Top 21 Second Chance Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

21 Novels

Second chance encompasses both regression and reincarnation stories where protagonists get opportunities to redo their lives. The appeal is straightforward: watching someone apply hard-won knowledge to avoid past mistakes and seize opportunities they previously missed. It taps into universal fantasies about fixing regrets.

The execution varies by what protagonists do with their second chances. Some focus on revenge against those who wronged them originally. Others prioritize saving people they failed to protect before. Still others simply optimize for personal power with foreknowledge advantages. The tag overlaps heavily with regression and reincarnation, so checking those categories might surface additional options.

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1
TOP 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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Rebirth of a Movie Star
4.6
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, romance
In his previous life Bai Lang was a small star. He rejected his boss and foolishly engaged in a relationship which he thought was true love.
First Impressions
"Rebirth of a Movie Star" is a title I kept seeing pop up, and with its high rating, I had to dive in. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and surprisingly grounded take on the rebirth and entertainment industry tropes. It's not without its flaws, but the strengths definitely outweigh the weaknesses, making it a worthwhile read. The initial chapters immediately hooked me. The main character, Bai Lang, isn't your typical revenge-obsessed protagonist. He's more focused on living a better life this time around, learning from past mistakes. This refreshing approach made me eager to see how he'd...
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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me
4.8
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological
“A prodigy at ten, a genius at fifteen, a common man past twenty. ” This is a story of the struggle of an ordinary guy like me who is a “reincarnator” and a reckless and promising girl who is a “genius”.
First Impressions
This web novel, About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me, really took me by surprise. With a high rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I went in with pretty high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a deceptively simple story that manages to pack an emotional punch. The premise is intriguing: a reincarnated man, armed with his past life's knowledge, finds himself constantly challenged by a relentlessly competitive childhood friend. The initial setup feels like a classic setup for wish-fulfillment, but the story quickly evolves beyond that. I was immediately d...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Global Examination
4.7
(1.5K ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
The whole world is subjected to a highly dangerous standardised exam called the Global Examination. Answering questions by putting their lives at stake, they would live if they passed the test.
First Impressions
"Global Examination" is a wild ride of a novel, and I can definitely see why it has such a devoted following. From the very first chapter, I was thrown into a bizarre world of deadly exams, quirky characters, and an overarching mystery that kept me hooked. It blends elements of action, comedy, horror, and romance (shounen ai/yaoi) into a surprisingly cohesive whole. Initially, the premise of a life-or-death exam system felt a little chaotic. The early chapters are heavy on the examination aspects, which I didn't mind, but I can see why some readers might find it a bit confusing or dry until th...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau
4.7
(1.3K ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, josei
“Then why don’t I marry you! ” Yu Dong suddenly proposed.
First Impressions
This novel promised a fluffy and heartwarming story, and for the most part, it delivered. "Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau" offers a refreshing take on the rebirth trope, steering clear of the typical revenge plotlines and focusing instead on genuine connection and personal growth. I found myself charmed by the characters and invested in their journey. The premise is definitely unique: a woman reborn on the day of her failed wedding, impulsively deciding to marry a handsome stranger she recognizes as a future success. It's a bold move, and I was immediately curious to see how ...
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6
#6 PICK
Kidnapped Dragons
4.6
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
– The planet [Earth] has entered the abnormal state [Apocalypse]. – You have failed in saving the Earth.
First Impressions
"Kidnapped Dragons" is a web novel that really took me by surprise. With its blend of action, drama, fantasy, and even slice-of-life elements, it's a story that's hard to pin down, but ultimately rewarding. The premise itself – a regressor MC who has failed to save the world six times, now tasked with caring for young dragons – felt intriguing enough to draw me in. Initially, I was a little wary. The sheer number of tags (over 60!) made me wonder if it would be a case of too many ideas vying for attention. And, admittedly, the early chapters might not grab everyone immediately. Some readers fo...
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7
#7 PICK
Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin
4.7
(1.0K ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Chi Xiaochi: fourth-rate citizen at birth, three-time award-winning film emperor, second-rate temper, first-class looks. He crawled his way out of hell on hard mode to become a winner at life.
First Impressions
