The 25 Best Isekai Anime to Watch (Ranked)

Who are the best Isekai anime to watch?

This anime genre revolves around characters who get transported to other worlds where they must find a way to survive.

Since this opens up a number of unique possibilities, there is no shortage of interesting series that fall into this category.

Today, we’re taking a look at the Isekai anime you absolutely can’t miss out on and the ones that stand out as the best in the genre.

The 25 Best Isekai Anime to Watch Ranked

We’ve rounded up the most popular Isekai anime series to create this comprehensive list.

In order to rank them, we’ve compared their overall ratings to determine which are the top shows in the genre.

Prepare to find your next favorite show because here’s our list of the 25 best Isekai anime to watch:

25. Ya Boy Kongming!

While this Isekai anime has a ridiculous premise, it ends up being incredibly enjoyable and full of energy.

Following a strategist from the Three Kingdoms Era in China as he is reincarnated in modern Japan, this story is full of surprises.

After starting his new life, Kongming becomes the manager of an up-and-coming singer, who helps her pursue her dream of becoming an idol.

As silly as this sounds, the writing and animation are top-tier, and you can’t help but become emotionally invested in Kongming and Eiko’s journey together.

24. The Devil Is A Part-Timer!

This series is another that stands out for being incredibly funny, and it revolves around Satan after he’s sent into the real world.

Under the name Sadao Maou, he ends up getting a part-time job at a fast-food restaurant in order to make ends meet.

As you can imagine, this results in a ton of hilarious moments, and its unique premise makes it stand out from other Isekai anime.

Best of all, season 3 is confirmed to be released at some point in 2023, so now is the perfect time to start getting caught up!

23. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious

This Isekai anime is light-hearted and driven by humor, which makes for an incredibly entertaining combination.

In this series, the goddess Ristarte summons Seiya to help save her world, which is on the brink of destruction.

Unfortunately, Seiya is only willing to go into battle when his chances of success are 100%, which definitely isn’t what the goddess expected.

To be fair, though, Seiya’s attitude is totally relatable since most people probably wouldn’t rush into battle after being teleported to a new, strange world.

22. Log Horizon 

This anime functions exactly like the best free MMORPG games in that there are classes, respawn points, guilds, raids, and more.

Like Sword Art Online, this Isekai anime has thirty thousand gamers teleported into the world of a popular online game.

It primarily revolves around a socially awkward veteran player, Shiroe, who must learn to navigate the world and lead others around it.

If you’re a fan of video games, this Isekai anime is a must-watch, and it really does a great job of making the world feel realistic.

21. Restaurant To Another World 

Unlike many Isekai anime series, Restaurant to Another World doesn’t take place in a high fantasy setting.

Instead, the titular restaurant serves as a place for spirits to cross into the real world and humans to cross into the spirit world.

This leads to some fantastic character interactions, as the series blends the Isekai genre with slice-of-life.

It is an all-around cozy, feel-good series that is definitely worth a watch if you want a mellow show to chill out with.

20. Princess Connect! Re: Dive 

This anime adaptation of a popular mobile game isn’t just a one-off cash grab by the developers, but rather an addictingly good show in and of itself.

While the show is filled with cute girls doing cute things and centers around a man who falls into their world, it embraces these cliches in a good way.

Princess Connect! is very self-aware, and the way it plays on these popular tropes makes it wholly entertaining.

Even if you haven’t played the game it is based on, this series is both hilarious and engaging, as a solid Isekai anime series.

19. Trapped In A Dating Sim

While more Isekai shows center around a chosen protagonist whom almost everyone in their new world loves, this series takes a different approach.

Instead of being a typical overpowered protagonist, the main character of this series finds himself trapped in a dating game as a background mob character.

However, since the world he finds himself in is ruled by women, Leon is forced to use his knowledge of the game to survive when the cards are stacked against him.

It’s a hilarious premise that proves to be endlessly entertaining, and it has already been renewed for a second season, so you better start watching now!

18. The Vision Of Escaflowne 

While The Vision of Escaflowne debuted in 1996, it remains one of the most popular Isekai anime series in the world.

In this series, one of the best short-haired anime girls, Hitomi, finds herself in the mecha world of Gaea.

What sets this show apart is that it manages to combine the Isekai genre with adventure, romance, and mecha.

It is filled with nuance and hidden depth that easily makes it one of the most entertaining series of all time.

17. MAR 

Also known as Marchen Awakens Romance, this shonen isn’t your typical Isekai, but it is incredibly entertaining.

Centering around teenager Ginta Toramizu who is transported to MAR-Heaven, the story follows his journey through this strange new world.

