In the anime universe, few genres are as popular as isekai . The word, which means "different world" in Japanese, defines plots where characters leave their reality to experience adventures in another world—whether after the classic "truck accident" or through magical portals.
We've compiled a list of the 15 best isekai anime of all time , bringing together works that defined an era and won over fans worldwide. Here, you'll find everything from essential classics for beginners to little-known gems that deserve a mention.
15. Inuyasha
- MAL Grade: 7,87
- Year: 2000-2004
- Studio: Sunrise
- Episodes: 167
First, even before the explosion of modern isekai anime, Inuyasha was already paving the way back in the 2000s. In short, the story of Kagome, an ordinary student who is transported to feudal Japan via a magical well, captivated an entire generation. Then she meets Inuyasha, a stubborn half-youkai, and together they embark on a journey filled with struggle, drama, and heart-pounding romance. Indeed, despite its old-school feel, the anime still retains that charm that only classics can retain.
Furthermore, Inuyasha is an excellent example of how an isekai can blend mythology, Japanese folklore, and adventure without feeling forced. The narrative manages to be both entertaining and intense, with memorable characters and a rich world. Therefore, even though it doesn't follow all the formulas of the most recent isekai, it deserves to be on this list with all due honor.
14. Drifters
- MAL Grade: 7,88
- Year: 2016
- Studio: Hoods Entertainment
- Episodes: 12
On the other hand, if you enjoy fast-paced action, blood-splattering, and historical figures in completely crazy situations, Drifters is your thing. Created by the same creator of Hellsing , this anime is a veritable creative chaos. In it, figures like Oda Nobunaga, Joan of Arc, and even Butch Cassidy are transported to a fantasy world to wage an epic war between civilizations and magical races.
The striking visuals and fast pace make everything even more exciting. Furthermore, the contrast between historical figures and a universe filled with elves and dragons is simply insane (in a good way). Drifters may not be the most well-known isekai among the general public, but it definitely delivers a unique and bold experience—perfect for those looking to break away from the same old thing.
13. Overlord
- MAL Rating: 7.90 (Season 1)
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 13 (Season 1)
Imagine being transported to the world of an MMORPG… only as the final boss! That's exactly what happens in Overlord , where the protagonist, Momonga, finds himself trapped in his favorite game after the servers shut down. The twist? He's not a hero, but a powerful necromancer with armies at his disposal. The result: an addictive narrative that blends strategy, power, and that dark twist we love.
Unlike many isekai where the hero wants to "save the world," Overlord depicts a character who gradually becomes a near-divine—and also frightening—figure. With a well-built world, intense battles, and captivating supporting characters, this anime proves that it's possible to be OP and still keep the story interesting from beginning to end.
12. Log Horizon
- MAL Rating: 7.90 (Season 1)
- Year: 2013-2014
- Studio: Satelight
- Episodes: 25
If you enjoyed Sword Art Online but wanted more strategy and world-building, Log Horizon is your answer. Here, thousands of players are trapped in an MMORPG and must learn to live in this universe as if it were their new reality. The protagonist, Shiroe, is not a strong warrior, but rather a strategist who prefers his brains to his sword—which already makes a huge difference.
Log Horizon 's greatest strength lies in its in-game political and social development, something rare in anime of this genre. The way the characters build alliances, navigate the economy, and seek meaning in their new lives makes everything feel more realistic. In short: it's a masterclass in how to create an intelligent and engaging isekai, even without relying on epic combat all the time.
11. The Rising Of The Shield Hero
- MAL Rating: 7.93 (Season 1)
- Year: 2019
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
At first glance, Shield Hero seems like a basic isekai: a hero goes to another world, gains powers, and faces monsters. However, in the first few episodes, everything turns upside down. The protagonist Naofumi, one of the four legendary heroes, is wrongly accused of a crime and ends up being rejected by everyone. From then on, he must survive on his own, armed only with a shield—and a lot of anger in his heart.
