Isekai is a genre in which the protagonist is sent or trapped into a parallel universe like a video game that he was playing or was summoned by magic. The MCs get disconnected from reality and made to survive in the “other world”.

Without further ado here is presented a list of the Top Isekai Animes you must watch that are worth your time!

21. Kyousou Giga

https://youtu.be/In4YoCWTKiM

Studios: Toei Animation

Families are a cycle of growth and decay of seperarion and togetherness. Kyouso Giga is a tale of a particular family where there is love and rebirth. This family starts with a father and a mother. Myoue,The Father and a God, who could bring anything to life with his drawing. Tired of the people’s noise he found a place in the outskirts of the town. But it was a lonely existence.

Lady Koto,the mother and a rabbit, granted a human body by the Buddha enters Myoue’s life and they fall in love. Gradually, they fill the empty shrine with children- Yakushimaru, Kurama, and Yase. One day, when the high priest of the land reported that Myoue’s drawings caused too many problems for the locals the family secretly fled to an alternate world of Myoue’s own creation—the Looking Glass City.

The Council of Three are the three siblings who, after the sudden disappearance of their parents, took over the Capital. One day, as Yakushimaru is observing the Capital, a lightning storm comes by, bringing in its wake an eccentric girl called Koto, who’s searching for a black rabbit.

Kyousou Giga has a dark narrative with colouful light show. It’s story feels like a dream with a vast amount of imagery and portrayal of imaginations. Rich in folkloristic visuals, wildly creative in direction, and breathtaking in colours, Kyousou Giga is certainly one of the best isekai animes.

20. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions

Studios: A-1 Pictures

Thrown into a foreign land, Grimgar with nothing but hazy memories and the knowledge of their name, they can feel only fear, survival and instinct resonating deep within their souls. It follows our protagonists with no other choice as they each individually grow as people, go through hardships together and face the cruel reality of this new world.

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar is a rather unique watch. The show starts off on a weaker foot but eventually picks up pace making the wait worth it.

19. Drifters

Studios: Hoods Drifters Studio

Toyohisa of the Shimazu clan is in the heat of the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which signaled the start of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan; the only thing he thinks about is how to behead the enemy commander and he is ready to achieve this goal by all means.

Having fatally injured the enemy commander, Toyohisa is also about to die. Suddenly he finds himself in a white corridor, facing a man in strange clothes sitting at a desk in a white corridor. A moment later he is sent to a new land, where some unknown historical figures treat his wounds. Shortly after that he finds out that he, as well as his new companions, are “Drifters” who are summouned to fight the “Ends”, people who are responsible for the creation of the Orte Empire.

Drifters initially will leave the impression of a dark fantasy tale casting American historical figures, Japanese historical figures, French historical figures, Russian historical figures, and others. It is truly a worthwhile anime that is for everyone who enjoys incredible visuals, great fighting, strategies of war and most of all a satisfying story.

18. Blood Lad

Studios: Brain’s Base

Staz is a powerful vampire of the Demon World who is an otaku obsessed with Japanese culture and completely uninterested in human blood.When Fuyumi Yanagi, a Japanese girl, accidentally enters his world Staz is overjoyed. But to misfortune, soon Fuyumi gets eaten by a demon plant and turning into a ghost. The crestfallen Staz vows to resurrect her as this would mean being able to travel to the human world, something he has always dreamed of.

Despite the series having a relevant plot, it usually maintains more of a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere.Blood Lad plays on the values of a relationship between a human and a vampire to see how far they can go. It’s a journey that will quench your thirst if you’re looking for something fun.

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

Studios: SILVER LINK

Most people would prefer being the protagonist of a world full of adventure but unfortunately, a certain girl is not so lucky. Regaining the memories of her past life, Katherina Claes realizes that she was reborn in the world of Fortune Lover—one of the games she used to play as an antagonist;who faces utter doom in every ending.

She does everything in her power using her extensive knowledge of the game to prevent herself from getting a death flag in this world. Even so, to make a change that will affect the lives of everyone around her, she strives—not as the heroine—but as the villainess.

An awesome reverse harem isekai that teaches about the limitations of one’s choice within an Otome game and in reality. How dating simulators have only several choices in contrast to reality where unlimited choices can be made freely.

16. Gate

Studios: A-1 Pictures

Some of the fantasy stories we see can get reallly interesting if we turn the tables and make it a reverse isekai. GATE is a good example of that.

The premise follows the story of a massive mysterious GATE that appeared out of nowhere in Ginza, Tokyo. Through the Gate, walks out a gigantic army of men wearing armor reminiscent to ancient Rome alongside various fantasy monsters. This army proceeds to massacre the innocent people of Japan until the JSDF fights back and drives them into the Gate again.

Three months after the attack, Youji Itami, an off-duty JSDF officer has been tasked with leading a special recon team, as part of a JSDF task force, that will be sent to the world beyond the gate. They must travel into this unknown world in order to learn more about what they are dealing with an attempt to befriend the locals in hopes of creating peaceful ties with the ruling empire. But if they fail, they face the consequence of participating in a devastating war that will engulf both sides of the gate.

GATE might be one of the most unique action fantasy anime, if not the most loved. It is a story about the pursuit of peace, a brave tale about setting our differences aside, and working for the common good.

15. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuNWfkdKGr4

Studios: Ajia-Do

Taking on the role of a protagonist in a fantasy world is no easy task. Even for a guy like Sakamoto Takuma, he may be an experienced gamer but he’s never been equipped to deal with a life changing event such as being transported into the very game he played.

With the appearance of his own character in the game, the Demon Lord Diablo, two young girls who summoned him, the pantherian Rem and the elf Shera, attempt to use a spell to make Takuma their servant, but due to his passive “Magic Reflection” ability, the spell rebounds, and both end up with magic collars stuck on their necks, thus becoming his slaves instead. Using his high stats and vast knowledge of Cross Reverie’s lore Takuma decides to act like his character to survive in his new environment, traveling along with Rem and Shera to look for a way to remove their slave collars while helping them with their own, personal issues that led them to summon him in the first place.

Thus, “How Not To Summon A Demon Lord.” is like an upgraded version of your always typical isekai with harem and fanservice cliche that you always want. It’s a good isekai to watch on unlike many others that have MC that is boring and have a pointless harem.

14. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest

Studios: Asread, White Fox

Arifureta follows a class of high school students who gets transported to a video game like fantasy world and are tasked to save mankind. Every student was given exceptionally strong powers except our protagonist Hajime Nagumo. One day when the class is training inside a dungeon, Hajime is betrayed by his classmates and he falls into an Abyss. There he meets an imprisoned vampire Yue, who takes an interest in him. Thus, Hajime accompanied with Yue sets on a journey to find a way back home, while steadily transforming from commonplace to the world’s strongest.

This anime has an intriguing story and loveable characters. This fantasy world tale will really do a number on you if you give it a shot!

13.Digimon:Digital Monsters

Studios: Toei Animation

One of the best yet surprising show that I hope you did not expect to pop up here is Digimon.

A group of chosen kids is transported to another world through an odd device one summer holiday. In this new world, they meet strange creatures called “Digimon” who tell that they have reached the “Digital World”, very far away from home. With only the Digimon and the “Digivices” as protection, the seven children set off to find their way home and learn the reason why they were brought here.

Outside of your typical friendship and teamwork, Digimon is not afraid to tackle themes such as death, divorce, adoption, and fear of losing a loved one, and for a kids’ show, it approaches them with maturity. So, no doubt this show is open to enjoy for all ages!

12. Sword Art Online

Studios: A-1 Pictures

In the year 2022, virtual reality has progressed by leaps and bounds, and a massive online role-playing game called Sword Art Online (SAO) is launched.Kazuto Kirigaya, nicknamed “Kirito,” with ten-thousand others is among the lucky few enthusiasts who get their hands on the first shipment of the game. He logs in to find himself, , in the elaborate world of Aincrad, one full of fantastic medieval weapons and gruesome monsters.

However, in a cruel turn of events, the players soon realize they cannot log out until they complete all one hundred levels of the game. To make matters worse, Sword Art Online is not all fun and games: if they die in Aincrad, they die in real life. Thus, Kirito must adapt to his new reality, fight for his survival, and hopefully break free from this virtual hell.

