Isekai anime has become one of the most beloved and dominant genres when it comes to anime. Each season of anime releases new stories in which an unsuspecting person is thrust into a world completely different from the one they know through mysterious and sometimes unfortunate circumstances. Whether it's a speeding truck or a portal that appears in their living room, their normal lives are over and they become the protagonists of their journey.

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More often than not, these stories are a ball of fun where the hero is tasked with killing the monster and saving the world. But on special occasions, isekai anime can tell an incredible story of discovery and coming of age. Combined with well-developed characters and wrapped in interesting worlds, these anime leave an unforgettable impression on viewers. Here are some isekai anime with the best storytelling.
8 Rise of the Shield Hero
A unique journey of character development that lives up to expectations
Rise of the Shield Hero
- Studio
- Kinema Citrus, DR Movie
- Creator
- Aneka Yusagi
- Number of series
- 50
Naafumi is the reluctant hero of an isekai anime because nothing has gone right since he was summoned to another world. Paired with three other young men summoned as heroes and gifted with holy weapons, Naafumi is chosen as the Hero of the Shield. Surprisingly, Naafumi's arrival is quite different from his peers, as he is framed for a crime, banished from the kingdom and cast out of society on day one. The hero of Rise of the Shield does a good job of dealing with Naafumi's struggles of starting at the bottom with nowhere to turn, forcing him to explore the world he lives in on an intimate level. Also, Naafumi's character is put to the test as he tries to get rid of his attachment to people, but can't fight his better nature to do the right thing. Each season of The Rising Of The Shield Hero makes significant progress not only in Naafumi's journey, but also in his growth.
7 This time I turned into slime
Interesting tests of character for the hero of the story
- Studio
- Eight bits
- Creator
- Fuse
- Number of series
- 72
Rimuru's old life was cut short in the blink of an eye when he was killed while protecting his friends from a thug. This moment paints Rimuru as a kind and caring person, setting a stark contrast when he is reincarnated in another world as a monster. The series' strongest narrative revolves around Rimuru and how he adapts to his new lifestyle.

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While maintaining his kind and gentle nature as Rimuru has developed, it shows that he is also capable of making harsh judgments regarding the safety of his people and the lives of his friends. Although on the surface Rimuru appears to be an innocent young boy, the slight change when he takes on the status of a demon lord is a stark contrast that makes the plot of the series interesting as to how much Rimuru will change over time.
6 Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions
Realistic aspects of a fantasy setting
Ashes and Illusions of Grimgar
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures
- Creator
- Ao Jumondi
- Number of series
- 12
Grimgar is perhaps one of the most unique isekai anime in the genre, and it handles teleportation to another world much more dramatically. A large group of capable people appear in a fantasy world, and while most find their way right away, a small group of reprobates stumbles and becomes aimless in their efforts. Gathered together, they experience a difficult life where in order to survive and collect enough scraps to feed themselves, they must put their lives on the line to kill a few goblins. Grimgar shows a more realistic outcome for ordinary people who are handed magic and a sword and told to live. Each character has their own challenges and heartache as they try to adapt, fail and try again. In a world where fortune favors the brave, the meek must fight and pick through the scraps.
5 The saga of Tanya the Evil
A rare dynamic character where the protagonist rebels against the authorities
The saga of Tanya the Evil
- Studio
- NUT
- Creator
- Carla Zen
- Number of series
- 12
When a slightly narcissistic atheist dies cursing god with his last breath, he becomes the focus of god, who decides to place him in a world where he must acknowledge his existence or suffer. Transformed into a young girl in a world engulfed in war, Tanya decides to spit in the face of fate and push the so-called divine patience to the limit. Throwing aside caution, Tanya joins the army and soon becomes the most titled warrior among the magical infantry. Pettiness is a trait that most isekai heroes lack; however, in Tanya's story, it is her pettiness that drives the story of her battle against the rulers in an attempt to prove that they are not, in fact, all-powerful and domineering over her.
4 The boy and the monster
A great story of acceptance and growing up
The boy and the monster
- director
- Mamoru Hosoda
- Studio
- Studio Chizu
A young boy named Ren finds himself alone among his family and ends up in another world after seeking escape from unfortunate circumstances. He gets his wish and embarks on a new journey where he finds himself under the care of a beast-man named Kumaketsu.

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Everyone needs something different to push their lives away from the mundane. Kumaketsu aspires to become the sovereign leader of the beast kingdom, while Ren wants a place where he belongs. However, over time, the bond created by their agreement heals wounds they never knew existed. The Boy and the Beast has emotional depth, and it also does a great job of showing the differences between people who come from two very different walks of life.
3 Eminence in the shadows
A main character unlike any other
- Studio
- Nexus
- Creator
- Daisuke Aizawa
- Number of series
- 32
- Streaming service(s).
- HIDE IT
The Eminence in Shadow is one of the newer isekai releases and has impressed fans with its radically different take on the genre and on the classic protagonist. Sid is killed in his first life and finds a second chance after being reborn in another world. Unlike most heroes, Sid doesn't dream of becoming a hero, but instead the ruler of this new world. Cid increases his power to ungodly levels and begins taking over pillars of power from the shadows to increase his control over the kingdom. Although Sid is a truly sinister character, the story portrays his methods of madness in an appealing way that makes for pure entertainment. While there have been other isekai that have focused on a more villainous protagonist, none have achieved the aura of Sid and The Eminence In Shadow.
2 Unemployed personification
Brilliant character development
Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation
- Studio
- Studio Bind
- Creator
- Rifujin on Maganote
- Number of series
- 39+
Jobless Incarnation is about a NEET man who gets a second chance at life and is reborn in a fantasy world with his memories intact. Rudeus takes full advantage of his rebirth and decides to do things differently from his shameful past, but it soon becomes clear that old habits die hard.

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Unfortunately, it will take some serious hardship for Rudeus to realize that not only has he wasted his second chance, but that the consequences of his actions are far more dire in this world compared to the past. Jobless Incarnation does an impeccable job of showing a scrappy main character and how maturity is not a journey that depends on time and takes as long as it takes to catch up. Rudeus' mistakes and his journey to grow from them is an exceptional character development unlike any other isekai anime of its kind.
1 Re: Zero
An extremely unique look at a second life in another world
- Studio
- White fox
- Creator
- Tappei Nagatsuki
- Number of series
- 53 (Season 3 – Episode 5)
Subaru is shocked when he enters a vivid fantasy world. Instantly concluding that this is his chance to become a sword-wielding hero just like his favorite video games, Subaru sets off to this unknown destination with optimism and joy. Unfortunately, the rules aren't in his favor as Subaru gets over a stranger's fall in an unfamiliar place rather quickly. Just when things are starting to look up, Subaru is faced with life's universal constant: death. But, to his surprise, he returns to the fantasy world again. The concept of Subaru having the power of the “last save” is a heavy plot element that adds an irresistible depth to his daily adventures. While the experiences he has and the friends he makes are entertaining, the idea that this can be lost on second glance as the threats become more dangerous sets a unique tone throughout the story. Re: Zero.

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