Summary
- Isekai anime offers relatable characters in fantastical situations, making it a popular and diverse genre with a wide range of stories to tell.
- Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon and .hack//SIGN establish important tropes in the isekai genre, while Inuyasha and Digimon Adventure provide unique takes on the concept.
- The best isekai series on streaming platforms showcase the creativity and variety of the genre, offering fun and refreshing spins on the typical isekai plot lines.
For better or worse, isekai is one of the biggest anime genres over the last decade, leading many fans to wonder what the best isekai anime available on streaming are. The genre became famous for showcasing stories of normal people getting transported to fantastical worlds where they're often granted special powers that allow them to save their new world. Though the genre is varied, isekai excels at putting relatable characters in fantastical situations.
With such a large catalog of anime to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which isekai is the best to invest time in, especially when so many series within the genre can have similar-sounding plot lines on the surface. Regardless, there are plenty of isekai worth binge-watching that offer a fun, refreshing spin on the genre. The best isekai anime on streaming shows how broad and varied the genre truly is.
20 Re:Monster Dodges All Pretenses About Its Premise
Based on the Novels by Kogitsune Kanekiru
Year Released | 2024 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream It | Crunchyroll |
Isekai anime are bound by fans to the three-episode rule just as any other anime is, with Re:Monster taking no time to go to some weird, fanservicey places. The series has an interesting premise: the main character is murdered and then reborn as Gobrou, a baby goblin. He uses his existing experience from his previous life to become a dominant hunter and leader quickly, forming a group of survivors around him in this fantasy world.
The result is Re:Monster creating one of the most talked-about scenes in 2024, embodying many of the tropes of isekai anime, but surprisingly doing it all at once and then building upon it.
However, as he gains levels in this world by tackling stronger threats, he becomes more powerful, eventually becoming a hobgoblin, ascending to greater roles such as ogre and beyond. With this comes greater power but also a more virile potential, at which point he quickly forms a harem. The result is Re:Monster creating one of the most talked-about scenes in 2024, embodying many of the tropes of isekai anime, but surprisingly doing it all at once and then building upon it.
19 Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is Weird but Creative
Based on the Light Novel Created By Hirukuma, Itsuwa Kato, & Yūki Hagure
Year Released | 2023 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll |
Reborn as a Vending Machine might be a new anime, but it's already one of the weirdest takes on isekai ever made. The series focuses on a nameless protagonist (referred to as Boxxo by the series' characters) who is crushed by a vending machine and wakes up in a fantasy world as a vending machine.
Reborn as a Vending Machine has been renewed for a second season, though the exact release date is yet to be revealed.
Far from a normal vending machine though, Boxxo has access to everything he had ever bought from a vending machine in his previous life. As silly as that seems, the resulting series finds plenty of clever uses for Boxxo's wares, making this isekai anime incredibly creative. Any interested fan can check out the first season of this hot new isekai anime which just finished airing on Crunchyroll!
18 Digimon Adventure Offers a Different Take on Isekai
Based on the Toy Franchise Created By Bandai
Year Released | 1999 |
Number of Episodes | 54 |
Where to Stream it | Hulu |
Though Digimon Adventure probably isn't the first series that comes to mind when fans think isekai, the seminal anime fits the genre quite well. Instead of one protagonist whisked off to a world where they're overpowered, Digimon Adventure sees a group of eight children band together to brave the wilds of the Digital World alongside their digital companions.
Digimon Adventure is certainly not without fault, but the series holds up surprisingly well. Old fans looking for nostalgia and new fans looking for a different take on what an isekai anime could be should check out this classic which is currently streaming on Hulu.
17 The Rising of the Shield Hero's Anime Becomes More Enjoyable Than the Light Novels
Based on the Light Novel by Aneko Yusagi
Year Released | 2019 |
Number of Episodes | 50 |
Where to Stream It | Crunchyroll |
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a fairly typical isekai anime series, but Studio Kinema Citrus handles the production, elevating its execution as an anime to a greater level. Naofumi Iwatani is whisked away to another world and recruited to the Cardinal Heroes, who must fight back the cross-dimensional hordes of monsters known as the Waves. However, during his quest, one noteworthy event is when he is accused of sexual assault, destroying his reputation and fracturing his initially welcoming personality.
