25 Best Isekai Anime You Should Watch Right Now (2024)

For better or worse, isekai is one of the biggest anime genres over the last decade, leading many fans to wonder what the best isekai anime available on streaming are. The genre became famous for showcasing stories of normal people getting transported to fantastical worlds where they're often granted special powers that allow them to save their new world. Though the genre is varied, isekai excels at putting relatable characters in fantastical situations.

With such a large catalog of anime to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which isekai is the best to invest time in, especially when so many series within the genre can have similar-sounding plot lines on the surface. Regardless, there are plenty of isekai worth binge-watching that offer a fun, refreshing spin on the genre. The best isekai anime on streaming shows how broad and varied the genre truly is.

25 Re: Monster Dodges All Pretenses About Its Premise

Based on the Novels by Kogitsune Kanekiru

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Re: Monster

TV-14

Animation

Adventure

Fantasy

A man is brutally murdered and reincarnated as a goblin in a brutal fantasy world. Retaining his past life's memories and with a unique power to gain the abilities of creatures he consumes, he rises from a lowly goblin to a powerful leader. Along the way, he faces fierce battles and challenges, growing stronger as he builds a new life of survival and dominance.

Cast

Takuya Sato , Kenta Hosoda , Ai Kakuma , Kana Ueda , Aya Yamane , Nichika Ōmori , Mai Kanno , Hibiku Yamamura , Miyuri Shimabukuro , Hisako Tōjō , Nene Hieda

Character(s)

Gobrou , Gobkichi , Gobmi , Gobe , Hobsei , Hobsato , Short red hair , Sisters-san , Blacksmith-san , Alchemist-san , Rubilia

Release Date

April 1, 2024

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Main Genre

Animation

Isekai anime are bound by fans to the three-episode rule just as any other anime is, with Re:Monster taking no time to go to some weird, fanservicey places. The series has an interesting premise: the main character is murdered and then reborn as Gobrou, a baby goblin. He uses his existing experience from his previous life to become a dominant hunter and leader quickly, forming a group of survivors around him in this fantasy world.

However, as he gains levels in this world by tackling stronger threats, he becomes more powerful, eventually becoming a hobgoblin, ascending to greater roles such as ogre and beyond. With this comes greater power but also a more virile potential, at which point he quickly forms a harem.

The result is Re:Monster creating one of the most talked-about scenes in 2024, embodying many of the tropes of isekai anime, but surprisingly doing it all at once and then building upon it.

24 Sword Art Online Introduced a Passionate Generation to Isekai Anime

Based on the Novels by Reki Kawahara

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Sword Art Online

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Sword Art Online is an anime series that follows protagonist Kirito as he and thousands of others become trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG where death in the game means death in real life. Kirito must navigate this perilous and immersive world to find a way to escape, facing numerous challenges and building alliances along the way. The series explores themes of survival, friendship, and the blurring line between reality and fantasy.

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Cast

Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Haruka Tomatsu , Ayana Taketatsu , Miyuki Sawashiro , Ai Kayano

Release Date

July 8, 2012

Seasons

4

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Reki Kawahara

While .hack and The Twelve Kingdoms serve as the proto-isekai subgenre before it took off, Sword Art Online is credited with starting the craze. After Kirito, Asuna, and a collective of 10,000 players are suddenly trapped in the eponymous game world, challenged to reach the top floor of Aincrad in exchange for their freedom, under threat of real death should they die in the game, it is an immediately enticing premise.

However, it's also inspired countless anime sequels, adaptations from other character perspectives, and video games where the idea of an MMORPG as an isekai word became an anime staple.Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Sword Art Online is how it juggles action and romance.

Kirito and Asuna develop a beautiful bond while trapped inside a game. Subsequent seasons explore the pair and their potential to fall for each other in the real world outside of SAO. Given the video game premise, it's unsurprising yet undeniably impressive that the series gets new game releases annually.

