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- How Not to Summon a Demon Lord
- Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
The 20+ Greatest Isekai Anime You Should Be Watching
Vote on the best isekai anime of all time.
The isekai genre consists of fantasy anime where a character travels from the world they know to an unfamiliar one. Typically, isekai series will place a person in a magical realm of fantasy and/or terror, though occasionally it happens in reverse. There are some good isekai anime, though, that either incorporate something special or excel at the elements that these fans love.
The Devil Is a Part-Timer!, for instance, is a comedic stand-out where Satan gets a job at a fast food joint. Some isekai shows, like Sword Art Online and Log Horizon, take place in virtual worlds or MMORPGs that immerse and appeal to gamers. And some series mix in unique elements like food - seen in Restaurant to Another World.
This isekai anime list makes sure to cover all of the top shows in this subgenre - whether it be old or new isekai anime. If you're looking for an anime to transport you to another world, try one of these.
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- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
- 8bit
Premiered: 2018
Premise: When a middle aged man named Satoru Mikami is randomly stabbed on the street, he's reincarnated into another world... as a slime. Luckily for Rimuru Tempest - that's his new name - he's not just any slime. He can absorb new skills from his environment and from his foes, giving him a seemingly endless array of abilities.
Why It's Great: While the synopsis may seem ridiculous, this show is fast-paced, engaging, and a great addition to the isekai genre. Rimuru is an ideal overpowered MC and the side characters are also able to shine individually. The overall story keeps fans wanting more without feeling too oversaturated.
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- Overlord
- Madhouse
Premiered: 2015
Premise: When Momonga's favorite MMORPG, Yggdrasil, is about to go offline, he decides to wait out the game's last moments and stay logged in for as long as he can. But when the game is supposed to shut down, it doesn't. Instead, the NPCs are coming to life, and Momonga has become his character, the wizard master of the dark guild Ainz Ooal Gown.
Why It's Great: No effort is spared here when it comes to world or character building. The attention to detail in storytelling when it comes to the vast universe of Overlord is what brings to appreciate this anime so much.
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- The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Kinema Citrus
Premiered: 2019
Premise: An otaku named Naofumi Iwatani is suddenly transported to the world of Melromarc to fulfill a mission: he must help defeat the Waves of Catastrophe that are wrecking havoc on the world with the help of three other legendary heroes. Unfortuantely for Naofumi, he's the Shield Hero, which means that he's looked down on from the start. Worse, the one person who pretends to be willing to help him betrays him and destroys his reputation, forcing him to complete his mission alone if he ever wants to see his home again.
Why It's Great: The unique angle that this show takes is what has it sticking in the minds of fans years after its initial release. When Naofumi is ostrasized from the people who need him the most, he decides to prioritize himself rather than his community - and its a fun and refreshing change of pace from the normal shonen hero.
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- Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
- Studio Bind
Premiered: 2021
Premise: A destitute man leading a very depressing life has been reincarnated into a magical world as Rudeus Greyrat. As he grows up in his new family and gains magical abilities, he begins to form relationships and find meaning in his life. Letting go of the trauma of his past isn't easy, but with new friends by his side and magical quests to attend to, it might just be possible.
Why It's Great: This series is beautifully animated, has excellent plotting, and does a great job at character development. Although the protagonist is questionable sometimes, there are so many other elements throughout the show that will keep you hooked.
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- No Game, No Life
- Madhouse
Premiered: 2014
Premise: While they are incredible gamers, Sora and Shiro lack the skills to accomplish anything meaningful in their current world. In fact, they're so wracked with social anxiety that most of the time they can barely leave the house. Their lives change for the better when they get the chance to live in Disboard - a world where gaming determines every interaction and transaction.
Why It's Great: If you're a gamer, you'll appreciate this anime. The various games that Sora and Shiro take on are always fun to watch, and some are mental games that you can find yourself engaged in at home. The concept itself is straightforward and easy to digest - making this anime one you can binge easily.
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- Wise Man's Grandchild
- SILVER LINK.
