9 Best South Korean Anime, Ranked

by

Korean animation is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, largely due to the success of anime series based on Korean webcomics and manhwa, such as Solo Leveling, Tower of God, and The God of High School. Although these popular anime are typically produced by Japanese studios like A1 Pictures and MAPPA, they’ve been instrumental in drawing attention to the growing Korean animation industry.

Korean animation has a lot to offer, with many incredible series and movies that haven’t gotten the attention they deserve. These works range from historical dramas to bold and imaginative films, showcasing the unique creativity and originality of Korean animators.

9. Olympus Guardian Reimagines Greek Gods Through Korean Animation

39 Episodes

As a huge mythology buff, I’m honestly surprised more people aren’t talking about Olympus Guardian! It’s a fantastic 39-episode Korean anime that really brings the Greek gods and goddesses to life with a beautiful animation style. You get to see all your favorites – Zeus, Hades, the whole crew – and the series does a great job of connecting their stories, showing off their amazing personalities, their conflicts, and all the drama they’re known for. It’s a fresh take on these classic myths, and I think anyone who loves Greek mythology should definitely check it out!

Olympus Guardian offers a lot of information about Greek gods. While the animation isn’t the best part, the series uses interesting stories to keep you hooked in every episode. It’s definitely made for younger viewers, but even fans of Greek mythology anime might find it a fun and easy watch.

Who’s That Character? Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
5.0s
0/10

Results

0

High Score: 0 —

More Games

8. Noblesse: The Beginning of Destruction Brings a Short But Impactful Origin Story

1 OVA Episode

Before the 2016 and 2020 Noblesse anime series by Production I.G, Studio Animal, a prominent Korean animation studio, created the first Noblesse anime adaptation in 2015. This original OVA, though only 37 minutes long, covered a vital backstory – the intense rivalry between Cadis Etrama Di Raizel and Muzaka – which sets the stage for the events in the later anime. Set 800 years in the past, this adaptation provides deeper insight into Rai’s relationships with Muzaka, Ashleen, and Frankenstein.

While the animation in Noblesse: The Beginning of Destruction isn’t the most polished, Studio Animal delivered a solid episode that finally showcases Rai in a full-fledged battle against a challenging opponent. The fight scenes aren’t perfect, but they are still quite powerful. The episode also deserves praise for its emotional storytelling, which adds layers to the backstory between Rai and Muzaka.

7. True Beauty Brings Love, Beauty, and Change Together in One Story

13 Episodes

True Beauty is a hugely popular romantic comedy manhwa, and it became even more well-known thanks to its successful K-drama and anime adaptations. The anime, produced by Studio N and Cocktail Media and released in August 2024, isn’t flawless, but it’s commendable for staying true to the original story.

True Beauty is a lighthearted story about a girl who uses makeup to boost her confidence and become popular. As she transforms her appearance, she finds herself caught between two attractive boys who are both interested in her.

6. DOTA: Dragon’s Blood Explores a World of Magic, Monsters and War

24 Episodes

Even if you’ve never played DOTA, you’ll likely enjoy Production Reve’s anime series, DOTA: Dragon’s Blood. It’s inspired by the popular DOTA video game and follows Davion, a Dragon Knight, and Mirana, the Princess of the Moon, as they embark on a dangerous quest to defeat formidable monsters, including a particularly powerful demon.

DOTA: Dragon’s Blood is an action-packed fantasy anime with plenty of violence. Although the animation isn’t perfect, the show makes up for it with characters who are easy to like and support.

5. Yobi, The Five-Tailed Fox Offers a Ghibli-Like Fantasy Experience

1 Movie

Many anime fans know about nine-tailed fox spirits, but Korean folklore features a similar creature called the five-tailed fox, or Kumiho (also spelled Gumiho). In the story Yobi, The Five-Tailed Fox, Yobi is a 100-year-old Kumiho who still acts young and playful despite her age.

Yobi, a young orphan, finds friendship with aliens who crash-land on Earth. Their quiet life in the forest is turned upside down when one of them is taken by humans. This sets Yobi off on a new adventure into the human world, where she experiences emotions and learns about people in ways she never has before. Fans of Studio Ghibli won’t want to miss Yobi, The Five-Tailed Fox – it’s a beautifully animated, heartwarming story inspired by Korean folklore, featuring a lovable main character.

4. Lookism Is a Short Korean Anime Packed With Relevant Themes

8 Episodes

Watching the anime Lookism without any prior knowledge is a great way to experience Studio Mir’s adaptation of the popular Korean series. Lookism is consistently good, boasting beautiful character designs, solid animation, and a compelling focus on its characters. While there are some minor differences between the anime and the original story, they’re hardly noticeable and don’t detract from the enjoyment.

The webtoon Lookism primarily takes place in a school setting and centers around Daniel, who unexpectedly gets a major physical transformation. This dramatically alters how people see and treat him. With only eight episodes, Lookism combines comedy, emotional moments, and some action, all while exploring important issues like bullying, social status, and the advantages of being attractive.

3. Beauty Water Delivers a Disturbing Body Horror Anime Experience

1 Movie

Beauty Water is a standout body horror anime film that fearlessly explores the lengths people will go to in order to meet societal beauty expectations, vividly illustrated through the character Yaeji’s extreme transformation.

Beauty Water follows Yaeji, a young girl who discovers a cosmetic product with magical effects. This ‘Beauty Water’ allows her to drastically change her appearance – almost like molding clay – leading to unsettling transformations and ultimately, a major catastrophe.

2. Lost in Starlight Is a Top-Rated Korean Anime Film

1 Movie

Premiering in March 2025, Lost in Starlight is quickly becoming a top-rated Korean anime on the popular site MAL, currently holding a score of 7.90. The movie has received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its stunning visuals, vibrant colors, compelling characters, and incredible music.

Lost in Starlight is a touching story about a scientist and a musician who develop a close bond even though they are worlds apart. The novel explores the hidden depths of each character, and its sensitive portrayal of their feelings makes it a truly moving experience.

1. Devil May Cry Delivers a Unique and Stylish Anime Adaptation

While Studio Mir’s Devil May Cry took some liberties with the game’s original story, the series delivers stunning animation, a fantastic soundtrack, and a movie-like presentation. It also includes surprising nods to the source material and offers a new perspective on Dante. The character designs are particularly impressive – unique and detailed, giving fans a fresh look at familiar faces.

The anime series is giving lesser-known characters from Devil May Cry more screen time, allowing their personalities and stories to grow. With the recent release of its second season, Devil May Cry is continuing to be a hit, and fans are especially enjoying the latest episodes. This proves Studio Mir has created a very successful adaptation.

Read More

2026-05-29 21:35