Top 21 Japanese Revenge OP MC Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

21 Novels

Japanese revenge OP MC stories combine the satisfaction of an overpowered protagonist with the catharsis of payback. Usually the MC was betrayed, killed, or wronged, then returns or reincarnates with abilities that let them settle scores. The power disparity makes the revenge feel inevitable rather than uncertain.

The execution varies from dark and brutal to relatively comedic. Some protagonists become genuinely villainous in their revenge, others maintain moral lines while still being ruthless toward their enemies. The OP element ensures they can accomplish their goals, the question is how they choose to do it.

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1
TOP PICK
Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite
4.4
(997 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
When he regained consciousness he was already in another world. There was no meeting with a God, no cheat skills, just a sudden reincarnation.
First Impressions
Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite (Falling in Love with the Villainess) is a web novel that took me on a rollercoaster. It's a story that clearly evokes strong feelings, both positive and negative, from its readers. While some found it to be a diamond in the rough, others felt it was a frustrating mess. I'm somewhere in the middle, appreciating its unique aspects while acknowledging its flaws. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a protagonist reincarnated into a world seemingly governed by otome game mechanics. The early chapters promised an intriguing story of loyalty, political intrigue,...
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2
RUNNER UP
Rakuin no Monshou
4.4
(600 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
The countries of Mephius and Garbera have been waging a war for ten years and are trying to put an end to this long fight through a political marriage between the two royal families. Orba, who was driven from his home because of the war and was forced to become a gladiator, looks exactly like th...
First Impressions
"Rakuin no Monshou" has been quite the journey! Diving into this blend of action, adventure, and political intrigue has been a captivating experience, though not without its bumps. With its unique blend of strategy, character development, and a world teetering between fantasy and grounded realism, it's easy to see why many readers are drawn in. Initially, I was struck by the detailed world-building. The author doesn't hold back, immersing you in the history, politics, and culture of this world. Some might find it overwhelming at first, like being dropped into a history lesson, but I appreciate...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Goblin Slayer
4.4
(275 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
A young priestess has formed her first adventuring party, but almost immediately they find themselves in distress. It’s the Goblin Slayer who comes to their rescue – a man who’s dedicated his life to the extermination of all goblins, by any means necessary.
First Impressions
"Goblin Slayer" is a series I approached with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a world where goblins are a constant, brutal threat, and our protagonist is solely dedicated to their extermination. It's a dark concept, and I was curious to see how it would play out. Initially, I was hooked. The first volume throws you into the deep end, showcasing the horrific reality of goblins and the lengths Goblin Slayer goes to in order to combat them. It's gritty, unforgiving, and refreshingly realistic in its portrayal of low-level adventuring. The focus on tactic...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Nidome no Yuusha (WN)
3.9
(921 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Ukei Kaito fought a desperate struggle in order to fulfill his role as a summoned hero. He defeated the Demon Lord and saved the very world, only to meet an end filled with betrayal.
First Impressions
"Nidome no Yuusha," or "Second Time Hero," is a web novel that promises a dark revenge story, and it certainly delivers on that front, though perhaps not always in the way I'd hoped. It's a divisive novel, sparking strong reactions from readers, and after diving in, I can see why. This is a story that isn't afraid to embrace its darker side. The premise is straightforward: a hero betrayed by his companions gets a second chance to exact revenge. The initial chapters immediately throw you into the MC's mindset, which is fueled by rage and a thirst for vengeance. I was intrigued by the potential ...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (WN)
4.0
(647 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Iwatani Naofumi, an uncharismatic Otaku who spends his days on games and manga, suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe! He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction.
First Impressions
"The Rising of the Shield Hero" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, especially with its anime and manga adaptations gaining popularity. Diving in, I was curious to see what the original source material had to offer. Overall, it's a mixed bag, with a compelling start that unfortunately stumbles along the way. The initial chapters are undeniably gripping. The premise of a hero summoned to another world, only to be immediately betrayed and ostracized, is a strong hook. I was immediately invested in Naofumi's plight and his struggle to survive in a hostile environment. The early fo...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
Katahane no Riku
4.1
(525 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Riku Barusak is a hard-working child. Despite possessing an innate superior physical strength and having withstood harsh training she fails to unlock her talent as a spiritualist.
First Impressions
"Katahane no Riku" throws you headfirst into a world of demons, humans, and complex family drama. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of reincarnated siblings on opposing sides of a war, especially with the added twist of it being based on a game world. The initial chapters are rough, but stick with it; the story quickly picks up pace. The dynamic between the two main characters, Riku and Rook, is the true heart of this novel. Many readers praise Rook's character development, and I agree. He starts as a somewhat unlikeable, game-obsessed individual but undergoes a significant transforma...
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7
#7 PICK
Confinement King (WN)
4.1
(328 ratings)
Genre: adult, drama, ecchi
