Isekai anime will not be going out of fashion anytime soon. In every recent year, plenty of guys and gals seem to launch new lives in other worlds. Some characters enter MMOs (Skeleton Knight in Another World), others find themselves in otome games (Trapped in a Dating Sim and I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss), while most have to make do with medieval fantasy worlds. The premise produced comedies (Uncle from Another World and Life with an Ordinary Guy Who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout), action shows (Reincarnated as a Sword), and everything in between.

2023 offered more of the same, with the anime industry producing more than 30 shows that fit the theme. Let's go through all the new 2023 isekai anime.

In some cases, an isekai anime might eventually reveal itself to be a reincarnation story. To avoid spoilers, if the opening episode sets up an isekai premise, a series will still be included regardless of any subsequent twists.

Updated December 18, 2023 by Mark Sammut: The year is almost at an end. Putting aside the question of quality, 2023 cannot be accused of holding back on isekai anime goodness. Every season featured a plethora of shows that fit the theme, to the point of exhaustion. While not consistently great, the level of quality was not particularly low either.

Farming Life In Another World

Winter 2023

Based on a light novel by Kinosuke Naitou, which has already been adapted into a manga, Farming Life in Another World falls within the slow-life isekai category. These series are typically easy-going, essentially telling fantastical slice of life stories.

Hiraku Machio succumbs to an illness, and he is allowed to start fresh by a deity. Granted a couple of wishes, Hiraku asks for a healthy body and a relaxing life. He also wishes to be reborn as a farmer, and it does not take too long for the protagonist to attract a harem.

Handyman Saitou In Another World

Winter 2023

Isekai stories have a habit of sticking too closely to certain conventions. Consequently, a story can stand out by simply deviating from the beaten path. Handyman Saitou in Another World foregoes the typical overpowered isekai protagonist in favor of a character designed to play a supporting role.

After being reincarnated in a fantasy world, Saitou realizes that his handyman talents can come in handy during quests. Rather than being randomly granted new abilities, Saitou's contributions are entirely dependent on skills picked up during his previous life. The anime is quite funny, although the show knows when to get serious as well.

Saving 80,000 Gold In Another World For My Retirement

Winter 2023

Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement is another light novel that offers a slight twist on the isekai formula. Mitsuha, the female protagonist, unlocks the ability to jump back and forth between Earth and a medieval world after she falls off a cliff. She uses this skill to achieve financial security by selling (cheap) modern luxuries for a premium price in the fantasy realm.

FUNA's light novel debuted in 2017 and was adapted into a manga in the same year. Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement is a fine watch with an amusing gimmick, and fans of FUNA's Didn't I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?! will probably enjoy the Winter 2023 series.

The Reincarnation Of The Strongest Exorcist In Another World

Winter 2023

Based on a light novel by Kiichi Kosuzu, The Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World centers around Haruyoshi, a powerful figure who is betrayed and left for dead. After executing a reincarnation spell, the protagonist wakes up in another magical world.

While he is born to a magically-inclined family, Haruyoshi is not apt at magic; at least, that initially seems to be the case. In truth, he has access to his previous life's abilities, making him one of the most powerful people in his new home.

Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill

Winter 2023

Tsuyoshi Mukouda has a relatively typical origin story. An average joe, he is summoned to a fantasy world to serve as its hero. So far, so The Rising of the Shield Hero; however, after witnessing his summoner's buyer's remorse, Tsuyoshi quickly realizes that he was brought in by accident. Left to his own devices, Tsuyoshi sets out to make a good living for himself.

The protagonist's unique ability is, essentially, Amazon. He can buy things through a magical online shop that has items from Earth, which he uses to complement his cooking abilities. Tsuyoshi gains two familiars before too long, both of whom have awesome personalities that complement the human lead. While it had a slow start, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill eventually established itself as one of the best isekai anime of Winter 2023. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a fluffy and relaxing series.

