20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (2024)

Table of Contents
Related Summary 20 Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill (2023) Based on the light novels by Ren Eguchi & produced by MAPPA 19 I'm In Love With The Villainess (2023) Anime Series By Platinum Vision; Based On The Light Novel By Inori 18 KonoSuba (2016) Based on the web novel by Natsume Akatsuki 17 The Vision Of Escaflowne (1996) Original series written by Shoji Kawamori, directed by Kazuki Akane & produced by Sunrise Studios 16 Fushigi Yuugi (1995) Based on the manga by Yuu Watase & produced by Studio Pierrot 15 Magical Revolution (2023) Anime Series By Diomedéa; Based On The Light Novel By Piero Karasu 14 Magic Knight Rayearth (1994) Anime Series By TMS Entertainment; Based On The Manga By Clamp 13 Outbreak Company (2013) Anime Series By Feel; Based On The Light Novel By Ichiro Sakaki 12 The Devil Is A Part-Timer (2013) Anime Series By White Fox & Studio 3Hz; Based On The Light Novel By Satoshi Wagahara 11 Ascendance Of A Bookworm (2019) Based on the light novel series by Miya Kazuki & produced by Wit Studio 10 The Twelve Kingdoms (2002) Based on the fantasy novels by Fuyumi Ono & produced by Studio Pierrot 9 The Eminence in Shadow (2022) Based on the novel series by Daisuke Aizawa & produced by Studio Nexus 8 Inuyasha (2000) Anime Series By Sunrise; Based On The Manga By Rumiko Takahashi 7 Log Horizon (2013) Anime Series By Studio Deen; Based On The Light Novel By Mamare Touno 6 Batman Ninja (2018) Film By Kamikaze Douga & YamatoWorks; Based On The Character By DC Comics 5 Re:Zero - Starting Life In Another World (2016) Based on the light novel by Tappei Nagatsuki & produced by Studio White Fox 4 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime (2018) Based on the light novel series by Fuse & produced by Eight Bit 3 Digimon Adventure (1999) Anime Series By Toei Animation; Created By Akiyoshi Hongo 2 The Boy And The Heron (2023) Anime Film By Studio Ghibli; Directed By Hayao Miyazaki 1 Spirited Away (2001) Anime Film By Studio Ghibli; Directed By Hayao Miyazaki
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20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (1)

By Shannon Brady

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20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (5)

Summary

  • The isekai genre offers a wide range of storytelling possibilities, from intense political thrillers to absurd comedies, making it incredibly appealing.
  • The best isekai anime stand out by transcending tired tropes and adding something new to the genre.
  • Unique and refreshing shows like Re:Zero and That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime challenge typical isekai conventions, offering a more serious and strategic approach to the genre.

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With how many superb shows and movies fall into the genre, ranking the best isekai anime of all time has become quite a difficult task in modern years. Isekai is one of the most popular genres of anime, involving a protagonist from the real world getting transported to an alternate dimension. Despite a large amount of new entries failing to be more than just uninteresting power fantasies, there are a variety of isekai anime that transcend these tired tropes.

The beauty of the isekai genre is that it contains the potential to tell pretty much any type of story imaginable. An isekai anime could be an intense political thriller featuring various fantastical kingdoms vying for world domination, or it could be an absurdist comedy lampooning typical fantasy tropes.

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (6)

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This means that a list of the best isekai of all time will encompass a selection of vastly different stories, but this is a testament to the great appeal of isekai's central premise.

Related

10 Best Isekai Anime on Netflix

With the departure of many popular series, plenty of hidden isekai gems on Netflix have finally have their space to shine.

20 Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill (2023)

Based on the light novels by Ren Eguchi & produced by MAPPA

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (8)

TV-14

Animation

Action & Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is a fantasy anime that follows the adventures of former salaryman Mukouda Tsuyoshi. When Mukouda finds himself unexpectedly transported to another world, he is outfitted with a seemingly useless skill—online grocery shopping— until he discovers the power of food as a communication tool. His culinary journey becomes his path to survival and success in a magical land filled with adventures and mythical creatures.

