Top 17 Most Popular Fantasy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

By Genre

17 Novels

Fantasy dominates web novel rankings for good reason: the genre allows for everything from intimate character studies to world-spanning epics, all within frameworks that don't require adherence to real-world constraints. What rises to popularity usually executes familiar conventions well rather than reinventing the genre, but that's not necessarily a criticism. Readers return to what works.

Chinese fantasy tends toward cultivation and systematic power progression. Korean fantasy frequently incorporates game mechanics or regression elements. Japanese fantasy defaults to isekai premises with varying degrees of self-awareness. The popular entries here have built substantial audiences by doing something right within their particular traditions. That doesn't guarantee they'll match your taste, but it signals competent execution.

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1
TOP PICK
Everyone Else is a Returnee
4.3
(3.5K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Yu Ilhan was always the one left behind. Left out of cliques in school.
First Impressions
"Everyone Else is a Returnee" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its high overall rating and diverse range of reader opinions. It’s a story about a protagonist left behind on Earth while everyone else is transported to another world to train for a coming apocalypse. The premise is intriguing and promises a unique take on familiar tropes, but does it deliver? Here's my take. Initially, I was hooked by the concept. A loner, overlooked by the divine, gains immense power through sheer dedication and hard work. It's a classic underdog story with a twist....
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2
RUNNER UP
T*ash of the Count’s Family
4.5
(3.3K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.
First Impressions
I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil
4.5
(3.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
A top hacker was chosen by the Lord God to be reborn into countless worlds, always as an expendable villain. With no free will, every world became a dead end.
First Impressions
"Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil" is quite the ride, a whirlwind of different worlds and romantic entanglements that kept me thoroughly entertained, even if it wasn't always perfect. It's a novel that seems to inspire both fervent devotion and some equally strong reservations, and I can see where both sides are coming from. Jumping into this novel, I was immediately struck by the sheer variety. The premise of a protagonist transmigrating through multiple worlds, each with its own unique genre and storyline, is undeniably appealing. There's something for everyone here, from ancient China set...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
The Second Coming of Gluttony
4.3
(2.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“The son of god Gula has returned. ” I was lost in the world of gambling.
First Impressions
I've spent some time diving into "The Second Coming of Gluttony," and it's been quite the ride. This web novel certainly has its strong points, but it's not without its flaws. It’s one of those stories that really grabs you, but also makes you scratch your head at times. Initially, I was hooked by the unique premise. The main character, Seol, starts as a complete scumbag – a gambling addict who's hit rock bottom. This isn't your typical wish-fulfillment isekai. Instead, it promises a genuine redemption arc, fueled by the bitterness of past mistakes. The initial tutorial and neutral zone segmen...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Release that Witch
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Chen Yan travels between worlds, ending up becoming an honorable prince in a medieval fantasy world. Yet this world was not quite as simple as he thought.
First Impressions
"Release that Witch" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given its high ratings and somewhat misleading title. What I found was a surprisingly engaging story, albeit one with some notable flaws. It's a unique blend of genres that, while not perfect, held my attention far more than I initially expected. Initially, the title and cover art gave me the impression that this would be another generic harem story. However, I was quickly proven wrong. The premise is intriguing: a modern-day mechanical engineer reincarnated as a disregarded prince in a medieval-esque ...
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6
#6 PICK
Dungeon Defense
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, ecchi
Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.
First Impressions
Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...
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7
#7 PICK
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
4.6
(2.7K ratings)
Genre: fantasy, historical, josei
Shen Miao, the Di daughter of a military family, was pure, quiet, gentle, and gracious. Because of her foolish love for Prince Ding, she forced her way into becoming his wife.
First Impressions
"The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage" is a web novel that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in, despite a few reservations. It's a complex tale of revenge, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. From the start, I was drawn in by the premise. Shen Miao, a former empress reborn into her younger self, is determined to rewrite her tragic past. It's a familiar setup, but the execution felt fresh. I was immediately invested in her journey and eager to see how she would use her knowledge to dismantle her enemies....
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#8 PICK
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
4.6
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.
First Impressions
"Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
The Novel’s Extra
4.2
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Waking up, Kim Hajin finds himself in a familiar world but an unfamiliar body. A world he created himself and a story he wrote, yet never finished.
First Impressions
"The Novel's Extra" is a web novel that throws you headfirst into a familiar yet twisted world: that of a struggling author transmigrated into his own creation. The premise alone had me hitting "read," and while the journey had its ups and downs, it definitely left an impression. The initial chapters hooked me with the novelty of the setup. Our protagonist, a somewhat unremarkable author, finds himself not as the hero, but as a forgettable extra in the very novel he penned. This subversion of the typical isekai trope was refreshing. I was eager to see how he'd navigate a world he thought he kn...
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10
#10 PICK
The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love
4.5
(2.4K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
An internet troll who wanted attention, the reader criticized his favorite web novel, saying: “The protagonist is dumb and the author is s*upid. ” Author: “…Got it.
First Impressions
This novel had been sitting on my to-read list for ages, and I finally took the plunge. "The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be in True Love" promises a unique twist on the transmigration trope, and for the most part, it delivers. The premise is undeniably intriguing. A reader gets sucked into their favorite web novel, one they inadvertently ruined with their troll comments, and now has to fix the protagonist's tragic fate. The initial chapters are filled with humor, and the MC's internal monologues had me chuckling. There's a lot of potential established early on. The novel starts w...
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Conclusion

Seventeen popular fantasy novels representing what readers are engaging with most actively. Popularity metrics favor stories that hook and maintain attention, which in fantasy usually means effective world-building plus satisfying progression. Individual entries vary significantly in approach, so checking subgenre tags helps narrow down options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

The best fantasy novels excel in their genre-specific elements while delivering compelling characters and plots. Reader satisfaction and re-readability are key factors in our selection.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Everyone Else is a Returnee

First Impressions

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

Quickly Wear the Face of the Devil

First Impressions

The Second Coming of Gluttony

First Impressions

Release that Witch

First Impressions

Dungeon Defense

First Impressions

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions