Hey anime fans! Are you ready to dive into the wild world of isekai? For the uninitiated, “isekai” is a hugely popular anime genre where the main character gets transported from the real world to a fantasy universe. It’s a classic setup for epic adventures, awesome powers, and hilarious hijinks.
As an isekai addict myself, I’ve watched more of these shows than I can count. And let me tell you, not all isekai are created equal. Some are straight-up masterpieces, while others are total duds.
So I thought it was high time to put together the definitive ranking of the best isekai anime of all time. I’ve pored over fan polls, analyzed ratings, and passionately debated with my fellow otaku to narrow it down to the top 28.
Whether you’re an isekai newbie looking for the cream of the crop, or a hardcore fan eager to see if your favorites made the list, this is the post for you. Buckle up and get ready to argue with my choices in the comments. Let’s count ’em down!
28. The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me?
Japanese Title: Hachinantte Sore wa Nai Deshou!
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation, SynergySP
Aired: Apr 2020 – Jun 2020
Episodes: 12
Rating: PG-13
Kicking off our list at #28 is this lighthearted isekai romp. Our protagonist Shingo Ichinomiya is a regular 25-year-old guy who wakes up one day in the body of a 5-year-old boy named Wendelin in a fantasy world. Oh, and he’s the 8th son of a poor noble family. Talk about bad luck!
What makes this series fun is seeing Shingo use his modern day smarts to turn his bad situation around. He starts working odd jobs, going on adventures, and even founding his own company! It’s a classic rags-to-riches story with an isekai twist.
While it’s not the most original premise out there, The 8th Son? is an easy, breezy watch with a lovable cast of characters. If you’re in the mood for something silly and uplifting, give this one a shot.
27. Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
Japanese Title: Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
Studio: EMT Squared
Aired: Oct 2020 – Dec 2020
Episodes: 12
Rating: PG-13
Next up is Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, a diabetes-inducing cute girls doing cute things isekai. 15-year-old Yuna spends all her time playing the VRMMO World Fantasy Online as a cute bear girl. Then one day, she gets transported into the game for real!
Armed with her OP bear suit and an adorable new chibi companion named Fina, Yuna sets off on a laid-back adventure. She beats up monsters, helps out the locals, and just generally lives her best bear life.
Look, this anime isn’t going to change your life. But sometimes you just want to turn your brain off and watch a ridiculously cute girl wreck fantasy baddies in a bear onesie, you know? Kuma Kuma is comfy, fluffy fun.
26. Wise Man’s Grandchild
Japanese Title: Kenja no Mago
Studio: Silver Link.
Aired: Apr 2019 – Jun 2019
Episodes: 12
Rating: PG-13
Our #26 pick is Wise Man’s Grandchild, a classic overpowered MC isekai. A young Japanese salaryman dies in a car crash and gets reborn as a baby in a fantasy world. He’s adopted by the legendary sage Merlin Wolford and given the name Shin.
Raised by Merlin, Shin grows up to be an insanely powerful magic user. But since he was so sheltered, he’s totally clueless about how OP he really is compared to everyone else! Cue lots of scenes of Shin casually doing ridiculous magic feats while everyone else gapes in shock.
Wise Man’s Grandchild doesn’t exactly reinvent the isekai wheel, but it’s a fun, flashy power fantasy. Shin is a likable lead, the magic battles are cool, and the comedy bits land pretty well. A solid pick if you’re craving an OP hero.
25. Ascendance of a Bookworm
Japanese Title: Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru Tame ni wa Shudan wo Erandeiraremasen
Studio: Ajia-Do
Aired: Oct 2019 – Dec 2019
Episodes: 14
Rating: PG-13
Coming in at #25 is Ascendance of a Bookworm, an isekai for the bibliophiles out there. Avid bookworm Motosu Urano dies in an earthquake and reincarnates as a sickly 5-year-old girl named Myne in a medieval fantasy world.
The bad news? This world has very few books, and they’re only for rich nobles. The good news? Myne ain’t gonna let that stop her! She decides to make her own gosh darn books, even if she has to invent the printing press herself!
Bookworm is a refreshingly grounded and unconventional isekai. Instead of fighting monsters or chasing harems, Myne just wants to live a quiet life surrounded by books. Her pure love of reading is super relatable. You’ll be cheering her on as she MacGyvers her way to her own library.
