Webtoons have emerged as a creative goldmine for the entertainment industry, especially in South Korea. Their vertical-scroll digital format lends itself naturally to serialized storytelling, which has been adapted into visually stunning and emotionally intense action series.
From dystopian thrillers to supernatural noir, here are the top 15 action shows based on webtoons that you should definitely stream.
Table of Contents
Top 12 Action Shows Based on Webtoons – Ranked Countdown
12. Sweet Home (2020–)
Based on the popular webtoon series created by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan.
After a family tragedy, a reclusive high school student moves into an apartment complex just as a mysterious monster apocalypse begins. The series blends survival horror with character-driven storytelling.
Where to Watch: Netflix
11. Lookism (2022–, Animated)
Based on the webtoon by Park Tae-jun
After being relentlessly bullied, a teenager wakes up to find himself transformed into a handsome new version of himself. The show explores societal biases on appearance, bullying, and self-worth while delivering a high-impact narrative.
Where to Watch: Netflix
10. The Uncanny Counter (2020–)
Based on the webtoon Amazing Rumor by Jang Yi
A team of demon hunters masquerades as noodle shop employees while fighting malevolent spirits that possess humans. The blend of action, humor, and emotional arcs makes this one a standout.
Where to Watch: Netflix
9. Weak Hero Class 1 (2022)
Based on the webtoon by SEOPASS and Razen
A deceptively frail-looking student outwits school bullies using sharp intellect and fearless resolve. It’s a hard-hitting school drama with gritty fight sequences and emotional depth.
Where to Watch: Wavve, Viki
8. Duty After School (2023)
Based on the webtoon by Ha Il-kwon
An alien invasion forces high school students into conscription to fight mysterious orbs threatening humanity. It’s a thought-provoking blend of sci-fi, war, and coming-of-age trauma.
Where to Watch: TVING, Viki
7. D.P. (2021–)
Based on the webtoon D.P. Dog Day by Kim Bo-tong
D.P. stands for Deserter Pursuit. This military drama follows a soldier assigned to track down army deserters, exposing systemic abuse, trauma, and ethical dilemmas in the Korean military.
Where to Watch: Netflix
6. Tower of God (2020–, Animated)
Based on the webtoon by SIU (Lee Jong-hui)
Bam enters a tower where every floor presents a brutal test of survival. This anime adaptation offers dazzling visuals, philosophical themes, and epic fight sequences. Season 2 dropped in July 2024
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
5. Mercy for None (2025)
Based on the webtoon by Lee Jae-heon and Kim Yong-ki
Netflix’s latest Korean noir, Mercy for None, premiered on June 6, 2025. Starring So Ji-sub, the show delves into revenge, corruption, and the violent underworld of Seoul.
Stylized violence, emotional scars, and brooding atmospherics make this a must-watch for noir action lovers.
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. Bloodhounds (2023)
Based on the webtoon by Jeong Chan
Two young boxers get drawn into the dark world of illegal loans and organized crime. Gritty hand-to-hand combat and emotionally driven storytelling define this series.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. All of Us Are Dead (2022–)
Based on the webtoon by Joo Dong-geun
When zombies invade, a high school becomes a desperate fight for life. Students must fight for survival while navigating betrayal, friendship, and human nature under pressure.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Island (2022–2023)
Based on the webtoon by Youn In-wan and Yang Kyung-il
A priest and heiress battle demonic forces on Jeju Island. With supernatural action and folklore influences, Island blends fantasy and horror with rich mythology.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
1. Moving (2023)
Based on the webtoon by Kang Full
A group of teens inherits superpowers from their parents , former government agents and must evade assassination. Visually masterful, emotionally nuanced, and thematically rich, Moving is among the best webtoon adaptations yet.
Where to Watch: Disney+
The Rise of Action Shows Based on Webtoons
As webtoons continue to influence the global entertainment landscape, it’s clear that their transition from digital panels to high-stakes screen adaptations has only just begun. The best action shows based on webtoons not only deliver adrenaline-pumping battles and gripping plot twists, but also explore themes like identity, justice, survival, and morality. From the brutal intensity of Weak Hero Class 1 to the supernatural suspense of The Uncanny Counter and the cinematic spectacle of Moving, these series prove that webtoons are fertile ground for boundary-pushing storytelling. Whether animated or live-action, these shows set a high bar for future adaptations—showcasing just how powerful webtoon-based action narratives can be when brought to life.
Key Takeaways
- Webtoons are fueling a new wave of action-packed storytelling, inspiring series that blend intense visuals with emotional depth.
- Korean creators lead the charge, with platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Viki streaming globally acclaimed adaptations.
- Shows like Moving, D.P., and Weak Hero Class 1 prove that webtoon-based action isn’t just about spectacle—it’s about character-driven narratives.
- Animated entries like Tower of God and Lookism offer stylized combat and unique world-building that rival live-action counterparts.
- Themes of justice, survival, revenge, and social inequality run deep across many of these stories, elevating them beyond typical action fare.
- With more webtoons being adapted every year, the future of action shows based on webtoons looks more thrilling than ever.
FAQ
Q1. What are action shows based on webtoons?
A: These are live-action or animated series adapted from popular Korean digital comics (webtoons) that focus heavily on action, combat, and high-stakes drama.
Q2. Where can I watch these action webtoon adaptations?
A: Most are available on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Viki, TVING, and Wavve, depending on the show.
Q3. Which action webtoon show is the most popular internationally?
A: Titles like Moving, Sweet Home, Bloodhounds, and All of Us Are Dead have gained global acclaim and strong viewer ratings.
Q4. Are these shows faithful to their webtoon source material?
A: While many follow the core storyline, adaptations often tweak plots, characters, or pacing for dramatic or visual impact.
Q5. What makes action shows based on webtoons unique?
A: They combine stylized visuals, emotional depth, and complex storytelling—often blending supernatural, sci-fi, or thriller elements with grounded action.
About the Author
Ishan Dutt
Admin/AuthorIshan Dutt is the admin and lead author at CodexLogs.com, where he covers comics, gaming, and entertainment. With a background in biotechnology, mass communication, and an MBA, he brings a unique mix of technical insight and media expertise to his writing. He is also the author of the fantasy novella series The Legend of Shane and Davine, known for its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth. Whether reviewing games or exploring anime, Ishan combines passion with sharp analysis to engage and inform his audience.
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