It's precisely this shift in expectations that makes Shield Hero so compelling. Instead of a glorified hero, we have a bitter and distrustful protagonist who needs to relearn how to trust others. With a narrative of redemption and evolution, the anime delivers action, emotion, and that "I'll watch just one more episode" feeling we love.
The best isekai anime – Top 10
10. Saga Of Tanya The Evil
- MAL Rating: 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 world of magical war—as a little blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl. This is the starting point for Saga of Tanya the Evil , an isekai that breaks everything you expect from the genre. Tanya, the protagonist, is ruthless, sarcastic, and strategic, making each episode a mix of war, religious critique, and pure entertainment.
Unlike the more "cutesy" isekai, Saga of Tanya the Evil is dark, philosophical, and incredibly addictive. The contrast between Tanya's innocent appearance and her calculating mind creates intense, even disturbing, moments. If you're looking for an isekai that's out of the ordinary, this one will surprise you—a lot.
09. Ascendance Of A Bookworm
- MAL Rating: 7.97 (Season 1)
- Year: 2019
- Studio: Ajia-do
- Episodes: 14 (Season 1)
If you're the kind of person who dreams of living surrounded by books, then you'll totally relate to Ascendance of a Bookworm . The protagonist, a young woman passionate about reading, dies in our world and is reincarnated in the fragile body of a little girl in a medieval society… where books are extremely rare and only the elite have access. But she's undeterred! On the contrary, she decides to create her own books and democratize knowledge.
Rather than epic battles and superpowers, this anime enchants with its lightheartedness, creativity, and personal growth. It's a slow but extremely rewarding journey, filled with details about the world and the impact knowledge can have on it. In short, Ascendance of a Bookworm is that isekai that warms the heart—and also inspires us to cherish every little book on the shelf.
08. The Twelve Kingdoms
- MAL Rating: 8.01 (Season 1)
- Year: 2003-2004
- Studio: Pierrot
- Episodes: 45 (Season 1)
Often overlooked in more recent lists, The Twelve Kingdoms is a rare gem from the early 2000s. In it, we're taken along with high school student Yoko to a completely new world, inspired by Chinese mythology, where she's chosen to be a ruler. Sounds ordinary? Not really. The series delves deeply into themes like responsibility, growing up, and politics, delivering a much more intense experience than traditional isekai anime.
Despite its dated feel, the narrative is so rich and well-constructed that it quickly captivates viewers. The world has its own laws, mythical creatures, and fascinating side stories. So, if you're looking for an isekai with depth and a more classic feel, The Twelve Kingdoms deserves your time—and your full attention.
07. No Game No Life
- MAL Grade: 8,05
- Year: 2014
- Studio: Madhouse
- Episodes: 12
Now let's get to neon colors, insane strategies, and prodigious siblings! No Game No Life follows Sora and Shiro, two gaming geniuses who are transported to a world where everything—absolutely everything—is decided by challenges. From wars to social rules, everything functions like a giant game, and this allows for brilliant twists and absurdly creative gameplay.
Besides the vibrant visuals that leap off the screen, the main duo's charisma is one of its biggest draws. They don't have supernatural powers, but they use intelligence and teamwork to master this new world. The anime may seem like pure fanservice at first glance, but it delivers much more in terms of world-building and mental challenges. It's worth rewatching with pen and paper, just to follow their dazzling plans.
06. KonoSuba
- MAL Rating: 8.09 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 10 (Season 1)
If there's one anime that mocks every isekai cliché and still manages to be one of the best, it's KonoSuba . It follows Kazuma, an unlucky boy who dies a ridiculous death and is reborn in a fantasy world with the most useless goddess of all time—Aqua. Along with a group of misfits, he experiences the most hilarious and failed "adventures" you'll ever see in isekai anime.