24. The Saga of Tanya the Evil
Japanese Title: Youjo Senki
Studio: NUT
Aired: Jan 2017 – Mar 2017
Episodes: 12
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Sliding into the #24 spot is The Saga of Tanya the Evil, an isekai that’s as mean as it is thought-provoking. A cold-hearted Japanese salaryman angers a mysterious divine entity, who punishes him by reincarnating him as a little orphan girl in a war-torn fantasy world.
But this salaryman won’t go down easy. Reborn as Tanya Degurechaff, he uses his modern military knowledge to quickly rise through the ranks of the army, becoming a ruthless magic soldier known as the Devil of the Rhine.
Tanya the Evil ain’t your typical feel-good power fantasy. It’s a dark, gritty war story that really makes you think about faith, morality, and human nature. Tanya is a fascinating anti-hero you’ll love to hate. And the WWI-inspired setting and intense magic battles are top notch.
23. No Game No Life
Japanese Title: No Game No Life
Studio: Madhouse
Aired: Apr 2014 – Jun 2014
Episodes: 12
Rating: PG-13
At #23, we have the fan favorite No Game No Life. NEET gamer siblings Sora and Shiro are the ultimate shut-in duo, dominating online games under the username “Blank.” Then one day, they get challenged to chess by Tet, the god of games. When they win, Tet transports them to the fantasy world of Disboard, where all disputes are settled through high-stakes games.
No Game No Life is a visual feast, with eye-popping colors and crazy cool game sequences. Sora and Shiro’s mind games and unshakeable sibling bond make them a rootable duo as they aim for the top in this game-obsessed world.
Fair warning: this series has a lot of fan service, so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re down for some ecchi mixed in with your battle of wits, No Game is a wild ride.
22. Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions
Japanese Title: Hai to Gensou no Grimgar
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Aired: Jan 2016 – Mar 2016
Episodes: 12
Rating: PG-13
Snagging the #22 spot is the dark horse Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions. A group of strangers with no memories of their past lives wake up in the fantasy world of Grimgar. To survive, they must become volunteer soldiers and fight goblins and other monsters in the ruins surrounding the town of Ortana.
What sets Grimgar apart is how real it feels. Party members get injured, run out of money, and straight up die in battle. The trauma of killing intelligent goblins is explored. And the team’s bonds realistically develop over time through hardships.
With its muted color palette and bittersweet tone, Grimgar is an isekai for those who want more grit than power fantasy. A hidden gem that deserves way more love.
21. Drifters
Japanese Title: Drifters
Studio: Hoods Entertainment
Aired: Oct 2016 – Dec 2016
Episodes: 12
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Our #21 pick is the hardcore history buff isekai Drifters. Various famous warriors from different eras, like samurai Shimazu Toyohisa and aviator Naoshi Kanno, get transported to an unknown world moments before their real-world deaths. These “Drifters” must then battle against the “Ends,” other historical figures who are trying to take over the world.
Drifters has a unique art style that feels like a moving manga, with thick lines and intense colors. The anachronistic premise allows for crazy cool matchups across time periods, and the battles are gory and explosive.
History nerds will have a blast recognizing all the references. And even if you snoozed through social studies, the larger-than-life personalities and devil-may-care attitude of the Drifters crew makes for a hell of a fun watch.
20. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
Japanese Title: Hataraku Maou-sama!
Studio: White Fox
Aired: Apr 2013 – Jun 2013
Episodes: 13
Rating: PG-13
Kicking off the top 20 is the devilishly funny reverse isekai The Devil is a Part-Timer! Demon Lord Satan gets transported to modern day Tokyo and ends up losing most of his powers. To make ends meet, he takes up part-time work at a MgRonald’s fast food joint. You can’t make this stuff up!
Watching the once mighty Satan and his demon general Alciel try to navigate the daily grind as broke minimum wage workers is comedy gold. The fish-out-of-water humor is spot on, and the colorful cast of angels, demons, and humans that get mixed up in Satan’s new life keep things lively.
Devil is the rare isekai that goes from fantasy to the real world, and it milks that premise for all its worth. Who knew customer service was the real final boss?
