Best Isekai Anime

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Subhra Jit

Top 15 Best Isekai Anime of All Time that You must Watch

If you are a true fan of Isekai Anime then you must have watched all of these anime series. If not, what are you waiting for? Go watch these iconic series right now! 

In the world of anime Isekai is a genre that become very popular recently. Isekai is originally a subgenre of Japanese light novels/manga/anime/games. The stories of this genre take place in another world instead of on Earth. The premise of Isekai originally moves around the genres like action, adventure, and fantasy along with a gloomy dark tone.

As stated earlier, in the past few years, the popularity of this subgenre has reached another level. Every year we got at least a few new classics of this genre.

Here are the all-time best Isekai Anime that you must watch.

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15. Now and Then, Here and There

Now and Then, Here and There
  • AUTHOR: Hideyuki Kurata
  • Genre: Post-apocalyptic, science fiction
  • EPISODES: 13
  • Year: 1999 [First Gen Isekai]

At the very end of the list is Now and Then, Here and There which is a little different from the typical Isekai series. It is released in 1999 but still, after being told it has a different flavor to it. For those who want a break from Isekai power fantasies, this is their cup of tea. 

A very ordinary boy Shuzo Matsutani got transported into another world. Shu was trying to protect a mysterious girl, Lala-Ru, from dragon-like mechas. Now he is trapped inside this new but harsh reality of Isekai. The next 13 episodes tell us about his survival in this hell.

14. Drifters

Drifters
  • AUTHOR: Kouta Hirano
  • Genres: Adventure fiction, Dark fantasy, Isekai
  • EPISODES: 12+ 3 OVAs
  • Adapted from: Manga
  • Studio: Hoods Drifters Studio

Another series that is different from our typical Isekai. Drifters is a dark tale of fighting and surviving in place of our happy and fun Isekai series. If you like historical drama this might end up being your favorite.

 Shimazu Toyohisa a famous warrior of the Battle of Sekigahara was sent to another world. Toyohisa there meets with other famous warriors like him. They were to be a part of the group called “Drifters”. A nice combination of both different timelines and worlds with a bloody and glorious premise.

13. Gate

Gate
  • AUTHOR: Takumi Yanai
  • Genre: Fantasy, isekai
  • EPISODES: 24
  • Studio: A-1 Pictures

An Isekai where two worlds are connected through gates. A two-way Isekai where Earth is being attacked by beings from another world. This anime very beautifully connects the modern world with the fantasy world.

A “Gate” from another world opens in modern-day Ginza, Tokyo. A Japanese man Youji ends up fighting the invading forces to protect the people. Now he is directly involved with the exploring team. The idea is to create a peace treaty but if it fails it might begin the greatest war.

12. LOG-HORIZON

LOG HORIZON
  • AUTHOR: Mamare Touno
  • Genre: Adventure, fantasy, science fiction, isekai
  • EPISODES: 62
  • Studio: Studio Deen

It’s an awesome plot where multiple people from earth get teleported inside a game. An imaginary game world suddenly becomes their reality. How will they face it? This anime is full of lots of awesome characters and their personal growth.

In the 12th expansion of Elder Tale(MMORPG), thousands of Japanese players get transported inside the game. An absolutely new world with new challenges and hardships but with a lot of unknown enemies. Now our protagonist Shiroe with his friends tries to solve the problems they face in the world of the Elder tale. 

11. INUYASHA

INUYASHA
  • AUTHOR: Rumiko Takahashi
  • Genres: Adventure fiction, Fantasy, Romance
  • EPISODES: 193
  • Studio: Sunrise

A classic of this genre that was released almost over 10 years ago. This series boasts a lot of huge genres like romance, action, and fantasy. A masterpiece that shows how to create a classic Isekai. If you still haven’t watched this classic, what are you waiting for, jump in right now.

Kagome Higurashi on her 15th birthday was dragged into the Bone Eater’s Well. But after reaching the bottom of the well she realizes it’s a parallel world. She also learns about the Sengoku period. There she meets with a half-human, half-demon Inuyasha. Now their journey begins to protect the Shikon jewel from the demon Naraku.