The Magical Revolution Of The Reincarnated Princess And The Genius Young Lady

Winter 2023

In a season overflowing with isekai and fantasy anime, The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady rose to the top as arguably each genre's best Winter 2023 representative. In a refreshing change of pace, the story skips over the whole "being sent to another world" angle, opting to only provide hints that Princess Anisphia was reincarnated into the show's magical after living her previous life on Earth.

The girl's drive to achieve flight is influenced by her past existence, as is her tendency to analyze situations from a scientific rather than a magical perspective. The anime revolves around Anisphia and Euphyllia's friendship, and both characters are inherently likable.

The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far

Spring 2023

Based on Mo Yashuu's light novel, The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure is the definition of a prototypical isekai. A teenager dies and is reincarnated as a child in a fantasy world. As the son of an aristocrat, Cain is part of this society's elite; furthermore, his magical prowess puts everyone else to shame.

Even though Spring 2023 was a very strong overall season, its isekai offerings really ran the gamut in terms of quality. The Aristocrat's Otherworldly Adventure: Serving Gods Who Go Too Far was among Spring's most forgettable shows, and the anime did not do much to distinguish itself from most other stories with overpowered protagonists. At times, the series comes across as self-aware regarding its reliance on tropes, but it is still mostly happy to repeat them with little variety or creativity. That said, it is fine as a distraction.

I Got A Cheat Skill In Another World And Became Unrivaled In The Real World, Too

Spring 2023

Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement is not the only 2023 anime to tap into the potential of a dual-world premise. I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too follows Yuuya, a bullied teenager who stumbles upon a door leading to a fantasy world. By traveling through, the protagonist receives a physical makeover along with several overpowered abilities. He can also travel back to Earth, which he does frequently.

I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in The Real World, Too devotes quite a bit of time to exploring Yuuya's trauma stemming from years of mistreatment, especially during its opening chapters. That said, it is otherwise a relatively typical entry in the isekai genre, one that quickly bumps up the protagonist's power and makes him the center of the universe. Still, it is interesting to see Yuuya try to deal with his mental anguish and low self-esteem stemming from years of mistreatment, even if the manga and anime cover similar ground as The Fruit of Evolution, another story by the same creator. While the protagonist's sudden transformation is a cheap way to circumvent these struggles, the story does show that Yuuya is a good person before that point.

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion

Spring 2023

Based on a manhwa by Milcha, Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion follows Eunha, a woman who is reincarnated as a secondary character called Raeliana in a novel. More importantly, her character is not long for this world, so Eunha must use her knowledge of the book to try and change her fate. She decides the best way to accomplish this task is to strike a deal with Duke Noah Wynknight, who is hardly someone who can be trusted.

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Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke's Mansion hinges on the dynamic between the leads, and they are both fascinating characters in their own right. Stuck in a desperate battle for survival, Raeliana's resourcefulness constantly shines through, although she is still very much flawed and far from infallible. The anime does a great job of highlighting Noah's public and private personas, all the while retaining an element of mystery surrounding his motives and desires. Despite not really liking each other at this point in the narrative, the characters already have great chemistry.

My One-Hit Kill Sister

Spring 2023

My One-Hit Kill Sister follows in the footsteps of Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?, where the male protagonist is sent to a magical world with a family member who is far more powerful than them. In this isekai anime's case, the latter is Maya, the main character's older and affectionate sister.

Konoe's manga debuted in 2020 and is a seinen series, which reflects My One-Hit Kill Sister's willingness to touch upon more mature content. The anime is an acquired taste since most of the humor revolves around Maya's passionate love for her brother, which can get tiring if that punchline fails to land with a viewer. Nevertheless, the show has delivered a couple of fun action sequences, while the characters themselves are generally amusing.

Dead Mount Death Play

Spring 2023

Dead Mount Death Play is an intriguing reverse isekai that, at first, appears to feature a villainous protagonist. As a battle against a hero leaves him on the brink of death, the Corpse God casts a reincarnation spell to escape, one that sees the necromancer wake up in modern Tokyo as they take control of the body of a recently murdered human named Polka. Naturally, he quickly comes across his vessel's killer, a girl who works for an underground organization. Long story short, the Corpse God decides to join forces with that very group.

