Harem is an entertainment-related trope which is characterized by three or more characters, normally female, who for some reason are in the presence and under the influence of one character, generally male, according to a few genre-defining guidelines; here it will be assumed, for simplicity of language, that the harem lead is a male character and the members are female characters. Though that is the rule, there are exceptions; a story in which there is one female character and several male characters is normally called a "reverse harem", or sometimes also "male harem". Aside from the swapping of the characters' genders, the trope's details are mostly the same, with the majority of the changes relating to the differences in behavior between men and women of the characters' age range. It is also possible to create harems with homosexual relationships, again with very few changes to the main antics themselves. The harem may not have more than only one lead, as that would be a love polygon, or less than three members, as one would form a couple and two would make a love triangle.
As a defining rule of harem, the interactions between the lead and each of the individual members are filled with romantically or sexually loaded content, either implicitly, through innuendo or subtext, or explicitly, through text or actions, and those actions are a key plot element. Generally, the female characters' looks and personalities will vary a lot among the ones present in one single series, but quite rarely will they actually differ from the common stock archetypes, which are known, well-defined, and easy to copy; for this reason, the genre as a whole is often considered repetitive. Usually, the characters involved directly in this trope are in the late teenager to young adult age range, but that is not mandatory. Sexually charged behavior on the lead's part pretty much can't be avoided, and it's typical to see him stamped as a pervert by some or all of the members, regardless of whether he is one; the sexual tones also applies to the depiction of the harem members, often leading the genre to labeled sexist. The lead will often suffer very violent retribution for his behavior, which has attracted criticism of gratuitous violence as well.
Most of the harem members will be romantically or sometimes sexually interested in the one male character, and in him alone; that, however, is not an absolute rule, and indeed sometimes none of the female characters are really interested at first, so the protagonist has to build relationships with them from scratch. That idea comes in large part from visual novels; it is quite common for visual novels to revolve around controlling the male lead and have him build relationships with either as many female characters as possible or with one of them, the latter being more common for visual novels with branched story paths; a large portion of those visual novels also feature erotic content, which may be hard to adapt to TV series. It may be also possible that the harem is only a support to the existing or predictable relationship between the lead and the most important member; additionally, the lead may end up in relationships with most or all of the harem members, with the agreement of all, in a setting normally called "harem ending".
Top 20 Harem Manga to read
- 1. Release That Witch
- 2. Shinjiteita Nakamatachi ni Dungeon Ouchi de Korosarekaketa ga Gift "Mugen Gacha" de Level 9999 no Nakamatachi wo Te ni Irete Moto Party Member to Sekai ni Fukushuu & "Zamaa!" Shimasu!
- 3. I Have a Mansion In The Post-Apocalyptic World
- 4. Martial Peak
- 5. Mato Seihei no Slave
- 6. Akdangege Sarangbanneun Unmyeongimnida
- 7. Mayonaka Heart Tune
- 8. Kanojo, Okarishimasu
- 9. Cong Goblin Dao Goblin Shen
- 10. Wo Mei Zhou Suiji Yi Ge Xin Zhiye
- 11. Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi.
- 12. Sono Akuyaku Kizoku, Mama Heroine ga Suki Sugiru: Shinshi na Doryoku de Saikyou to Nari Fuguu na Oshi Chara Tasukemakuru
- 13. Yuan Lai Wo Shi Xiu Xian Da Lao
- 14. Tensei Shitara Dai Nana Ouji Dattanode, Kimamani Majutsu wo Kiwamemasu
- 15. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute
- 16. Jiang Si Xiansheng
- 17. 2.5-jigen no Yuuwaku
- 18. Chuanyue Cheng Le Xiuxian Youxi De Fanpai Dashaoye
- 19. Dorei wo Choukyoushite Harem Tsukuru
- 20. Senki Survival Saga: Isekai no Unmei wo Kaketa Mujintou Fujun Isei Kouyuu
1. Release That Witch
A male engineer transmigrated into another world, and became a prince. This place strikingly resembles the Middle Ages of Europe, but at the same time, it seems kind of different? Witches truly exists, and they even possess magic powers! Magic powers are productive forces! Save the witches, liberate the productive forces! Open map, fight demons, break conspiracies, climb up the science and technology tree, and open the path of hardcore ‘farming’!
Release That Witch is finished and has null Volumes and 695 Chapters.
2. Shinjiteita Nakamatachi ni Dungeon Ouchi de Korosarekaketa ga Gift "Mugen Gacha" de Level 9999 no Nakamatachi wo Te ni Irete Moto Party Member to Sekai ni Fukushuu & "Zamaa!" Shimasu!