Naofumi is an interesting isekai protagonist, given more space to explore the depths of his cynicism while not ditching his humanity outright in the anime, unlike the light novels for The Rising of the Shield Hero. It's proven popular among anime viewers due to this, while retaining other fantasy isekai tropes, with likable enough characters to help the crucial betrayal of the series really sink in. It's how these formative events darken Naofumi's perception of this new world, rather than him gradually embracing it, that makes this a compelling premise.
Based on the Novels by Satori Tanabata
Year Released | 2024 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream It | Crunchyroll |
While the title is word soup, it brings plenty of spice in the form of varied perspectives and self-awareness to the isekai anime genre. After dying in an accident, Yumiella Dolkness is reincarnated as the final boss of the Otome RPG "Light Magic and the Hero" where isekai power fantasy tropes are quickly explored, rapidly making her overpowered. However, instead of many typical isekai series that abandon the old world for much of their plots, Villainess Level 99 connects the two in interesting ways.
Yumiella as a protagonist is fascinating in this series, not necessarily for her depth but for her self-perception and, at times, apathy. But what's more interesting is the series' relationship with the real world; Yumiella and her allies are in a game world, so the possibility of a human player controlling their actions is fascinating in Villainess Level 99. It adds to an overall trend of redemption arc stories, portraying villainesses not just in isekai anime but in other popular media, such as villainess isekai manhwa.
15 Inuyasha is a Foundational Isekai Series
Based on the Manga Created By Rumiko Takahashi
Year Released | 2000 |
Number of Episodes | 167 |
Where to Stream it | Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Pluto TV |
Another classic anime that is actually an isekai in retrospect is Inuyasha. The series follows a young woman named Kagome who is mysteriously transported back in time to Feudal Japan where she meets the titular half-demon Inuyasha. From there the series develops and increasingly complex mythology as it's revealed that Kagome is actually the reincarnation of a priestess named Kikyo who plays an important role in Inuyasha's backstory.
Though the result is quite different from a modern isekai anime, Inuyasha actually shares more in common with its spiritual successor than first appearances suggest. Any fan of isekai anime owes it to themselves to check out this classic streaming on Netflix.
14 .hack//SIGN Established Popular Isekai Tropes
Based on the Franchise Created By Cyber Connect 2
Year Released | 2002 |
Number of Episodes | 26 |
Where to Stream it | Tubi |
.hack//SIGN is an important isekai anime that established many tropes that are foundational to the genre. The series established the formula later codified by hits like Sword Art Online of having a cast of characters stuck in an MMO world and trying to get out. Arguably more so than any of its successors though, .hack does interesting things with this premise as it builds a genuinely interesting mystery around why people are trapped in its game world.
The series' increased emphasis on mystery and introspection might not appeal to every isekai fan, but those who are curious will probably be hooked. Fortunately for anyone looking into watching this seminal isekai anime, it's currently streaming for free on Tubi.
13 Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy- Summons Readers to the Goddess' World
Based on the Novels by Kei Azumi
Year Released | 2021 |
Number of Episodes | 37 |
Where to Stream It | Crunchyroll |
Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy—is now two seasons in and is a strong example of the recent wave of popular isekai anime dominating 2024. Makoto Misumi features in this adventure, summoned to the Goddess' World from Earth. The series features a blend of typical isekai tropes, including RPG and leveling mechanics, as well as flaws in the system initially misinterpreting Makoto's overpowered potential.
The series' second season was among the most well-received anime of the Winter 2024 season, alongside mainstays like Kingdom. It's undeniably popular, blending Japanese mythological elements, including the moon goddess, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto, along with other fantasy mainstays and appearances from legendary creatures from around the world. As isekai anime continues to grow its presence among viewers, especially with Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy—continuing to release novels and manga in the present, viewers can expect more adventures with Makoto in the future.