While by no means evil, Polka does not hesitate to kill if he believes it is the right thing to do, and he is surrounded by allies who also have flexible (or just straight-up questionable) morals. A core appeal of isekai stories is their ability to teleport the audience to fantastical and alien realms, which is something that is typically absent in reverse isekai anime; however, despite taking place on Earth, Dead Mount Death Play envisions a fairly unique and fascinating world.

Summoned To Another World For A Second Time

Spring 2023

Starting life as a novel, Kazuha Kishimoto's Summoned to Another World for a Second Time has already been adapted into a light novel and manga, the latter of which is still ongoing. As the title suggests, this series follows a protagonist who is summoned back to a world he had already visited, only to discover that things have changed significantly since he has been gone.

Summoned to Another World for a Second Time is very much a power fantasy type anime, albeit one that leans into seinen rather than shonen. As made obvious by its promotional material, this show is also a harem, albeit one revolving around a main character who arrives with a pre-installed army of waifus. Setsu – the protagonist – can be a divisive figure since he is a bit too perfect for his own good, and the anime presents very few obstacles that even remotely challenge him.

KamiKatsu: Working For God In A Godless World

Spring 2023

KamiKatsu: Working for God in a Godless World is quite a ride. The manga and anime follow Yukito, a teen guy who is sacrificed to a god by his cult leader of a father, and the former reawakens in a world without religion. While initially seeming like paradise, the protagonist comes to realize that this society considers people who fear death to be abnormal and worthy of eradication. When Yukito is about to meet his end, he prays to his father's god, summoning the figure to a world that does not have the concept of religion or deities. In this world, people do not fear death and are unceremoniously killed off; however, anyone who bucks this mentality is sentenced to live in the outskirts. To protect his village, Yukito tries to build up the goddess' reputation in order to raise her power level.

KamiKatsu is bizarre. In isolation, the story is fairly aggressive and dark for an isekai, and it is compounded by over-the-top comedy that frequently descends into absurdist territory. Studio Palette has also incorporated visual gags that poke fun at the anime's (presumably) low budget, and these scenes are responsible for most of the show's best moments.

The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior

Summer 2023

Prince Pride is a menace who treats everyone like dirt; however, she gets a personality change after unlocking memories that reveal she is a Japanese girl who has been reincarnated as the villainess of an otome game. Preferring to avoid a painful end, Pride seeks to become a wise and gentle ruler. She is also quite powerful.

Cut from the same cloth as I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss and My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!, The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior is shaping up to be another solid villainess story. One thing that separates Pride from most of this subgenre's leads is that she is fairly powerful. While overpowered protagonists are inescapable in isekai anime, the overwhelming majority of these characters are male, and it is nice to see a gender-flipped version of this trope.

Reborn As A Vending Machine, Now I Wander The Dungeon

Summer 2023

An isekai story about a guy who reincarnates as a vending machine might just be the most "Japan" concept ever, and the fact that the anime is perfectly watchable also shows that there is no such thing as a bad idea. As a consequence of a failed attempt to save the life of an airborne vending machine, the protagonist wakes up in a fantasy world as his object of obsession, including a number of its challenges. Unable to freely speak or move on his own, the main character is in a tough spot, although his luck begins to change when a strong girl named Lammis passes by. Before long, they form a friendship and start to work as a team.

This might come as a surprise, but Reborn as a Vending Machine does not take itself too seriously. However, the series is also not a parody, instead opting for an almost slow-life rhythm with occasional bouts of humor and action. The show is at its best when it leans into the silliness of its core situation, which does not happen as often as it probably should. Still, the anime is competently made for the most part, and it features decent animation and likable characters.

My Unique Skill Makes Me OP Even At Level 1

Summer 2023

Beaten down from the daily grind, Ryouta Satou dies and wakes up in a fantasy world's dungeon, which is not the greatest place for a beginner to find themselves. Luckily for him, he has a trick up his sleeve that allows him to improve his stats without leveling up, guaranteeing a safe and positive future filled with riches, carrots, and waifus.

