At first, if you are an anime fan, you have certainly heard - or even fell in love - with some Iskai . Thus, this subgenre, which literally means “different world”, conquered the heart of the otakus around the world. From the classic moment when the protagonist is hit by a truck to magical portals that come out of nowhere, the anime ISEKAI remains one of the most popular and fun categories of Otaku culture.
With that in mind, we have prepared a list of the 15 best anime ISEKAI of all time , gathering works that marked time and won crowds. Throughout this post, you will find from mandatory titles to any beginner to some hidden jewelry that deserve more attention. Also, we will comment on what makes each anime special, whether by the plot, animation or unforgettable characters.
15. Inuyasha
- Evil Note: 7,87
- Year: 2000-2004
- Studio: Sunrise
- Episodes: 167
First, even before the explosion of modern Iskais anime, Inuyasha already paved the way there in the 2000s. In short, the story of Kagome, an ordinary student who is transported to feudal Japan through a magical well, has won an entire generation. So she meets Inuyasha, a stubborn half-youkai, and together board a journey full of fights, drama and a romance that makes the heart beat faster. By the way, despite the old mood, the anime still has that charm that only the classics can maintain.
In addition, Inuyasha is an excellent example of how an ISKAI can mix mythology, Japanese folklore and adventure without seeming forced. The narrative can be fun and intense at the same time, with striking characters and a very rich world. Therefore, even if he does not follow all the formulas of the most current ISKAIS, it deserves to be on this list with all the honor.
14. Drifters
- Evil Note: 7,88
- Year: 2016
- Studio: Hoods Entertainment
- Episodes: 12
On the other hand, if you enjoy unbridled action, blood flying and historical characters in completely crazy situations, drifters is your beach. Created by the same author of Hellsing , this anime is a true creative chaos. In it, figures like Oda Nobunaga, Joana D'Arc and even Butch Cassidy are transported to a fantasy world to wage an epic war between civilizations and magic races.
The striking look and the rapid pace make everything even more exciting. In addition, the contrast between historical personalities and a universe filled with elves and dragons is simply insane (in a good way). Drifters may not be the best known ISKAI of the general public, but it definitely delivers a unique and bold experience - perfect for those who want to get out of the same.
13. Overlord
- NOTE MAL: 7.90 (Season 1)
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
Imagine being transported to the world of a MMORPG… only as the final boss! That's exactly what happens in Overlord , where the protagonist, Momonga, gets stuck in his favorite game after the servers are closed. The detail? He is not a hero, but a powerful necromancer with armies at his disposal. Result: an addictive narrative that mixes strategy, power and that dark touch that we love.
Unlike many Iskais where the hero wants to "save the world," Overlord shows a character who gradually becomes an almost divine - and also scary figure. Thus, with a well -built world, intense battles and captivating secondary characters, this anime shows that you can be op and still keep the story interesting from beginning to end.
12. Log Horizon
- NOTE MAL: 7.90 (Season 1)
- Year: 2013-2014
- Studio: Satelight
- Episodes: 25
If you enjoyed Sword Art Online but wanted more focus on strategy and world construction, Log Horizon is your request fulfilled. Here, thousands of players get stuck in a MMORPG and need to learn to live in this universe as if it were their new reality. The protagonist, Shiroe, is not a Fortão warrior, but a strategist who prefers to use the brain instead of the sword - which already gives a giant differential.
Log Horizon 's great asset is in political and social development within the game, something rare in anime of the genre. The way characters build alliances, deal with economy and seek to make sense of new life makes everything more realistic. In short: It's a class on how to create an intelligent and engaging ISKAI, even without depending on epic combat all the time.
11. The Rising of the Shield Hero
- NOTE MAL: 7.93 (Season 1)
- Year: 2019
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Episodes: 25 (season 1)
At first glance, Shield Hero looks more like a basic ISKAI: hero goes to another world, gains powers and faces monsters. However, in the first episodes, everything turns upside down. The nonfumi protagonist, one of the four legendary heroes, is unfairly accused of a crime and ends up being rejected by all. From then on, he needs to survive on his own, with just a shield as a weapon - and a lot of anger in the heart.