Cast
Yuma Uchida , Satoshi Hino , Hina Kino , Maaya Uchida , You Taichi , Yuhko Kaida , Saho Shirasu

Release Date
January 11, 2023

Seasons
2
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Writers
Ren Eguchi , K Akagishi , Momo Futaba

Showrunner
Crunchyroll
Main Genre
Action

Creator(s)
Ren Eguchi

Mukouda Tsuyoshi joins the ranks of the best chefs in anime when he is mistakenly transported to a fantasy kingdom. Rather than join the heroes' party, Mukouda makes a living using his single special ability: buying food from Earth to cook with. Fans enjoy watching Mukouda become happier and more successful with his new enterprise than he ever was in the modern world: he's too shy and humble for the action-hero life to fit him, either. Just as popular are his answer to an adventuring party: the group of familiars that adore his food and follow him loyally, making up for his lack of combat skill in a hostile world.

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While the series isn't necessarily breaking new ground, Campfire Cooking's peaceful tone and focus on cooking are more than enough to make the series memorable. Isekai has always been about escaping into a new world, so seeing Mukouda live out his dream with a group of monster pals is a perfect example of what makes the genre so popular.

Fans of Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill might also enjoy the series Farming Life in Another World.

19 I'm In Love With The Villainess (2023)

Anime Series By Platinum Vision; Based On The Light Novel By Inori

I'm in Love with the Villainess

I'm in Love with the Villainess follows Rae Taylor, who becomes the heroine in her favorite otome game after a sudden transformation. As Rae, she seeks to win the heart of Claire François, the game's villainess, utilizing her familiarity with the game's narrative to navigate their evolving relationship.

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Platinum Vision’s I’m in Love with the Villainess begins with the typical setup of a “reincarnated into an otome game” story with the protagonist, Rei Ohashi, reincarnating into Rae Taylor, the protagonist of her favorite otome game, Revolution. Unlike its contemporaries, however, Rae is openly gay and has no interest in Revolution's canonical male love interests, instead seeking a relationship with the villainess of the story, Claire François.

While the series doesn't have much going for it in terms of visuals, I'm in Love with the Villainess' humorous take on a staple of the isekai genre, combined with thoughtful and heartwarming discussions of LGBTQ+ issues, still helps it stand out in the crowd and make it fun to watch from start to finish. It does a great job of breaking the isekai mold in a meaningful way, and any fan of isekai or LGBTQ+ content is sure to love it.

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18 KonoSuba (2016)

Based on the web novel by Natsume Akatsuki

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (11)

TV-14

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, commonly referred to as KonoSuba, is a Japanese anime series based on the novels of the same name from writer Natsume Akatsuki and illustrator Kurone Mishima. The series revolves around a man named Kazuma, who is offered a second chance at life on a magical world after he dies.

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Cast
Jun Fukushima , Sora Amamiya , Noucky Andriansyah

Release Date
January 13, 2016

Seasons
2

Writers
Natsume Akatsuki , Aoi Akashiro , Touko Machida , Kojiro Nakamura , Makoto Uezu , Alexander Von David

Directors
Takaomi Kanasaki

Main Genre
Adventure

Creator(s)
Natsume Akatsuki

Death is nothing like Kazuma Satou imagined: he is met by the goddess Aqua, who offers him the chance to reincarnate in a fantasy world with the destiny of saving it. Kazuma agrees, dragging Aqua in alongside him! KonoSuba has amassed a devoted fan base for its parody approach to the genre, making fun of usual isekai tropes far more than it plays them straight.

For instance, rather than being a revered prophetic hero and his noble magic-wielding companion, Kazuma is usually just the butt of everyone's jokes and Aqua is more likely to make fun of someone than help them out.

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Konosuba recently returned for a third season in April 2024.

17 The Vision Of Escaflowne (1996)

Original series written by Shoji Kawamori, directed by Kazuki Akane & produced by Sunrise Studios

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (15)

Hitomi Kanzaki never paid much mind to her occasional visions of the future…until a vision showing her life turned upside down by a dragon-slaying prince comes true. Transported to the world of Gaea alongside Prince Van, Hitomi must help him learn the secrets of the Guymelef mecha. Escaflowne became one of the hits of the nineties for its thrilling story, beautiful animation, and above all, top-tier execution of the isekai genre and all its tropes.

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The Vision of Escaflowne [makes him] not just one of the best isekai series, but one of the best 90s anime series in general.