However, the magic of this world has also given him super-strength, which is fortunate because MAR-Heaven is currently under attack.

Ginta must learn to use his new abilities and work alongside the MAR warriors to protect the innocents of the city and repel the Chess Army.

This show is the epitome of great early 2000s anime, and it still holds up despite getting up there in age.

16. Isekai Quartet 

Isekai Quartet is an insanely cute anime, and it includes characters from Re: Zero, Overlord, KonoSuba, Tanya the Terrible, and The Rising of the Shield Hero.

In this series, all of the characters attend school together, and as you can imagine, it is both amazing and completely chaotic.

While it is extremely campy sometimes, Isekai Quartet ramps every running gag and overdone trope up to 110%.

It is a hilariously good time watching all of these characters interact, even if you haven’t seen all of the source series.

This show has certainly become one of the best comedy anime series, and you really have to watch it for yourself for the full effect.

15. Fushigi Yuugi 

This is another classic anime that premiered in the 90s but can still hold its own against modern Isekai titles.

Fushigi Yuugi follows the dual protagonists who are transported into a book and forced to live out the story.

While ancient China inspires the world they find themselves in, it also mixes fantasy elements with historical realism.

The series itself combines shojo and Isekai extremely well, making it one of the best precursors to the modern Isekai genre.

14. Grimgar: Fantasy & Ash 

Although many Isekai series have overpowered characters, Grimgar focuses instead on a more realistic cast.

Set in an RPG, the story revolves around a group of adventurers who wake up with no memories and have to adapt to the world around them quickly.

However, unlike many other series where the characters are quick to get their bearings, Grimgar features relatable reactions from its characters.

These characters literally start out completely helpless and gradually get stronger, which makes it easier to become invested in their progress.

13. My Next Life As A Villainess

The first in the novel series to be adapted into anime, My Next Life as a Villainess, is a hilarious take on the Isekai genre.

It starts off with the bratty character of Katarina hitting her head and remembering a past life where she played a video game version of the world she’s been reincarnated into.

Unfortunately for her, she realizes that she’s been brought back as the villain, which prompts her to go out of her way to avoid all story “flags” that would cement her fate.

This series is a refreshing break from more serious anime, and it doesn’t hold back when it comes to comedy.

12. Inuyasha

Inuyasha is an absolute classic, and despite being nearly a decade old, it is still considered a must-watch for Isekai fans.

This series revolves around Kagome Higurashi, one of the best black-haired anime girls, who is transported from the modern world into Feudal Era Japan.

Here, she meets the half-demon Inuyasha and joins up with him to help protect the Shikon Jewel from the demon Naraku.

Along with the main series, there are also four films, a sequel, and a second series, The Final Act, which gives fans plenty of content to binge.

11. Sword Art Online 

Sword Art Online is one of the most well-known and popular anime series in the Isekai subgenre.

As opposed to being set in an alternate fantasy world, this series is set inside a video game where if you die, you die in real life.

Kirito proves to be a solid protagonist, using his knowledge of the game to become one of the most powerful players.

While the series was criticized a bit for its overall pacing, fans couldn’t get enough of its stunning fight scenes and animation.

10. Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There 

This Isekai series is a mouthful to say, but it is one of the best at blending fantasy and modern world elements.

The story in this show revolves around the Self-Defense Force in Japan and their war against an invading force from another world.

However, along with fighting the other world’s inhabitants, the force also must fight against a variety of fantasy creatures, including a dragon.

Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There became so popular that it was even used in collaboration with the real-world JSDF to recruit new members.

9. Knight’s & Magic

Combining mecha and magic, this Isekai series follows Ernesti Echevalier, an otaku who is reincarnated into a magical world with giant robots.

His previous obsession with robots leads him to join the military in the hope that he will be able to build his own towering mech.

Each arc in the series revolves around him building and perfecting his own robots, all so that he can eventually build a perfect towering creation.

Knights & Magic is an all-around fun time filled with memorable characters and a solid story that keeps viewers engaged.

8. Overlord 

Overlord is all about overpowered characters, and it follows a gamer who is transformed into his avatar, Elder Lich Momonga.

With his newfound incredible powers, Momonga recruits an army of dedicated followers with the goal of conquering the world.

Despite the protagonist being completely OP, Overlord keeps things interesting, and it is hilarious to see other characters interact with Momonga’s ridiculous power.

This series really makes you think about what you’d do if you suddenly became nearly all-powerful.

7. Saga of Tanya The Evil 

This Isekai anime follows Tanya Degurechaff, a former Japanese salaryman who is reincarnated as Tanya, a mysterious girl.

