26 Best Isekai Anime One Must Watch

The Isekai genre has been on the rise recently, with more and more anime adaptations being made.

Thanks to the abundance of Isekai manga, video games, and current anime adaptations, this subgenre has seen a huge growth in recent years, resulting in some absolutely enjoyable series.

What Is Isekai Genre?

Isekai originates from Japan and can be translated to “another world” or “otherworld.” It also signifies a genre of light novels, manga, anime, and video games.

The Isekai genre is about characters who find themselves in other worlds and have to figure out how to survive while also completing a mission or quest.

Some of the most well-known and universally acclaimed anime classics reside in the isekai genre.

This fact speaks to the explosively popular quality of these stories, which allows for an incredible scope for creativity and storytelling.

Because of its open-ended premise, Isekai animation employs innovation and boundary-pushing liberally.

Isekai fans are drawn to both its accessibility and the creative potential it provides. This puts the realistic and beautifully visualized worlds of Isekai anime at the top of anyone’s list.

The characters in isekai anime are usually eccentric, imaginative gems that bring the stories to life. Isekai anime is so popular because it takes clichés and turns them into something better.

If the synopsis sounds like something you might enjoy, check out some of our top picks for the Best Isekai anime.

What Are Best Isekai Anime To Watch?

26. Magic Knight Rayearth

• Episodes: 49
• Number of Seasons: 2 + 1 Special + 1 OVA (3 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 7.48
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Funimation

Magic Knight Rayearth is a fantastic anime with much more going on than meets the eye. In Cephiro, a place that strongly emphasises individual will, three schoolgirls are transported, and they soon find themselves on a quest to save a princess.

Magic Knight Rayearth, a reasonably safe action-adventure game, starts off by telling a fun story with funny characters, thrilling battles, and entertaining villains.

The anime gradually gets darker as the plot advances, which is a move that benefits the series. Despite beginning as relatively clichéd, the three leads mature quite a bit, especially in the second season.

The plot turns that take place are unexpected in terms of the overall plot and the characters.

The action scenes are also quite good, flowing and well-thought-out. Magic Knight Rayearth is worth watching and can be enjoyed by most anime viewers.

25. Princess Connect! Re:Dive

• Episodes: 28
• Number of Seasons: 2 + 1 ONA (3 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Gourmet
• MAL Ratings: 7.05
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll

Anime adaptations of mobile games are mostly considered a money-making scheme. This anime genre usually needs to be better received by the audience, but Princess Connect proves this wrong.

Princess Connect follows a plot where a man is mysteriously transported to a new world. He has no memories; still, he manages to form a guild and get surrounded by girls. But by the end, he is not important.

Princess Connect! Re: Dive is the pinnacle of adorable females doing cute things in anime. It’s not a ground-breaking concept, but Princess Connect! Re: Dive uses stereotype tropes to create an engaging show.

This series is a lot of fun since it has a great balance of excellent action scenes, wonderful comedy, and slice-of-life stories.

24. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious

• Episodes: 12
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 7.49
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV, Netflix

Isekai characters tend to be strong fighters who charge into battle without thinking. Although these heroes deserve praise, they could be more relatable and approachable.

Fortunately, Seiya from Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious stands in for the cowards who only engage in combat when they are 100% certain they will win.

When the goddess Ristarte summons Seiya to help her save her planet, which is on the verge of extinction, she receives a hero who will only step up when he is confident in his skills.

Most people would find it irritating, but in light of Seiya’s situation, it’s actually a reasonable response.

Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered, yet Overly Cautious is an amusing adventure based on the love/hate relationship between Seiya and Ristarte.

Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious is mostly driven by humor and makes the most of the distinctive thinking of its protagonist.

The humor is bizarre, such as the protagonist blasting up an entire town only to ensure that he successfully killed the level 1 slime.

Since Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious is so humorous and upbeat that it nearly feels like an Isekai parody, fans of the genre should still watch it.

23. Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions

• Episodes: 12
• Number of Seasons: 1 + 1 Special
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 7.65
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, VRV, Netflix

The premise of Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions is similar to any other isekai anime with a video game or mobile game theme.

Man falls and awakens in an unknown world. This world is full of MMO clichés, and he must survive in this environment.