It's also one of the few isekai to combine medieval fantasy with the mecha genre: two opposites that normally would not go together at all, but feel natural here. All of this makes The Vision of Escaflowne not just one of the best isekai series, but one of the best 90s anime series in general.

Related

10 Best Retro Isekai Anime

Before isekai was a mainstay in the anime industry, there were multiple anime series and films that followed the same criteria seen today.

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16 Fushigi Yuugi (1995)

Based on the manga by Yuu Watase & produced by Studio Pierrot

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (17)

Miaka and Yui's lives change forever when they are sucked into an ancient library book. Meeting a young warrior named Tamahome is just the beginning of their harrowing journey, as they are caught up in a brewing war.

One of the highest-rated isekai on MyAnimeList, Fushigi Yuugi began airing in 1995, and its influence can be seen in many isekai that came out in the almost thirty years since, such as the stranger from Earth being the subject of prophecy and use of Japanese and Chinese legends and mythological creatures to enrich the new world. Its complex story, memorable characters, and mature tone keep it a classic isekai that many fans still regard as one of the best.

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15 Magical Revolution (2023)

Anime Series By Diomedéa; Based On The Light Novel By Piero Karasu

The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

Noblewoman Euphyllia loses her heir title, but Princess Anisphia secretly plans to restore her honor. Their meeting unknowingly sets the stage to change the kingdom's fate.

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In Diomedéa's The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, while princess Anisphia "Anis" Wynn Palettia can't use magic, she's made a name for herself with her various magical inventions and experiments. When the genius mage Euphyllia "Euphy" Magenta is about to be publicly shamed for crimes she didn't commit, Anis saves her and recruits her as her assistant, and what follows is a relationship that changes both of them in more ways than one.

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Thanks to some bombastic fight scenes, engaging worldbuilding, and incredible writing for its leads, The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady has a perfect blending of action and strong storytelling for a narrative that delivers on all fronts. There are few anime with as much care put into their stories, isekai or otherwise, and any fan of the genre would be remiss to pass it up.

14 Magic Knight Rayearth (1994)

Anime Series By TMS Entertainment; Based On The Manga By Clamp

Magic Knight Rayearth

Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu are transported to the magical world of Cephiro, where they're tasked with becoming Magic Knights to save the realm. To return home, they must find the Rune Gods and rescue Princess Emeraude, whose prayers keep Cephiro balanced, relying on friendship and loyalty to succeed.

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TMS Entertainment's Magic Knight Rayearth stars Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji, a trio of girls who are suddenly called to the magical world of Cephiro by its ruler, Princess Emeraude. There, they learn that Emeraude has been captured by the evil high priest Zagato, and Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu must become the Magic Knights of legend to defeat Zagato and free Emeraude from her suffering.

In addition to having all the great character writing that Clamp stories are known to excel at, Magic Knight Rayearth's blending of fantasy and mecha themes and action makes for a uniquely engaging story from start to finish, and with how oversaturated modern isekai is with derivative stories, that uniqueness is especially noteworthy. It's a truly standout series among Clamp's works, and with a Magic Knight Rayearth reboot officially in development, now's the perfect time to start watching.

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13 Outbreak Company (2013)

Anime Series By Feel; Based On The Light Novel By Ichiro Sakaki

Outbreak Company

Shinichi Kanou, an expert in all things "moe," is recruited as an ambassador to the Holy Erudanto Kingdom, a parallel world where anime creatures like elf maids and dragons exist. As he navigates this world with his deep love for cute things, he must also uncover why Japan sent him to represent their moe culture.

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In Feel's Outbreak Company, the Japanese government has recently made contact with the fantasy world of the Holy Eldant Empire and has started making efforts to ally with them. The government decided that the best way to do so would be to teach the citizens of the Holy Eldant Empire about anime and manga, and to that end, they recruited major otaku Shinichi Kanou to help spread his knowledge of anime across the land.

Outbreak Company's reference-laden comedy and fantasy parody stylings always do a great job of playing with the typical conventions of the isekai genre, and that's made even more impressive by how the series came out before isekai started to become overdone. Add in some clever twists near the end that completely engagingly recontextualize the story, and it's an underrated gem any isekai fan should give a chance.

