6 Best Isekai Anime That Prove the Genre Isn’t Dead

Anime has become popular worldwide by exploring many different types of stories. You’ll find everything from science fiction and fantasy to action and romance – genres that are already well-known in Western entertainment. However, one unique genre to anime is ‘Isekai.’ These stories involve a main character who is suddenly transported to a different world, often a fantasy or sci-fi one. Isekai anime usually lets the audience experience this new world right alongside the character, making it feel like you’re on the adventure with them.

Isekai anime has seen some major successes, with shows like Inuyasha and Sword Art Online becoming popular hits. However, the genre often gets criticized for using the same storylines and ideas repeatedly, which can make it feel stale. Because of this, fans haven’t been as excited about new Isekai releases lately, making it harder to find truly great shows among the many that have been made. This list highlights six of the best Isekai anime from the last ten years, demonstrating that the genre still has a lot to offer.

6) Lord of Mysteries

Lord of Mysteries is a recently popular series in the Isekai genre. Though technically a Chinese animated series (donghua) and not Japanese anime, it first aired in the summer of 2025 and was quickly well-received. The show combines a Victorian-era setting with steampunk influences, creating a mysterious and atmospheric world that adds to the story. Plus, its animation quality is exceptional, rivaling that of a major animated film, making it visually stunning.

The story of Lord of Mysteries follows Zhou Mingrui, who unexpectedly finds himself transported from the modern world into the body of Klein Moretti in Victorian-era England. After waking up with a strange, self-healing gunshot wound, Zhou discovers a world filled with dark magic, secrets, and hidden groups – and he’s right in the middle of it all. Determined to uncover who tried to kill Klein, Zhou begins an investigation, hoping to find a way back to his ordinary life.

5) Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is an anime series that falls into the popular ‘isekai’ genre—stories about people being transported to another world. What sets it apart is its strong emphasis on building relationships, personal growth, and the idea of starting over. First released in 2021, the show has two seasons so far, with a third one planned for 2026. Viewers appreciate how much the characters develop and change throughout the story, something many other isekai series don’t focus on as much. The show also boasts impressive animation and a detailed world that really brings the story to life.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation begins with a man who, after a tragic accident, is reborn as a young boy named Rudeus Greyrat in a fantasy world. Remarkably, he remembers everything from his previous life. Determined to make better choices, Rudeus uses his past experiences to navigate a world filled with magic, embarking on exciting adventures and journeys.

4) Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World

Released in 2016, Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World is a standout Isekai romance series, widely considered one of the best of the last ten years. It currently has three seasons, with a fourth on the way next year, much to the delight of its fans. The show is visually stunning, featuring beautiful animation and a painterly style with striking use of color and light. Beyond its aesthetics, Re: Zero also stands out for its thoughtful exploration of difficult themes like trauma and mental health, which are often overlooked in the Isekai genre.

Re: Zero – Starting Life In Another World tells the story of Natsuki Subaru, an ordinary guy who suddenly finds himself in a fantastical world. He soon discovers he has a unique ability: he can rewind time whenever he dies, letting him avoid death and capture. Subaru dedicates himself to protecting Emilia, a half-elf mage he meets upon arriving in this new world. Remembering all his past deaths and the pressure of guarding Emilia creates a difficult and emotionally challenging journey for Subaru, even as his feelings for her grow.

3) That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Despite its long title—typical for the ‘isekai’ genre—That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is considered one of the best series of its kind. The anime began in 2018 and currently has three seasons, with a fourth on the way in 2026. Fans can also look forward to a movie, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea Arc, expected in February 2026. The show explores complex ideas like free will, destiny, finding yourself, making choices, and the responsibilities that come with power.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime follows Satoru Mikami, a man who dies and is reborn as Rimuru Tempest, a slime, in a fantasy world. Rimuru has unique abilities, like “Great Sage” and “Predator,” which help him survive and thrive. He sets out to build a peaceful nation for monsters, and along the way, he makes friends and gathers allies to support his vision.

2) The Rising of the Shield Hero

Often praised for cleverly flipping common anime tropes, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a compelling story of personal growth and getting even. Instead of a typical ‘chosen hero’ storyline, this anime—which began in 2019 and currently has four seasons (with a fifth on the way)—dives into a darker fantasy world. It explores themes of betrayal, what drives people, and the importance of loyalty as the main character struggles to adapt and survive. This more realistic take on the ‘transported to another world’ concept makes The Rising of the Shield Hero a standout anime and a great choice for viewers looking for something different.

The story of The Rising of the Shield Hero centers around Naofumi Iwatani, who is transported to the world of Melromarc as one of four chosen heroes, specifically the Shield Hero. He’s falsely accused of terrible crimes by the kingdom’s princess, losing his status and the trust of almost everyone. Left with no allies, Naofumi buys a demi-human slave to join him, and together they travel the land, battling monsters while he tries to clear his name and start over.

1) Overlord

I’ve always found Overlord to be a really interesting series within the Isekai genre. It first came out in 2015 and now has four seasons, plus a movie adapting part of the manga. What really sets it apart, for me, is that the main character is essentially the villain – he’s not your typical heroic protagonist, and that’s refreshing. The show delves into some pretty complex ideas too, like what drives people, whether fate is real, what’s right and wrong, and how power can change you. Because of all that, I think Overlord is one of the best Isekai anime out there, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re a fan of the genre.

I’m totally hooked on Overlord! It starts with this hardcore gamer who’s devastated to learn his favorite game, Yggdrasil, is going offline for good. But here’s the crazy part: instead of just logging out, he gets sucked into the game world! It’s not what he expects, though. The NPCs aren’t just programmed characters—they’re real people with their own lives and motivations. And he’s stuck as his powerful, undead avatar, Ainz Ooal Gown! So, he decides to embrace it and become a true Overlord, carefully planning his moves and using everything at his disposal to rise to power in this brand new world.

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2025-11-07 17:42