While the universe of Grimgar may draw inspiration from MMOs, it is not restricted by their rules, which distinguishes it from most other shows.

Grimgar has grave risks that would be inconsequential in other anime, and death cannot be lightly dismissed.

We have a large main cast of equal importance, none of whom possess past memories or can metagame, and none of them are powerful. In reality, they’re all rather bad at what they do.

22. Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play

• Episodes: 65
• Number of Seasons: 1 + 3 OVAs
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• MAL Ratings: 7.62
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, VRV

Despite not being unwatchable, Fushigi Yugi is a lesser-known classic that has yet to hold up well over the past 25 years.

Miaka discovers she is a priestess who will be essential to summoning a deity after reading a book that transports her to another realm.

Despite its issues, Fushigi Yugi is a compelling series. This anime desperately needs a modern remake, given that its animation was barely passable in the middle of the 1990s.

Reading about the love triangle and the perfectly created fantasy world is fascinating.

21. Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri

• Episodes: 24
• Number of Seasons: 2
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 7.69
• Where to Stream: Hulu, HIDIVE, Netflix

A portal to a parallel world opens in Japan, unleashing an army of invaders from a fantasy realm.

The JSDF fights back and, following the battle, dispatches a group of soldiers to explore the new parallel universe.

Itami, an otaku, and three girls who are typical isekai female characters make up this group. Itami is a capable lead character supported by a diverse cast of characters.

Gate is an anime that recounts both a conventional and a reversed isekai plot.

20. Ya Boy Kongming!

• Episodes: 12
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genre: Comedy
• MAL Ratings: 8.22
• Where to Stream: HIDIVE

Ya Boy Kongming! is a delightful anime from spring 2022. This Isekai series takes a ludicrous plot and nails it perfectly. The main character is a great Chinese strategist from the Three Kingdoms Period.

After dying in his era, he is reincarnated in modern Tokyo. In his new life, Kongming becomes the manager of an aspiring singer, Eiko Tsukimi.

Using his intelligence and a sharp mind, he helps Eiko pursue her dream of stardom.

Ya Boy Kongming! oozes positivity. The anime shows a warm relationship between the two characters.

This isekai anime has a slightly different plot than the others on the list. Rather than taking place in a parallel world or digital world, the anime is just like some idol anime.

At first glance, the plot might come off as silly, but the anime takes a deep dive into the idol world, which makes the audience root for the characters.

19. Drifters

• Episodes: 41
• Number of Seasons: 1 + 2 Special + 3 OVAs (5 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 7.90
• Where to Stream: Netflix

It is a fantasy series that pits historical figures against each other in a battle between good and evil.

Drifters act as the resistance force against the Ends, who are an oppressive regime.

This leads to some great moments, such as when Toyohisa Shimazu faces off against Jeanne d’Arc.

The series is relatively short, which may be seen as a negative, but the available content is excellent.

18. Ascendance Of A Bookworm

• Episodes: 12
• Number of Seasons: 3 + 1 Special (2 Episodes) + 1 OVA (1 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genre: Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 8.01
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, VRV, Netflix

There is nothing wrong with wanting to escape from reality and enjoy a fantasy adventure without much tension, which is what anime can provide. Isekai is perfect for this purpose, but a few shows go against the grain.

One such example is Ascendance of a Bookworm’s Urano Motosu, who is reincarnated as the poor and fragile Myne in a fantasy world with a clear social class divide. Myne chooses to create her own books, as she has no access.

The protagonist of Ascendance of a Bookworm is likeable and motivated by an uncommon goal, which is not common in anime. This isekai anime explores and tackles complex issues with a mature approach.

If you’re a fan of Isekai anime, this may be something out of the ordinary for you.

Ascendence of a Bookworm examines more of the everyday life of a bookworm than it does, dressing itself up as a fantasy adventure.

17. The Twelve Kingdoms

• Episodes: 45
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 8.03
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, RetroCrush, Peacock, Tubi, VRV

The Twelve Kingdoms is a popular novel series by Fuyumi Ono that has been turned into an anime. The anime focuses on the kingdom of Kei, which ancient China and its mythology inspire.

Yoko Nakajima, the main character, is an endearing person who faces numerous difficulties. You will become engrossed in the plot since it is so engaging.