23 Log Horizon Is Isekai Comfort Food

Based on the Novels 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

Character(s)

Akatsuki , Shiroe , Nyanta , Naotsugu , Minori , Marielle

Release Date

October 5, 2013

Seasons

3

Directors

Shinji Ishihira

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Toshizo Nemoto

See Also

Best Isekai Anime That Only Had One Season40 Best Isekai Anime Worth Watching (Our Top Recommendations) – FandomSpotThe 35 Best Isekai Anime Streaming On CrunchyrollWhat Is Isekai? The 20 Best Isekai Anime Series of All Time

Influenced by the isekai boom generated from Sword Art Online's anime release in 2012, Log Horizon is bound to be examined with a critical eye, especially with a similar MMORPG premise which suddenly traps thirty thousand Japanese players. Shiroe is the series protagonist, who teams up with other players to face the challenges of a game world that is suddenly and inescapably their reality.

The series focuses on sticking to the mechanics of Elder Tale, the fictional game world, sometimes emphasizing immersion more than hype or spectacle to make a worthwhile isekai anime alternative to Sword Art Online. With Log Horizon not having confirmed any new episodes beyond season 3, now is a perfect opportunity to check the series out.

Dismissing the show as too similar to SAO and other MMORPG isekai anime would be a reductive exercise, as it's got a passionate and appreciative viewer base. Log Horizon is reasonably paced and great for diving into the isekai genre.

22 Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is Weird but Creative

Based on the Light Novel Created By Hirukuma, Itsuwa Kato, & Yūki Hagure

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Fantasy

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon follows a man who is reincarnated as a vending machine and navigates life in a fantastical dungeon, relying on adventurers for help and discovering unexpected new purposes.

Where to Watch

• stream
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Not available

*Availability in US

Cast

Jun Fukuyama , Kaede Hondo , greg johnson , Kazuya Nakai , Shiki Aoki , Ai Kayano , Miyu Tomita , Bradley Gareth , Daiki Yamashita , Jun'ya Enoki , Toshiki Iwasawa , Chiyuri Ito , Atsushi Miyauchi , Yûko Okui , Taketora , Rena Maeda , Shin'ya Takahashi , Marisa Duran , Shiori Izawa , Yu Serizawa

Release Date

July 5, 2023

Seasons

1

Reborn as a Vending Machine might be a new anime, but it's already one of the weirdest takes on isekai ever made. The series focuses on a nameless protagonist (referred to as Boxxo by the series' characters) who is crushed by a vending machine and wakes up in a fantasy world as a vending machine.

Far from a normal vending machine though, Boxxo has access to everything he had ever bought from a vending machine in his previous life.

As silly as that seems, the resulting series finds plenty of clever uses for Boxxo's wares, making this isekai anime incredibly creative. Any interested fan can check out the first season of this hot new isekai anime which just finished airing on Crunchyroll!

21 Digimon Adventure Offers a Different Take on Isekai

Based on the Toy Franchise Created By Bandai

Digimon Adventure

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

Release Date

October 6, 2000

Director

Mamoru Hosoda

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

Though Digimon Adventure probably isn't the first series that comes to mind when fans think isekai, the seminal anime fits the genre quite well. Instead of one protagonist whisked off to a world where they're overpowered, Digimon Adventure sees a group of eight children band together to brave the wilds of the Digital World alongside their digital companions.

Digimon Adventure is certainly not without fault, but the series holds up surprisingly well. Old fans looking for nostalgia and new fans looking for a different take on what an isekai anime could be should check out this classic which is currently streaming on Hulu.

20 The Rising of the Shield Hero's Anime Becomes More Enjoyable Than the Light Novels

Based on the Light Novel by Aneko Yusagi

The Rising of the Shield Hero

TV-14

Animation

Action & Adventure

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Drama

The Rising of the Shield Hero is a Japanese anime series based on Aneko Yusagi's light novel series. The story follows Naofumi Iwatani, a young man who is summoned to a parallel world along with three other heroes to save the world of Melromarc from destruction. However, Naofumi is betrayed and belittled, and he sets out on a journey for revenge and redemption.

