, uses forbidden magic to swap their bodies. Trapped in the form of a scorned outcast and blamed for Keigetsu's crimes, Reirin must survive a dangerous trial. This setup combines the popular villainess protagonist trope with body swapping and a historical fantasy setting inspired by ancient China. The show's appeal lies in watching Reirin embrace her new identity to uncover dark conspiracies, forcing her into an unlikely alliance with Keigetsu to survive.

The anime on this list capture that same spirit. They feature resourceful female protagonists who must use their intelligence and resilience to navigate treacherous royal courts. Whether they are solving mysteries, subverting their prescribed fate, or fighting to reclaim a throne, these heroines defy expectations in worlds filled with secrets and romance complicated by political maneuvering.

While a sequel, Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Suuguu Chouso Torikae Den Part 2, has been announced for a Winter 2027 release, you have plenty of time to explore these compelling series. Each offers a story that will satisfy a craving for high-stakes drama and intricate world-building.

Key takeaways

The best recommendations share Inept Villainess's focus on a resourceful female protagonist navigating palace conspiracies.
The Apothecary Diaries is the top pick for its similar historical setting and sharp-witted heroine solving court mysteries.
Raven of the Inner Palace and YATAGARASU offer similar supernatural and political intrigue elements.
Series like Yona of the Dawn and Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion share themes of a wronged woman fighting to survive.
A second part of Though I Am an Inept Villainess is confirmed for January 2027, giving you time to watch these series.

1. The Apothecary Diaries

The most common recommendation for fans of Inept Villainess is The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto). Set in a gorgeously rendered imperial palace inspired by ancient China, the series follows Maomao, a sharp-witted young woman with a passion for medicine and poisons. After being sold into servitude, her quiet life is upended when she uses her knowledge to solve a mysterious illness affecting the emperor's heirs.

Maomao is a brilliant protagonist who, like Reirin, must rely on her intelligence to navigate a dangerous and unfamiliar environment. Where Reirin understands courtly dynamics, Maomao’s expertise lies in pharmacology, which she uses to uncover assassination plots, expose corruption, and diagnose rare afflictions. Her pragmatic and often cynical worldview makes her a fascinating counterpart to the court’s opulence.

The dynamic between Maomao and Jinshi, a handsome and influential palace official who recognizes her talent, strongly mirrors the central relationship in Inept Villainess, where romance and political partnership are deeply intertwined. The original 24-episode series from OLM and TOHO animation STUDIO has been followed by announcements for a second and third season, offering a rich, detailed world of mystery and intrigue.

2. Raven of the Inner Palace

For those who enjoyed the supernatural curses and mysterious atmosphere of Inept Villainess, Raven of the Inner Palace (Koukyuu no Karasu) is a strong match. The story is centered on the Raven Consort, a solitary and enigmatic figure who lives within the inner palace. Despite her title, she does not serve the emperor and is rumored to wield mysterious arts to grant wishes and solve supernatural problems.

This 13-episode series from Bandai Namco Pictures shares the same historical Chinese-inspired setting and a focus on a unique female protagonist isolated by her circumstances. The Raven Consort is defined by her otherness within the rigid court hierarchy, a position that echoes Reirin's status as an outcast trapped in another's body. Her life is one of secrets and shadows, and she must navigate the requests and suspicions of those who seek her power.

The show blends palace drama with ghostly encounters and ancient magic, creating a tone that is both melancholic and deeply intriguing. It is a fitting choice for viewers who appreciate a story where the political and the supernatural are two sides of the same coin.

3. The Story of Saiunkoku

A classic in the historical court drama genre, The Story of Saiunkoku (Saiunkoku Monogatari) is a foundational series for fans of capable heroines in government. The protagonist, Shuurei, comes from a noble but impoverished family. Her life changes when she accepts a lucrative offer to become the emperor's consort temporarily, with the secret mission of inspiring the lazy ruler to take his duties seriously.

While it lacks the body-swapping element, this series is excellent at depicting the immense challenges a woman faces when trying to enact change within a patriarchal government. Shuurei’s ultimate goal is to become the nation's first female government official, a dream that forces her to confront deep-seated prejudice and political opposition. Her struggle to prove her worth and defy expectations is a strong parallel to Reirin's journey.

Produced by the acclaimed studio MADHOUSE, this 39-episode series from 2006 allows for deep exploration of its characters and the intricate workings of its world. It is a rewarding watch for anyone who loves stories about determined women carving out their own place in history.

4. YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master (Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai) offers a unique fantasy spin on political intrigue. The story is set in Yamauchi, a world inhabited by a race of three-legged ravens known as Yatagarasu, who can shapeshift into human form. The land is ruled by four noble families, and the plot kicks off when Yukiya, a young man from the North, is called to serve the Imperial Prince.

What follows is a complex story of murder, conspiracy, and shifting allegiances among the noble families vying for power. This 20-episode series from Studio Pierrot excels at creating a tense atmosphere where no one can be trusted and every interaction is laden with political subtext. This focus on the dark underbelly of a royal court directly mirrors the conspiracies that Reirin and Keigetsu uncover in their own palace.

While the prominent fantasy elements—like the shapeshifting protagonists—set it apart, the core themes of navigating a dangerous and politically charged royal environment will resonate strongly. It is an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy courtly drama with a heavy dose of world-building and supernatural lore.

5. Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

This series is a key example of the villainess isekai subgenre, but its focus on subverting a terrible fate makes it a great companion to Inept Villainess. After a mysterious death, a modern woman is reborn as Raeliana McMillan, a side character in a novel she once read. The problem is, she knows Raeliana is destined to be murdered by her own fiancé.

