The release of isekai anime has been on the rise in recent years. It has reached a point where it’s hard to follow seasonal anime without seeing at least one isekai title in the lineup. These shows feature individuals transported or reincarnated into another world, usually against their will, who either go on adventures or defeat powerful enemies. Though many are similar in nature due to the constant stream of releases, there are still quite a few with outstanding quality worth rewatching.

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These are the exceptions within the genre that have either taken an interesting approach to an existing concept, executed old concepts with great success, or introduced brand-new ideas. They are exceptional titles with unique aspects and exciting premises that make them worth revisiting at least once.

10 Drifters

Drifters anime funny Olminu

Originating from the same creator responsible for the Hellsing series, Drifters is an isekai featuring Japanese historical figures in a fantasy world, fighting against a powerful group known as Ends. Despite being the main antagonistic faction in the series, the Ends also have historical figures on their side, setting the stage for grand battles between both groups.

It is a series with vivid imagery that is not afraid to showcase the gory parts of war. Its characters are extremely entertaining to watch, and it adopts a lighthearted tone from time to time, balancing out the overall feeling pretty nicely. It is a well-produced anime with numerous great qualities that retains its appeal over multiple viewings.

9 Log Horizon

The main characters of Log Horizon

Log Horizon is not your typical battle-heavy anime. Instead, it is an isekai that focuses mainly on other elements while having its action scenes taking backstage for most of its duration. The story is set in a game world where thousands of real-world players have been trapped with no way to return home. Though its premise may seem similar to that of popular titles like Sword Art Online, its approach is very different.

It focuses more on strategy, adventure and politics, sometimes exploring economic themes as well. The characters are well developed, making for interesting interactions with one another while also fostering attachment from its viewers. Though it may not take center stage, there are also memorable battle scenes worth returning to.

8 The Saga of Tanya The Evil

saga of tanya the evil

The Saga of Tanya the Evil tells the story of a twisted sociopath who was transported into another world after being killed by a worker he ruthlessly laid off. It is set in a time similar to World War I, where the use of magic is not uncommon, and soldiers can take to the sky with the use of special equipment.

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The protagonist, Tanya, was reincarnated as a baby girl and drafted into the Empire’s army at a very young age due to her high magical aptitude. She is the star of the show as she has a boundless number of qualities that make her a fascinating character to watch. As the series goes on, she forms her own battalion and engages in deadly combat with opposing forces.

7 KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!

konosuba season 3 promotional image

Following the exploits of a group of ragtag adventurers, Konosuba is a one-of-a-kind anime renowned for its comedy and highly distinguishable characters. The main character, Kazuma, was previously a shut-in who spent all his time indoors playing video games. However, after an embarrassingly tragic death, he was reincarnated into a new world with high hopes for his new life.

Unfortunately for him, though, reality would not be so kind. He soon found himself leading an adventurer group with a mix of odd girls with barely any useful strengths. They repeatedly find themselves in unfortunate situations with equally unfortunate resolutions, constantly leaving Kazuma penniless and desolate. Nonetheless, it remains an exciting ride with many humorous moments, holding the potential to get you laughing many times over.

6 No Game No Life

Sora & Shiro Playing A Game In No Game, No Life

Set in a fantasy world where games govern almost every aspect of life, No Game No Life is an engrossing anime involving battle, strategy, and diplomacy. It features two protagonists, Sora and Shiro, who are siblings but also gaming masters who are known to have never lost a single game.

The story follows their travels in this new world as they assist the unfortunate Stephanie Dola and help Immanity regain their lost territory. Made by Madhouse, it is a series with unique character designs, bright visuals, and overall pleasing aesthetics. The strategies formed and games played have a creative touch to them as well, making for a truly high-quality experience.

5 Re: Zero

re zero

Re: Zero is one of the more dark-themed titles on this list, featuring gruesome deaths, despicable plots, and bloodthirsty characters. Its protagonist, Natsuki Subaru, was reincarnated into a new world with the power to return to a specific point in time whenever he dies. Though it may seem like a convenient ability, he is constantly subjected to the pain of death, where in some cases even, he finds himself in a loop of despair, not knowing how to change his fate.

It is a thrilling experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat with suspense while also introducing you to interesting aspects of a new world. With a rewatch, viewers will most likely be able to calmly analyze Subaru’s predicaments and understand the workings of the land.

4 InuyashaInuyasha_Kagome and Inuyasha

Undoubtedly one of the most loved classics in the medium, Inuyasha tells the story of a teenage girl and a half-demon boy as they embark on a journey to recover pieces of the shattered Shikon Jewel. Their tale is one of adventure, action, comedy and romance, with the anime possessing elements enjoyable for different people.

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Despite the series’ length, it is one with developed characters and established relationships that are easy to get invested in. As a result, one may revisit the anime in hopes of re-experiencing the feelings they initially felt when getting attached to said characters.

3 Overlord

Overlord Ainz Ooal Gown

Unlike other MMORPG anime, Overlord is set in a world that seemingly traps a single player in a realm filled with NPCs. Fortunately, however, the main protagonist, Ainz Ooal Gown, is an overpowered undead magic caster who commands many loyal and powerful subjects housed within the Great Tomb of Nazarick.

While Ainz may remind you of the generic overpowered protagonists constantly featured in recent isekai titles, he is much different. He takes a more careful approach to things despite his powers and is constantly in pursuit of knowledge so he can further his ambitions. The world around him is also carefully crafted, as there are multiple kingdoms and characters that are properly fleshed out. This makes for a thoroughly compelling experience with different enjoyable aspects, even with a rewatch.

2 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime Official

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is also an isekai with an overpowered protagonist. However, this time its viewers were exposed to how he became so overpowered. Rimuru—the protagonist—was, as the title implies, reincarnated into another world as a slime, but with useful powers that allowed him to copy attributes of creatures he devoured.

What this anime does really well, however, is not establishing a powerful protagonist but managing his progress amidst multiple other beings and characters. Rimuru started as a lowly slime in a cave, but he established a village, recruited workers, formed an army, and so much more. This continuous progression facilitates an exciting ride that, when watching a second time, really makes you appreciate every step Rimuru has taken to get to where he is now.

1 Sword Art Online

sword art online anime kirito asuna

Sword Art Online is one of the most iconic isekai series to ever grace the medium, with multiple installments following after its initial release. It is set in an MMORPG where thousands of players have been trapped and are tasked with beating all 100 floors of the Aincrad tower before they can escape. The story follows Kirito, the black swordsman, and the rest of his companions on their journey to the top of Aincrad so they can finally escape the game.

Though its quality is sometimes disputed, it remains one of the most popular isekai, with devoted fans who love the series very dearly. If you fall into that category, this show is definitely worth watching multiple times, as it has great action, music, and characters.

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