Having become very popular with anime fans, isekai are perfect for fantasy fans. Here is a selection of the best titles in this register.
While anime is becoming more and more popular with fans around the world, there is one genre in particular that has earned a special place in the hearts of audiences, and that is isekai. This term refers to a subgenre of Japanese fantasy, with stories that generally take place in another world.
Sometimes finding itself on the border between fantasy and fantasy, the plot of an isekai often revolves around a character transported to a parallel universe. He must then get used to this new world which is generally unknown to him, using his new identity to discover it and settle in. A genre that often lends itself to comedy and romance, but which can also tackle deeper themes by adopting a much darker tone.
First very popular in Japan, isekai has conquered fans in all four corners of the globe over the years, and this is why we can see more and more titles of this genre appearing each year. Here is a selection of the best anime that should please isekai fans.
10. Re:Zero
Originally a web novel by Tappei Nagatsuki, Re:Zero tells the story of young Subaru Katsuki, a high school student who, upon leaving a convenience store, is suddenly transported into a parallel world where he will meet Satela, a half-elf who comes to his aid when he is attacked by bandits.
Deciding to stay by his side in order to return the favor, the two will be mysteriously murdered during an attack. But instead of dying, Subaru will wake up in the place where he appeared in this new world. He will thus understand that he can “go back in time” while retaining his memories. The hero will then do everything possible to avoid this tragedy and change the course of events.
9. KonoSuba
Based on the web novel by Natsume Akatsuki, the plot of KonoSuba originally centers on the character of Kazuma Sato, a young hikikomori who is a fan of video games, but who will die in a way that is as embarrassing as it is premature. He will then meet Aqua, a goddess who will offer him the opportunity to reincarnate in another world with the possibility of taking just one thing with him.
But being annoyed by the attitude of the deity towards him, the young teenager will choose Aqua, and this is why the two characters will be transported to this alternative world, with the objective of defeating the Demon King. Subaru will then form a team, recruiting other members, each more unusual than the last.
8. No Game No Life
Adapted from the light novel series by Yu Kamiya, No Game No Life takes us alongside Sora and his sister Shiro, two NEETs who only live for video games. The two make a formidable duo, having built a solid reputation online to the point where they have become a veritable urban legend.
Bored by the real world, they will then accept a mysterious invitation which invites them to be reborn in Disboard, a universe entirely governed by the game. It is therefore the beginning of a new adventure for our young protagonists, whose objective is to ‘reach the top of this new world.
7. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Originally a web novel by Aneko Yusagi, The Rising of the Shield Hero follows the epic tale of Naofumi Iwatani, a young man who will be mysteriously summoned into another world with three other boys, in order to to become the “Four Legendary Heroes” . Naofumi will inherit the title of “Shield Hero” after receiving the only defensive equipment of the quartet.
But his beginnings in this new world will put him to the test, since he will quickly be betrayed by his partner and despised by the entire population. Convinced that he cannot count on others, Naofumi will therefore withdraw into himself, determined to do everything to survive in this hostile universe.
6. Overlord
Based on the light novel series by Kugane Maruyama and so-bin, the story of Overlord begins in Yggdrasil, an online role-playing game whose servers are about to be permanently shut down after around ten years. ‘existence. But there is a player, called Momonga, who is having trouble getting used to the idea, and that is why he decides to connect one last time before the end, scheduled for midnight.
And while the leader of the Ainz Ooal Gown guild, one of the best in the game, remembers the good old days with his former companions, he will realize that the time has passed and that he is still in the game. He will then realize that he has been sent to a new world, and that the NPCs who make up the guild are now very real, even being endowed with a will of their own. He will then set a new objective: discover this new world while spreading the name of his famous guild.
5. The Eminence in Shadow
Adapted from the web novel by Daisuke Aizawa, The Eminence in Shadow follows the story of Minoru Kageno, who has always been obsessed with becoming stronger and engages in rigorous training. His wish comes from his desire to blend in. However, he dies in a truck accident while lamenting his helplessness.
Minoru is reincarnated as Cid in another world where magic is commonplace. Cid is the second child of the noble Kageno family. Now having the power he so desperately desired, Cid creates the Shadow Garden and takes on the alias “Shadow” . The group’s goal is to fight the Cult of Diabolos, an organization that only exists in their imagination. However, as the Shadow Garden gains members and influence, Cid realizes that the Cult is not just imaginary after all.
4. Yōjo No One: Saga of Tanya the Evil
Originally a light novel series by Carlo Zen and Shinobu Shinotsuki, Yōjo Senki follows the story of Tanya von Degurechaff, a young soldier who earns the nickname “The Rhine Devil” thanks to her cruelty and incredible aptitude. tactical. However, beneath the appearance of a little girl lies the soul of a man who was reincarnated in an alternate version of Europe after defying Being X, a self-proclaimed God.
Living in a new world at war while trapped in the body of a little girl won’t stop him from climbing the military ranks. However, Being X remains Tanya’s greatest obstacle in her quest to find a peaceful life. However, all of his actions propel his empire to become one of the most powerful nations in human history.
3. Me, when I reincarnate as a Slime
Based on the web novel dubbed Tensura by Fuse, Me, When I’m Reincarnated as a Slime is one of the most popular franchises today. The story begins with Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old office worker, who is stabbed by a passing thief. At death’s door, a mysterious voice will then interpret his last words.
Suddenly he wakes up in a strange cave and realizes that he has become a slime. He encounters a gigantic dragon named Veldra, who has been sealed for 300 years. Satoru quickly befriends the ancient dragon and frees him. After this, he receives a new name, “Horsehorse Tempest” , and sets off on a great quest.
2. The Boy and the Beast
The Boy and the Beast (2015) is an animated film telling the story of two radically different beings who cross paths by a stroke of luck. The story follows Ren, a nine-year-old boy who has just lost the only person who treated him kindly. Rejected by his remaining family and with no place to go, Ren wanders the alleys of Shibuya.
He meets Kumatetsu, who takes him to the beast kingdom of Shibuten. Kumatetsu wants the boy to become a candidate to succeed the lord of the kingdom, while Ren, now known as Kyūta, hopes to find a home he never had. Over the years, they realize that there is not that much difference between the boy and the beast.
1. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Based on the Rifujin no Magonote literary web series, Mushoku Tensei tells the story of a 34-year-old man who dies in a tragic accident and wakes up as Rudeus Greyrat in another world. Reliving his life from the baby stage with two loving parents and the memories of his previous life, his past marked by harassment and contempt has not stopped haunting him.
Rudeus quickly adapts to his new environment and shows magical talent from a young age. He perfected his magic under the tutelage of a mage named Roxy Migurdia and learned fencing from his father Paul. He also becomes friends with Sylphiette, a girl his age. Rudeus takes full advantage of the second chance he has been given, while freeing himself from the chains of his traumatic past.
And to learn more about the next upcoming anime, you can check out our list of must-see anime of the month.
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