Premiered: 2019
Premise: After a burnt out office employee loses his life in a car accident, he's reincarnated into a magical world - as a baby! Though he still remembers his life on earth, he lives from infancy to adolescence as Shin Wolford, a young man being raised by one of the greatest mages of his era, Merlin.
Why It's Great: If you're looking for an hilarious isekai with an unique premise, you can't go wrong with this show. The lighthearted vibe of Wise Man's Grandchild is a great breather between other intense shonen anime. The use of common isekai tropes are present, but are executed in a way that it's all the good stuff and none of the cringe.
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- GATE
- A-1 Pictures
Premiered: 2015
Premise: Earth is invaded by beings from another world when a strange portal opens up in the middle of Tokyo. Youji Itami, who is just trying to get to a doujinshi convention, ends up fending off multiple invaders and saving countless lives. For this reason, he's selected to be among the group of people who are sent to explore the new realm where they could either bring peace or trigger the biggest war that either world has ever seen.
Why It's Great: GATE is unique in that it's a two-way isekai. In utilizing this, the story also has some epic battles and character dynamics that aren't commonly seen in other anime like it.
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- KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!
- Studio Deen
Premiered: 2016
Premise: When high school student Kazuma Sato dies, he gets two options: go to heaven, or be reincarnated in a fantasy world that strongly resembles the video games he plays. An avid gamer who wants to experience the real version of his passion, Kazuma chooses the latter option. But instead of being able to fight monsters and demons like he typically does, he first has to work for a living.
Why It's Great: KonoSuba is a hysterical take on a newcomer's experience in a strange world. As far as one-liners and knee-slapping characters go, this anime has the best of the best in the isekai subgenre. The jokes aren't generic either - they are sometimes well developed, and sometimes just an easy punchline to understand. The entire show is a non-stop laugh fest.
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- How Not to Summon a Demon Lord
- Aija-do
Premiered: 2018
Premise: In real life, Takuma Sakamoto is kind of a loser, but in the game Cross Reverie he's an expert. When two NPCs summon him into the game itself with the intention of making him their slave, he's able to turn the tables and make them his servants instead. Luckily, they don't seem to mind it too much.
Why It's Great: How Not to Summon a Demon Lord isn't a complex anime by any means... which is what makes it great. The lack of intensity and thought provoking stuff creates a formula that is easily digestable but still fun to watch. If you need a good time without the emotional commitment, then this is the show for you.
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- Sword Art Online
- A-1 Pictures
Premiered: 2012
Premise: A virtual reality MMO game that quickly turns into a death trap when the game's creator makes it impossible to leave without beating the game. Worse, if you die in the game, you die in real life. Sword Art Online follows Kirito and Asuna as they attempt to escape from the game - and then follows them back into other games they freely choose to explore.
Why It's Great: Although Sword Art Online is a bit controversial, you can't deny that there are some aspects of the show worth praising. The video game universe its set in is done incredibly well, and Kirito is a good fit for this show's protagonist, even if he's not at the top of your personal list of best MCs. The antagonists in SAO are also captivating and interesting in their own individual rights.
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Premiered: 2013
Premise: Shiroe is an awkward college student who is apart of the 30 thousand Elder Tale gamers that get sucked into the game - literally. Unable to log out, he must venture this new universe, make friends, and strategize his way to survival.
Why It's Great: This anime boasts a large cast of interesting characters with varying magical abilities. Rather than spending too much time with any one character, the anime takes a broader approach, focusing on the political conflict and economic systems instead.
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Premiered: 2017
Premise: When God accidentally smites Toya Mochizuki with a lightning bolt, he's super sorry - but sorry isn't quite good enough. To make up for it, Toya is reincarnated into a fantasy world with powerful magical abilities that far exceed anything he ever experienced in life. But that's not all Toya will get - he also gets his request to have his smart phone with him granted.