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12 The Devil Is A Part-Timer (2013)

Anime Series By White Fox & Studio 3Hz; Based On The Light Novel By Satoshi Wagahara

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (21)

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Fantasy

In this comedic fantasy series, the devil, thwarted in his conquest of another world, ends up in modern-day Tokyo. Stranded without power, he undertakes a mundane job at a fast-food restaurant, while a hero from his world adapts to life as a telemarketer to watch over him.

Cast
Ryōta Ōsaka , Yoko Hikasa , Nao Tôyama , Yuki Ono , Hiro Shimono , Kanae Itô , Hina Kino , Yumi Uchiyama , Asuka Nishi , Yûichi Iguchi , Azumi Asakura , Takehito Koyasu , Madoka Asahina , Tomokazu Sugita , Megumi Han , Chikahiro Kobayashi

Release Date
April 4, 2013

Seasons
2

Directors
Naoto Hosoda
Main Genre
Animation

Creator(s)
Satoshi Wagahara

In The Devil Is a Part-Timer!, after the demon lord Satan and his assistant flee to Earth after being defeated by the hero Emilia, they must disguise themselves as humans until they can regain enough power to return home. However, not only do they have to deal with allies and enemies alike in the same situation as them, but they also have to contend with Satan getting far too acclimated to his job as a fast food worker and human life, in general.

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Another series that came out before the isekai genre was in full swing, The Devil Is a Part-Timer! does a great job of satirizing the genre with excellent character-driven comedy and a surprising amount of heart occasionally. The second season didn't always live up to the quality of the first, but overall, it's still a stellar comedy for flipping the script on the isekai formula.

11 Ascendance Of A Bookworm (2019)

Based on the light novel series by Miya Kazuki & produced by Wit Studio

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (22)

TV-14

Animation

Drama

Fantasy

Ascendance of a Bookworm is an anime comedy series based on the manga of the same name. Motosu Urano, a book-loving college student, is reincarnated in a medieval world as a frail girl with a voracious appetite for reading named Myrne. In a world where books are scarce and only available to the elite, Myne decides to create her own publishing group and create books to once again bring reading to the masses.

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Cast
Yuka Iguchi , Shō Hayami , Mutsumi Tamura , Megumi Nakajima , Fumiko Orikasa

Release Date
October 3, 2019

Seasons
3

Directors
Mitsuru Hongô
Main Genre
Drama

Creator(s)
Miya Kazuki
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)
Ascendance of a Bookworm

Writers
Miya Kazuki , Mariko Kunisawa

Showrunner
Mitsuru Hongô

Dying in the real world, Urano Motosu wishes to be reborn, so she can keep reading. She is, but there’s a catch: it’s in a world at a level of technology before the dawn of the printing press, so books are incredibly rare.

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While some viewers are turned off by its slow pace, others who aren't looking for action find it refreshing to follow an isekai protagonist who aspires to be a librarian rather than a warrior. Urano — now an adorable kid hero named Myne — is determined to spread literature throughout her new world even if she has to hand-copy every single book she’s ever read by memory, a noble goal whose execution is interesting to follow.

10 The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)

Based on the fantasy novels by Fuyumi Ono & produced by Studio Pierrot

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (24)

Anime

Adventure

Drama

Timid high school student Youko is suddenly approached by a mysterious man, Keiki, who swears allegiance to her. After being attacked by demons, Youko and her friends are pulled into an unfamiliar world. Separated from Keiki, they must navigate this strange new reality to survive

Cast
Mari Devon , Kate Higgins , Houko Kuwashima , Aya Hisakawa , Mela Lee , Dorothy , Elias-Fahn , Ai Satô , Kappei Yamaguchi

Release Date
April 9, 2002

Seasons
1
Main Genre
Anime

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Youko Nakajima doesn’t have to die to be transported to her fantasy world, but it isn't more pleasant when a strange creature appears to her, declares his eternal loyalty, and whisks her away. Twelve Kingdoms takes a much more grounded approach to the typical isekai premise despite its prominent magical and fantasy elements, with each society and its politics being thoroughly explored.

Youko herself goes through a dynamic transformation from a frightened teenager to a confident and wise warrior queen, mastering her powers more realistically than in a flashier isekai that just wants to rush through development to get to battle scenes, making Twelve Kingdoms one of the best series in the genre.