My Unique Skill Makes Me OP Even at Level 1 is very much a by-the-numbers isekai story that will likely not capture the attention of anyone who is tired of watching overpowered protagonists steamroll their way through a second life. Conversely, people who are into these sorts of adventures can look forward to a relaxing anime that emphasizes its female characters more than its forgettable male lead.

Sweet Reincarnation

Summer 2023

Nozomu Koryuu's Treat of Reincarnation light novel, also known as Sweet Reincarnation, follows a pastry chef who dies before he has the opportunity to actualize his dream. Luckily for him, the protagonist reawakens in a fantasy world as a lord's son, allowing him to pursue his pastry-themed goal. He also happens to be named "Pastry," which is convenient.

SynergySP has created some great shows over the years, although the studio's most famous projects – Major, Cross Game, and Initial D – are relatively old. Still, Sweet Reincarnation is a decent notch in the company's belt.

The Great Cleric

Summer 2023

In terms of isekai anime, Summer 2023 will not go down as one of the all-time great seasons. The theme is being carried single-handedly by Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation Season 2, and that sequel is not without controversy. This season has been so underwhelming in this area, the painfully mediocre The Devil is a Part-Timer! Season 2 somehow ranks among Summer's better isekai offerings.

Out of all the quarter's isekai shows, The Great Cleric is probably the worst. While not unwatchable, the show is rather forgettable, which is a shame as it has a few intriguing ideas. The decision to focus on a healer is refreshing, and the anime sets itself apart further by introducing an underpowered protagonist who must actively train. Unfortunately, the story suffers from repetition and bland characters, along with unimpressive animation. Even if it leaves something to be desired, The Great Cleric is overall harmless.

Am I Actually The Strongest?

Summer 2023

Sold on a peaceful existence and a lot of power, Hart's second life gets off to a rocky start since he is abandoned as a baby by his royal parents. While this presents a few challenges, Hart's magical potency should help him survive the dangers presented by his new home. Thanks to his ability to form barriers, the protagonist lands on his feet by surviving a battle with a powerful Fenrir who decides to become his servant. Soon after, he is adopted by the Zenfis family.

An adaptation of a 2019 light novel series by Sai Sumimori, Am I Actually The Strongest? is Summer 2023's most conventional power fantasy isekai. Hart is overpowered as a baby, and his teenage self is well-positioned to earn the eponymous accolade. Blending action, drama, and comedy, Am I Actually The Strongest? works well as comfort food.

I'm In Love With The Villainess

Fall 2023

A "villainess" anime has become a requirement for each season, although this story takes the concept in a different direction. Based on Inori's light novel and manga, I'm in Love with the Villainess follows an office worker who reincarnates as an otome game's heroine, Rae. While she has a few male suitors, the protagonist is only interested in one specific person: Claire, the game's villainess. Determined to win her heart, Rae repeatedly declares her love for her female bully, who struggles to come to terms with these reactions.

I'm in Love with the Villainess had already found success in two media forms, so there was nothing to suggest the anime adaptation would fail to follow suit. Both leads, Rae and Claire, are delightful characters who have hilarious chemistry, and they are among Fall 2023's better couples/duos. Platinum Vision is not the biggest name in the anime industry, but the studio has produced a couple of good shows like Kono Oto Tomare!: Sounds of Life and Dr. Ramune. Although not necessarily amazing, the adaptation is decent with moments of greatness, especially in the presentation of Rae and Claire's friendship. The animation could be better, and the setting is fairly bland, but the show is overall solid.

I Shall Survive Using Potions!

Fall 2023

Compared to its predecessor, Fall 2023's isekai roster predominantly consists of sequels. Only two shows made their debut, and I'm in Love with the Villainess has largely eclipsed its contemporary. FUNA's I Shall Survive Using Potions! light novel launched in 2017, and it was adapted into an ongoing shonen manga in the same year. In 2023, it produced a spin-off series, so it is safe to assume the property has enjoyed its share of success.

