The wonderfully weird and varied worlds of isekai anime at this point are an established tradition among its legions of fans in the sphere. It presents a unique form of escapism transporting its characters often to strange new worlds far removed from their usual mundane existences. But despite the saturated genre producing many generic titles, countless gems still come out.
The best isekai anime break away from the usual tropes plaguing its genre, like reprehensible protagonists and bland, overdone premises. Its best offerings can range from heartwarming, introspective journeys where their protagonists reinvent themselves for the better, or in some cases, take that in a darker direction. Spread across Netflix, Crunchyroll, and more, there’s plenty isekai to discover.
.hack//SIGN
Based on the Franchise Created By Cyber Connect 2
.hack//SIGN is an important isekai anime that established many tropes that are foundational to the genre. The series established the formula later codified by hits like Sword Art Online of having a cast of characters stuck in an MMO world and trying to get out. Arguably more so than any of its successors though, .hack does interesting things with this premise as it builds a genuinely interesting mystery around why people are trapped in its game world.
The series’ increased emphasis on mystery and introspection might not appeal to every isekai fan, but those who are curious will probably be hooked. Fortunately for anyone looking into watching this seminal isekai anime, it’s currently streaming for free on Tubi.
Digimon Adventure
Based on the Toy Franchise Created By Bandai
Though Digimon Adventure probably isn’t the first series that comes to mind when fans think isekai, the seminal anime fits the genre quite well. Instead of one protagonist whisked off to a world where they’re overpowered, Digimon Adventure sees a group of eight children band together to brave the wilds of the Digital World alongside their digital companions.
Digimon Adventure is certainly not without fault, but the series holds up surprisingly well. Old fans looking for nostalgia and new fans looking for a different take on what an isekai anime could be should check out this classic which is currently streaming on Hulu.
Reincarnated as a Sword
Based on the Novels by Yuu Tanaka
There’s generic isekai slop, and there’s “good isekai slop”, and this anime thankfully falls happily into the latter category. Reincarnated as a Sword takes a radical approach to its premise, through the generic car accident death of an unnamed man, making him a sentient sword who seeks a wielder. Upon being discovered by Fran, the sword is named “Teacher”.
Animated by C2C, the excellent studio behind isekai-lite hit Shangri-La Frontier, it’s unsurprising that the anime is well-produced while presenting this unusual scenario. Teacher is a far more wholesome hero than your average isekai protagonist, which is a delightfully rare sight as he protects Fran. It’s a highly rewarding anime available on Netflix.
But Reincarnated as a Sword isn’t merely a wholesome, subversive, gimmicky isekai anime. It understands the RPG-style fantasy premise and mechanics, and is rewarding to watch for anybody who enjoys pen & paper roleplaying experiences. The result is every bit as creative an experience as other underrated isekai like Reincarnated as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon.
No Game, No Life
Based on the Novels by Yu Kamiya
No Game No Life is an isekai that shows what it would be like if everything in life were a game, presenting a fantasy world full of possibilities. On Disboard, there are no complicated rules, violence, or war, since absolutely everything is determined through games. Thanks to the brilliant minds of the protagonists, Sora and Shiro, this creates the perfect story for those who enjoy puzzles, mystery, and strategy.
But what makes the anime different from others is that, rather than just fun games, these become a battle of wits where they have to force their rivals to play and bet, putting on the table conquests of territory, the power of the different races, and even the position of the god of the world. Although the anime doesn’t escape from excessive fan service, its excellent narrative quality, crazy rhythm, and lively and colorful animation not only attract the audience but also leave them wanting more.
Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-
Based on the Novels by Kei Azumi
Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy—is now two seasons in and is a strong example of the recent wave of popular isekai anime dominating 2024. Makoto Misumi features in this adventure, summoned to the Goddess’ World from Earth. The series features a blend of typical isekai tropes, including RPG and leveling mechanics, as well as flaws in the system initially misinterpreting Makoto’s overpowered potential.
The series’ second season was among the most well-received anime of the Winter 2024 season, alongside mainstays like Kingdom. It’s undeniably popular, blending Japanese mythological elements, including the moon goddess, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, along with other fantasy mainstays and appearances from legendary creatures from around the world.