19. Overlord
Japanese Title: Overlord
Studio: Madhouse
Aired: Jul 2015 – Sep 2015
Episodes: 13
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Landing at #19 is the mega popular power fantasy isekai Overlord. Momonga is the leader of the top guild in the DMMO-RPG Yggdrasil. But when the game servers shut down, he finds himself transported to the game world for real, along with his entire guild headquarters and army of loyal NPCs.
Overlord is isekai wish fulfillment at its finest. Momonga is insanely OP from the start, and it’s a total blast watching him and his quirky monster minions take over the new world with cleverness and brute force.
But what really makes Overlord stand out is its rich worldbuilding. The intricate politics, memorable side characters, and exploration of what happens when NPCs gain sentience makes this fantasy realm feel real. All hail the Bone Daddy!
18. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious
Japanese Title: Shinchou Yuusha: Kono Yuusha ga Ore Tueee Kuse ni Shinchou Sugiru
Studio: White Fox
Aired: Oct 2019 – Dec 2019
Episodes: 12
Rating: PG-13
Our #18 pick is the hilarious meta isekai Cautious Hero. Goddess Ristarte summons the hero Seiya Ryuuguuin to save the S-ranked world of Gaeabrande. The only problem? Seiya is so overly cautious that he spends ages over-preparing for even the weakest of foes!
Cautious Hero is a laugh-out-loud parody of isekai tropes. Seiya’s obsessive training regimens and hyper-logical approach to heroism are the perfect foil to Ristarte’s baffled reactions. And when he finally does fight, the beatdowns are epically satisfying.
But this series has heart too. Seiya’s traumatic past and the real stakes of his mission add surprising emotional weight. Cautious Hero proves you can poke fun at a genre and still tell a darn good story within it.
17. Sword Art Online
Japanese Title: Sword Art Online
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Aired: Jul 2012 – Dec 2012
Episodes: 25
Rating: TV-14
Was there any doubt that the isekai titan Sword Art Online would make the list? In the year 2022, thousands of gamers get trapped inside the virtual reality MMORPG Sword Art Online. If they die in the game, they die for real. Only by beating the game’s 100 floors can they escape.
SAO popularized the “stuck in a video game” isekai premise and influenced countless anime that followed. The romance between lead duo Kirito and Asuna as they fight for survival is iconic. And the tense, life-or-death stakes of the SAO death game make it a gripping watch, especially in the early arcs.
Later seasons may be more divisive, but SAO‘s impact on the isekai genre is undeniable. For many fans, this was their gateway drug to the wonderful world of isekai anime.
16. The Twelve Kingdoms
Japanese Title: Juuni Kokuki
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Aired: Apr 2002 – Aug 2003
Episodes: 45
Rating: PG-13
Snagging the sweet #16 spot is the criminally underwatched classic The Twelve Kingdoms. Introverted high school student Youko Nakajima gets whisked away to a mysterious world divided into twelve kingdoms. There, she learns she’s actually the chosen ruler of the kingdom of Kei.
Don’t let the 2002 release date fool you – Twelve Kingdoms is a timeless masterpiece. The complex mythology of the twelve kingdoms is entrancing, and Youko’s difficult journey from a passive damsel to a confident queen is inspiring to watch.
With its mature storytelling, fleshed out female characters, and lack of creepy wish fulfillment, Twelve Kingdoms was doing isekai feminism before it was cool. An oldie but a goodie that deserves way more attention.
15. GATE
Japanese Title: Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Aired: Jul 2015 – Sep 2015
Episodes: 12
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Marching into the #15 position is the military isekai GATE. When a mysterious gate to a fantasy world appears in Ginza, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces get sent in to explore the other side. Otaku soldier Youji Itami ends up as the leader of a recon team in a land of elves, dragons, and princesses.
GATE is a unique twist on the isekai formula, focusing heavily on the political and cultural impact of a modern military in a fantasy realm. The action scenes are explosive, and Itami’s easygoing attitude makes him a fun protagonist to follow.
While the JSDF wank can get a bit heavy-handed at times, GATE still offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the genre. Come for the dragon fights, stay for the inter-world diplomacy.