Cast

Kaito Ishikawa , Asami Seto , Rina Hidaka

Release Date

January 9, 2019

Seasons

2

The Rising of the Shield Hero is a fairly typical isekai anime series, but Studio Kinema Citrus handles the production, elevating its execution as an anime to a greater level. Naofumi Iwatani is whisked away to another world and recruited to the Cardinal Heroes, who must fight back the cross-dimensional hordes of monsters known as the Waves.

However, during his quest, one noteworthy event is when he is accused of sexual assault, destroying his reputation and fracturing his initially welcoming personality. Naofumi is an interesting isekai protagonist, given more space to explore the depths of his cynicism while not ditching his humanity outright in the anime, unlike the light novels for The Rising of the Shield Hero.

It's proven popular among anime viewers due to this, while retaining other fantasy isekai tropes, with likable enough characters to help the crucial betrayal of the series really sink in. It's how these formative events darken Naofumi's perception of this new world, rather than him gradually embracing it, that makes this a compelling premise.

Based on the Novels by Satori Tanabata

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Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Action

Fantasy

Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I'm Not the Demon Lord follows a college student reincarnated as Yumiella, a hidden antagonist in an Otome RPG. Her attempt at a quiet life backfires when she reaches level 99, leading to mistaken suspicions of her being the Demon Lord.

Release Date

January 9, 2024

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Satori Tanabata

While the title is word soup, it brings plenty of spice in the form of varied perspectives and self-awareness to the isekai anime genre. After dying in an accident, Yumiella Dolkness is reincarnated as the final boss of the Otome RPG "Light Magic and the Hero" where isekai power fantasy tropes are quickly explored, rapidly making her overpowered.

However, instead of many typical isekai series that abandon the old world for much of their plots, Villainess Level 99 connects the two in interesting ways.Yumiella as a protagonist is fascinating in this series, not necessarily for her depth but for her self-perception and, at times, apathy.

But what's more interesting is the series' relationship with the real world; Yumiella and her allies are in a game world, so the possibility of a human player controlling their actions is fascinating in Villainess Level 99. It adds to an overall trend of redemption arc stories, portraying villainesses not just in isekai anime but in other popular media, such as villainess isekai manhwa.

18 Inuyasha is a Foundational Isekai Series

Based on the Manga Created By Rumiko Takahashi

Inuyasha (2000)

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

Seasons

7

Writers

Rumiko Takahashi

Directors

Yasunao Aoki , Masashi Ikeda , Tatsuya Ishihara

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Rumiko Takahashi

Another classic anime that is actually an isekai in retrospect is Inuyasha. The series follows a young woman named Kagome who is mysteriously transported back in time to Feudal Japan where she meets the titular half-demon Inuyasha. From there the series develops and increasingly complex mythology as it's revealed that Kagome is actually the reincarnation of a priestess named Kikyo who plays an important role in Inuyasha's backstory.

Though the result is quite different from a modern isekai anime, Inuyasha actually shares more in common with its spiritual successor than first appearances suggest. Any fan of isekai anime owes it to themselves to check out this classic streaming on Netflix.

17 .hack//SIGN Established Popular Isekai Tropes

Based on the Franchise Created By Cyber Connect 2

.hack//Sign

TV-14

Sci-Fi

Adventure

Mystery

Fantasy

Drama

Set within the vast online game "The World," .hack//Sign follows Tsukasa, a player who discovers he's unable to log out and is physically affected by the game. Surrounded by a mysterious aura and accompanied by a strange guardian entity, Tsukasa navigates complex player interactions and a deeper conspiracy that blurs the lines between virtual and real.