12 Sonny Boy is an Underrated Gem
Original Anime Series Created By Shingo Natsume & Studio Madhouse
Year Released | 2021 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll, Hulu |
More so than almost any other anime, Sonny Boy shows off the wide and deep potential of isekai. The series follows a group of high school students who are mysteriously transported to a black void, and then to an island, while they develop special powers. What sets Sonny Boy apart is its introspective nature and its outright refusal to be anything close to wish fulfillment.
Shingo Natsume, the creator of Sonny Boy, has also directed other notable series like One-Punch Man and Space Dandy.
The young protagonists might be freed from the pressures adults place on them, but that pressure is replaced with a far deeper uneasiness. The result is mind-blowing in a way all the best fantasy anime are. Though Sonny Boy might be a different take on isekai anime, its one well worth seeking out on Crunchyroll.Watch on Crunchyroll
11 Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is Surprisingly Entertaining
Based on the Light Novel By Ren Eguchi
Year Released | 2023 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll |
Animated by the legendary studio MAPPA, Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is a gorgeously produced series that provides a cozy, refreshing spin on isekai. The series follows Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a salaryman who accidentally gets summoned into another world to defend the Kingdom of Reijseger against their foes. In a twist, Mukouda talks his way out of being the Kingdom's hero because his out-of-battle skill, "Online Supermarket," is deemed virtually useless.
As a result, Mukouda takes up life as a merchant and adventurer, discovering that his skill is anything but useless. He's able to whip up a variety of dishes which eventually catches the attention of a mythical wolf named Fel, and the pair negotiate a partnership wherein Fel will become Mukouda's familiar in exchange for more food. While nothing groundbreaking, Campfire Cooking in Another World With My Absurd Skill is immensely entertaining from start to finish and never takes itself too seriously.
10 Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion is a Blend of Isekai, Mystery and Romance
Based on the Web Novel By Milcha
Year Released | 2023 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll |
Providing a unique twist on the concept of "being born into another world," Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion follows Rinko Hanasaki after being reborn as a minor character from a novel named Raeliana McMillan, the eldest daughter of a baron who lived a relatively carefree life until she is eventually killed by her fiancé, Francis Brooks. With this knowledge, Raeliana is determined to break off her engagement with Lord Brooks and seeks help from the main protagonist of the novel – Duke Noah Wynknight.
Remembering everything about him from the book, she proposes a deal to the Duke: she won't reveal his secrets if he takes her as his fiancé. A romance with an intriguing mystery surrounding its male lead, Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion succeeds in delivering a heart-pounding story that forces audiences to keep him at arm's length up until the very end.
9 The Eminence in Shadow is an Edgy Comedy
Based on the Light Novel Created By Daisuke Aizawa & Tōzai
Year Released | 2022 |
Number of Episodes | 32 |
Where to Stream it | HiDive, Hulu |
The Eminence in Shadow follows Minoru Kageno – a young man obsessed with the idea of becoming stronger than anybody else. This need for power doesn't stem from a desire for recognition or a feeling of inadequacy, in fact, Minoru does everything he can to blend in with the crowd. After a tragic truck accident, Minoru is convinced in his dying moments that his ambitions have been thwarted, that is, until he wakes up as a noble child named Cid in a world where magic is commonplace.
The Eminence in Shadow's story prides itself on being edgy as a means to elevate its comedic moments and succeeds in every possible way. With his ability to use magic, Cid finally has the power he so longed for in his previous life. He dons the moniker "Shadow" and forms a group called the Shadow Garden that fights back against the fictional Cult of Diablos – a group that Cid has seemingly made up. Intriguing while never taking itself too seriously, The Eminence in Shadow isthe perfect tongue-in-cheek comedy isekai for fans of traditionally "edgy" content.