A girl who calls herself a demon appeared before a timid student named Fumio Kijima. The girl claims to be a campaign girl from the demon world and she gives him the ability to “summon a room” from nothing but thin air.
First Impressions
"Confinement King (WN)" is definitely a web novel that grabs your attention from the start. With its blend of adult themes, psychological elements, and a dash of the supernatural, it's a wild ride that's not for the faint of heart. I went into this expecting something intense, and I wasn't disappointed. The premise is intriguing: a bullied protagonist gains the ability to summon a room that evolves, and with the help of a demon girl, he begins to… well, let's just say he starts bending the world to his will. The initial setup reminded me a bit of "Pure Love x Insult Complex" with similar chara...
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8
#8 PICK
Akugyaku no Black Maria
4.3
(250 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
He was publicly a town physician who used healing magic, but an assassin undercover. The young man, Shizuru, had lost most of his memories seven years ago and was transported into another world, who had through the help of a blind woman helped him, taken that path in life.
First Impressions
After diving into "Akugyaku no Black Maria," I've come away with a fairly positive impression, though it's a novel with some quirks. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill isekai, and it confidently strides into darker territory, which is a major draw for me. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise: a seemingly apathetic protagonist, Shizuru, molded into the perfect assassin, not through brute strength, but through manipulation and a disarming bedside manner as a physician. This subversion of the typical OP isekai hero is refreshing. The setting, while initially feeling familiar, quickly e...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
A Boy Who Was Falsely Accused and Hurt by the People He Cares About, Even if They Apologize After Finding Out He’s Innocent, He’ll Never Forgive Them
3.9
(131 ratings)
Genre: drama, psychological, romance
Ryosuke Yamamoto is falsely accused of assaulting a woman and has lost everyone dear to him. His older sister Kaede and younger sister Nagisa completely rejected him, and his father gave up on him.
First Impressions
This title is a mouthful, but the story delivers on its promise of betrayal, hurt, and (hopefully) unforgiveness. I went into this novel expecting another run-of-the-mill story where the protagonist eventually forgives everyone, but I was pleasantly surprised, although a bit let down at the ending. The premise is classic: a high schooler is falsely accused of a terrible crime, and everyone except his mom and childhood friend turns against him. It's a setup ripe for drama, and initially, I was worried it would fall into the usual tropes. The initial chapters are definitely rough, and the charac...
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10
#10 PICK
Black Iron Magician
3.9
(109 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
It has been more than ten years since he was transported to another world. The protagonist Deris Fahrenheit, who has became a magician with special circumstances, was freely enjoying his life in this world.
First Impressions
"Black Iron Magician" is an isekai story that initially hooked me with its premise of a veteran isekai protagonist mentoring a newly summoned girl. While it didn't become my all-time favorite, it offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes, and I found myself enjoying the ride for the most part. The story plunges you into a world where a class of students is summoned, but our focus quickly shifts to Deris, a man already living in this world. He becomes the mentor to Haruna, a seemingly weak student with hidden potential. This twist on the standard "summoned hero" narrative immediately piqued m...
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Instant Messiah
4.1
(70 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
“Your Majesty the Demon King. May I have the privilege of serving you” Thus Nine stains his hands.
First Impressions
"Instant Messiah" is quite the ride, a twisted fantasy that definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's a novel that throws you headfirst into a world of demons, revenge, and psychological manipulation. After finishing it, I can see why it garners such varied reactions. The initial chapters are undeniably confusing. The story dives right in, and it takes a bit to get your bearings. I felt a little lost at first, trying to piece together the world and the protagonist's motivations. However, once the pieces started falling into place, I found myself drawn into the MC's dark journey. We start w...
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Completed
12
#12 PICK
Common Sense of a Warrior
3.9
(167 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
I was born to a Marquess military family; my father is a hero of the country. Motivated by my mother’s death one night in a burglary, I too resolved to study the blade.
First Impressions
"Common Sense of a Warrior" promised a compelling backstory to Iris's mother from "Common Sense of a Duke's Daughter," and after diving in, I found it to be a mixed bag. While it has its charms, some aspects left me wanting more. The initial chapters pulled me in with the premise of Melice's transformation from a tomboyish warrior seeking revenge to the elegant woman we see in the main series. I was immediately curious about how her relationships developed, especially her bond with her future husband. However, the pacing felt a bit off at times, jumping around without a clear direction, which ...
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Conclusion

Revenge OP MC appeals to readers who find satisfaction in seeing wrongs corrected through overwhelming force. The genre can be dark, so check content warnings if that matters to your reading experience.

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

Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite

First Impressions

Rakuin no Monshou

First Impressions

Goblin Slayer

First Impressions

Nidome no Yuusha (WN)

First Impressions

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (WN)

First Impressions

Katahane no Riku

First Impressions

Confinement King (WN)

First Impressions

Akugyaku no Black Maria

First Impressions

A Boy Who Was Falsely Accused and Hurt by the People He Cares About, Even if They Apologize After Finding Out He’s Innocent, He’ll Never Forgive Them

First Impressions

Black Iron Magician

First Impressions