Related

Even anime fans who have grown tired of the increasingly popular isekai theme are sure to enjoy these titles, thanks to their unique twists and ideas.

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9 The Eminence in Shadow (2022)

Based on the novel series by Daisuke Aizawa & produced by Studio Nexus

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (26)

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Action & Adventure

The Eminence in Shadow follows the story of Cid Kagenou, a recluse who reincarnates into a fantasy world and seeks to live a life of obscurity, but unwittingly becomes a legendary figure known as the Eminence in Shadow, feared by evil organizations and admired by the masses.

Cast
Seiichiro Yamashita , Asami Seto , Inori Minase , Suzuko Mimori , Fairouz Ai

Release Date
October 5, 2022

Seasons
1

Cid Kagenou was a Japanese high schooler who always dreamed of being a mysterious figure manipulating events from behind the scenes. When he is transported to another world, he is finally able to live out these fantasies, easily becoming one of his new world's most powerful figures.

What makes this show different from the other generic power fantasies that plague the isekai genre is that it takes this premise to a ridiculously delightful extreme. This is what makes it one of the best isekai anime despite its seemingly trashy premise.

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8 Inuyasha (2000)

Anime Series By Sunrise; Based On The Manga By Rumiko Takahashi

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (27)

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Inuyasha, commonly referred to as Inuyasha: A Feudal Fairy Tale centers on a Japanese teenager who time-travels to help a half-demon collect all of the fragments of sacred jewel. The anime is based on the manga of the same name and ran for a total of 167 episodes between 2000 to 2004.

Cast
Kappei Yamaguchi , Richard Ian Cox , Sarah Hauser , Darren Pleavin , Satsuki Yukino , Moneca Stori , Kumiko Watanabe , Jillian Michaels

Release Date
August 31, 2002

Writers
Rumiko Takahashi

Directors
Yasunao Aoki , Masashi Ikeda , Tatsuya Ishihara
Main Genre
Animation

Creator(s)
Rumiko Takahashi

Seasons
7

In Sunrise's Inuyasha, Kagome Higurashi is a seemingly normal girl who awakens to spiritual powers after being sucked into Sengoku-era Japan and freeing the vicious half-demon Inuyasha from his imprisonment. After accidentally shattering the powerful Shikon Jewel, Kagome and Inuyasha must travel together to reassemble the Shikon Jewel before it falls into the hands of evil, most notably the demon responsible for Inuyasha's imprisonment in the first place.

Thanks to Inuyasha's fun and simplistic character and story writing, combined with its engaging action and classic romance tropes, the series has gone down as a classic among shōnen anime, and it more than deserves that reputation, even after so many years. Just like Rumiko Takahashi's other stories, Inuyasha is a series that always succeeds at delivering on the basics of what makes a good story, and even with how long a series it is, it's still plenty worth watching.

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7 Log Horizon (2013)

Anime Series By Studio Deen; Based On The Light Novel By Mamare Touno

Log Horizon

TV-PG

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Sci-Fi

Romance

Log Horizon is an anime series based on the light novels by Mamare Touno, detailing events after a group of Japanese gamers find themselves inexplicably trapped in the massively multiplayer online game, Elder Tale. The series follows Shiroe, an experienced player, who forms a guild named Log Horizon to navigate and resolve the challenges of their new reality, negotiating with other players and in-game societies.

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Cast
Jad Saxton , Mike Yager , Jōji Nakata , Andrew Love , Luci Christian , Maggie Flecknoe

Seasons
3

Directors
Shinji Ishihira

Studio Deen's Log Horizon is centered around Elder Tale, a massively popular MMORPG that somehow sucked thirty-thousand players into its world with its latest update. Among those players is Shiroe, a master strategist from when Elder Tale was just a game, and he's taken it upon himself to lead his friends through their new status quo and learn everything there is about their new reality.

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In addition to its great direction and fight scenes, Log Horizon stands out for the incredible depth in which it handles the idea of being trapped inside a videogame, whether that's in how the game mechanics would affect a person or how the world, itself, would respond to such an event. Over a decade later, there are few anime that have ever done as much with the concept as Log Horizon, and the series has always been great to watch because of that.