It is exactly this breach of expectation that makes Shield Hero so interesting. Instead of a glorified hero, we have a bitter and suspicious protagonist who needs to relearn to trust people. With a narrative of redemption and evolution, the anime delivers action, emotion and that feeling of “I'm going to watch just another episode” that we love.
The best anime ISEKAI - Top 10
10. Saga of Tanya The Evil
- NOTE MAL: 7.96 (Season 1)
- Year: 2017
- Studio: NUT
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
Now imagine a skeptical and cruel soul being reincarnated by a divine entity in a magical war world - like a blonde girl with blue eyes. This is the starting point of Saga of Tanya The Evil , an ISKAI that breaks everything you expect from the genre. Tanya, the protagonist, is merciless, sarcastic and strategist, making each episode a mixture of war, religious criticism and pure entertainment.
Unlike the most cute ISKAIS, saga of Tanya The Evil is dark, philosophical and, at the same time, incredibly addictive. The contrast between Tanya's innocent appearance and his calculating mind creates intense and even disturbing moments. If Voiê seeks an Isekai out of the curve, this one will surprise you - and a lot.
09. Ascendance of A Bookworm
- NOTE MAL: 7.97 (Season 1)
- Year: 2019
- Studio: Ajia-Do
- Episodes: 14 (season 1)
If you are the type who dreams of living surrounded by books, then you will completely identify with Ascendance of A Bookworm . The protagonist, a young man passionate about reading, dies in our world and reincarnates in a fragile body of a little girl in a medieval society… where books are very rare and only the elite has access. But she doesn't go down! On the contrary, he decides to create his own books and democratize knowledge.
Instead of epic battles and superpowers, this anime enchants with its lightness, creativity and personal growth. It is a slow but extremely rewarding journey, full of details about the world and the impact that knowledge can have in it. In short, Ascendance of A Bookworm is that ISEKAI that warms the heart - and still inspires us to value each booklet in the shelf.
08. The Twelve Kingdoms
- NOTE MAL: 8.01 (Season 1)
- Year: 2003-2004
- Studio: Pierrot
- Episodes: 45 (Season 1)
Often forgotten in the most current lists, The Twelve Kingdoms is a rare jewel of the early 2000s. In it, we are taken along with student Yoko to a completely new world, inspired by Chinese mythology, where she is chosen to be a ruler. Does it look common? Not so much. The series dives deep into topics such as responsibility, maturity and politics, delivering a much denser experience than traditional ISKAIS anime.
Despite the older trait, the narrative is so rich and well built that it quickly holds those who watch. The world has its own laws, mythical creatures and fascinating parallel stories. So if you are looking for a depth and a more classic touch, The Twelve Kingdoms deserves your time - and your full attention.
07. In the game no life
- Evil Note: 8,05
- Year: 2014
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 12
Now let's go in neon colors, insane strategies and prodigy brothers! In the game in Life accompanies Sora and Shiro, two geniuses of the games that are transported to a world where everything - absolutely everything - is decided by challenges. From wars to social rules, everything acts as a great game, and this gives room for genius twists and absurdly creative matches.
In addition to the vibrant look that jumps from the screen, the main duo's charisma is one of the biggest attractions. They have no supernatural powers, but use intelligence and teamwork to master this new world. The anime may seem pure fanservice at first glance, but it delivers much more in terms of building universe and mental challenges. Worth (re) watch with paper and pen in hand, just to accompany the mind -boggling plans.
06. KonoSuba
- NOTE MAL: 8.09 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 10 (season 1)
If there is an anime that makes all the clichés of the anime ISEKAI and yet can be one of the best, this anime is Konosuba . He accompanies Kazuma, a unlucky boy who dies ridiculously and is reborn in a fantasy world with the most useless goddess of all time - Aqua. Along with a group of misfits, he lives the most hilarious and failed "adventures" you will see in the anime ISEKAI.
The big balcony of Konosuba is laughing at itself. Instead of epic saviors of the world, we have characters who can barely get out of town without causing a catastrophe. Even so, the chemistry between them is so good that you catch yourself cheering for this dysfunctional team. If you want to laugh and rest from dense anime, this is the right request.