Why It's Great: Toya's possession of a smartphone adds a unique twist to the standard isekai formula. While other protagonists are usually overpowered because of their skills or some crazy ability, Toya is able to do it all with his phone, of all things. The overall anime is a light and cheery series of fluff and fun.
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- Re:Zero
- White Fox
Premiered: 2016
Premise: Subaru Natsuki's ordinary life kicks into high gear when he gets dragged into a dangerous alternate world where he immediately falls under attack. With no means of defending himself, Subaru looks finished - until he's rescued by a beautiful witch named Satella. To thank Satella for her help, Subaru agrees to help her find a missing insignia - but just after they find it, they're murdered, then brought back to life in this strange new world.
Why It's Great: Subaru is a stand-out element when it comes to what makes Re:Zero appealing. As a protagonist, he isn't perfect by any means - the show makes sure to highlight that he's flawed and shows how he does or doesn't deal with his shortcomings. While that might not be everyone's cup of tea, he is an interesting outlier amongst the usual anime protagonists.
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- The Devil Is A Part-Timer!
- White Fox
Premiered: 2013
Premise: Satan finds himself trapped in the human realm without any of his demonic powers. To survive, he starts working at a fast-food restaurant - a far cry from his former role as the lord of all evil - but somehow he ends up thriving in the position. As an up and coming employee at MgRonald's he shows off the skills that made him the Demon Lord in the first place.
Why It's Great: This show is as ridiculous and hilarious as it sounds. The isekai industry is really the only place where you can find something as comedic as Satan working at a fictional McDonald's, but the show is undeniably entertaining and memorable.
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- Saga of Tanya the Evil
- NUT
Premiered: 2017
Premise: When a cynical Japanese salaryman challenges Being X, a supposed god, he is transported to another world in a new body. This former adult man finds himself now a small, impoverished girl living in a war zone. With magic on her side, the newly named Tanya von Degurechaff rises up the ranks of the military, becoming one of the most terrifying warlords the world has ever seen.
Why It's Great: This anime contrasts itself in the best way possible. The cognitive dissonance of seeing a little girl inspire terror in her subordinates is hilarious, and watching Tanya figure out how to excel in a new universe is fascinating.
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- Drifters
- Hoods Entertainment
Premiered: 2016
Premise: Toyohisa Shimazu is a rearguard in the Japanese military circa 1600. Alongside other warriors from different timelines, Toyohisa is born into another world and serves as a Drifter in a war against the oppressive Ends, who established the Orte Empire and persecute elves and other magical creatures.
Why It's Great: What's interesting about Drifters is that it doesn't focus on someone from the modern world getting used to magic. Instead, Toyohisa is traditional military solidier who is put in a situation that he is somewhat familiar with. What ensues makes for an isekai that any fan of the subgenre should give a try.
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- Spirited Away
- Studio Ghibli
Premiered: 2001
Premise: Spirited Away follows a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who finds herself trapped in the realm of spirits. With her parents transformed into pigs, Chihiro must figure out a way to survive on her own. Surrounded by spirits both kind and malicious, will she ever be able to save her parents and return home?
Why It's Great: This movie offers not only a tender coming-of-age story, but also one of the richest and most beautiful alternate worlds ever animated. The train scene alone is more compelling than almost anything you will ever see on screen.
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- My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
- SILVER LINK.
Premiered: 2020
Premise: Being reborn into your favorite otome game seems great - that is, unless you're reincarnated as the villain! When a game-loving girl finds herself reincarnated as fictional villainess Catarina Claes, she realizes that if everything happens according to the game's plot, she's doomed. It's up to her to rewrite the story and come out victorious.
Why It's Great: My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is a trail blazer for villainess isekai. It was one of the first of the isekai subgenre to make use of the reborn as a villain trope that has become so popular in recent years. Because it does such a good job at telling the story with a lovable protagonist, its helped build the villainess fanbase for the entire subgenre.