If you are a fan of epic boss battles and terrific sound tracks then this is just the right isekai for you. It should come to no surprise that the anime that has gained most popularity and of course controversy in 2012, is this RPG based anime Sword Art Online.

11.Ascendance of a Bookworm

Studios: Ajia-Do

Avid bookworm and college student Motosu Urano ends up dying in an unforeseen accident. This came right after the news that she would finally be able to work as a librarian like she had always dreamed of. As she draws her last breath, she wishes to be able to read more books in her next life.

Thus, when she regained consciousness, she was reborn as Myne, the 5 year old daughter of a poor soldier in the medieval era. What immediately comes to her mind is her passion. She tries to find something to read, only to become frustrated by the lack of books at her disposal. But that doesn’t stop Myne from wanting to read books, so she makes a decision… “If there aren’t any books, I’ll just create some.”

Bookworm is a slice of life isekai in a world of literature, a rare sight among so many gaming and otaku parallel worlds. No wonder this is in our top isekai worthy of watching.

10. Log Horizon

Studios: Satelight

In the blink of an eye, thirty thousand bewildered Japanese gamers are whisked from their everyday lives into the world of the popular MMORPG, Elder Tale, after the game’s latest update—unable to log out. Among them is the socially awkward college student Shiroe, whose confusion and shock lasts only a moment as, a veteran of the game, he immediately sets out to explore the limits of his new reality.

A tale of fantasy, adventure, and politics, Log Horizon explores the elements of gaming through the eyes of a master strategist who attempts to make the best of a puzzling situation.

What started off as what seemed to be a bland-version of Sword Art Online turned out to be one of the hidden gems of anime shows. Unlike the other MMORPG game setting animes, this one even though gives off a similar vibe is actually quite unique for isekai lovers.

9. Devil is a Part-Timer 

Studios: White Fox

Are you tired of the obviouse tropes of isekai yet want to see characters interact from fantasy world? Then why not try Devil is a part timer? A reverse-isekai anime to challenge the genre’s potential!

Demon Lord Satan, who’s trying to take over the world of Ente Isla only to be foiled by the legendary hero Emilia. In desperation, he and his loyal general escapes to a portal to another world aka modern day Japan.

In the world of limited magic and no way to get back, their only choice is to try and survive this world. Starting by earning money and getting a part-time job at MgRonalds- a fast-food chain. He works and soon realizes that his goal of conquering Ente Isla is just not enough as he grows determined to climb the corporate ladder and become the ruler of Earth.

8. No Game No Life

Studios: Madhouse

No game No Life is about a duo subling gamers under the username of “Blank” who gets brought in the fantasy world, Disboard by its God Tet. It is a world where all forms of conflict—from petty squabbles to the fate of whole countries—are settled not through war, but by way of high-stake games. Throughout the series, the siblings compete against several major players in this world eventually trying to gain enough power and influence to challenge Tet himself.

It’s a wonderful treat and a must see anime for anyone if you consider yourself a gamer.

7. The Saga of Tanya the Evil

Studios: Nut

It follows Tanya Degurechaff, a Japanese salaryman reincarnated into a female child soldier, in a reality where magic coexists alongside an alternate timeline of World War One. She rises through the army ranks and becomes an overpowered, super strict, crazy, monster-like commanding officer. To add to her personality, she is an aethist for which God maliciously interferes at very critical points in Tanya’s life, and so she often ends up continuously fighting in life-threatening magical gun battles. The reason why being “Being X” interferes is basically in order to try to convert her evil, sociopathic, loli ass into a devout believer. However, instead of choosing to believe in God, Tanya angrily continues to reject the existence of God through ominous displays of smug insanity.

Youjo Senki was a pretty interesting show. It successfully presents an uncommon perspective in anime, where the main character is borderline villainous. A new spicy show among the best isekai genre!

6. The Rising of the Shield Hero

Studios: Kinema Citrus

The Four Cardinal Heroes are a group of ordinary men from modern-day Japan summoned to the kingdom of Melromarc to vanquish the Waves of Catastrophe that have repeatedly ravaged the land and brought disaster to its citizens for centuries. Naofumi Iwatani, an otaku, becomes cursed with the fate of being the “Shield Hero” due to his weak offensive capabilities and lackluster personality.