The best anime ISEKAI - TOP 05
05. That time i got reincarnated as a slime
- NOTE MAL: 8.14 (season 1)
- Year: 2018-2019
- Studio: 8bit
- Episodes: 24 (season 1)
At first it may seem strange to follow the story of a protagonist who reincarnates like… a slime. But that time i got reincarnated as slime quickly shows that it is far from being an ordinary anime. Rimuru, the Slime, accumulates skills, allies and literally building a new nation in a fantasy world. It is a show of evolution and charisma.
The great strength of the anime is how it expands its universe. Every season, new characters and kingdoms come up, always with some well -tied purpose. In addition, Rimuru is a kind and diplomatic protagonist, but who knows how to be lethal when necessary. Finally, the balance between comedy, politics and action is one of the best that the genre has ever seen. No wonder the anime became darling of the crowd.
04. The Boy and the Beast
- Evil Note: 8,23
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Studio Chizu
- Episodes: 01h 59min
Unlike most anime ISEKAI, The Boy and the Beast is not a series, but a movie - and what a movie! Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the work tells the story of Ren, a lonely boy who ends up entering a world of humanoid beasts and is trained by a grumpy creature named Kumatetsu. The relationship between the two goes from total disaffection to something that resembles a relationship father and son.
Thus, the great differential here is the emotional focus and personal development of the characters. More than an action iskai, it is a story about growth, acceptance and family ties. In addition, the animation is beautiful, the soundtrack is striking and the final message is powerful. Even though it's a closed work, she leaves that taste of "I want more" in the best style of Studio Ghibli classics.
The best anime ISEKAI - Top 03
03. Re:Zero
- NOTE MAL: 8.24 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: White Fox
- Episodes: 25 (season 1)
If Re: Zero were just another ISEKAI anime with protagonist being transported to a magical world, no one would give much ball. But what makes this anime stand out is the brutal way it treats death. At first, Subaru, the protagonist, discovers that every time he dies, he returns to a specific point in time - like a video game save. But each death comes with trauma, suffering and devastating consequences.
In addition, throughout the episodes, the anime mixes psychological tension with a complex plot, ambiguous characters and a world construction that only improves over time. And of course, you can't forget the iconic Waifus like REM and Emilia. Re: Zero is intense, painful but extremely rewarding. One of the best anime ISEKAI ever made - without discussion.
02. The Eminence in Shadow
- NOTE MAL: 8.25 (Season 1)
- Year: 2022-2023
- Studio: Nexus
- Episodes: 20 (season 1)
Now yes, from the anime ISEKAI which is a real trip! The Eminence in Shadow takes all the clichés of the genre and gives an absurd turn. The protagonist, Cid, wants to be "the figure of the shadows," that mysterious and overpower character that pulls the ropes behind the cloth - only it all starts like a joke. The problem? The conspiracy he invents… is real. And he has no idea that.
This anime is a roller coaster of action, comedy and very sarcasm. Grace is in how ICD takes everything in the zueira while literally creates a secret organization that changes the fate of the world. It's like one punch man version ISEKAI, but with a gothic touch. This way, if you enjoy anime with that kind of absurd mood and stylish action scenes, The Eminence in Shadow will be your new addiction.
01. Mushoku Tensei
- NOTE MAL: 8.35 (Season 1)
- Year: 2021
- Studio: Studio Bind
- Episodes: 11 (season 1)
Finally, at the top of the podium, with all the possible merits, one of the best anime ISEKAI , Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation . This anime not only redefined the Isekai genre but also raised the production pattern to a new level. In short, the story accompanies a failed man who reincarnates in a world of magic and decides to live this new chance with more purpose. But unlike other ISKAIS, here everything has weight: emotional growth, relationships and even the consequences of actions.
With impeccable animation, engaging soundtrack and a mature narrative, Mudhoku Tensei builds his world calmly, but with impressive depth. The protagonist Rudeus goes through ups and downs, and this makes each victory more significant. In short, it is an anime that shows the power of ISEKAI when done with care and ambition. Simply a must see.
Finally, do you want to follow all the news of anime, manga and games? Follow AnimeNew on WhatsApp and also on Instagram to not lose anything
