Despite the growing number of series released each season, the isekai genre currently boasts major exponents, like KonoSuba and Re:ZERO, which has led to a good deal of incredible anime going unnoticed. Therefore, many worthwhile isekai series are overlooked and aren’t brought up when discussing the best of the genre.
Sometimes it’s hard to see beyond the vast catalog of generic isekai. Furthermore, some isekai don’t receive the recognition they deserve, going unnoticed due to their particular art style or niche premise. Thankfully, for those seeking something different, these underrated isekai offer stories set in another world that engage from beginning to end.
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Handyman Saitou in Another World
In Handyman Saitou in Another World, Saitou isn’t particularly powerful or possessed of any flashy abilities; he’s an ordinary person without magical talent who uses his handyman skills to help his fellow adventurer with simple tasks. Sadly, this made the anime criminally underrated, as some viewers found the protagonist a bit plain.
However, Saitou’s refreshing character manages to shine brightly, becoming one of the anime’s strongest points, along with his humorous moments and the endearing relationships he forges with his group. Furthermore, while Handyman Saitou in Another World initially unfolds with a series of short gags, it later takes a serious turn, progressively improving as the connections between the characters become clearer.
6
No Longer Allowed in Another World
Like Bungo Stray Dogs, No Longer Allowed in Another World is a parody of Osamu Dazai, transporting the writer to a fantasy world as the most unmotivated hero ever summoned. As a result, Osamu Dazai embarks on the most bizarre quest, as he doesn’t care about life and just wants to find his former lover to end it all.
Sensei is powerless, tired, and apathetic and doesn’t help others willingly, which subverts the typical isekai protagonist. Furthermore, despite addressing themes such as mortality and depression, the anime isn’t overly serious. No Longer Allowed in Another World is full of satire and dark humor, making it a fun isekai that more viewers should check out.
5
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic
One of the best isekai of 2024, in The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic, after being mistakenly summoned to another world, Usato strives to become a first-class healer. This spin on the overpowered isekai character formula is what makes the anime stand out, as Usato accepts his lack of power, so he must train and gain strength.
Using healing magic in an exciting and imaginative way and featuring charming characters like Usato’s ridiculously tough, militaristic Spartan trainer, who should be sued for abuse of power, The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is an enjoyable series to watch that feels refreshing compared to recent isekai anime.
4
Hinamatsuri
Despite being less known than reverse-isekai like Gate or The Devil is a Part-Timer, Hinamatsuri may be one of the best isekai to kill time. Hinamatsuri follows an intellectual yakuza and a psychic girl from another world and is a laid-back and devilishly hilarious anime.
Hinamatsuri features many quirky characters, making every interaction priceless with their amusing expressions. But unlike other parodies, the anime is more than just random absurdity and surrealism, offering viewers plenty of situations to poke fun at, but also some genuinely touching moments, like Nitta becoming increasingly like a doting parent as he watches Hina grow.
3
Ascendance of a Bookworm
One of the most underrated isekai anime is Ascendance of a Bookworm, which, despite lacking exciting battles, is a heartwarming story and a masterclass in world-building. The anime revolves around a modern, book-loving girl from modern society who is transported to an alternate medieval world where books are unavailable to the public.
From gathering materials to dealing with merchants and trading, Rosemyne possessed a wealth of knowledge, which she proactively put into practice to create books, making the anime feel like a fascinating crafting adventure with educational undertones. Likewise, Ascendance of a Bookworm is consistently filled with family love and endearing characters that will warm viewers’ hearts.
2
Uncle from Another World
Although it suffered one of the worst delays during its broadcast, which dampened the hype surrounding the anime, Uncle from Another World is one of Netflix’s best isekai series. Following Yosuke Shibazaki, who returns to his reality after 17 years in a fantasy world, Uncle from Another World presents the modern-day culture shock that fans love in reverse-isekai anime.
Fortunately, viewers also get to witness Yosuke’s experiences in Gran Bahamal, which are some of the funniest situations possible due to his social awkwardness. Packed with geek culture references and hilarious jokes stemming from Yosuke’s quirky personality, Uncle from Another World deserves more attention as one of the best isekai comedy series out there.
1
Sonny Boy
One of the most conceptual anime of recent years, Sonny Boy has a strong artistic identity and a deep story like no other in the isekai genre. Despite being set in another world, showing a group of students in an alternate reality who gain psychic powers, Sonny Boy is not an adventure but rather a coming-of-age story.
While many viewers may find it hard to understand due to the amount of symbolism, Sonny Boy has a strange charm that makes it appealing. With beautiful animation, an extremely complex worldview, and a story that will make viewers reflect, Sonny Boy is a masterpiece and a hidden gem of the isekai genre.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2021
- Directors
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Shingo Natsume
- Writers
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Shingo Natsume