After dying prematurely, Kaoru is allowed to revive in a new world, and she is granted proficiency in potion creation. However, this skill is not common in her new society, which makes Kaoru a hot commodity. The story should hit the mark for anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned power fantasy. Jumondo is handling the adaptation, a company that has largely acted as a producer rather than a primary studio over its lifespan. That said, Don't Hurt Me, My Healer! was one of 2022's most underrated series, and while not quite replicating that quality, I Shall Survive Using Potions! is enjoyable enough as a lighthearted romp with almost no tension.

Butareba -The Story Of A Man Who Turned Into A Pig-

Fall 2023

The weirdest isekai anime of Fall 2023, Butareba is about a self-proclaimed science nerd who reincarnates as a pig in a fantasy world. On the surface, the protagonist might seem to have the absolute worst luck, but he just happens to be discovered by a kind-hearted girl who not only can read his mind thanks to a device but also accepts his less-than-wholesome thoughts. Based on Takuma Sakai's light novel and manga, Butareba relies heavily on the dynamic between Pig and Jess, who do have decent banter.

In a year that produced a vending machine isekai anime, a story about a man-pig seems almost "normal," a fact that might have taken the wind out of this show's sails. Out of all the Fall 2023 isekai anime, Butareba has probably received the least attention, and its opening episodes were somewhat forgettable. Still, this story does go to some rather interesting places, and there is a constant sense of mystery and intrigue regarding the chosen world's society.

2023 Isekai Anime Sequels

While sequels might not be an especially common thing in anime, isekai seems to produce more follow-ups than most other genres and themes. 2023 is no exception, and the year's biggest isekai stories are generally continuations rather than new properties.

Here are some of the year's most noteworthy sequels:

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2

Summer 2023

While not without controversies, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation has cemented its place as one of the isekai genre's heavyweights in both anime and the light novel industry. As one of the theme's most popular and influential stories, Rifujin na Magonote's light novel helped establish many isekai tropes and clichés, although Mushoku Tensei tends to handle them better than most of its successors. After leading an exhausting and harsh life, a hikikomori dies after committing one final good act; to his surprise, he is reborn in a fantasy world as a baby named Rudeus. While looking to make the most of his second opportunity, the protagonist still carries the scars left over by his former life.

Season 2 finds Rudeus heading out in search of his missing mother. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation produced 26 light novel volumes, and the anime has only adapted about a quarter of this material; consequently, Studio Bind still has a lot of content to cover. The Summer 2023 season focused on Rudeus' maturation as he struggled to find a place where he belongs.

The Eminence In Shadow Season 2

Fall 2023

The best isekai anime of 2023, The Eminence in Shadow started and ended the year on high notes. Season 1 introduced anime-only viewers to Cid, a guy with grand and outlandish ambitions. Yearning to pull society's strings from the shadows, the hilarious protagonist reincarnates in a fantasy world with the necessary power to achieve his goal, and he gradually acquires a dedicated group of, essentially, assassins who are willing to do anything to impress their master. However, Cid thinks most of his antics are make-believe, while everyone else takes everything he does at face value (and there are plenty of misunderstandings along the way). Self-aware while still taking itself seriously enough when required, The Eminence in Shadow pulls off an impressive balancing act as it blends parody-esque humor with vicious action sequences and intelligent world-building.

Season 2 builds on the rock-solid foundation of its predecessor, and it goes through a few different arcs in the span of 12 episodes. Cid is a prime contender for the most entertaining isekai anime protagonist, even if he does occasionally lean into the theme's overpowered MC tropes rather than subvert them. The sequel dedicates a lot of time to the story's side characters, particularly Shadow Garden's female members. While they willingly exist in Cid's shadow, they are now more than capable of carrying episodes in their leader's absence.

Every Other 2023 Isekai Anime Sequel:

Winter 2023

• By the Grace of the Gods 2
• The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made Season 2

Spring 2023

• In Another World With My Smartphone 2
• Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch!

Summer 2023

• The Devil is a Part-Timer! Season 2 (Second Cour)

Fall 2023

• Dead Mount Death Play Part 2
• My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! The Movie
• That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: Coleus' Dream (OVA)
• The Faraway Paladin Season 2
• The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3
• The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent Season 2

MORE: Isekai Anime That Have Awesome World Building