Cast

Mitsuki Saiga , Megumi Toyoguchi , Kazuhiro Nakata , Kaori Nazuka , Akiko Hiramatsu , Hiroshi Yanaka , Shinichirô Miki

Release Date

April 4, 2002

Seasons

1

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Franchise(s)

.hack

Writers

Kazunori Itô

Directors

Kōichi Mashimo

Main Genre

Sci-Fi

Creator(s)

Kazunori Itô

.hack//SIGN is an important isekai anime that established many tropes that are foundational to the genre. The series established the formula later codified by hits like Sword Art Online of having a cast of characters stuck in an MMO world and trying to get out. Arguably more so than any of its successors though, .hack does interesting things with this premise as it builds a genuinely interesting mystery around why people are trapped in its game world.

The series' increased emphasis on mystery and introspection might not appeal to every isekai fan, but those who are curious will probably be hooked. Fortunately for anyone looking into watching this seminal isekai anime, it's currently streaming for free on Tubi.

16 No Longer Allowed in Another World Explores an Unwilling Isekai Protagonist

Based on the Manga by Hiroshi Nada

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No Longer Allowed in Another World

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

No Longer Allowed in Another World is a quirky adventure featuring Osamu, a disenchanted early 20th-century author who becomes an unwilling hero in a fantastical realm. Despite possessing superpowers and attracting charming companions, Osamu's primary quest remains finding solitude to meet his end, continually interrupted by heroic escapades.

Character(s)

Sensei , Dragon , The Pope , Annette , Kotaro , Archbishop Elton , Otto , Tuxedo Man

Release Date

July 9, 2024

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Animation

Creator(s)

Noda Hiroshi

No Longer Allowed in Another World explores an isekai story where its protagonist, known only as Sensei, doesn't wish to participate in the new fantasy world he's sent to; he and his girlfriend no longer wish to be alive. After the typical isekai trope of being sent to a fantasy world by getting hit by a truck, Sensei doesn't show any improved stats and bucks the notion of becoming a hero to take on the Dark Lord. While Sensei seeks out Sacchan, his girlfriend, he meets Annette, who is surprisingly charmed by his dark temperament in this isekai deconstruction.

The prospect of such a change is naturally controversial. After all, isekai anime is often a form of escapism for viewers, but No Longer Allowed in Another World explores different personalities who may react unusually to this fantasy trope. The series can be dark at times as a result, but is also a rewarding and deep experience as one of the more fascinating new anime of Summer 2024.

15 Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy- Summons Readers to the Goddess' World

Based on the Novels by Kei Azumi

Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy

TV-14

Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy follows Makoto Misumi, an ordinary high school student who is transported to another world as a hero but is quickly abandoned by the goddess of the new world due to his appearance. Resigned to living on the fringes, he starts to explore his new environment, meeting various non-human races and gaining extraordinary powers. The series chronicles his adventures and challenges in a fantastical realm.

Cast

Natsuki Hanae , Ayane Sakura , Akari Kitō , Saori Hayami , Yukiyo Fujii , Shinpachi Tsuji , Yurika Kubo , Aiko Ninomiya , Reina Ueda , Tomoaki Maeno , Yuuki Shin , Yuna Kamakura , Saika Kitamori , Kazuhiko Inoue , Masaharu Satô , Taku Yashiro , Lynn , Minami Tanaka

Character(s)

Makoto , Tomoe , Mio , Emma , Rona , Beren , Toa , Rinon , the Goddess , Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto , Hazal , Louisa , Ranina , Patrick Rembrandt , Morris , Lime Latte , Aqua , Eris

Release Date

July 7, 2021

Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy —is now two seasons in and is a strong example of the recent wave of popular isekai anime dominating 2024. Makoto Misumi features in this adventure, summoned to the Goddess' World from Earth. The series features a blend of typical isekai tropes, including RPG and leveling mechanics, as well as flaws in the system initially misinterpreting Makoto's overpowered potential.

The series' second season was among the most well-received anime of the Winter 2024 season, alongside mainstays like Kingdom. It's undeniably popular, blending Japanese mythological elements , including the moon goddess, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, along with other fantasy mainstays and appearances from legendary creatures from around the world.

