There’s something magical about isekai anime that continues to attract viewers worldwide. It may be due to the endless possibilities for storylines that the genre has to offer—be it a story on action-packed adventures, strategic kingdom building, magical fantasy, VR gaming, or other-world slice-of-life: there’s an isekai anime lying in wait to take you off somewhere exceptionally magical. While reincarnation and portal fantasy tales may be considered the most recognizable tropes, those are just the beginning of what the captivating genre can offer. The sheer idea of being spirited away to a fantastic new world has thus inspired numerous compelling narratives that hold appeal for audiences of all ages.
Whether you’re a beginner or a longtime fan, isekai anime opens the door to explore exciting worlds where characters get a fresh start, second chances, and the challenges of starting over in strange worlds. From strategic kingdom building, magic quests, or slice-of-life experiences in fantasy settings, each isekai series adds something unique to the genre. The best isekai anime dive into stories about personal development, redemption and the complexities of building a new life in a strange world, all while offering unforgettable adventures.
Our picked list highlights the best isekai anime you need to watch this year. From the dark psychological twists of Re: Zero to the fun and silly Konosuba. Let’s explore out these amazing isekai anime series that have shaped and changed isekai creating stories we’ll never forget and that keep fans hooked all over the world.
15. Reincarnated as a Sword
Reincarnated as a Sword is a different and unique isekai anime concept! It takes the genre and turns it into something totally unexpected and charming. Imagine being reborn not as a human, but as a powerful living sword who partners with Fran, an adorable cat-eared adventurer who is intent on achieving her dreams. This dynamic duo brings a fresh spin to this genre, combining touching and beautiful character development with thrilling fight scenes that make this anime exciting to watch and keep fans engaged. This show perfectly combines comedy, action, and emotional, heartwarming moments as the sword and Fran develop their friendship together in an unpredictable way, showing that friendship can happen in the strangest ways. For fans looking for a good isekai, this anime is a good watch that viewers will fall in love with for its creative concept.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2022
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Studio: C2C
- Based on: Light Novel by Yuu Tanaka and Llo
- Where to watch: Prime Video
14. Drifters
Drifters is an insanely cool, exciting anime that takes famous historical figures and places them into a fantasy world where they can go absolutely wild with their power. Fun fact: it is created by the same mastermind creator as Hellsing. This show is full of intense action and dark humor that will keep you engaged till the end. The story follows a samurai warrior, Toyohisa Shimazu, who is transported to a world with elves, dwarves, and magic, alongside other historical warriors like Nobunaga Oda and Hannibal, who team up to fight against other historical villains. Drifters is very different from other anime with its intense approach to fantasy battles and the great chemistry between historical characters who should never have met. This is a good isekai anime with truly powerful main characters who earned their amazing skills through actual history; this action adventure is exactly what you need to watch in 2025.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2016
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.88
- Studio: Hoods Entertainment
- Based on: Manga by Kouta Hirano
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Crunchyroll (based on your location)
13. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is a realistic isekai that is very different from the typical power fantasies and will surprise you by being completely different from what you expect. This series shows what would actually happen if ordinary people were thrown into a harsh fantasy world with no survival skills. The characters fail, struggle with every challenge, and slowly grow in a way that feels genuinely true. Each fight feels like an intense battle to survive. With beautiful watercolor-style animation that makes every moment and deeply emotional character journey look amazing to watch, Grimgar shows a more realistic side of the isekai genre. This show is not about becoming the strongest but mainly focuses on finding your inner strength when things seem hopeless. For fans looking for an isekai that feels different, realistic, and emotional, this anime will touch your heart in unexpected ways.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2016
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.66
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Based on: Light Novel by Ao Jyumonji
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
12. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy is unique and different from other isekai shows. A hilarious and surprising journey that will make you laugh and cheer. This isn’t your typical isekai anime with an OP MC. The protagonist in this show is awkward, relatable, and left in a fantasy world by a goddess who basically considers him useless. Makoto turns this rejection into his strength, building interesting and unexpected relationships with unique characters like a spider and a dragon who are far more amazing than those in the human world. Perfect mix of comedy, action, and unexpected character development, Tsukimichi shows that being underestimated can be the best start to an epic journey.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2021
- Episodes: 37
- MAL Rating: 7.84
- Studio: C2C
- Based on: Light Novel by Kei Azum
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
11. Log Horizon
When it comes to anime with a brilliant tactical edge, Log Horizon remains one of the best tactical isekai anime in 2025. Unlike most isekai shows featuring overpowered main characters who win through sheer strength, Shiroe conquers his new world by employing clever strategies and adjusting his signature glasses. This series shows how to build a working society in a game world rather than just escaping reality and having an adventure. It explores how politics, economy, and social systems are handled with surprising depth while still showing those heartwarming friendship moments and clever humor that make isekai anime so addictive. If you’re bored of the same old power fantasy and want an isekai where the protagonist uses his brain instead of overpowered strength, Log Horizon is the perfect watch for strategy-loving anime fans.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2013
- Episodes: 62
- MAL Rating: 7.90
- Studio: Satelight
- Based on: Light Novel by Mamare Touno
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
10. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is probably the most popular isekai anime series. This anime got worldwide attention by exploring the serious effects of virtual reality gaming. After Kirito’s struggle in Aincrad, a deadly game where virtual death means death in real life, the story continues onward, focusing on how people connect with others and understand themselves in the digital world. It makes the audience realize how virtual experiences can lead to real emotional and personal development while also maintaining the psychological impacts of life-or-death situations. This show beautifully combines the exciting sword fights and heartwarming romance between Kirito and Asuna with deeper themes about technological advancement and the human mind. The starting arc is just amazing, and many fans consider it the best arc in the entire series. Sword Art Online emotionally focuses on finding meaning and connection across both real and virtual worlds, and Season 1 of SAO is a must-watch for every anime fan!