You become more curious as you eagerly wait for each episode, anticipating how the characters will respond.

16. Welcome To Demon School! Iruma-kun

• Episodes: 65
• Number of Seasons: 3
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genre: Comedy, Adventure, Fantasy
• MAL Ratings: 7.75
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, VRV, Netflix

Iruma Suzuki is a very unlucky 14-year-old, and things seem to get worse when his parents sell him to a demon.

However, he is surprised that life as the grandson of the demon school’s principal is actually quite good; in fact, it is awesome.

Iruma must nevertheless behave convincingly as a demon if he wants to avoid becoming someone’s dinner because he is a human living in the Netherworld.

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun is a shonen story that delivers action, comedy, romance, and adventure well.

Iruma is likeable, and the series is supported by a strong cast of characters who each contribute something special.

Welcome to Demon School! is unlike the other anime on the list. Iruma-kun features a loveable cast. They have not overpowered characters, just plain and simple.

15. The Misfit of Demon King Academy

• Episodes: 13
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Action
• MAL Ratings: 7.38
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Netflix

Approximately 2000 years after the Demon King Anos Voldigoad and the Human Hero Kanon ended their respective races’ war, Anos is reborn as a teenager in the modern age.

He’s surprised that the demon society has become prejudiced against purebred demons and hybrids.

Vowing to return his race to its former glory, Anos enrolls in the Demon King Academy and starts making changes one after another.

The Misfit of Demon King Academy is exactly what you’d expect from a typical isekai with an overpowered protagonist–except for its shocking plot.

14. Saga Of Tanya The Evil

• Episodes: 12
• Number of Seasons: 1 + 2 Movies + 1 Special + 1 ONA (1 Episode)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Action
• MAL Ratings: 7.97
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, VRV, Netflix

On rare occasions, an isekai anime will feature a protagonist who is either an anti-hero or a villain. Youjo Senki, or “The Saga of Tanya the Evil,” is one such anime.

The main character, Tanya Degurechaff, is detached and emotionless, but this blends nicely given how the tone of the show is serious.

When a man on the brink of death challenges Being X, a self-proclaimed god, to a battle of wits, he is reincarnated as a young little girl in an all-out war-torn world.

Using her knowledge from a past life of real-world wars, she is out to prove Being X wrong and survive in the new world.

13. The Vision of Escaflowne

• Episodes: 26
• Number of Seasons: 1 + 1 Movie + 1 Special (4 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Action
• MAL Ratings: 7.67
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix

The Vision of Escaflowne was great when it came out in 1996, and its appeal has hardly diminished over time. Hitomi Kanzaki is mysteriously transported into a new world called Gaea.

Since this is a different world, the architecture feels familiar but, at the same time, foreign.

This fantasy world is filled with mecha. She also meets a prince named Van Fanel, who initially seems spoiled but ultimately becomes much more complex.

The Vision of Escaflowne is a mixture of many genres as it tries to appeal to both male and female audiences.

What sets it apart from other shows is how expertly action, adventure, and romance are balanced.

Though the anime is outdated, the animation stays exactly the same throughout the series.

12. Log Horizon

• Episodes: 62
• Number of Seasons: 3
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Action
• MAL Ratings: 7.93
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix

Log Horizon is a smart and well-paced show that stands out from other MMORPG-based isekai by focusing on the main characters’ efforts to build the kind of world they have always dreamed of.

The show uses action effectively without relying on it too heavily during slower moments. It uses action to depict the challenges of forming a new society and ensuring a peaceful life.

Though the pacing can sometimes be slow, Log Horizon is one of the most creative and engaging isekai anime ever.

With the typical introduction of the main character who “has no defects,” Log Horizon gets off to a lacklustre start.

The distinctive aspect of Log Horizon that makes it a compelling show to watch is how the lead character, Shiroe, addresses each circumstance carefully.

11. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord

• Number of episodes: 22
• Number of seasons: 2
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi, Harem, Isekai
• MAL Rating: 6.88
• Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation

How to not summon a demon lord follows the most generic Isekai plot. The main protagonist is trapped in the video game he was playing in his previous life.

In this digital world, aka “cross reverie,” he is now the demon lord and the master of cute girls.

Along with many action scenes, there’s plenty of fan service too. How Not To Summon a Demon Lord is a fun isekai anime.