As isekai anime continues to grow its presence among viewers, especially with Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy—continuing to release novels and manga in the present, viewers can expect more adventures with Makoto in the future.

14 Sonny Boy is an Underrated Gem

Original Anime Series Created By Shingo Natsume & Studio Madhouse

Sonny Boy

TV-14

Animation

Drama

Mystery

Sonny Boy is an enigmatic anime series created by Shingo Natsume. It follows a group of high school students who are mysteriously transported to another dimension, where they discover they possess unique powers. As they navigate this unfamiliar world, the students face challenges that test their understanding of reality and their place within it. The series combines elements of science fiction and psychological drama to explore themes of identity and existence.

Where to Watch

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Cast

Derrick Snow , Luci Christian , Tia Ballard , Daman Mills , Siddhartha Minhas , Ry McKeand , Lauren Landa , Patrick Seitz , David Mataranga

Release Date

July 16, 2021

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Mystery

Creator(s)

Shingo Natsume

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Writers

Shingo Natsume

Directors

Shingo Natsume

More so than almost any other anime, Sonny Boy shows off the wide and deep potential of isekai. The series follows a group of high school students who are mysteriously transported to a black void, and then to an island, while they develop special powers. What sets Sonny Boy apart is its introspective nature and its outright refusal to be anything close to wish fulfillment.

The young protagonists might be freed from the pressures adults place on them, but that pressure is replaced with a far deeper uneasiness. The result is mind-blowing in a way all the best fantasy anime are. Though Sonny Boy might be a different take on isekai anime, its one well worth seeking out on Crunchyroll.

13 Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is Surprisingly Entertaining

Based on the Light Novel By Ren Eguchi

Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill

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

Main Genre

Action

Creator(s)

Ren Eguchi

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Writers

Ren Eguchi , K Akagishi , Momo Futaba

Showrunner

Crunchyroll

Animated by the legendary studio MAPPA, Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is a gorgeously produced series that provides a cozy, refreshing spin on isekai. The series follows Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a salaryman who accidentally gets summoned into another world to defend the Kingdom of Reijseger against their foes.

In a twist, Mukouda talks his way out of being the Kingdom's hero because his out-of-battle skill, "Online Supermarket," is deemed virtually useless. As a result, Mukouda takes up life as a merchant and adventurer, discovering that his skill is anything but useless.

He's able to whip up a variety of dishes which eventually catches the attention of a mythical wolf named Fel, and the pair negotiate a partnership wherein Fel will become Mukouda's familiar in exchange for more food. While nothing groundbreaking, Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is immensely entertaining from start to finish and never takes itself too seriously.

12 Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion is a Blend of Isekai, Mystery and Romance

Based on the Web Novel By Milcha

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Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion

TV-14

Animation

Comedy

Mystery

Fantasy

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion follows a modern woman who is reincarnated into a dangerous world within a novel she read. She assumes the role of Raeliana McMillan, the murder-bound fiancée of a minor noble. To change her fate, Raeliana strikes a deal with Duke Noah Wynknight, which leads to unexpected twists and intricate politics in a world of aristocracy and intrigue.

Release Date

April 10, 2023

Main Genre

Animation

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Providing a unique twist on the concept of "being born into another world," Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion follows Rinko Hanasaki after being reborn as a minor character from a novel named Raeliana McMillan, the eldest daughter of a baron who lived a relatively carefree life until she is eventually killed by her fiancé, Francis Brooks. With this knowledge, Raeliana is determined to break off her engagement with Lord Brooks and seeks help from the main protagonist of the novel – Duke Noah Wynknight.

Remembering everything about him from the book, she proposes a deal to the Duke: she won't reveal his secrets if he takes her as his fiancé. A romance with an intriguing mystery surrounding its male lead, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion succeeds in delivering a heart-pounding story that forces audiences to keep him at arm's length up until the very end.