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2012
- Episodes: 96
- MAL Rating: 7.21
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Based on: Light Novel by Reki Kawahara
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
9. No Game No Life
With brilliant colors and beautiful animation, No Game No Life combines gaming skills with an exciting fantasy story along with some intellectual battles. The story follows the protagonists, legendary gamer siblings Sora and Shiro, as they find themselves in the world of Disboard, a world where all problems, from personal to international, can be decided through games. This series presents a smart story of strategy and intelligence, but what makes No Game No Life so interesting is the complex game theory and psychological battles that come to life in vibrant colors and animation. It creates tension and excitement through smart competition rather than physical fighting, focusing on human potential and the heat of rivalry. With brilliantly designed games and strategic challenges, No Game No Life proves that even mental battles can be just as exciting as any action battles.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2014
- MAL Rating: 8.05
- Episodes: 12
- Status: Completed
- Studio: Madhouse
- Based on: Light Novel by Yuu Kamiya
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
8. Saga of Tanya the Evil
Saga of Tanya the Evil is an anime with a dark and complex storyline that makes it different from usual isekai shows. This series deals with the events during the life of an evil salaryman reincarnated as Tanya Degurechaff, a young officer in an alternate World War I filled with magic. War, faith, and human nature are explored through the cold and morally dark lens of Tanya. It shows realistic representations of warfare and political plots, as well as the ongoing war between Tanya and Being X, the God who made her reincarnate. By combining history, magical warfare, and deep moral questions, Saga of Tanya the Evil is a truly unique and exceptional show that challenges both expectations and morality, and it would be a different watching experience if you haven’t seen it yet.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2017
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.96
- Studio: NUT
- Based on: Light Novel by Carlo Zen
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
7. Ascendance of a Bookworm
By focusing on innovation and cultural growth in a unique way, Ascendance of a Bookworm tells an intimate story of determination and social change. The series follows Urano Motosu, a book-loving librarian who gets reincarnated into a sickly child named Myne in a world without books. This anime slowly brings modern knowledge into a medieval fantasy. Beyond its interesting story, it highlights realistic details about history, class struggles, and the challenges of creating new ideas. This series shows how even small changes in reading, learning, and society can have a big impact on a whole world. Myne’s journey is refreshing to watch, and Ascendance of a Bookworm proves that strong isekai stories don’t need epic battles to leave a lasting mark on their fictional worlds.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2019-present
- Episodes: 36
- MAL Rating: 8.01
- Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
- Based on: Light Novel by Miya Kazuki
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
6. Overlord
Overlord is a totally new world for almost everyone when it comes to watching anime series. It revolves around darkness and an extremely powerful journey filled with moral complexities rather than the usual hero story. When Ainz Ooal Gown, a powerful skeleton overlord trapped in his gaming avatar, ends up in a new world, instead of just surviving in a strange world, he builds a dark and powerful empire there. Its unpredictable and surprising storytelling is what makes this show awesome. There’s no typical hero in this show; Overlord focuses on a dark and complex protagonist who morally challenges ideas of good and evil. The series does very well in exploring power, leadership, and loyalty, creating deeper stories than most isekai anime. With its interesting political plots and amazing magic fights, Overlord is an exciting story that will keep you engaged. It is up there with the top isekai shows.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2015-present
- Episodes: 52
- MAL Rating: 7.90
- Studio: Madhouse
- Based on: Light Novel by Kugane Maruyama
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
5. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
KonoSuba is such an outrageous and hilarious comedy that it literally turns the isekai genre upside down, perfectly capturing fantasy world elements. It is about Kazuma Satou and his unserious and hopeless group: Aqua, a broke goddess; Megumin, a mage obsessed with explosions; and Darkness, a masochist crusader, who create more problems than they solve. Unlike all those typical isekai shows, KonoSuba is all about madness. Each quest ends up turning into a comedy full of misadventures and unexpected mistakes. Its sharp jokes, perfect comedy timing, and appealing characters make it even more enjoyable to watch. Instead of saving the world, the group struggles just to survive, showing that the best fantasy stories are often about simply trying (and hilariously failing) to handle everyday life moments.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2016-2017
- Episodes: 31 + 2 OVAs
- MAL Rating: 8.10