As isekai anime continues to grow its presence among viewers, especially with Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy—continuing to release novels and manga in the present, viewers can expect more adventures with Makoto in the future. Fans can stream this gem on Hulu and Crunchyroll.
Sonny Boy
Original Anime Series Created By Shingo Natsume & Studio Madhouse
More so than almost any other anime, Sonny Boy shows off the wide and deep potential of isekai. The series follows a group of high school students who are mysteriously transported to a black void, and then to an island, while they develop special powers. What sets Sonny Boy apart is its introspective nature and its outright refusal to be anything close to wish fulfillment.
The young protagonists might be freed from the pressures adults place on them, but that pressure is replaced with a far deeper uneasiness. The result is mind-blowing in a way all the best fantasy anime are. Though Sonny Boy might be a different take on isekai anime, it’s one well worth seeking out on Crunchyroll.
Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill
Based on the Light Novel By Ren Eguchi
Animated by the legendary studio MAPPA, Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is a gorgeously produced Crunchyroll series that provides a cozy, refreshing spin on isekai. The series follows Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a salaryman who accidentally gets summoned into another world to defend the Kingdom of Reijseger against their foes.
In a twist, Mukouda talks his way out of being the Kingdom’s hero because his out-of-battle skill, “Online Supermarket,” is deemed virtually useless. As a result, Mukouda takes up life as a merchant and adventurer, discovering that his skill is anything but useless.
He’s able to whip up a variety of dishes which eventually catches the attention of a mythical wolf named Fel, and the pair negotiate a partnership wherein Fel will become Mukouda’s familiar in exchange for more food. While nothing groundbreaking, Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is immensely entertaining from start to finish and never takes itself too seriously.
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion
Based on the Web Novel By Milcha
Providing a unique twist on the concept of “being born into another world,” Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion follows Rinko Hanasaki after being reborn as a minor character from a novel named Raeliana McMillan, the eldest daughter of a baron who lived a relatively carefree life until she is eventually killed by her fiancé, Francis Brooks. With this knowledge, Raeliana is determined to break off her engagement with Lord Brooks and seeks help from the main protagonist of the novel – Duke Noah Wynknight.
Remembering everything about him from the book, she proposes a deal to the Duke: she won’t reveal his secrets if he takes her as his fiancé. A romance with an intriguing mystery surrounding its male lead, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion succeeds in delivering a heart-pounding story that forces Crunchyroll audiences to keep him at arm’s length up until the very end.
Saga of Tanya the Evil
Based on the Novels Written Carlo Zen and Illustrated by Shinobu Shinotsuki
Saga of Tanya the Evil is one of the most unique isekai thanks to its risky concept, not for presenting a war-filled magic world, but because it features an ambitious man dying and being cursed by a mysterious god reincarnating in the body of a cute little girl. This way the anime is a great option for fans of scheming and morally questionable protagonists, as Tanya isn’t looking for atonement and to believe in this being but instead becomes a ruthless solider who fights against his designs and will manipulate and sacrifice anyone to achieve her goals.
Besides the striking contrast of an exterior that doesn’t match at all with Tanya’s sadistic nature, magnificently represented with totally unhinged expressions, the anime stands out for its great representation of ideological and territorial disputes, showing the perspective between both fronts and also the confrontation between her and X. Fans can stream this unusual isekai anime on Crunchyroll.
The Twelve Kingdoms
Based on the Manga by Fuyumi Ono and Akihiro Yamada
Much like Inuyasha, The Twelve Kingdoms embodies early isekai anime tropes, with this series being handled by the Naruto and Bleach studio, Pierrot. Portals across Japan and China send people inadvertently to one of the thirteen islands surrounded by the Kyokai or “Void Sea”. It’s a fascinating world with complicated lore from an era where anime was much more niche and intimidating to approach for newcomers. Still, as a result, this is among the top recommendations for isekai fans seeking something unique.
The protagonist of The Twelve Kingdoms is Yoko Nakajima, whose world is suddenly under attack by beasts from this other world. When she meets a Kirin from this world, Keiki, who swears his allegiance to her on the spot, she is eventually sent to the Twelve Kingdoms. Despite being initially weak, Yoko grows as a warrior in this gorgeous and wonderfully animated series free on Tubi.