11 The Eminence in Shadow is an Edgy Comedy

Based on the Light Novel Created By Daisuke Aizawa & Tōzai

The Eminence in Shadow

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

The Eminence in Shadow follows Minoru Kageno – a young man obsessed with the idea of becoming stronger than anybody else. This need for power doesn't stem from a desire for recognition or a feeling of inadequacy, in fact, Minoru does everything he can to blend in with the crowd. After a tragic truck accident, Minoru is convinced in his dying moments that his ambitions have been thwarted, that is, until he wakes up as a noble child named Cid in a world where magic is commonplace.

The Eminence in Shadow's story prides itself on being edgy as a means to elevate its comedic moments and succeeds in every possible way. With his ability to use magic, Cid finally has the power he so longed for in his previous life. He dons the moniker "Shadow" and forms a group called the Shadow Garden that fights back against the fictional Cult of Diablos – a group that Cid has seemingly made up. Intriguing while never taking itself too seriously, The Eminence in Shadow is the perfect tongue-in-cheek comedy isekai for fans of traditionally "edgy" content.

10 The Twelve Kingdoms Was Isekai Before It Was Cool for Anime Fans

Based on the Manga by Fuyumi Ono and Akihiro Yamada

The Twelve Kingdoms

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

Much like Inuyasha, The Twelve Kingdoms embodies early isekai anime tropes, with this series being handled by the Naruto and Bleach studio, Pierrot. Portals across Japan and China send people inadvertently to one of the thirteen islands surrounded by the Kyokai or "Void Sea". It's a fascinating world with complicated lore from an era where anime was much more niche and intimidating to approach for newcomers. Still, as a result, this is among the top recommendations for isekai fans seeking something unique.

The protagonist of The Twelve Kingdoms is Yoko Nakajima, whose world is suddenly under attack by beasts from this other world. When she meets a Kirin from this world, Keiki, who swears his allegiance to her on the spot, she is eventually sent to the Twelve Kingdoms. Despite being initially weak, Yoko grows as a warrior in this gorgeous and wonderfully animated series.

9 Uncle from Another World Reveals the Untold Side of Isekai Stories

Based on the Manga Created By Hotondoshindeiru

Uncle From Another World

TV-MA

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Uncle From Another World is a Netflix original anime series that premiered in 2022. Created by Hotondoshindeiru, Uncle From Another World centers on Takafumi's uncle, who after waking up from a 17-year coma, suddenly has magical powers and the ability to speak a mysterious language.

Cast

Takehito Koyasu , Jun Fukuyama , Feodor Chin , Mikako Komatsu , Haruka Tomatsu , Victoria Grace

Release Date

July 20, 2022

Seasons

1

Main Genre

Adventure

Creator(s)

Hotondoshindeiru

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Hotondoshindeiru , Kenta Ihara

Directors

Shigeki Kawai

Technically classified as a reverse isekai, Uncle from Another World is an underrated comedy series that gives a glimpse into what happens when somebody who's been transported to another world comes home. After being in a coma for seventeen years, Takafumi Takaoka's uncle, Yosuke "Ojisan" Shibazaki, regains consciousness and begins to recount his adventures in the magical world of Granbahamal. Takafumi dismisses his uncle's stories until he witnesses him use magic, which inspires the pair to start a YouTube channel showcasing his abilities from his other life.

Additionally, Takafumi is tasked with getting his uncle caught up on everything that's changed in the world in the last seventeen years. Everything from the modern internet to the results of the infamous '90s console war are treated as earth-shattering world developments. While absurdist at times, Uncle from Another World's fresh look at what could potentially happen when an isekai protagonist's journey comes to an end is nothing short of hilarious, making it the perfect summer binge-watch.

8 Shangri-La Frontier Pure Isekai Fun

Based on the Novels by Katarina

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8.5/10

Shangri-La Frontier

Animation

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

Rakurō Hizutome, a high school student known for mastering poorly made games, takes on the challenge of a highly rated VR MMORPG. Diving into the complex and immersive world, he bypasses tutorials and jumps straight into action, uncovering hidden secrets and formidable monsters along the way.

