New Webtoon-to-Anime Adaptations: The Biggest Upcoming Releases

From supernatural battles and overpowered protagonists to royal romances and psychological drama, the upcoming adaptations offer something for almost every kind of anime fan. And with a major partnership announced in October 2026 to develop anime adaptations of selected webtoon titles, this trend could be entering an exciting new phase.

But which series should you keep on your radar? Let's explore six webtoon-to-anime adaptations worth knowing about, what their stories offer, and when you can expect to see them.

1. Eleceed — Superpowers, Friendship, and an Unusual Cat

Expected release: April 2027

What happens when a kind-hearted teenager with incredible speed meets one of the world's most powerful awakened fighters trapped inside a cat's body? That's the wonderfully strange setup behind Eleceed.

The story follows Jiwoo Seo, a compassionate young man who secretly uses his extraordinary abilities to help others. His life changes when he encounters Kayden Break, a powerful fighter who finds himself in the body of an ordinary-looking cat after a dangerous confrontation.

Their relationship becomes the heart of the series. Jiwoo learns to understand and develop his powers, while Kayden becomes an unlikely mentor whose personality is considerably less adorable than his temporary appearance.

What makes Eleceed stand out is its balance of action and comedy. The series features intense supernatural battles, rivalries between powerful characters, and an expanding world of awakened individuals. Yet some of its most memorable moments come from the characters' relationships and the contrast between Kayden's intimidating reputation and his life as a cat.

For anime fans who enjoy supernatural action with a healthy dose of humor, Eleceed could be one of the most entertaining adaptations to watch in 2027.

2. The Remarried Empress — Royal Drama and a New Beginning

Expected release: 2027

Not every exciting anime adaptation needs an overpowered fighter or a world-ending threat. Sometimes, the most satisfying revenge begins with a marriage announcement.

The Remarried Empress follows Navier, an accomplished empress whose life takes an unexpected turn when her husband, Emperor Sovieshu, decides he wants to replace her with another woman.

Rather than accepting a humiliating position in her own court, Navier makes a bold decision: she agrees to remarry Emperor Heinrey of the Western Kingdom.

What follows is a story of political maneuvering, romantic tension, betrayal, and the struggle to reclaim control over one's future.

Navier is a particularly compelling protagonist because she doesn't need to rely on brute force to establish her strength. Her intelligence, composure, and understanding of royal politics allow her to navigate a world where personal relationships can have enormous political consequences.

The anime adaptation is expected in 2027, with TROYCA attached to the production.

For fans of romantic fantasy, elaborate palace settings, and characters who refuse to let others dictate their futures, this is one adaptation worth watching closely.

And honestly, watching Navier turn a devastating personal situation into an opportunity for a new beginning sounds like the kind of drama that could keep viewers talking for weeks.

3. Teenage Mercenary — A Former Child Soldier Returns to School

Expected release: 2027

School life is supposed to involve homework, friendships, awkward conversations, and occasionally worrying about an upcoming exam.

For Ijin Yu, however, returning to school means learning how to live a normal life after spending years surviving as a child mercenary.

Also known as Mercenary Enrollment, the story follows Ijin after he returns to South Korea and reunites with his family. Although he wants to experience an ordinary teenage life, his exceptional combat skills and dangerous past make that goal considerably more complicated.

Bullies, violent confrontations, and threats against people close to him repeatedly challenge his attempts to stay out of trouble.

The appeal of Teenage Mercenary comes from the contrast between its protagonist's two worlds. Ijin can handle situations that would overwhelm most people, yet ordinary social interactions can be unfamiliar territory for someone who never had a typical childhood.

The series combines school drama, tactical combat, family relationships, and a protagonist who is far more dangerous than he initially appears.

J.C.STAFF is attached to the anime adaptation, with Hiroyuki Sawano composing the music.

If you enjoy stories featuring highly capable protagonists who protect the people they care about, Teenage Mercenary deserves a place on your watchlist.

4. SSS-Class Revival Hunter — A Deadly Power With a Catch

Expected release: January 2027

Imagine living in a world where hunters climb a mysterious tower in pursuit of power, fame, and extraordinary rewards. Now imagine discovering that your most valuable ability only activates after you die.

That's the premise behind SSS-Class Revival Hunter, also known as SSS-Class Suicide Hunter.

The protagonist, Kim Gong-ja, initially envies the powerful hunters who dominate his world. His circumstances change when he acquires an extraordinary skill that allows him to return to life after being killed, with the ability to copy certain characteristics of the person responsible for his death.

The catch? Obtaining those abilities comes at a personal cost.

What begins as a familiar tower-climbing progression fantasy gradually develops into something more ambitious. The series explores the consequences of power, the importance of other people's experiences, and the emotional weight of repeatedly confronting death.

Its appeal isn't limited to increasingly spectacular battles. The story also makes room for character-focused arcs that challenge the protagonist's assumptions about strength and what it means to be a hero.

With an anime scheduled for January 2027, SSS-Class Revival Hunter is a promising choice for fans who enjoy elaborate ability systems and fantasy stories with emotional depth.

If you like watching a seemingly ordinary character discover an unconventional route to greatness, this is one title to keep an eye on.

5. The Boxer — More Than Just a Sports Story

Release date: To be announced

At first glance, The Boxer might appear to be a straightforward sports story about a talented fighter rising through the ranks.