8 The Twelve Kingdoms Was Isekai Before It Was Cool for Anime Fans
Based on the Manga by Fuyumi Ono and Akihiro Yamada
Year Released | 2002 |
Number of Episodes | 45 |
Where to Stream It | Crunchyroll |
Much like Inuyasha, The Twelve Kingdoms embodies early isekai anime tropes, with this series being handled by the Naruto and Bleach studio, Pierrot. Portals across Japan and China send people inadvertently to one of the thirteen islands surrounded by the Kyokai or "Void Sea". It's a fascinating world with complicated lore from an era where anime was much more niche and intimidating to approach for newcomers. Still, as a result, this is among the top recommendations for isekai fans seeking something unique.
The protagonist of The Twelve Kingdoms is Yoko Nakajima, whose world is suddenly under attack by beasts from this other world. When she meets a Kirin from this world, Keiki, who swears his allegiance to her on the spot, she is eventually sent to the Twelve Kingdoms. Despite being initially weak, Yoko grows as a warrior in this gorgeous and wonderfully animated series.
7 Uncle from Another World Reveals the Untold Side of Isekai Stories
Based on the Manga Created By Hotondoshindeiru
Year Released | 2022 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream it | Netflix |
Technically classified as a reverse isekai, Uncle from Another World is an underrated comedy series that gives a glimpse into what happens when somebody who's been transported to another world comes home. After being in a coma for seventeen years, Takafumi Takaoka's uncle, Yosuke "Ojisan" Shibazaki, regains consciousness and begins to recount his adventures in the magical world of Granbahamal. Takafumi dismisses his uncle's stories until he witnesses him use magic, which inspires the pair to start a YouTube channel showcasing his abilities from his other life.
Additionally, Takafumi is tasked with getting his uncle caught up on everything that's changed in the world in the last seventeen years. Everything from the modern internet to the results of the infamous '90s console war are treated as earth-shattering world developments. While absurdist at times, Uncle from Another World's fresh look at what could potentially happen when an isekai protagonist's journey comes to an end is nothing short of hilarious, making it the perfect summer binge-watch.
6 My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Brings Isekai to Shojo Anime
Based on the Light Novel Created By Satoru Yamaguchi & Nami Hidaka
Year Released | 2020 |
Number of Episodes | 24+1 OVA |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll |
Growing up as a young noble, Catarina Claes suddenly regains all her memories from her past life after an accident in her family's home. She realizes that she's been reborn as the main antagonist of her favorite dating sim, Fortune Lover, and that she's fated to die in every possible ending of the story. Using her knowledge of the game's events, Catarina is determined to try and change her fate, unaware that the choices she's making are affecting everyone else's stories, too.
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! was also adapted into a movie released in December 2023.
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is an expressive and charming romantic comedy, sporting a large cast of lovable characters and an even more lovable protagonist. Catarina, despite trying her best, is rather aloof and fails to realize just how important she is to the people around her, believing that her tragic fate could be lurking around every corner.Watch on Crunchyroll
5 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Boasts Immersive Characters and World-building
Based on the Light Novel Created By Rifujin na Magonote
Year Released | 2021 |
Number of Episodes | 36 + 1 OVA |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll, Hulu |
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation has been heralded as one of the best isekai series to date. Following the life of Rudeus Greyrat, Mushoku Tensei tells the story of somebody who was irredeemable in his past life, born into a new world with the hopes of becoming a powerful adventurer.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is gorgeously animated, showcasing a lush fantasy world and a robust cast of supporting characters that Rudeus bonds with throughout his life. Part of what makes this series so unique amidst similar isekai anime is that it shows every key moment from Rudeus' life, with the story beginning when he's an infant. Showcasing such a deep level of development makes it easy to connect with Rudeus despite his many flaws and immerses audiences in the world as it develops.