14. Now and Then, Here and There
Japanese Title: Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku
Studio: AIC
Aired: Oct 1999 – Jan 2000
Episodes: 13
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Our #14 pick is the harrowing hidden gem Now and Then, Here and There. Middle school student Shuuzou “Shuu” Matsutani sees a strange girl sitting on a smokestack and tries to save her. He ends up getting transported to a dystopian future world ruled by the tyrannical king Hamdo, who wants to use the girl Lala-Ru’s reality-warping powers for evil.
Now and Then is infamous for its brutal and unflinching look at the horrors of war, genocide, and child soldiers. This is NOT a light watch by any means. But if you can stomach the heavy themes, this series delivers a powerful anti-war message with complex characters.
While it may be too bleak for some, Now and Then is an important reminder that isekai isn’t all fun and games. Sometimes traveling to another world is hell on earth.
13. Inuyasha
Japanese Title: Inuyasha
Studio: Sunrise
Aired: Oct 2000 – Sep 2004
Episodes: 167
Rating: PG-13
Sliding into lucky #13 is the classic time-traveling isekai Inuyasha. 15-year-old Kagome Higurashi falls into an old well at her family’s shrine and gets transported to Japan’s Sengoku period. There, she meets the half-demon dog boy Inuyasha and learns she’s the reincarnation of a powerful priestess.
Inuyasha is peak early 2000s anime, with its plucky schoolgirl heroine, tsundere pretty boy love interest, and monster-of-the-week format. The slapstick comedy and slow-burn romance still hold up, and the feudal fantasy setting is ripe for adventure.
Sure, the filler arcs can drag on, but Inuyasha‘s lovable cast and cozy episodic structure make it the perfect comfort watch. An oldie but a goodie that paved the way for the isekai boom to come.
12. Spirited Away
Japanese Title: Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Aired: Jul 2001
Episodes: Movie
Rating: PG
Was there any doubt that a Ghibli film would grace this list? Coming in at #12 is the Oscar-winning masterpiece Spirited Away. 10-year-old Chihiro stumbles into the spirit world and must work at the bathhouse of the witch Yubaba to free her parents, who have been turned into pigs.
Spirited Away is a breathtaking work of art, with stunning hand-drawn animation and imaginative creature designs. Chihiro’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates the bizarre spirit realm is poignant and relatable, no matter your age.
While it may not have RPG stats or fantasy harems, Spirited Away is isekai at its finest. A true must-watch for any anime fan, period.
11. The Vision of Escaflowne
Japanese Title: Tenkuu no Escaflowne
Studio: Sunrise
Aired: Apr 1996 – Sep 1996
Episodes: 26
Rating: PG-13
Just missing out on the top 10 is the mecha isekai classic The Vision of Escaflowne. High school girl Hitomi Kanzaki gets transported to the world of Gaea, where she meets the young prince Van Fanel. Van pilots the legendary mecha Escaflowne against the evil Zaibach empire.
Escaflowne was doing isekai before it was cool, and it still holds up today. The mix of mecha action, political intrigue, and romance hits the sweet spot. And Hitomi is a great subversion of the usual damsel in distress, with her tarot card readings and growing agency.
Plus, Yoko Kanno’s soaring orchestral soundtrack is god tier. Escaflowne is a true 90s gem that proves isekai has always been awesome.
10. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Japanese Title: Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken
Studio: 8bit
Aired: Oct 2018 – Mar 2019
Episodes: 24
Rating: PG-13
Rounding out the top 10 is the feelgood isekai That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. 37-year-old Satoru Mikami dies and gets reincarnated in a fantasy world… as a blind slime monster. But this slime, who renames himself Rimuru Tempest, has the power to devour anything and take its appearance and abilities.
Slime is the ultimate comfort food isekai. Watching Rimuru bounce his way up the food chain, befriending everyone from goblins to dragons with his good nature, is just so dang pleasant. There’s a real sense of community as he builds his kingdom.
Don’t let the cute slime fool you though – Slime also has some awesome world-building and surprisingly hype action scenes. It’s the perfect balance of cozy and cool.