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- Isekai Quartet
- Studio PuYUKAI
Premiered: 2019
Premise: Isekai Quartet is a show that focuses on four of the most popular isekai anime of all time: KonoSuba, Overlord, Re:Zero, and Saga of Tanya the Evil. Chibi versions of the characters from all four universes are transported to a mysterious school when they press a button that randomly appears before them - creating an isekai within an isekai!
Why It's Great: Any isekai fan has to watch this show because it brings together the subgenre's most beloved protagonists. You won't get to see your favorite charactors interact like this anywhere else, and the adorable journeys they adventure on are enjoyable on their own, too.
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- Restaurant to Another World
- SILVER LINK.
Premiered: 2017
Premise: Allegedly closed on Saturdays, Western Restaurant Nekoya uses that free time to travel to other worlds to serve food the inhabitants have never seen before. These otherworldly denizens experience curry, parfaits, and other tasty treats, while the audience gets to learn more about their stories and the magical lands they inhabit.
Why It's Great: This anime isn't a stand-out for its average isekai elements, but instead it shines with the incorporation of food. The art and execution of the meals in Restaurant to Another World will have your mouth watering non-stop and makes for a unique watching experience in the isekai industry.
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- Re:Creators
- Troyca
Premiered: 2017
Premise: Aspiring light novel author Souta Mizushino looks for inspiration by tuning in to an anime. Unfortunately for Souta, he isn't expecting to be dragged right into the fantasy fight scene - nor is he expecting one of the anime's main characters, Celestia Yupitilia, to return to his own world with him. As it turns out, Celestia is just the first of many characters to leave their fictional worlds for the real one.
Why It's Great: Aside from mixing fiction and reality impressively well, Re:Creators also incorporates CGI in a seamless way, which is extremely hard to get past fans. The action scenes are fun to watch and the show's exposition is thought out and expanded well.
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- The Vision of Escaflowne
- Sunrise
Premiered: 1996
Premise: Hitomi Kanzaki loves magic and fortune telling, but she never imagined that those things would become such an important part of her life. One day, a prince from another world named Van suddenly falls out of the sky along with a dragon bent on destroying them both. Hitomi's predictions help Van defeat the dragon, but before either of them can even process what happened, they're transported back to Van's world, called Gaea.
Why It's Great: If you're an isekai and mecha fan, then this is the anime for you. Some may stray away from this series because it was released so long ago, but it's a classic amongst isekai anime. The world building, protagonists, and '90s action sequences are only a few of the compelling elements you shouldn't miss out on.
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- .hack//Sign
- Bee Train
Premiered: 2002
Premise: Tsukasa wakes up in an MMORPG called The World, unsure how he got there and unable to log out and return to a real life he doesn't remember. Some there believe he is a hacker and want to get rid of him, while others assist him with figuring out why he can't log out or get back to his real life.
Why It's Great: .hack//Sign is well worth watching, because of both its sense of excitement and mystery, and its killer soundtrack composed by the inimitable Yuki Kajiura. It's also connected to a real video game so that you can expand your knowlege when you get invested.
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- Fushigi Yuugi
- Studio Pierrot
Premiered: 1995
Premise: Two middle school girls named Miaka and Yui suddenly find themselves in a magical world based on a book called The Universe of the Four Gods. In this world, each girl becomes a priestess for one of those gods. Since warring nations worship these gods, the two friends find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict.
Why It's Great: Because it came out in 1995, Fushigi Yuugi might feel a little dated, but it's nevertheless a must-see for fans of the isekai subgenre. Not only is it a solid classic in the industry, its also perfect for those who want romance and comedy in their isekai anime.
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- Now and Then, Here and There
- AIC
Premiered: 1999
Premise: Shuzo Matsutani, a happy, optimistic kid, suddenly gets pulled into a world full of warfare, genocide, torture, and other atrocities, putting his cheery outlook to the test.
Why It's Great: Now and Then, Here and There is one of the few isekai anime that make other worlds seem truly terrifying and has a much darker and grittier tone than most anime in the genre. It asks viewers to confront the harsh realities of war, so while it makes for a great watch, you should be prepared.
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