KonoSuba 's greatest strength is its ability to laugh at itself. Instead of epic world-saviors, we have characters who barely make it out of town without causing a catastrophe. Even so, the chemistry between them is so good that you find yourself rooting for this dysfunctional team. If you're looking for a good laugh and a break from more intense anime, this is the perfect choice.
The best isekai anime – Top 5
05. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
- MAL Rating: 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 as... a slime. But That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime quickly shows that it's far from your average anime. Rimuru, the slime, accumulates skills and allies, literally building a new nation in a fantasy world. It's a show of evolution and charisma.
The anime's greatest strength lies in how it expands its universe. Each season brings new characters and kingdoms, always with a clearly defined purpose. Furthermore, Rimuru is a kind and diplomatic protagonist, yet also capable of being lethal when necessary. Finally, the balance between comedy, politics, and action is one of the best the genre has ever seen. It's no wonder the anime has become a fan favorite.
04. The Boy and the Beast
- MAL Grade: 8,23
- Year: 2015
- Studio: Studio Chizu
- Episodes: 01h 59min
Unlike most isekai anime, The Boy and the Beast isn't a series, but a film—and what a film! Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the series tells the story of Ren, a lonely boy who ends up in a world of humanoid beasts and is trained by a grumpy creature named Kumatetsu. The relationship between the two goes from complete hostility to something resembling a father-son relationship.
Thus, the key differentiator here is the emotional focus and personal development of the characters. More than an action isekai, it's a story about growth, acceptance, and family bonds. Furthermore, the animation is beautiful, the soundtrack is striking, and the final message is powerful. Even though it's a closed work, it leaves you wanting more, in the best Studio Ghibli classics style.
The best isekai anime – Top 03
03. Re:Zero
- MAL Rating: 8.24 (Season 1)
- Year: 2016
- Studio: White Fox
- Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
If Re:Zero were just another isekai anime with a protagonist transported to a magical world, no one would pay much attention. But what makes this anime stand out is its brutal treatment of death. Initially, 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.
Furthermore, throughout the episodes, the anime blends psychological tension with a complex plot, ambiguous characters, and world-building that only improves with time. And of course, we can't forget the iconic waifus like Rem and Emilia. Re:Zero is intense, painful, yet extremely rewarding. One of the best isekai anime ever made—without a doubt.
02. The Eminence in Shadow
- MAL Rating: 8.25 (Season 1)
- Year: 2022-2023
- Studio: Nexus
- Episodes: 20 (Season 1)
Now, yes, one of the isekai anime that's a real trip! The Eminence in Shadow takes all the genre's clichés and gives them an absurd twist. The protagonist, Cid, wants to be "the shadow figure," that mysterious, overpowered figure who pulls the strings behind the scenes—but it all starts as a joke. The problem? The conspiracy he concocts... is real. And he has no idea.
This anime is a rollercoaster of action, comedy, and plenty of sarcasm. The fun lies in how Cid takes it all in stride while literally creating a secret organization that changes the fate of the world. It's like an One Punch Man , but with a gothic twist. So, if you enjoy anime with that absurd humor and stylish action scenes, The Eminence in Shadow will be your new addiction.
01. Mushoku Tensei
- MAL Rating: 8.35 (Season 1)
- Year: 2021
- Studio: Studio Bind
- Episodes: 11 (Season 1)
Finally, at the top of the podium, with all possible merits, is one of the best isekai anime , Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation . This anime not only redefined the isekai genre but also raised the production standard to a new level. In short, the story follows a failed man who is reincarnated into a world of magic and decides to live this new opportunity with more purpose. But unlike other isekai, here everything has weight: emotional growth, relationships, and even the consequences of actions.
With impeccable animation, a captivating soundtrack, and a mature narrative, Mushoku Tensei builds its world calmly but with impressive depth. The protagonist, Rudeus, experiences real ups and downs, and this makes each victory more meaningful. In short, it's an anime that demonstrates the power of isekai when crafted with care and ambition. Simply unmissable.
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