9. Log Horizon
Japanese Title: Log Horizon
Studio: Satelight
Aired: Oct 2013 – Mar 2014
Episodes: 25
Rating: PG-13
In 9th place, we have the brainy VRMMO isekai Log Horizon. 30,000 Japanese gamers find themselves trapped in the world of the popular MMO Elder Tale after a game update. Veteran player Shiroe must learn to lead his fellow players in this new reality.
Log Horizon is often called the thinking man’s isekai, and for good reason. The series is less focused on action and more on the sociopolitical impact of players on the game world. Shiroe is a refreshing protagonist, using his strategic smarts to solve problems.
With its deep dive into game mechanics, guild politics, and NPC relations, Log Horizon is a must-watch for the MMO nerds out there. Don’t worry though – it’s still got plenty of cute girls and cool fights to keep you hooked.
8. The Rising of The Shield Hero
Japanese Title: Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Aired: Jan 2019 – Jun 2019
Episodes: 25
Rating: PG-13
Charging into 8th place is the dark horse isekai The Rising of The Shield Hero. Otaku college student Naofumi Iwatani is summoned to a fantasy world as one of four legendary heroes. But when he’s falsely accused of a crime and betrayed by everyone, he must rise from zero to become the Shield Hero.
Shield Hero is a divisive one for sure, with its rough start and controversial themes. But if you can get past that, it’s a gripping tale of an underdog rising up against all odds. Naofumi’s gradual development from a bitter cynic to a true hero is so satisfying to watch.
Plus, the action scenes are killer, the soundtrack slaps, and the adorable tanuki girl Raphtalia is the best daughter figure in isekai. Shield Hero is far from perfect, but it’s a memorable ride.
7. Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Japanese Title: Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!
Studio: Studio Deen
Aired: Jan 2016 – Mar 2016
Episodes: 10
Rating: PG-13
Stealing 7th place is the side-splitting isekai parody Konosuba. When shut-in gamer Kazuma Satou dies, he’s reincarnated by the goddess Aqua into a fantasy world. But his new party members – the useless Aqua, the explosion-obsessed mage Megumin, and the masochistic crusader Darkness – are anything but helpful.
Konosuba is the funniest isekai out there, period. The dysfunctional dynamic between Kazuma and his idiot companions never stops being hilarious, and the series gleefully mocks every cliche in the book. If you’re tired of cookie cutter power fantasies, Konosuba is the perfect palate cleanser.
But it’s not all laughs – Konosuba‘s memorable characters and surprisingly heartfelt moments make you grow to love this band of lovable losers. Easily a top tier isekai comedy.
6. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Japanese Title: Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
Studio: Studio Bind
Aired: Jan 2021 – Dec 2021
Episodes: 23
Rating: R – 17+ (nudity)
In 6th place, we have the grandfather of modern isekai, Mushoku Tensei. A 34-year-old NEET dies and is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat, the son of two adventurers in a fantasy world. Keeping his memories and regrets from his past life, Rudeus vows to live his new life to the fullest.
Mushoku Tensei is a true isekai pioneer, with its web novel influencing the genre for years to come. And the anime adaptation elevates it to new heights, with movie-quality visuals and a banging soundtrack. Rudy’s journey from a scumbag to a genuinely good person is one of the most satisfying character arcs in isekai.
Fair warning: the series has some uncomfortable sexual content, especially early on. But if you can stomach that, Mushoku Tensei is a true isekai epic with heart and ambition to spare.
5. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Japanese Title: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
Studio: White Fox
Aired: Apr 2016 – Sep 2016
Episodes: 25
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Cracking the top 5 is the suffering simulator isekai Re:ZERO. NEET Subaru Natsuki is transported to a fantasy world, where he gains the power to go back in time by dying. He uses this “Return by Death” ability to help the silver-haired half-elf Emilia, but the constant deaths take a toll on his psyche.
Re:ZERO is a brutal deconstruction of the isekai power fantasy. Instead of being an instant badass, Subaru must struggle and die over and over again to make any progress. His slow descent into madness as he grapples with the futility of his actions is painful to watch, but so compelling.
It’s not all suffering though – Re:ZERO also has some of the most heartwarming character moments and satisfying comebacks in isekai. A modern classic that hurts so good.