Release Date

October 1, 2023

Main Genre

Animation

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Isekai anime have a common cliché dictating that the protagonists sent to their respective world are trapped there, but this isn't always the case in the genre. The MMORPG Shangri-La Frontier is Rakurō Hizutome's escape from burnout after playing mounds of trash games. The series is for gamers who appreciate both great and terrible titles for their merits, with Rakurō, known as Sunraku, using the talents and patience he has honed as a trash gamer to carve a unique path for himself in this new game world.

Shangri-La Frontier never takes itself too seriously, yet its animation by C2C is exceptional and engaging in depicting action and humor. It smartly wields isekai anime tropes while standing as an example of how the genre can still provide something new despite becoming increasingly overcrowded. Few anime feature a man donning a goofy bird mask and inspiring legions of fans to follow, especially since Pieyon has yet to get his Oshi no Ko spinoff greenlit.

7 My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Brings Isekai to Shojo Anime

Based on the Light Novel Created By Satoru Yamaguchi & Nami Hidaka

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6/10

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

Animation

Comedy

Drama

Fantasy

Romance

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is an anime series about Katarina Claes, who reincarnates as a video game villainess and attempts to avoid the game's fatal outcomes by thwarting the plot’s preordained events.

Where to Watch

• stream
• rent
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Not available

*Availability in US

Cast

Inori Minase , Maaya Uchida , Miho Okasaki , Azumi Waki , Shouta Aoi , Tetsuya Kakihara , Tatsuhisa Suzuki , Yoshitsugu Matsuoka , Saori Hayami , Toshiki Masuda

Release Date

April 4, 2020

Seasons

2

Writers

Megumi Shimizu

Growing up as a young noble, Catarina Claes suddenly regains all her memories from her past life after an accident in her family's home. She realizes that she's been reborn as the main antagonist of her favorite dating sim, Fortune Lover, and that she's fated to die in every possible ending of the story.

Using her knowledge of the game's events, Catarina is determined to try and change her fate, unaware that the choices she's making are affecting everyone else's stories, too. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is an expressive and charming romantic comedy, sporting a large cast of lovable characters and an even more lovable protagonist.

Catarina, despite trying her best, is rather aloof and fails to realize just how important she is to the people around her, believing that her tragic fate could be lurking around every corner.

6 Overlord Feels like a D&D Campaign Come to Life

Based on the Novels by Kugane Maruyama

Overlord

Adventure

Overlord follows a salaryman who, after being trapped in a virtual reality game, assumes the role of an all-powerful skeletal overlord. As he navigates this new world filled with magic and mythical creatures, he seeks to understand the game's mysteries and conquer its challenges. The series blends elements of fantasy and adventure, exploring themes of power and identity.

Where to Watch

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Not available

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*Availability in US

Cast

Satoshi Hino , Chris Guerrero , Yumi Hara

Release Date

July 7, 2015

Seasons

4

Overlord blends classic isekai concepts, complete with salaryman and full-dive MMORPG player Momonga refusing to leave the fictional YGGDRASIL servers even as they're shutting down. While staying on the servers, Momonga discovers that nothing has shut down past midnight; instead, he is trapped in his game avatar without logging out. However, surrounded by loyal NPC minions, Momonga indulges a fascinating power fantasy where he rules over his cohorts as a menacing lich overlord.

The result is a fascinating blend of isekai anime tropes, with the twist that the main character becomes a powerful, villainous presence, a trend seemingly more common in dark fantasy manhwa lately. The series is an interesting experiment, and tabletop RPG fans will appreciate the creativity of the premise, allowing its characters to play a role other than the generic "hero" with the talents they're given. Perhaps the strongest appeal for Overlord over other isekai anime is its excellent animation by Madhouse.

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