A kid named Light is the only human member of the adventuring party Legion of Races, but humans are by far the weakest race in his world. When his comrades abandon him to the lowest levels of a dungeon, Light resorts to the gift of Infinite Gacha to create a harem of Lvl 9999 allies! With his powerful and beautiful new friends by his side, can Light escape the dungeon and exact vengeance upon the Legion of Races…and the entire world?
Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon: My Party Tried to Kill Me, But Thanks to an Infinite Gacha I Got LVL 9999 Friends and Am Out For Revenge is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 信じていた仲間達にダンジョン奥地で殺されかけたがギフト『無限ガチャ』でレベル9999の仲間達を手に入れて元パーティーメンバーと世界に復讐＆『ざまぁ！』します！, My Gift LVL 9999 Unlimited Gacha, Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon
3. I Have a Mansion In The Post-Apocalyptic World
Jiang Chen crossed into the judgment day after the nuclear war, and there was a mess everywhere. In order to survive, Jiang Chen led the refugees to establish a base area and set up a federation. Then carry the judgment day's technology and return to the true world. Change the political structure of the earth, rescue the world in a critical moment, and establish the Great Union of Earth Federation! Expanding the territory and fighting the threat from the sky.
I Have a Mansion In The Post-Apocalyptic World is finished and has null Volumes and 610 Chapters. It is also Known as: У меня есть особняк в мире постапокалипсиса!, I have a suite in the last days
4. Martial Peak
The journey to the martial peak is a lonely, solitary and long one.In the face of adversity,you must survive and remain unyielding.Only then can you break through and and continue on your journey to become the strongest. Sky Tower tests its disciples in the harshest ways to prepare them for this journey.One day the lowly sweeper Yang Kai managed to obtain a black book, setting him on the road to the peak of the martials world.
Martial Peak is currently publishing . It is also Known as: MP , Wu Lian Dian Feng , Wǔ Liàn Diān Fēng , Wǔ Liàn Diānfēng , Вершина боевых искусств , Пик боевых искусств
5. Mato Seihei no Slave
When entrances to a different dimension known as the "Mato" emerge all over Japan, a new resource known as "Peaches" are discovered which give unique abilities only to women. However, dangerous monsters called "Yomotsu Shuuki" also roam throughout the Mato and have been responsible for various disasters ever since. To combat the Yomotsu Shuuki, the government formed the Anti-demon Corps, an elite group of women who have received power from the Peaches.
One day, a high school student named Yuuki Wakura was walking home from school when he suddenly gets lost in a Mato entrance. When he calls for help, he is immediately rescued by Kyouka Uzen, the chief of the Seventh Unit of the Anti-demon Corps. Recognizing his potential while also needing him to make her Peach power more effective, she ask that Yuuki join the Anti-demon Corps by becoming her slave, a position he might find more enjoyable than he initially would have thought..
Chained Soldier is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 魔都精兵のスレイブ, Slave of the Hell Soldiers, Matoseihei no Slave
6. Akdangege Sarangbanneun Unmyeongimnida
The protagonist became the character Daud Campbell in "Savior Rising," a game he enjoyed and became an veteran in. He possessed the body of a powerless noble living on the outskirts, and decided to live quietly, avoiding others' attention.
On his first day inside the game, he gets involved with the Final Boss, also known as the vessel of the Grey Demon, "Elnore Elinarize la Tristan."
After their encounter, the protagonist gains two special rewards : "Desperate Survival," which makes him stronger when his rate of survival decreases, and "Deadly Charm," which charms those who have evil traits.
Not only do these two skills get him entangled with the Final Boss, but they also get him entangled with other demon vessels. However, with the use of his skills, he calmly overcomes the challenges with his veteran expertise.
But every time he overcomes a challenge, those with evil traits become interested in him...
Finally, he received his end goal.
Akdangege Sarangbanneun Unmyeongimnida is currently publishing . It is also Known as: It's your destiny to be loved by villains, Fated to Be Loved by Villains
7. Mayonaka Heart Tune
When Arisu Yamabuki was all alone in bed at night, he was able to find solace in the voice of a radio host who went by “Apollo.” However, one day, she simply stopped broadcasting without any explanation.Years then passed, and Arisu is now a second-year high-schooler. He makes it his mission to search for Apollo, as there is something he wants to tell her. He doesn’t know what she looks like, or even what her real name is, but he manages to get some leads on her in his school’s broadcasting club. That’s where he meets four girls who all dream to get a job where they can make full use of their voices! Just who is Apollo, and how will those four’s dreams pan out
Tune In to the Midnight Heart is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 真夜中ハートチューン, Mayonaka Heart Tune
8. Kanojo, Okarishimasu
Kinoshita Kazuya is a regular college student who was just dumped by his girlfriend for another guy. Feeling down in the dumps, he decides to use an app called Diamond to hire Mizuhara Chizuru, a rental girlfriend, to make himself feel better. From their first meeting, she seems to be the perfect girl for him, but is there more to her than meets the eye? And how will their not quite typical relationship develop?