4. No Game No Life: Zero
Japanese Title: No Game No Life: Zero
Studio: Madhouse
Aired: Jul 2017
Episodes: Movie
Rating: PG-13
Coming in at #4 is the prequel movie No Game No Life: Zero. 6000 years before the events of the series, humanity is on the brink of extinction in the endless war between the 16 races of Disboard. A young man named Riku leads the human resistance, with the help of the beautiful android Schwi.
NGNL: Zero is a visual marvel, with some of the most gorgeous animation ever put to film. The epic world-building and high stakes make it feel like a true fantasy epic. And the romance between Riku and Schwi is so beautiful and bittersweet that it will leave you in tears.
You don’t even need to have seen the NGNL series to enjoy this movie. Zero stands on its own as a masterful work of art and easily one of the best isekai films out there.
3. Saga of Tanya the Evil: The Movie
Japanese Title: Youjo Senki Movie
Studio: NUT
Aired: Feb 2019
Episodes: Movie
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Blasting into 3rd place is the explosive sequel film Saga of Tanya the Evil: The Movie. After being reborn as a little girl in an alternate WWI, the ruthless Japanese salaryman Tanya Degurechaff continues her mission to win the war and defy the god Being X.
Tanya the Movie is everything great about the series cranked up to 11. The brutal trench warfare, the magic-infused military tactics, Tanya’s deliciously evil schemes – it’s all bigger and better than ever. The sheer scope of the battles will leave your jaw on the floor.
But it’s not just empty spectacle. The movie also digs deeper into Yuno’s trauma and Soujirou’s mysterious past. The action and worldbuilding are top notch, but it’s the complex character dynamics that make Ishura stand out in a crowded isekai field.
2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Japanese Title: Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
Studio: Studio Bind
Aired: Jan 2021 – Dec 2021
Episodes: 23
Rating: R – 17+ (nudity)
Coming in at a well-deserved 2nd place is the isekai trailblazer Mushoku Tensei. A 34-year-old NEET dies and is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat, the son of two adventurers in a fantasy world. Keeping his memories and regrets from his past life, Rudeus vows to live his new life to the fullest.
Mushoku Tensei is often called the grandfather of modern isekai, and for good reason. The light novel pioneered many of the genre’s most popular tropes, and the anime elevates the source material to new heights. The jaw-dropping visuals, immersive world, and unforgettable soundtrack make every episode a delight to watch.
Mushoku Tensei doesn’t shy away from the ugly realities of growing up and reckoning with past mistakes. It’s a deeply moving tale of second chances and becoming a better person. Yes, the perverted humor and fan service can be grating at times. But if you can look past that, Mushoku Tensei is a true isekai masterpiece that’s more than earned its place in the anime pantheon.
1. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Japanese Title: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
Studio: White Fox
Aired: Apr 2016 – Sep 2016
Episodes: 25
Rating: R – 17+ (violence & profanity)
Taking the crown for best isekai anime of all time is the suffering simulator Re:ZERO. NEET Subaru Natsuki is transported to a fantasy world, where he gains the power to go back in time by dying. He uses this “Return by Death” ability to help the silver-haired half-elf Emilia, but the constant deaths take a toll on his psyche.
Re:ZERO is a masterclass in subverting expectations. It starts out like your typical wish fulfillment isekai, with Subaru winning the girl and saving the day with ease. But then reality ensues, and we watch helplessly as our hero is brutally killed again and again, each death chipping away at his sanity and idealism. It’s a harrowing deconstruction of the genre that forces us to confront the true cost of being a hero.
With its stellar animation, memorable soundtrack, and career-defining performances from the Japanese voice cast, Re:ZERO is a certified modern classic. If you only watch one isekai anime in your life, make it this one.
Conclusion
Phew, that was a journey! We’ve counted down the 28 best isekai anime of all time, from hidden gems to genre-defining hits. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newbie, I hope this list has given you some new series to check out and fall in love with.
Isekai may be a controversial genre, but it’s also one of the most creative and exciting in all of anime. From the comedy of KonoSuba to the darkness of Re:ZERO, from the action of Overlord to the romance of The Vision of Escaflowne, isekai contains multitudes. It has the power to transport us to new worlds and make us see our own with fresh eyes.
So what are you waiting for? Dive into these incredible shows and get lost in the wonderful world of isekai.