The only thing that makes Isekai Maou different is that it has an actual, progressing plotline with subversive plot points that are both satisfying to watch and incredibly predictable.

It appears as though you are watching a playthrough of the game.

10. The Rising Of The Shield Hero

• Number of episodes: 38
• Number of seasons: 2
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
• MAL Rating: 8.0
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV

The Rising of the Shield Hero follows the journey of Naofumi Iwatani, one of four heroes sent to a new world to fight for its survival.

Unfortunately, those who summon him are always discriminatory and unfair to him because he is the shield hero.

His situation worsens when his sole companion, Princess Malty, accuses him of sexual assault.

Naofumi fights prejudice and discrimination head-on to demonstrate to those around him what it means to be a true hero.

The Rising of the Shield Hero is lauded for its character development as well as its spectacular action scenes.

09. The Devil Is A Part-Timer!

• Number of episodes: 25
• Number of seasons: 2
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Comedy, Fantasy
• MAL Rating: 7.76
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, VRV

Consider Lucifer, the devil, who works part-time. Now, this is the exact plot of The Devil is a Part-Timer! When the hero Emilia forces the Demon Lord Satan to leave Ente Isla, he escapes through a portal that opens in Tokyo.

The show has become popular and is on the list of many Isekai fans. The Devil Is A Part-Timer! does not take place in a fantasy world or some other world; rather, the story takes place in the human realm.

This reverse isekai contains some hilarious elements.

08. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!

• Number of episodes: 20
• Number of seasons: 2 + 1 Movie + 2 OVAs (2 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
• MAL Rating: 8.12
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, VRV

Since isekai is a concept instead of a specific genre, it encompasses thrillers, character studies, historical dramas, and possibly even horror. There are many isekai comedies, and KonoSuba may be the best at making them.

The protagonist of this Isekai series, Kazuma, dies comically but is given another opportunity by a goddess named Aqua. The series frequently seems to be a parody of Isekai clichés.

When given the option of bringing only one item into the new world, Kazuma chooses Aqua, a decision he later regrets.

KonoSuba goes on a series of hilarious misadventures that often result in enormous laughter as Kazuma gathers a crew of outcasts.

Although Kazuma’s allies are all powerful people, for instance, a goddess, a knight, and a magician, things go differently than planned. Megumin, the magician, has a weird obsession with exploding magic.

Then we have Darkness, who is a menacing masochist. And finally, a goddess. Aqua is useless, despite being a goddess.

Konosuba is less intense than some other isekai anime on this list. It is funny and entertaining.

07. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

• Number of episodes: 6o
• Number of seasons: 4 + 1 Movie + 1 OVA (5 Episodes) + 3 Special
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
• MAL Rating: 8.14
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV

Many isekai clichés are followed in this show, but they are either broken or enhanced in some way. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime succeeds in transcending its basic plot to create some of the most likeable characters in Isekai and anime in general.

In this new fantasy world, he is the overpowered protagonist. Within just two seasons, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime has solidified its place in anime history, and rightfully so.

One of its finest qualities is its characters and the character development throughout the show.

Rimuru Tempest is one of the best Isekai protagonists, especially after being named the Crunchyroll Anime Awards’ greatest anime protagonist of 2019.

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime has a great spinoff too. The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is worth watching.

06. Overlord

• Number of episodes: 52
• Number of seasons: 4 + 2 Movies + 1 OVA (1 Episode) + 1 Special (8 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
• MAL Rating: 7.92
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, VRV

Overlord is one of the most popular and imaginative Isekai series to have been released in recent years.

Momonga is trapped in a new world because his strong personality, Ainz Ooal Gown, resembles an MMO he used to play.

Momonga’s priority as Lord Ruler of Nazarick is the safety of his people, and he takes threats seriously.

Overlord’s main character does not start off as “evil,” but he clearly matures into it, notably in the third and fourth seasons.

This prominent isekai series sheds light on various problems other anime prefer to gloss over.

For example, it focuses on how a being with near-limitless power could feel when placed in a scenario that fosters worldwide dominance.