Rent-A-Girlfriend is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 彼女、お借りします, I'd like to Borrow a Girlfriend
9. Cong Goblin Dao Goblin Shen
Lin Tian reincarnated as a goblin, the lowest rank of magical creatures, and initially, he had to lie low. Later, he fully unleashed the true nature of a goblin. Blessed with many offspring, the more children he has, the stronger he becomes thanks to the blessings from the gods!
Cong Goblin Dao Goblin Shen is currently publishing . It is also Known as: Cong Ge Bu Lin Dao Ge Bu Lin Shen, Cóng Gē Bù Lín Dào Gē Bù Lín Shén, Chuyển Sinh Thành Goblin, De duende a Dios Goblin, From Goblin to Goblin God, From Goblin to Goblin-God - Goblin's Life Simulator, Goblin's Life Simulator, God Goblin, ゴッドゴブリン〜異世界で始まる無双ライフ〜
10. Wo Mei Zhou Suiji Yi Ge Xin Zhiye
Experience the job as a driver and gain the reward of a Pagani. Experience the job as a university teacher and gain the reward of ten buildings. Experience the job as a landlord and gain 160 million dollars. Experience… This story is also called Why Are the People Who Like Me So Nice, Urban Beauties, and I Am Tired of Being Rich.
I Randomly Have a New Career Every Week is currently publishing . It is also Known as: I Get An All-career Experience System, Каждую неделю у меня появляется новая профессия, Tanpaile, Wo Quan Zhiye Xitong!, Wǒ Měi Zhōu Suíjī Yīgè Xīn Zhíyè
11. Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi.
It's genius vs mediocrity. When three genius sisters meet our average main character, love blossoms... or maybe not?!
Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi. is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 帝乃三姉妹は案外、チョロい。, Mikadono Sanshimai wa Angai, Choroi.
12. Sono Akuyaku Kizoku, Mama Heroine ga Suki Sugiru: Shinshi na Doryoku de Saikyou to Nari Fuguu na Oshi Chara Tasukemakuru
The mature female characters in this game were relegated to supporting characters, doomed to unfortunate endings.
"Why...... must the cute mommy die?"
Our protagonist spent days seeking a redemption route for these women, but he was disappointed when it didn't work out. However, one day, he was suddenly transmigrated into this game world as a villainous aristocrat who only appears on the bad-end route.
The man who loves in-game MILFs, in order to save them , must find a way to escape certain death, while living a happy harem life!!!!
The Villainous Noble Loves Mom Heroines Too Much: Becoming the Strongest with Sincere Effort to Save Misfortunate Fave Chars is currently publishing . It is also Known as: その悪役貴族、ママヒロインが好きすぎる ～真摯な努力で最強となり不遇な推しキャラ助けまくる～, That Villainous Aristocrat Loves Mama Heroine Too Much., Ngài Quý Tộc Phản Diện Yêu Các Bà Mẹ Nữ Chính Quá Mức: Trở Nên Mạnh Nhất Bằng Nỗ Lực Chân Thành Để Cứu Các Nhân Vật Yêu Thích Bị Bất Hạnh., Sono Akuyaku Kizoku, Mama Heroine ga Suki Sugiru ~Shinshi na Doryoku de Saikyou to Nari Fuguu na Oshi Chara Tasukemakuru~
13. Yuan Lai Wo Shi Xiu Xian Da Lao
Li Nianfan transmigrated into the world of immortal cultivation with a mortal body. After learning that he had no talent for cultivation, he settled down to live an ordinary life. But only to find...
The dog he adopted watched his writing and painting, and became the demon lord that ruled half the world. The tree he planted in the backyard listened to him play and sing, and grew into the world tree that held up the bridge between heaven and earth. A casual conversation enlightened a passing traveler to become the immortal sage that defined the era...
I'm Actually a Cultivation Bigshot is currently publishing . It is also Known as: I Am a Cultivation Bigshot, I'm Actually a Cultivation Big Shot, Nguyên Lai Ta Là Tu Tiên Đại Lão, So I Am the Godfather of Immortal Cultivation, Turns Out I'm an Immortal Cultivator, Turns Out I’m a Great Cultivator, Yuán Lái Wǒ Shì Xiū Xiān Dà Lǎo, 転生から5年、いつの間にか最強になってました
14. Tensei Shitara Dai Nana Ouji Dattanode, Kimamani Majutsu wo Kiwamemasu
A magic nerd's life came to an end after a dreadful encounter with the nobles who ended his life with a powerful spell. His last wish, being able to study and master more magic, has been answered when he was reincarnated as Lloyd de Saloom, the 7th prince of Saloom Kingdom. Now he'll be able to perfect his magic as he pleases...