10. The Saga of Tanya the Evil

The Saga of Tanya the Evil
  • AUTHOR: Carlo Zen
  • Genre: Fantasy; ‎Isekai‎; ‎Military‎;‎
  • EPISODES: 12
  • Studio: NUT

The saga of Tanya the Evil – is an Isekai anime that depicts an anti-hero or villain as the main character. This story is an awesome watch. People are just in love with Tanya’s character. This anime’s grim setting makes it more worthwhile to watch Tanya’s fascinating dark nature.

A Japanese salaryman on the brink of death meets an unknown god called Being X. But as he was an atheist the god condemns him and was reincarnated as a girl into a world with difficult circumstances. As Being X wants him to rely on him and have ‘faith’ in God.

Now as Tanya Degurechaff his new life begins as he contains his past life’s memories. How will she survive her fight against God?  

9. THE DEVIL IS A PART-TIMER

Sadao Maou from The Devil is a Part-Timer
  • AUTHOR: Satoshi Wagahara
  • EPISODES: 13

Satan, the Demon King of Ente Isla, while fighting the Hero Emilia gets teleported to Earth. After coming to earth he faces many troubles. Without magic, money, and a place to stay he decides to work a part-time job at McDonald’s. Now the poor life of Satan begins.

 A very unexpected plot for an Isekai. Who would have ever thought a Demon lord can also get teleported to Earth? The story of a demon lord working part-time in McDonald’s.

A very fun and engaging story with a lot of serious plot twists. This anime over the years has risen to the top Fan favorites anime list. The series is also getting a season 3 soon!

8. SWORD ART ONLINE

Adventure
  • AUTHOR: Reki Kawahara
  • EPISODES: 96

One of the most famous and fan-favorite series of the Isekai genre. Though its story is kind of interesting. The protagonist can enter the game’s virtual world willingly. Kirito’s journey to create a game where people can live their Utopian life. An anime with awesome animation and beautiful soundtracks.

In the year 2022. A massively popular VRMMORPG Sword Art Online was launched. With the NerveGear people can play the game going inside of it. But on November 6th when 10000 players log into the game they realize they can’t log out. And immediately it was cleared that they have to clear the game to log out and if they die in-game they will face real-life death also. A beta tester of the game Kazuto Kirigaya sets out to clear the game to return back. What will happen now? 

7. KonoSuba

KonoSuba
  • AUTHOR: Natsume Akatsuki
  • Genre: Fantasy comedy, Eachi
  • EPISODES: 24 + 2 OVAs
  • Studio: Studio Deen (seasons 1–2) Drive (season 3)

There are lots of Isekai anime with comedy but none is better than KonoSuba. A hilarious parody of the genre itself Konosuba lives in the heart of its fans. The ridiculous party of Kazuma, the protagonist, is the most attractive part of this series. 

What will you ask the goddess before you get reincarnated to another world? Satou Kazuma asks to bring the goddess Aqua herself with him, a decision which he comes to regret instantly. Kazuma creates a party of 4 in the world of Axel for adventuring. His allies are a Goddess, a magician, and a knight but things don’t go as Kazuma wanted. Follow these four misfits on their journey of misadventures.

6. NO GAME NO LIFE

No Game No Life
  • AUTHOR: Yuu Kamiya 
  • EPISODES: 12

 This series had been popular in the fanbase for a long time. The anime series was released in 2014 and was considered among the top 5 of that year. The concept of both sports and Isekai created this breathtaking series. So it’s not only a fan favorite for anime watchers but also good for sports fans.

Sora and Shiro two NEET siblings, under the name of Blank, were the undefeated champions of the gaming world. So a god transports them to a world where every decision is made by playing games. Now in this fantasy world, they continue their journey by defeating many tough opponents. 

5. OVERLORD

  • AUTHOR: Kugane Maruyama
  • EPISODES: 39

One of the greatest dark fantasy Isekai of all time. What will the strongest character of a game do if he gets transported into the game itself? It focuses on the feelings of a being with unlimited powers. The series is making a comeback with a movie and it’s 4th season this year.

A Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game or DMMORPG called YGGDRASIL was released in the year 2126. After 12 years of running finally it comes to an end. The strongest player Momonga stayed for the final moments of the game. But when the shut-down time arrives, Momonga finds that the game hasn’t vanished. Instead, he finds himself transported to another reality altogether along with the game’s various NPCs gaining sentience. This is a story about the psychology of a creature beyond ethical concerns with near-limitless power.

4. THE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO

Naofumi Iwatani from The Rising Of The Shield Hero
  • AUTHOR: Aneko Yusagi
  • EPISODES: 25

 If you are a fan of character development stories this anime will make your day. Iwatani after being teleported to the other world faces many problems for being the shield hero. This anime not only contains political discrimination but also covers more mature and dark plot points. A power fantasy Isekai that is standing on its own on this genre list.

Iwatani Naofumi, an easy-going Japanese student gets teleported to a parallel world along with 3 cardinal heroes. Each of the heroes was equipped with their own legendary equipment when summoned. Naofumi receives the Legendary Shield, the only defensive equipment out of the four. From there the plot gets darker. He was accused of assaulting his only member and princess Malty. After being mocked by everyone and exiled from the country, a cynical Naofumi is forced to train as a hero alone while working to make ends meet. Follow him on his way to becoming a true Hero.-

3. Re: Zero – STARTING LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD

RE:ZERO
  • AUTHOR: Tappei Nagatsuki
  • EPISODES: 50

There might be not a single Isekal list that does not include Re: Zero. In the power fantasy, Isekai’s list may be the only protagonist who is literally a regular guy. After a light-hearted beginning, this series quickly turns pretty dark. As we see our protagonist die in very brutal ways.

Subaru Natsuki gets teleported to a magic-fantasy world. But immediately after the transportation he dies protecting a girl named Emilia. But he revives some hours in the past. After dying sometimes he realizes he has the power to turn back time after his death. Now with his newfound powers, he decides to protect the people he loves. 

2. THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME

Rimuru Tempest from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
  • AUTHOR: Fuse
  • EPISODES: 48 + 5 OVAs

A typical Isekai series carrying all the classic tropes of this subgenre. The most popular anime protagonist of 2019(by Crunchyroll), is Rimuru’s legend of creating the strongest monster kingdom. This series is full of awesome and loveable characters along with a very deep political plotline.

Mikami Satoru after being stabbed to death gets reincarnated into another world as a Slime. In this new world, he meets the storm dragon Veldora and befriends him. He receives a name from him which is Rimuru Tempest. Then he starts his awesome and mesmerizing journey through this amazing world creating the strongest monster empire.

1. MUSHOKU TENSEI: JOBLESS REINCARNATION

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
  • AUTHOR: Rifujin no Magonote
  • EPISODES: 23

We are at the end of the list and Mushoku Tensei tops it. A series that shows the life of a sad and hopeless person getting another chance to his pitiful life. This series has a very beautiful tone to it which very beautifully depicts all the character’s growth individually and carefully. But this anime’s most eye-catching point is its world-building which the author has done very realistically. 

An unnamed 34-year-old NEET who dies in a car accident, wakes up in another world as a baby. He remembers everything from his past life even the traumas he went through. But after getting a bit older he realizes it’s a world of sword and sorcery. He tries to live a life he won’t regret, so he discards his past identity for his new life as Rudeus Greyrat. The story follows his new life, as he seeks to through away his past negativities and lives life to its utmost beauty.

Read More
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Conclusion

And thus our list of the 15 Best Isekai Anime of All Time ends here. I wish you liked the list. There are many more Isekai’s getting animated these years. We will update the list as soon as new animes come and overtake some of these masterpieces.

So, did your favorite Isekai anime make it to our list? tell us which one is your favorite out of these 15. Tell us in the comments below.

Also, if you feel that we have missed any anime, or have any suggestions or feedback feel free to contact us.

Thanks for reading! Bye!

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Author
Subhrajit is a university student who loves to watch anime and read manga. He has been watching anime for a long time. Now he has decided to write and share his love for anime with others.
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