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Based on: Light Novel by Natsume Akatsuki
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll (based on your location)
4. The Eminence in Shadow
The Eminence in Shadow mixes dark comedy, action, and self-aware storytelling that makes it really enjoyable to watch. It takes us on the journey of Cid Kagenou, a boy reincarnated in a magical world who dreams of being neither hero nor villain, but a mastermind working from the shadows. The Eminence in Shadow stands out as one of the best anime in the isekai genre because it’s pretty different from other shows. Cid’s extreme delusions hilariously end up being real. The things he makes up actually come true. Perfectly blending humor with action, the anime delivers funny moments along with intense and exciting fight scenes. The Eminence in Shadow proves that the best isekai anime can work by being fun and still having an interesting story.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2022-present
- Episodes: 32
- MAL Rating: 7.92
- Studio: Nexus
- Based on: Light Novel by Daisuke Aizawa
- Where to watch: Prime Video, Netflix (based on your location)
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Bringing new energy to the isekai genre, TENSURA combines nation-building elements with fun character relationships to create an enjoyable experience. The story of Rimuru Tempest, a former office worker reincarnated as a slime monster, who transforms his simple base through a perfect mix of incredible world-building, humor, and deep moments. This series focuses on community growth, diplomacy, and leadership responsibilities rather than only personal power development. The show explores the themes of acceptance, diversity, and unity all while keeping the action exciting and strategic battles. Watching Rimuru grow from a humble slime monster to becoming a leader of a nation, Rimuru’s journey shows how kindness and knowledge can be more powerful than raw strength in creating a better world. TENSURA is easily one of the best isekai anime series out there.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2018-present
- Episodes: 72
- MAL Rating: 8.14
- Studio: 8bit
- Based on: Light Novel by Fuse
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Disney+
2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is often hailed as one of the top 3 best isekai anime of all time. Redefining the isekai genre with its deep world-building and character-focused storytelling. The story follows a 34-year-old man who is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat in a fantasy world, with all his past regrets and knowledge with him. What makes this series extraordinary is the strong personal growth and redemption story, presented with stunning animation created specifically by Studio Bind just for this anime. This show combines amazing magical scenes with deep character relationships, bringing fantasy to life on the screen. With mature themes, complex relationships, and a rather complicated magic system, this takes Mushoku Tensei miles ahead in mature storytelling and psychological depth in the isekai genre, with deep lessons on how second chances can change someone substantially.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2021-present
- Episodes: 48
- MAL Rating: 8.64
- Studio: Studio Bind
- Based on: Light Novel by Rifujin na Magonote
- Where to watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Disney+
1. Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
Talking about the best and one of the most popular isekai anime in recent years, Re:Zero is known for its dark psychological twists that make it different from most of the anime shows. The story follows Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary boy suddenly and mysteriously transported into a fantasy world, a common setup in this genre. Re:Zero takes a darker, more intense approach to the genre. The emotional impact comes from The protagonist, Subaru’s tough choices he has to make, suffering through death and returning back to life each time. Every step of his journey becomes truly painful, filled with emotional struggles like trauma, self-worth, and strength while constantly suffering. With amazing supporting characters surrounding the protagonist, especially fan favorites like Rem and Emilia, Re:Zero is an absolute masterpiece and a must-watch anime that offers a unique and different watching experience compared to most other anime series.
Series Details:
- Original Run: 2016-present
- Episodes: 50+ (currently ongoing)
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: White Fox
- Based on: Light Novel by Tappei Nagatsuki
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Conclusion
These top 10 best isekai anime highlight the genre’s variety offering everything from hilarious comedies to powerful moving dramas. You know that whether you’ve seen one or a million animes, time and again, it’s guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure steeped in magic and very exciting but heart-touching moments. If you are new to isekai and want some cool recommendations about the genre, then go ahead and start with any one of these.
Which isekai anime will be added to your latest watch list? Did we miss your favorite other must-watch isekai? Let us know your thoughts or suggestions in the comment box!
We have made several anime recommendation lists, like the 10 Best Sports Anime You Need to Watch or the 15 Best Romance Anime Recommendations, and we highly recommend you check them out. Don’t miss them!