When the heroes are provided with resources and comrades to train with, Naofumi sets out with the only person willing to train alongside him, Malty Melromarc only to be falsely accused later. With a raging storm of hurt and mistrust in his heart, Naofumi begins his journey of strengthening himself and his reputation.

Another trite isekai anime, popular mostly for its gimmicky nature, masquerading itself as mature merely because it has themes that are darker than is usual.

5. InuYasha

Studios: Sunrise

A classic series from the creator of Ranma 1/2, InuYasha is a feudal fairytale. One of the oldest isekai or rather reverse-isekai animes, topped with Japanese history on a Shounen platform with romance as an integral part of the show.

InuYasha follows Kagome Higurashi, a fifteen-year-old girl whose normal life ends when a demon drags her into a cursed well of her family’s Shinto shrine. Coming out of the well, Kagome ends up 500 years in the past during Japan’s violent Sengoku period with the demon’s true target, a wish-granting jewel called the Shikon Jewel, reborn inside of her.

After a battle with a revived demon accidentally causes the sacred jewel to shatter, Kagome asks the help of a young hybrid dog-demon/human named Inuyasha to help her collect the shards and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

4. Overlord

Studios: Madhouse

Continuing the isekai train, we have Overlord that adapts the first 3 novels of Kugane Maruyama light novel series of the same title. A vast cast of unique characters with MMORPG gaming concept, it is a treat.

Overlord, as the rank itself, was an outstanding rank to symbolize the tremendous power of the user. Unfortunately, the rank failed to save Momonga from trapped in a world of fantasy game, thus there is only one thing that you can do. Time for some real action. He himself will pass the judgments upon Yggdrasil.

Which future will Momonga bring? A bright future filled with joy or a living hell full of horrors, pain, anguish, and punishment. Regarded as the highest of the Almighty 41 Supreme Beings of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. This is the right time to conquer Yggdrasil, a world of fantasy games. Anyone who tried to resist or oppose him shall face the ultimate humiliation and loss, to suffer for eternally.

3. KonoSuba:God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!

Studios: Studio Deen

KonoSuba spews out pure joys and rainbows. With other shows telling great stories or exploring philosophy and other themes, Konosuba ignores all that and focuses on pure entertainment! 

After dying a laughable and pathetic death on his way back from buying a game, high school student and recluse Kazuma Satou finds himself sitting before a beautiful but obnoxious goddess named Aqua. She provides the NEET with two options: continue on to heaven or reincarnate in every gamer’s dream—a real fantasy world!But before he goes, he can choose one item of any kind to aid him in his quest, and the future hero selects Aqua. But Kazuma has made a grave mistake—Aqua is completely useless!

2. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Studios: 8bit

Thirty-seven-year-old Satoru Mikami is a typical corporate worker, who is perfectly content with his monotonous lifestyle in Tokyo, falls victim to a random assailant on the streets and is stabbed. When Satoru regains consciousness, he discovers that he has reincarnated as a goop of slime in an unfamiliar realm. In doing so, he acquires newfound skills—notably, the power to devour anything and mimic its appearance and abilities.

Now, liberated from the mundanities of his past life, he grows accustomed to his new physique, his gooey antics ripple throughout the world, gradually altering his fate.

One of the most loved fantasy world anime under the isekai banner, Slime is a refreshing take on the genre. It can easily be a Slice of life anime, which can make you fall in love with the series.

1. Re zero-Starting Life in Another World

Studios: White Fox

Even though we have seen tons of protagonists like Subaru in the other isekais, White fox tried to include all the good elements from the other genres and paired it up with huge selection of waifus and plot twists.

The show begins with our protagonist Natsuki Subaru getting suddenly transported to a fantasy world after leaving a convenience store. Being an otaku who has probably dreamed about something like this happening to him for years, Subaru is naturally excited to be in this new world.

However, to his dismay, Subaru quickly learns that he doesn’t have any special abilities or powers. He encounters the beautiful half elf Emilia when she saves him from a group of thugs. Thus the two of them start their adventure. This beginning seems quite clichéd, however everything changes dramatically when Subaru soon finds himself dead.

Hope you like these animes. Let us know in the comments which one you loved the most and if we missed any!