"Don't Pick Up Boyfriends From the Tash Bin" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise and overwhelmingly positive reviews. I dove in, ready for a unique ride through multiple worlds, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading. The initial hook of a 'sum gong reconditioning' system is what drew me in, and the first few chapters definitely set the stage for a darkly comedic adventure. I was immediately impressed by the writing style, which felt both grounded and subtly lyrical, creating a captivating atmosphere...
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8
#8 PICK
Turning
4.8
(869 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability. When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.
First Impressions
"Turning" is a web novel that has completely captivated me. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait, it's easy to see why it boasts such a high rating. This isn't a quick read, but it's a deeply rewarding one. Initially, the sheer length of "Turning" was daunting. Usually, I prefer shorter stories, but something about the premise intrigued me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the world and the complex dynamic between Yuder and Kishiar. It's a story that requires patience, but it quickly becomes clear that it's going to be a...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Please Confess to Me
4.6
(845 ratings)
Genre: drama, romance, slice of life
Before getting married, Shen Xi knew that her fiance had a girl he was secretly in love with for years. After the divorce, she found out that the girl was her.
First Impressions
"Please Confess to Me" is a completed web novel that I dove into with high hopes, and while it wasn't a perfect experience, I found it to be a generally sweet and heartwarming read. It's a second-chance romance centered around a couple overcoming misunderstandings and learning to communicate. The premise immediately grabbed me: a female lead (FL) reborn into her past, determined to understand her stoic husband and rewrite their loveless marriage. The initial chapters were intriguing, setting up the central conflict of miscommunication and the male lead's (ML) hidden depths....
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10
#10 PICK
Supernatural Movie Actor App
4.7
(923 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, horror
Xie Chi is a patient with multiple personality disorder. On the surface, he is educated and gentle but the secondary personality is cold, ruthless, and powerful, with explosive strength.
First Impressions
Okay, wow. "Supernatural Movie Actor App" was quite the ride. I went into this expecting a fun horror romp, and while I got that, I also got a whole lot more. This novel isn't just about scares; it's a clever blend of genres that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The premise alone grabbed me: a protagonist who falls in love with his split personality and then uses a horror movie app to help them get their own body? It's bonkers, and I was immediately on board. I was a little hesitant about the self-cest aspect, but the author quickly establishes the MC and ML as distinct individuals, which...
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Completed
11
#11 PICK
Stone Age Husband Raising Journal
4.5
(814 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, historical
What should you do when the person you like is no longer loyal? Find another one!
First Impressions
"Stone Age Husband Raising Journal" was quite the journey, and while it wasn't perfect, I found myself charmed by its unique blend of prehistoric setting and fluffy romance. It's definitely a novel that sticks with you, even after turning the final page. Initially, the transmigration tag gave me pause, but I quickly found myself drawn into the story. The premise is simple: a modern individual ends up in a prehistoric world filled with beastkin and dinosaurs (sort of). It’s a feel-good slice of life with a unique twist. I was immediately invested in how the protagonist would adapt and thrive....
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Completed
12
#12 PICK
My Husband With Scholar Syndrome
4.6
(886 ratings)
Genre: fantasy, romance
Mu Xiaoya lived for twenty-six years before she knew that she had a sudden genetic disease. There was no medicine for it, and there was only death waiting for her.
First Impressions
My Husband With Scholar Syndrome is a novel that definitely sparked a lot of feelings in its readers, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about second chances, learning to love, and navigating the complexities of a relationship with someone who experiences the world differently. While I found elements to enjoy, there were also aspects that gave me pause. The premise is undeniably sweet: a woman reborn who decides to marry a man with "scholar syndrome" (often used to describe high-functioning autism) who was devoted to her in her past life. The initial chapters drew me in with the ...
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Conclusion

Second chance stories work when authors make the original timeline feel meaningful despite being overwritten. The best entries here establish what the protagonist lost before showing them reclaim it. If you find do-over plots inherently unsatisfying because stakes feel reduced, this category probably will not change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

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

The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage

First Impressions

Rebirth of a Movie Star

First Impressions

About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me

First Impressions

Global Examination

First Impressions

Rebirth on the Doors to the Civil Affairs Bureau

First Impressions

Kidnapped Dragons

First Impressions

Don’t Pick Up Boyfriends From the T*ash Bin

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions

Please Confess to Me

First Impressions

Supernatural Movie Actor App

First Impressions