6 Batman Ninja (2018)

Film By Kamikaze Douga & YamatoWorks; Based On The Character By DC Comics

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Kamikaze Douga and YamatoWorks' Batman Ninja is a Batman film that sees Batman and a wide assortment of his allies and enemies sent back in time to Sengoku-era Japan. As the villains take over Japan piece by piece, Batman's usual array of gadgets fails him, so if he wants to save the day and return to his time, his only choice is to play into the setting and fully embrace the way of the ninja.

A sequel film, Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League, is currently in development, and with any luck, it will help Batman Ninja get the recognition a stellar film like it deserves

While the quirkiness of the story has given it a divisive reputation among fans, Batman Ninja's willingness to be as weird as possible, combined with its gorgeous visuals and animation, make it an excellent Batman story and one of DC's best animated films, by far. A sequel film, Batman Ninja Vs. Yakuza League, is currently in development, and with any luck, it will help Batman Ninja get the recognition a stellar film like it deserves.

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5 Re:Zero - Starting Life In Another World (2016)

Based on the light novel by Tappei Nagatsuki & produced by Studio White Fox

TV-MA

Drama

Fantasy

Thriller

Psychological

Cast
Yuusuke Kobayashi , Rie Takahashi , Yumi Uchiyama , Inori Minase , Rie Murakawa , Satomi Arai

Seasons
2

Directors
Masaharu Watanabe

Release Date
April 4, 2016
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)
Re:Zero

Writers
Tappei Nagatsuki
Main Genre
Drama

Creator(s)
Tappei Nagatsuki

Subaru Natsuki winds up in a world full of magic but only gains the power to return to life at a certain checkpoint in his journey every time he dies. One of the fans’ favorite aspects of this show is that Subaru’s ability to die eternally is usually played deadly seriously.

Weak and unskilled, he's overpowered by terrifying beasts several times before figuring out how to beat them, leading to Subaru falling victim to some of the scariest scenes in non-horror anime. Rather than overpower Subaru like a typical isekai hero, Re:Zero instead forces him to use his wits, a refreshing change that makes it one of the best isekai anime.

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4 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime (2018)

Based on the light novel series by Fuse & produced by Eight Bit

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (31)

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is an action-adventure isekai anime based on the original novels written by Fuse. Living a standard life with no actual forward trajectory, Satoru Mikami's humdrum life is thrown into chaos when he is stabbed to death during a daily walk. However, Satoru's life is spared when he is reborn into the body of an all-powerful slime in a fantasy world where he gets a second chance at living a more fulfilling - albeit bizarre - life.

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Cast
Brittney Karbowski , Alexis Tipton , Anthony Bowling , Apphia Yu , Brandon Potter , Brittany Lauda , Bruce DuBose , Charles Campbell , Chris Rager , Colleen Clinkenbeard

Seasons
3

Directors
Yasuhito Kikuchi

Release Date
October 5, 2018
Streaming Service(s)
Crunchyroll

Writers
Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Main Genre
Animation

Creator(s)
Yasuhito Kikuchi

Former human Rimuru Tempest meets plenty of strong characters in That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime when he finds that he has been granted immense powers of his own when he is reborn as a humble slime in a new world. Fans enjoy its lighthearted fantasy tone and colorful characters and love Rimuru for his ability to befriend everyone he comes across, from dragons to spellcasters.

Rimuru's power is one thing, but it takes a backseat to his charisma, which gets him a lot further than magic and is the main reason the show is one of the best isekai anime.

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Related

10 Most Broken Powers in Isekai Anime

Isekai as a genre often highlights just how over-the-top powerful its protagonists can be. In some series, this is cranked up to eleven.

3 Digimon Adventure (1999)

Anime Series By Toei Animation; Created By Akiyoshi Hongo

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (35)

TV-PG

Animation

Action

Digimon Adventure (1999) follows a group of children who, while attending summer camp, are transported to the Digital World. There, they meet digital monsters called Digimon, who become their companions on a journey to save both the Digital and real worlds. The series explores themes of friendship and responsibility as the children combat various digital threats.