4 Ya Boy Kongming! is a Charming Story Despite Lacking Typical Isekai Elements
Based on the Manga Created By Yuto Yotsuba & Ryō Ogawa
Year Released | 2022 |
Number of Episodes | 12 |
Where to Stream it | HiDive, Hoopla |
Despite its bizarre premise, Ya Boy Kongming! is an infectiously fun and unorthodox isekai that has something for everyone. Zhuge Kongming, a former chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms Period, wishes to be reborn into an era of peace and finds himself in modern-day Shibuya on Halloween. He meets an aspiring musician named Eiko Tsukimi, and inspired by her music, helps her pursue her dreams.
While vastly different from a typical isekai in that it lacks magical powers or any other traditional fantasy elements, Ya Boy Kongming! is incredibly fun, taking advantage of its absurd setup to tell a genuinely heartfelt story about pursuing one's dreams. The style and charm of this series make it one of the best anime that the genre has to offer.
3 Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World Tells a Brutal Yet Intriguing Story
Based on the Light Novel Series Created By Tappei Nagatsuki & Shin'ichirō Ōtsuka
Year Released | 2016 |
Number of Episodes | 50 |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll |
Suddenly transported to another world after leaving a supermarket, Subaru Natsuki attempts to navigate this mysterious new place, anxious and alone. He's quickly attacked by a group of thugs. He's saved suddenly by a girl named Emilia, who's searching for an insignia that was stolen from her. In their search, the pair are hunted and tragically murdered. That's when Subaru reawakens in front of the thugs once again and is suspiciously rescued by Emilia in the exact same way he was before.
As Re:Zero progresses, Subaru realizes that this mysterious power can help him just as much as it harms him. While initially presenting itself as a rather standard isekai, Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another Worldquickly develops into something much more intriguing – and oftentimes gruesome – than audiences could ever anticipate. Subaru's endless suffering in trying to find the best outcome for each situation creates uncomfortable tension as stakes rise, making it one of the best isekai anime for fans of the genre.
2 That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Follows an Unlikely Hero's Addictive Rise to the Top
Based on the Light Novel Series Created By Fuse & Mitz Vah
Year Released | 2018 |
Number of Episodes | 48 + 5 OVAs |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll, Hulu |
Everyman corporate office worker Satoru Mikami is perfectly content with his mundane Tokyo lifestyle, despite never being able to get a girlfriend. After an encounter with one of his work colleagues, Satoru is stabbed on the streets by a stranger. Succumbing to his injuries, Satoru wakes up as a slime monster in an unknown world. After befriending and offering aid to a Catastrophe-level monster named the Storm Dragon Veldora, Satoru is given the name Rimuru Tempest and sets out on an adventure.
Season 3 of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime premiers April 5th!
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is a relatively standard isekai, and while it doesn't break any major genre conventions, it's a fun series that follows a new life of freedom granted to somebody who was already rather content, which does give the series a humble look at the expansive fantasy world it takes place in.
1 KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World Subverts the Isekai Genre
Based on the Light Novel Series By Natsume Akatsuki
Year Released | 2016 |
Number of Episodes | 20 + 2 OVAs |
Where to Stream it | Crunchyroll, Hulu |
After dying on his way home from buying a video game, high school shut-in Kazuma Satou awakens to find himself sitting in front of a beautiful yet annoying goddess named Aqua. She offers him two choices: he can either move on to the afterlife or be reborn into a fantasy world. Choosing to start a new life, Kazuma is quickly swept on a typical quest to defeat the Devil King plaguing the world. Before he begins his journey, he's allowed to select any item to take with him. Believing he'd beat the system, he chooses Aqua, only to realize that she's completely useless.
With a genre that feels as oversaturated as isekai, it can be refreshing to find a series that pokes fun at everything the genre stands for.KonoSuba accomplishes this by taking every opportunity to not just poke fun at the many tired tropes that plague isekai, but by making fun of its main characters, turning them into walking parodies of isekai's most beloved archetypes. All of this adds up to KonoSuba being the best isekai anime currently available on streaming.
