The Japanese website Minna no Ranking has just released a new list of the 10 most recommended isekai anime by fans in Japan . And guess what? As expected, there are many familiar names from the genre on the list. In total, the ranking goes from position 1 to 234 — meaning there are recommendations galore!
But hold on, if you're not very familiar with the term isekai , here's a quick summary: it's that type of anime where the protagonist ends up in another world, almost always with a medieval setting and a rule system that seems straight out of an RPG game. Oh, and it couldn't be missing—the characters usually have absurdly overpowered abilities. That said, let's check out the top 10 according to the online vote?
The best isekai anime according to Japan – Top 10
10. Youjo Senki
- MAL rating: 7.96 (Season 1)
- Year: 2017
- Studio: NUT
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
At first glance, you might think Tanya is just another cute little girl in a war setting. But don't be fooled: she is actually the reincarnation of an adult man who defied a divine entity and ended up being reborn in an alternate world in the midst of military conflict. From this, what we see is a cold, calculating, and incredibly intelligent protagonist who uses war strategies and magic to survive—and dominate.
With a darker tone and a unique military feel, Youjo Senki stands out considerably from the standard isekai. The anime blends religious critique, philosophy, and intense action scenes, creating a tense and captivating atmosphere. If you're looking for a story with depth and a main character who completely breaks away from clichés, this is an excellent choice.
09. No Game No Life
- MAL Grade: 8.05
- Year: 2014
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 12
No Game No Life introduces siblings Sora and Shiro, two antisocial geniuses who can master any game. Right from the start, they are transported to a world where everything—from small disputes to major political decisions—is resolved through games. And so begins a journey full of mental challenges, crazy rules, and a lot of creativity.
The visuals are vibrant and stylized, perfectly matching the eccentric tone of the plot. Furthermore, the anime relies on the intelligence of the protagonists, fast-paced dialogue, and a playful atmosphere that departs from traditional physical battles. Ideal for those who enjoy elaborate strategies, plot twists, and a touch of humor amidst the action.
08. Re:Zero
- MAL rating: 8.24 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: White Fox
- Episodes: 25
Subaru Natsuki is a protagonist who seems ordinary at first—until he discovers that every time he dies, he goes back in time with all his memories intact. This power, which seems like an advantage, soon proves to be a gigantic emotional burden, as he has to watch the people he loves suffer (and die) repeatedly, while desperately trying to change the course of events.
Re:Zero goes far beyond the basic isekai formula. The series delves into heavy themes such as trauma, depression, and responsibility, with plot twists that test both the protagonist and the viewer. With intense scenes and deep characters, it's a story that blends dark fantasy and real emotion, leaving you on the edge of your seat with each episode.
07. Tate no Yuusha
- MAL rating: 7.93 (Season 1)
- Year: 2019
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Episodes: 25
At first, everything seems like a typical hero's call: Naofumi is summoned to a fantasy world to fight threats alongside three other heroes. But things take a turn quickly—he is falsely accused and rejected by everyone, forced to go his own way, using only a shield as a weapon.
This isolation ends up shaping Naofumi in a unique way, making him a darker and more skeptical protagonist, but also more human. Throughout the story, we see his journey of overcoming adversity, forging sincere bonds with unlikely allies and gradually becoming a true hero. It's an anime about resilience, trust, and justice in a world full of hypocrisy.
06. My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom
- MAL rating: 7.45 (Season 1)
- Year: 2020
- Studio: SILVER LINK
- Episodes: 12
otome -style romance game , but as a secondary character—a mob , unimportant to the original plot. From there, he decides to live as peacefully as possible… until he realizes that the game world is much more cruel and absurd than it seemed.
Thus, the great charm here lies in the satire and subversion of clichés. The protagonist is sarcastic, authentic, and experiences such ridiculous situations that it's impossible not to laugh. Even with this lighthearted tone, the anime also delivers good action scenes and interesting critiques of the school romance and fantasy genres. A great choice for those who want to laugh, but without sacrificing a good plot.
The best isekai anime according to Japan – Top 5
05. Sword Art Online
- MAL rating: 7.22 (Season 1)
- Year: 2012
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 25
On the other hand, when Sword Art Online arrived, it revolutionized the modern isekai genre. In short, Kirito and thousands of other players are trapped inside a virtual reality game, where dying in the game means dying in real life. From the start, the series features intense battles, romances, moral dilemmas, and a vast and immersive digital universe.
Throughout the arcs, new virtual worlds are introduced, each with unique rules and styles. Although SAO has divided opinions, its influence on the genre is undeniable. It's an anime that blends action, drama, and science fiction, ideal for those who enjoy technological worlds and super-skilled protagonists.
04. KonoSuba
- MAL rating: 8.09 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 10
At first glance, Konosuba takes everything you expect from an isekai—powerful heroes, dangerous monsters, epic journeys—and throws it out the window. Kazuma, the protagonist, dies in a ridiculous way and ends up being reborn in a fantasy world… along with a completely useless goddess. From there, a journey filled with chaos and comedy begins.
Thus, the great charm lies in the lack of seriousness: all the characters have hilarious flaws and, instead of great victories, the group is constantly getting into trouble. It's perfect for those who want to laugh at the genre's clichés without missing out on a good adventure. Konosuba is light, funny, and full of absurdly memorable moments.
The best isekai anime according to Japan – Top 3
03. Overlord
- MAL rating: 7.90 (Season 1)
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 13
Unlike most isekai, Overlord places the protagonist in the role of the "villain." In any case, Ainz, a player trapped in his super-powered skeleton avatar after the end of an online game, decides to explore—and dominate—this new world, with the help of his loyal (and terrifying) subordinates.
Moreover, with an overpowered protagonist and a darker atmosphere, the anime blends strategy, action, and politics in a universe where Ainz must balance his humanity with the image of a tyrant he has built. It's an engaging and unpredictable story, ideal for those who like to see the tables turn—literally.
02. Mushoku Tensei
- MAL rating: 8.35 (Season 1)
- Year: 2021
- Studio: Studio Bind
- Episodes: 11 (Season 1)
On the other hand, Mushoku Tensei is often considered one of the cornerstones of modern isekai, and for good reason. The story begins with a failed man who dies and is reincarnated in a new world as Rudeus, a baby with memories of his past life. From then on, he decides to live differently, without repeating the mistakes that made him waste his first chance.
Furthermore, the great differentiator lies in the character development: we see Rudeus grow, fail, mature, and form real bonds with the people around him. With top-notch animation and rich world-building, it's a journey that blends magic, drama, and humanity like few other anime manage to do.
01. Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken
- MAL rating: 8.14 (Season 1)
- Year: 2018-2019
- Studio: 8-bit
- Episodes: 24 (Season 1)
You never imagined a slime could be one of the most charismatic protagonists in isekai, but Rimuru Tempest is here to prove that anything is possible. In short, after dying in the real world, he reincarnates as a slime with unique abilities and begins to build his own kingdom in a fantasy world full of monsters and magic.
The anime strikes a great balance between lighthearted humor, world-building, and epic moments. Rimuru, despite being absurdly powerful, is a charismatic and just leader, and his journey is full of memorable encounters, incredible battles, and unlikely alliances. A story that begins simply but grows impressively with each episode.
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