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince So I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 転生したら第七王子だったので、気ままに魔術を極めます, Tensei Shitara Dai Nana Ouji Dattanode, Kimamani Majutsu wo Kiwamemasu
15. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute
Just like how everyone adored heroes in their childhood, a certain young man adored those powers hidden in shadows. After hiding his strength and living the mediocre life of a mob character by day while undergoing frenzied training by night, he finally reincarnates into a different world and gains ultimate power. The young man who is only playing at being a power in the shadows, his misunderstanding subordinates, and a giant organization in the shadows that gets trampled….. This is the story of a young boy who had adored powers in shadows possibly eventually reigning over the world of shadows in another world.
To Be a Power in the Shadows! is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 陰の実力者になりたくて！, The Eminence in Shadow, Восхождение в тени
16. Jiang Si Xiansheng
1000 years ago, the MC became a normal zombie in the apocalypse. In order to survive the constant hunting of humans, he continued to train himself until he became immensely powerful. After 1000 years passed, he is now ready to enter human society again.
Jiang Si Xiansheng is currently publishing . It is also Known as: Jiāng Sī Xiānshēng, Mr. Jiang Si, Mr. Zombie
17. 2.5-jigen no Yuuwaku
"I have no interest in real women! My wife, Lilliel, is a 2D girl!" But something unexpected appears in front of Okumura, the president of the Manga Research Club... A real Lilliel? An exciting cosplay love comedy begins!!
2.5 Dimensional Seduction is finished and has 25 Volumes and 201 Chapters. It is also Known as: 2.5次元の誘惑, 2.5 Jigen no Ririsa, Ririsa of 2.5 Dimension, 2.5D Seduction
18. Chuanyue Cheng Le Xiuxian Youxi De Fanpai Dashaoye
After the sudden death of a high-ranking player, he crossed over into the game and became the villainous young master that had died after being cursed and stabbed. Within the dark coffin, the pretty System gave him a starter pack and bestowed 10,000 Spiritual Power upon him! The same tragic life, but a chance to turn the tables! He kicked away the cover of his coffin, then used the power of words to romance all the beautiful girls! In this script filled with death flags, he will overcome all challenges to spite that damned game designer!
Reincarnated as the Villain in a Cultivation Game is finished and has null Volumes and 186 Chapters. It is also Known as: Become Villain in the Game Cultivation, Becoming the Villainous Young Master in a Cultivation Game, Becoming Villain in a Wuxia Game, Crossing to Became the Villain of the Game of Cultivating Immortals, Ta là Nhân Vật Phản Diện Đại Thiếu Gia, The Immortal Cultivation Game, ¡Me convertí en el villano de mi videojuego!, 悪党に憑依したのに主人公になりました, 穿越成了修仙游戏的反派大少爷
19. Dorei wo Choukyoushite Harem Tsukuru
A man purchases three little slaves and begins to groom them into perfect girls for his harem. You will never have a gaggle of lolis with horns in your life. ;_;
Training Slaves to make a Harem is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 奴隷を調教してハーレム作る, Dorei wo Choukyoushite Harem Tsukuru
20. Senki Survival Saga: Isekai no Unmei wo Kaketa Mujintou Fujun Isei Kouyuu
Anastasia, an elf renowned as a once-in-a-millennium magical talent, faces the final battle of a three-way war in another world. In the midst of battle with her arch enemies, the demon race, Anastasia is enveloped in an intense light and, when she awakens, finds herself on an uninhabited island. As Anastasia strolls around the island, a mysterious human appears before her, but she can no longer use magic...!?
A survival comedy featuring the most powerful and beautiful girls from another world and an old man washed ashore on an uninhabited island!
Senki Survival Saga: Isekai no Unmei wo Kaketa Mujintou Fujun Isei Kouyuu is currently publishing . It is also Known as: 戦姫サバイバルサガ〜異世界の運命をかけた無人島フジュン異性交遊〜, Senki Survival Saga - Isekai no Unmei o Kaketa Mujintou Fujun Iseikouyuu, Battle Princess Survival Saga, Senki Survival Saga: Isekai no Unmei o Kaketa Mujintou Fujun Iseikouyuu, Warrior Princess Survival Saga: The Unsanctioned Intergender Relations on a Deserted Island, Battling for the Fate of Another World, 戦姫サバイバルサガ〜異世界の運命をかけた無人島フジュン異性交遊〜