To survive, she uses her knowledge of the plot to strike a deal with the novel’s powerful and cold-hearted male lead, Duke Noah Wynknight. She proposes a fake engagement, pulling them both into a high-stakes game of political maneuvering and romantic tension. Raeliana must play a role and use her wits to outsmart those plotting against her, much as Reirin must adopt a new identity to survive.

Produced by TYPHOON GRAPHICS, the 12-episode story is driven by mystery and the constant threat of danger, as Raeliana tries to change her fate while navigating the secrets of the aristocracy. The strategic partnership she forms with the duke is central to the plot, echoing the unlikely alliance between Reirin and Keigetsu.

6. Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) captures the journey of a sheltered princess forced to confront the brutal realities of her kingdom. Princess Yona lives a life of luxury, protected by her doting father and her childhood friend, the guard Hak. Her world shatters on her 16th birthday when her beloved cousin Soo-won murders the king and usurps the throne.

Forced to flee the castle, Yona embarks on an epic journey to survive and understand the suffering of her people. Yona's transformation from a naive princess to a determined warrior mirrors Reirin's journey of embracing a new, challenging identity. While Reirin must navigate the court's conspiracies from within, Yona is cast out and must build her power from the ground up, gathering allies and confronting the kingdom's harsh realities.

Although this 24-episode series from Studio Pierrot leans more into action and adventure than palace intrigue, its foundation is built on political betrayal and the fight to reclaim one's destiny. The deep character development and the slow-burn romance between Yona and Hak make it a compelling and emotionally resonant fantasy epic.

7. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life

For another clever subversion of the villainess trope, 7th Time Loop is an ideal fit. The protagonist, Rishe Irmgard Weitzner, is a duke's daughter with a secret: she is stuck in a time loop. Every time she dies at age 20, she returns to the moment five years earlier when her engagement is called off. She has already lived six different lives—as a merchant, a doctor, and a knight, among others.

In her seventh loop, she makes a shocking decision: she agrees to marry Prince Arnolt of an enemy nation, the very man who was responsible for her death in a previous life as a knight. Her goal is to use the knowledge and skills from her past lives to prevent a future war and finally live a carefree life. This premise of a protagonist with unique knowledge forming an alliance with a former enemy is a core parallel to Inept Villainess.

In this 12-episode anime from HORNETS, Rishe must navigate treacherous court politics while in a precarious position. Her relationship with Prince Arnolt is a complex mix of suspicion, strategy, and budding romance, making for a compelling watch for anyone who enjoys seeing a smart heroine turn a bad situation to her advantage.

Quick Guide to Your Next Watch

To help you decide where to start, here is a quick summary of our recommendations and why they are a great match for fans of Though I Am an Inept Villainess.

Anime Title	Core Genres	Why It's a Match
The Apothecary Diaries	Drama, Mystery	A sharp-witted protagonist uses specialized knowledge to solve conspiracies in a historical Chinese-style palace.
Raven of the Inner Palace	Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural	Focuses on supernatural curses and a mysterious female figure isolated within a dangerous imperial court.
The Story of Saiunkoku	Drama, Fantasy, Adventure	A classic story of a determined woman entering government and proving her worth against political opposition.
YATAGARASU: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master	Drama, Fantasy, Supernatural	High-stakes political intrigue and conspiracy among noble families in a rich fantasy world.
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion	Fantasy, Mystery, Romance	A heroine uses knowledge of the future to survive a murder plot by entering a strategic fake engagement.
Yona of the Dawn	Action, Drama, Adventure	A betrayed princess must grow strong and navigate political turmoil to reclaim her destiny.
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life...	Fantasy, Romance	A villainess uses knowledge from past lives to prevent war by marrying her former enemy.

Though I Am an Inept Villainess release timeline

#	Entry	Format	Episodes	Aired	Status
1	Though I Am an Inept Villainess	TV	11	Summer 2026	finished
2	Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Suuguu Chouso Torikae Den Part 2	TV	—	Winter 2027	not yet released

Though I Am an Inept Villainess at a glance

Format	TV
Episodes	11
Season	Summer 2026
Studio	Doga Kobo
Status	finished
Source material	light novel
Genres	Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Streaming	Crunchyroll · Bilibili TV · Disney Plus · Netflix · Laftel

Facts checked against AniList on 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be a season 2 of Though I Am an Inept Villainess?

Yes, a second part has been announced. Titled Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga: Suuguu Chouso Torikae Den Part 2, it is scheduled to begin airing in January 2027 and will be streamed on Crunchyroll.

What is Though I Am an Inept Villainess about?

The series follows Reirin, a maiden in the imperial court whose body is swapped with a jealous rival, Keigetsu. Now in the body of a scorned outcast, Reirin must answer for Keigetsu's crimes while uncovering dark conspiracies within the palace, forcing the two to work together to survive.

Is Though I Am an Inept Villainess based on a manga or light novel?

The anime is an adaptation of a light novel series written by Satsuki Nakamura. The series first appeared on the website Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2020. There is also an ongoing manga adaptation.

What genre is Though I Am an Inept Villainess?

The primary genres for Though I Am an Inept Villainess are Drama, Fantasy, and Romance. It also features prominent tags like Royal Affairs, Conspiracy, Body Swapping, and Historical.

Where can I watch Though I Am an Inept Villainess?

The first season of Though I Am an Inept Villainess is available for streaming on several platforms, including Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney Plus, Bilibili TV, and Laftel.