Cast
Toshiko Fujita , Kae Araki , Chika Sakamoto , Hiroya Ishimaru , Yoshiko Sakakibara , Yumi Tôma , Shizuka Okohira , Shoko Kikuchi

Director
Mamoru Hosoda

Release Date
October 6, 2000

Writers
Akiyoshi Hongo , Reiko Yoshida

Character(s)
Taichi Yagami , Hikari Yagami , Koromon , Taichi no chichi , Taichi no haha , Neko no Mîko , Child

Runtime
20 Minutes
Main Genre
Animation

Digimon is a massive multimedia franchise that's likely best known for its wide assortment of anime. The story changes with every new series, but they always follow a basic plot of kids teaming up with powerful creatures called Digimon to save both of their worlds from danger, a journey that typically sees the children traveling to the Digimon's homeworld, the Digital World.

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There will always be at least one Digimon series that will resonate with someone, and that's played a big part in why the franchise has endured for so many decades

Digimon is one of the oldest and most iconic examples of an isekai anime, and with the anthology nature of the franchise always allowing for different takes on its story, there's always something new to see when it comes to action, drama, and overall spectacle. There will always be at least one Digimon series that will resonate with someone, and that's played a big part in why the franchise has endured for so many decades.

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2 The Boy And The Heron (2023)

Anime Film By Studio Ghibli; Directed By Hayao Miyazaki

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (36)

Not Rated

Drama

Fantasy

Billed as the final work of famed animator Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron is a drama-fantasy film that follows a young boy named Mahito who contends with grief following the passing of his mother during World War II. Forced to evacuate to the countryside amid the war, Mahito struggles to fit into his new environment and contend with his new stepmother. However, Mahito's life is changed after meeting a strange talking Heron - setting him on a journey of self-discovery filled with magic.

Director
Hayao Miyazaki

Release Date
July 14, 2023

Studio(s)
Studio Ghibli

Distributor(s)
Toho
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki

Cast
Soma Santoki , Masaki Suda , Aimyon , Shōhei Hino , Kô Shibasaki , Takuya Kimura , Yoshino Kimura

Runtime
124 Minutes

Franchise(s)
Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli's The Boy and The Heron stars Mahito Maki, a young boy struggling to deal with his mother's death in the Pacific War. After moving to his mother's old home, a talking heron brings Mahito to another world with the promise that he can bring his mother back to life, but Mahitio's journey to do so ends up being far more complicated than he could have imagined.

All the gorgeous artwork, animation, and overall direction that Studio Ghibli is famous for is on full display in The Boy and the Heron, and when combined with its emotionally resonant narrative about overcoming loss, The Boy and the Heron becomes one of the strongest Studio Ghibli films of all time. The Boy and the Heron had an infamously long production cycle, but it was well worth the wait and is a great film even for those who don't like isekai.

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1 Spirited Away (2001)

Anime Film By Studio Ghibli; Directed By Hayao Miyazaki

20 Best Isekai Anime Of All Time (37)

PG

Animation

Family

Fantasy

Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, is an animated fantasy film that follows the enchanting journey of a young girl named Chihiro. Trapped in a mystical world after her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate a realm filled with spirits and peculiar creatures to save her family.

Where to Watch

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Not available

*Availability in US

Director
Hayao Miyazaki

Release Date
July 20, 2001

Studio(s)
Studio Ghibli

Distributor(s)
Toho
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki

Cast
Rumi Hiiragi , Miyu Irino , Mari Natsuki , Takashi Naitô , Yasuko Sawaguchi , Tsunehiko Kamijô , Takehiko Ono , Bunta Sugawara

Runtime
125 minutes

Budget
$19 Million
Main Genre
Animation

Young Chihiro ends up trapped in the spirit world, her parents transformed into pigs for stealing from the spirits and robbed of her name and memories. To return home, Chihiro draws on an inner strength she never knew she had and befriends spirits like the brash Lin and the mysterious but powerful Haku.

Related

10 Most Likable Ghibli Movie Heroes of All Time

Studio Ghibli has created some of the best and most likable heroes in all of anime, and that's especially true of 10 of their heroes, in particular.

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Spirited Away's masterfully done fantasy elements, coming-of-age story, themes of connection with the natural world and one’s own self, and stunning animation make it one of the best Studio Ghibli films and easily the best isekai anime to watch.

  • Anime

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