Its psychological depth, however, makes it considerably more unusual.

The webtoon follows Yu, a young man whose extraordinary natural ability sets him apart from other aspiring boxers. His talent attracts the attention of a legendary trainer, who recognizes that Yu possesses the potential to become an exceptional fighter.

But the series isn't simply interested in whether someone can become the strongest boxer in the ring.

It examines the relationship between talent and effort, the psychological consequences of competition, and the different motivations that drive people to fight. Its characters approach boxing with their own fears, ambitions, and personal struggles, giving their confrontations significance beyond the outcome of a match.

This is what makes The Boxer such an intriguing adaptation prospect. Its story can appeal to viewers who enjoy intense rivalries and action, but it also has the potential to reach people who prefer character-driven psychological drama.

An anime adaptation has been announced, although a release date has not been confirmed.

If you're looking for something different from fantasy worlds, magical abilities, and dungeon battles, The Boxer could offer a refreshing change of pace.

6. Villains Are Destined to Die — Trapped in a Romance Game

Release date: To be confirmed

Romance games are supposed to offer choices, charming characters, and the possibility of a happy ending.

For Penelope Eckhart, the situation is considerably less romantic.

In Villains Are Destined to Die, the protagonist finds herself inhabiting the body of the villainess in a notoriously difficult romance game. Her circumstances are dangerous because the character she occupies is hated by those around her, and even seemingly harmless decisions can push her closer to a disastrous ending.

Her objective is simple in theory: survive.

In practice, she must navigate a complicated web of relationships, manage the reactions of the game's characters, and make decisions that improve her chances of staying alive.

The series combines romantic fantasy with survival mechanics, turning conversations and social choices into sources of tension. Rather than treating romance as a straightforward path toward happiness, it makes every potential relationship part of a larger struggle for control.

Penelope's predicament also creates an interesting contrast with traditional isekai protagonists. She doesn't enter a welcoming fantasy world with a clear advantage. Instead, she must operate within a system designed to punish her mistakes.

An anime adaptation has been reported, but a confirmed premiere date remains unavailable.

For fans of villainess stories, otome games, and romantic fantasy with higher stakes than a typical love triangle, this is a title worth following.

Why Are Webtoons Getting More Anime Adaptations?

The growing interest in webtoon adaptations reflects a broader opportunity for the animation industry.

Webtoons offer studios stories with established audiences, recognizable characters, and visual storytelling that can be adapted for animated formats. Their popularity across international markets also creates opportunities to introduce Korean stories to viewers who may never have read the original comics.

In October 2026, WEBTOON Entertainment, LINE Digital Frontier, HAYATE, and Crunchyroll announced a partnership to develop anime adaptations of approximately 15 selected webtoon titles.

Among the featured projects are The Remarried Empress, Teenage Mercenary, and The Boxer.

The announcement is significant because it points toward a more coordinated effort to bring webtoon properties into anime production. However, it is important to distinguish the overall development initiative from individual release schedules: not every title included in a development partnership necessarily has a confirmed production date or guaranteed premiere.

Another interesting example is Lumine, a webtoon being developed as an animated series with French studio OuiDo! Productions. Its international production background illustrates how webtoon adaptations can extend beyond the traditional Japanese anime model.

For readers, the result is a growing range of opportunities to discover Korean storytelling through different animation styles and production approaches.

Which Webtoon Adaptation Should You Watch First?

With so many different genres represented, the best starting point depends on what you enjoy most.

• For supernatural action and comedy: Start with Eleceed. Its unusual central duo and expanding world of awakened fighters offer a compelling combination.

• For romance and political intrigue: Keep The Remarried Empress on your radar. Navier's journey offers a different kind of power fantasy, built around intelligence and independence.

• For school action: Consider Teenage Mercenary. Ijin's attempt to live a normal life provides a strong contrast to his exceptional combat abilities.

• For progression fantasy: Look into SSS-Class Revival Hunter. Its unusual skill system and emotional storytelling make it a standout option.

• For psychological drama: Watch for The Boxer. Its exploration of ambition and human motivation offers more than conventional sports action.

• For romantic fantasy and survival: Follow Villains Are Destined to Die. Its game-inspired premise turns relationships into high-stakes decisions.

These recommendations aren't a ranking of which anime will be the best. Adaptation quality depends on execution, including animation, direction, pacing, voice acting, and how faithfully each production captures the original story's strengths.

The most promising source material doesn't automatically guarantee a great anime, but it certainly gives these projects an interesting foundation.

Final Thoughts — A Promising Future for Webtoon Fans

Webtoons have already demonstrated their ability to tell compelling stories across fantasy, romance, action, and psychological drama. Their growing presence in animation gives those stories another way to reach international audiences.

From Jiwoo and Kayden's unusual partnership in Eleceed to Navier's determination in The Remarried Empress, the upcoming adaptations represent very different approaches to storytelling. Some promise spectacular fights, others focus on complicated relationships, and a few explore the psychological consequences of extraordinary circumstances.

That variety is precisely what makes this moment interesting for fans of Korean comics.

Still, release dates and production details can change, so keep an eye on official announcements as these projects develop.

Now, here's the question: which webtoon are you most excited to see animated? Are you waiting for the action of Eleceed, the drama of The Remarried Empress, or something completely different? Let us know, and tell us which other webtoons deserve an anime adaptation next!