05. Inuyasha

• Number of episodes: 193
• Number of seasons: 2 + 4 Movies + 1 Special
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
• MAL Rating: 7.85
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu, VRV

For more than ten years, the romantic and action story Inuyasha has maintained a high standard of storytelling excellence.

This isekai anime sets a new standard for the caliber of the entire subgenre by exemplifying what a great isekai anime ought to be.

High school student Kagome Higurashi meets the half-demon Inuyasha after being transported from the modern world to feudal Japan.

As a result, they band together and assemble allies to rescue and defend the revered Shikon Jewel from the demon Naraku.

Inuyasha is one of the best Isekai shows to start with if you want to explore the world of Isekai.

04. No Game No Life

• Number of episodes: 12
• Number of seasons: 1 + 2 Movies + 1 Special (6 Episodes)
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi
• MAL Rating: 8.09
• Where to Stream: HIDIVE (Including Movie), Hulu

The two main characters in No Game No Life are both Hikikomoris, aka shut-ins, who are also accomplished gamers. After taking down the deity Tet in a game of chess, they are transported to a different world called Disboard.

In Disboard, everyone is prohibited from hurting each other, and all disagreements must be resolved through games. Not only does this depict an amazing picture of warfare, but it also shows how the lead characters interact with this reality.

No Game No Life is well known for giving us an awesome season and then ghosting us. No Game No Life, one of the top five anime of 2014, presents a fresh take on isekai anime tropes.

Fans laud the show for its idea of using video games as battlegrounds, its stunning animation, and the chemistry between Sora and Shiro.

Both are fans of anime and video games like No Game No Life. Even though there are just 12 episodes in No Game, No Life, they are more than enough for an epic adventure worth watching.

03. Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World

• Number of episodes: 50
• Number of seasons: 2 + 3 Movies
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Drama, Fantasy, Suspense
• MAL Rating: 8.24
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, VRV

Re: Zero: Starting Life in Another World is one of the best isekai anime series that focuses on a regular guy who is down on his luck.

The series contains classic Isekai tropes, but the quality of the content enhances them.

Subaru, the main character, is someone viewers can easily connect with and root for. The supporting cast is also interesting and engaging.

The first season set itself apart from other isekai anime released around the same time.

It is quite dark and highly addictive. A guy is transferred into a world like an MMORPG and attempts to live his life, which isn’t unusual in terms of the plot.

The only twist is that this fantasy world has a respawn system, which will eventually put our protagonist through mental torture.

02. Sword Art Online

• Number of episodes: 96
• Number of seasons: 3 + 3 Movies
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
• MAL Rating: 7.20
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, VRV

The anime series Sword Art Online has been praised and criticized by viewers, with some enjoying its story and characters while others find it overrated and repetitive.

Sword Art Online is named after an in-game world in which players become trapped, and it follows the character Kirito as he tries to find a way out and free everyone.

But if you die in this virtual world, you will also end up dying in the human world.

While it has flaws, Sword Art Online remains one of the most popular anime series.

Sword Art Online’s animation is excellent, the fights are exciting, it has one of the best episodes that hooks the viewers, and some of the storylines are intriguing.

Furthermore, Sword Art Online has a plethora of spin-offs, so you’re sure to find at least one that appeals to you.

With its international success, it is without question that Sword Art Online ranks among the best.

Sword Art Online is the epitome of what an isekai anime is. The show’s pace is great—not too fast, not too slow.

01. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

• Number of episodes: 23
• Number of seasons: 2 + 1 Special
• Status: Finished Airing
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Ecchi
• MAL Rating: 8.37
• Where to Stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu, VRV

Mushoku Tensei is a popular isekai anime series. The story of Mushoku Tensei, also known as Jobless Reincarnation, follows an unnamed 34-year-old man who is homeless and hopes to do one good deed before he dies. He is suddenly transported into a fantasy world.

The show differentiates itself from others in its genre by starting with a protagonist already at the end of his rope.

This show’s very serious tone hits viewers hard and sets the stage for a surprisingly introspective story.

The protagonist gets a second chance at life and uses it in an inspiring way.

This anime has many action sequences, amazing visuals, and an engaging story that keeps viewers hooked. It is even considered the best Isekai anime adaptation ever.

Other Isekai Anime To Check Out:

• Isekai Quartet
• Digimon Adventure
• Sonny Boy
• Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They?
• My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
• Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!