As a child, Tanya joins the military, and thanks to her past-life knowledge and magical talents, she quickly rises through the ranks.

However, Being X, who is responsible for Tanya’s reincarnation, is constantly putting her into dangerous situations to try and make her a loyal follower.

Watching Tanya constantly come to odds with this omnipotent being makes for a fascinating series that is definitely worth watching if you get the chance.

6. The Rising of the Shield Hero 

 Featuring some of the best long-haired anime girls, The Rising of the Shield Hero follows Naofumi Iwatani, one of four heroes teleported to a new world.

However, despite being summoned, Naofumi is constantly facing harassment and discrimination from the very people who tore him from his previous life.

This causes him to change from a kind, trusting person into a cynical character who finds it hard to be open with anyone around him.

Fortunately, the character development in this series is some of the best, and Naofumi is able to overcome his adversary and show everyone what a true hero is.

5. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World 

This Isekai anime has some of the best blonde anime girls, and it focuses on Kazuma Satou after she gets transported to a brand new world.

Unlike many Isekai series, KonoSuba doesn’t take itself very seriously and instead focuses on Kazuma getting into ridiculous situations.

Despite becoming allies with a knight, a magician, and a literal goddess, things never go according to plan in this fantasy world.

Although it isn’t as intense as a few of the other shows on our list, if you want some Isekai comedy, you need to watch KonoSuba.

4. No Game No Life 

 This Isekai anime introduces fans to one of the best blue-haired anime girls, Shira, and her step-brother Sora.

These two are total NEETs who end up becoming transported to a new world where everything is decided by playing games.

While the pair were previously undefeated world champions of gaming, things aren’t immediately easy for them.

What makes this series stand out the most is its unique and gorgeous animation style that brings every scene to life.

The writing is also solid enough that both gamers and general anime fans can find something about it to love.

3. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime 

This anime has one of the most likable OP protagonists, and Rimuru was even voted as the best anime protagonist at the 2019 Crunchyroll Awards.

In this Isekai series, viewers follow Satoru Mikami, who, after being reincarnated as a slime, renames himself Rimuru Tempest.

With his new powers, he can gain the skills and abilities of anything he consumes, making him one of the strongest anime characters in his world.

Although Rimuru is incredibly popular with fans, there is no shortage of memorable characters in this series, and it’s hard not to like them all!

2. Mushoku Tensei

While this anime isn’t without a few problematic elements, it avoids a lot of the overused Isekai tropes.

Following the story of Rudeus Greyrat, a man who failed in his past life and now gets a second chance in a world full of magic.

Throughout the series, he is constantly battling with the habits of his previous life, but what makes him stand out is that he isn’t considered the “chosen one.”

Instead, viewers get to follow his story as he grows up and learns to forge a new path while leaving the traumas of his past behind.

Overall, it is a really fascinating premise that is funny, heartfelt, and engaging from start to finish.

1. Re:Zero

Re: Zero has one of the best white-haired anime girls, but it also has one of the best Isekai stories ever written.

When Natsuki Subaru finds himself trapped in a cursed fantasy world, things start off in a light-hearted and funny way.

However, things take a much darker turn when Natsuki ends up dying in brutal ways, only to be resurrected after each new death.

Fortunately, he is able to learn to use this to his advantage and turn it into a way to protect those he loves.

Often considered the best Isekai series, Re:Zero is absolutely mesmerizing, and if you haven’t yet seen it, you are definitely missing out!

Summary

The Isekai genre has been around for a while, but it has definitely seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

This surge is largely due to these 25 amazing anime series that each delves into the subgenre in interesting ways.

If you haven’t yet seen any of these anime series, make sure to add them to your watch list and see for yourself what all the hype is about!

Here’s a quick recap of the 25 best Isekai anime to watch:

1. Re:Zero
2. Mushoku Tensei
3. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
4. No Game No Life
5. KonoSuba
6. The Rising of the Shield Hero
7. Saga of Tanya The Evil
8. Overlord
9. Knight’s & Magic
10. Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There
11. Sword Art Online
12. Inuyasha
13. My Next Life As A Villainess
14. Grimgar: Fantasy & Ash
15. Fushigi Yuugi
16. Isekai Quartet
17. MAR
18. The Vision Of Escaflowne
19. Trapped In A Dating Sim
20. Princess Connect! Re: Dive
21. Restaurant To Another World
22. Log Horizon
23. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious
24. The Devil Is A Part-Timer!
25. Ya Boy Kongming!

What’s your favorite Isekai anime? Let us know in a comment!