Are you a fan of anime? If so, you’re probably familiar with the isekai genre, right?
Isekai anime has become a must-watch for your me-time. Apart from having exciting and fantastical storylines, the characters usually possess incredible powers. You’ve even managed to finish an entire season in a day.
If you’re curious about isekai anime and what recommendations are out there, check out the following reviews!
What is Isekai Anime?
Anime isekai is a genre of animation that involves a storyline set in another world or fantasy setting. The term “isekai” itself comes from Japanese and translates to “another world” or “otherworld.” This genre is divided into two types: isekai tenni (teleportation to another world) and isekai tensei (reincarnation into another world).
Typically, the main characters in isekai anime experience tragic events, such as death, before being transported to a different dimension or world. In the new world, these characters lead very different lives or possess superpowers.
Over time, the isekai genre has been used for various works, including manga, novels, anime, and games.
Best Isekai Anime List
Isekai anime can be combined with various other genres. For example, there are isekai comedy anime (Ya Boy Kongming!), isekai drama anime (The Rising of the Shield Hero), isekai action anime (Drifters), and even romantic isekai anime (I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss).
For those who are curious, here are some of the best isekai anime recommendations:
1. Sword Art Online
If you’re an ‘isekai anime beginner’ and looking for a recommendation, Sword Art Online is the answer. It’s not only one of the best isekai anime but also considered a pioneer in anime with MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) settings.
Sword Art Online follows Kirito and other players trying to escape from a virtual reality MMORPG game after being trapped by its creator, Kayaba Akihiko. They must reach level 100 by defeating the final boss to escape the game. If a player dies in the game, they also die in real life. Will Kirito be able to save himself and his friends?
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2. Inuyasha
If you want to delve into the origins of isekai anime, watching Inuyasha is the right choice. It’s one of the early isekai anime from the 90s and remains a favorite for many people to this day.
Based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, Inuyasha offers a thrilling blend of fantasy, horror, action, and romance. The story revolves around Kagome, who accidentally falls into a well and is transported to the Sengoku period of Japan. She unwittingly releases Inuyasha, a half-demon with superpowers, and shatters the Sacred Jewel owned by a powerful priest. Kagome and Inuyasha embark on a quest to collect the scattered shards of the Sacred Jewel.
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3. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is a great choice for those interested in watching an isekai anime set in the world of MMORPGs. The anime incorporates game mechanics, technicalities, and several elements inspired by MMORPGs, offering a thrilling, complex, and tense storyline.
The story follows players of the online game “Elder Tales,” who suddenly find themselves trapped in the game world, becoming characters within the game. Shiroe, who was an introverted unemployed person in the real world, transforms into a strategic gamer in this new world. Shiroe forms the Log Horizon guild to unravel the game’s mechanics and find a way to escape.
4. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, adapted from the manga and novel by Rifujin na Magonote and Yuka Fujikawa, is a pioneer in the isekai genre. It’s often called the “Grandfather of Isekai Anime” for popularizing this genre.
The anime follows a 34-year-old unemployed man who dies in a traffic accident while saving someone. He reincarnates as Rudeus Greyrat, a baby in a fantasy world. Wanting to make the most of his second chance at life, Rudeus resolves to become a great magician. Unbeknownst to him, Rudeus possesses incredible magical talent.
5. Saga of Tanya the Evil
Saga of Tanya the Evil is another must-watch isekai anime recommendation. Before reincarnating as a nine-year-old orphan girl, Tanya Degurechaff was a narcissistic and arrogant employee who defied God. She is killed by her subordinate and reborn in a war-torn kingdom in the 1910s. Thanks to her magical talent, she rises to the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Empire’s Army.
Despite her formidable abilities in combat, Tanya is troubled by being dubbed “Being X” by God. She must believe in God and die a natural death to avoid going to hell for her past sins.
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6. Ixion Saga DT
Ixion Saga DT is an isekai anime that falls into the category of overpowered main character (OP MC) isekai anime. It takes viewers into an RPG world with dangerous missions.
The story follows Hokaze Kon, a gamer who aims to complete a mission in the game “Mira.” However, Kon ends up being transported into the game and finds himself embroiled in battles alongside knights. Despite being an ordinary human, Kon miraculously gains strange powers while in the game.
7. Overlord
Yggdrasil, a virtual reality game, is about to be shut down. Momonga, a powerful player and guild leader, decides to stay in the game a little longer until it’s completely shut down by the system. However, he and some other characters find themselves trapped in the game as their avatars, even after the system is shut down.
Momonga sets out to conquer areas of the game, uncover dark secrets, and face challenges from enemies. Overlord stands out as an isekai anime with an unusual overpowered main character and offers a refreshing storyline with complex main and supporting characters.
8. Bleach, Overpower Isekai Anime
Bleach is undoubtedly one of the best and most famous isekai anime that has garnered a loyal fanbase. With its fresh storyline, strong main character, and various terrifying enemies, it has become a staple in the anime world.
Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who becomes a substitute Shinigami (Soul Reaper) after Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami, is injured while battling a powerful Hollow. Despite initially refusing the role, Kurosaki eventually eliminates Hollows one by one while uncovering the secrets of his friends’ powers.
9. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Unlike most isekai anime where the main character starts with great powers, The Rising of the Shield Hero takes a different approach. Released in 2019, this anime introduces Naofumi Iwatani, who becomes the weakest hero among the other knights.
The story revolves around Iwatani and three other young men who are summoned as heroes to a fantasy world. Despite being the Shield Hero, the weakest among the Cardinal Heroes, Iwatani possesses intelligence and perfect defense. Unfortunately, Iwatani is falsely accused and shunned by the entire kingdom. He then trains to become the greatest knight to defeat monsters and return to his world. Therefore, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a must-watch fantasy anime!
10. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
For those who prefer light-hearted and humorous isekai anime recommendations with a light and funny storyline, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is the perfect option! It’s a modern adaptation that unexpectedly turns a slime into a superpowered character.
After dying in a criminal accident, Satoru Mikami reincarnates as Rimuru Tempest, a slime monster in a fantasy world. Rimuru realizes that he has unique abilities and superpowers. Quickly, he befriends other monsters in the Great Forest of Jura and becomes the Monster King.
11. Farming Life in Another World
For those interested in watching isekai anime with a light-hearted story, Isekai Nonbiri Nouka is a great choice. This new isekai anime 2023 follows Hiraku Machio, a young man with a fatal illness who is given a second chance at life by a god.
Hiraku is reincarnated into another world and starts living in a remote wilderness. He begins to build everything from scratch, including farming, with the help of beautiful fairies and other strange creatures.
12. The Strongest Onmyoji’s Reincarnation in Another World
Have you watched The Strongest Onmyoji’s Reincarnation in Another World anime? It’s the latest 2023 isekai anime with a unique, exciting, and intriguing story. It follows Haruyoshi Kuga, the strongest demon exorcist who decides to reincarnate because he’s tired of constantly being targeted by enemies.
Haruyoshi is reborn as Seika Lamprogue, an illegitimate child of a noble family who loves magic. However, Seika is ignored because of his status and his weak magical abilities. He uses his knowledge from his previous world to make allies.
These are some of the best isekai anime recommendations you can watch. Do you have any other anime recommendations? Share them in the comments section!