With growing interest in Isekai anime, several of the genre’s top series have gained popularity over the years. For those new to the genre, the Isekai anime is often categorized as a subgenre of anime portal fantasies. It usually involves the protagonist(s) being transitioned or reincarnated into another world, often a fantasy world or parallel universe.
Although the subgenre has existed for centuries, its recent media popularity began in the early 1980s. Isekai isn’t only peculiar to the anime media but includes novels, manga, video games, light novels, and films. If you’re new or a longtime viewer of the subgenre, here are the 10 most popular Isekai anime to add to your watchlist.
Restaurant to Another World
Restaurant to Another World was written as an Isekai light novel series by Junpei Inuzuka and illustrated by Katsumi Enamiis. It was adapted into an anime series and originally aired from July 4, 2017, to December 18, 2021, with 24 episodes. The Isekai anime series centers around Western Restaurant Nekoya, a seemingly ordinary restaurant that opens its doors to customers from another world every Saturday. Although it doesn’t have action/fight or a romantic lead story, it’s a great way to get started and enjoy the Isekai anime series.
Restaurant to Another World combines fantasy, food, and slice-of-life elements. It revolves around the unique stories of the otherworldly patrons who visit the restaurant and the delicious dishes they savor. The heartwarming interactions between the human chef and the diverse range of magical beings, warriors, and adventurers make for a delightful viewing experience.
Watch Restaurant to Another World on Crunchyroll
The Rising of the Shield Hero
The Isekai anime series The Rising of the Shield Hero premiered on May 1, 2019. The series currently has 3 seasons, with a fourth season greenlit for production following an announcement in January 2024. The Rising of the Shield Hero follows the story of Naofumi Iwatani, a regular college student summoned into a parallel world with three other young men from parallel universes.
Naofumi and the others are summoned to become the Cardinal Heroes and save the world from Waves (inter-dimensional hordes of monsters). Naofumi is chosen as the Shield Hero but soon becomes betrayed and falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. With the help of his only companion, Raphtalia, a demi-human girl, and Filo, a bird-like monster, Naofumi must overcome prejudice, betrayal, and hardship to become a true hero and protect the world.
Watch The Rising of the Shield Hero on Crunchyroll
Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious
The 12-episode Isekai anime Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious is a binge-worthy series for anyone looking to get started with the subgenre. It is an entertaining anime that parodies the Isekai genre while also delivering exciting battles and character development. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious centers around Seiya Ryuuguuin, a hero summoned by the novice goddess Ristarte to save the world of Gaeabrande from an impending threat.
However, Seiya is incredibly cautious and obsessive about his preparations, often overexaggerating the danger of every situation. This leads to humorous and frustrating moments as he meticulously trains and stockpiles supplies before taking on any enemy. The dynamic between Seiya and Ristarte, who often finds herself bewildered and exasperated by Seiya’s cautiousness, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the show.
Watch Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered But Overly Cautious on Crunchyroll
Sonny Boy
The first season of Sonny Boy aired from July 16, 2021, to October 1, 2021, with 12 episodes. Sonny Boy follows a group of high school students who find themselves transported to a strange and surreal parallel world. In this new world, each develops unique supernatural abilities, which they use to navigate their challenges. Sonny Boy delves into themes of friendship, power, and the consequences of one’s actions as the characters struggle to adapt to their new reality and uncover the secrets of the world they now inhabit. With its thought-provoking storyline and engaging characters, Sonny Boy offers a fresh and compelling take on the Isekai genre.
Watch Sonny Boy on Crunchyroll
Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers
Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers is entertaining for anyone looking for a different spin on the typical Isekai storyline. With the light novel published as far back as 2016, the 12-episode Isekai anime series was adapted and aired from April 8, 2024, to June 24, 2024. In Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers, Banaza is summoned as a hero candidate to the Kingdom of Klyrode in another world.
Although he doesn’t have the required skill, he gains levels up after being banished to a dangerous forest. With his new skill and power, Banaza not only disguises himself as Flio but also wants to live a laid-back life in this new world, using his powers to make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. However, as much as he wants no part in the war between humans and demons, he’s inadvertently dragged into it.
Watch Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers in Crunchyroll
TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy
What would anyone do if the gods and humans had abandoned them? This was Makoto Misumi’s fate in TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy. As the protagonist of the Isekai anime, Makoto is introduced as an average, ordinary teenager. He’s summoned by the goddess of the new world he finds himself in, only to be rejected for being too ugly. This leads him to forge his own path in this new world, meeting various mythical creatures and forming alliances. TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy combines action, comedy, and elements of fantasy, and it’s definitely worth watching for anyone who enjoys Isekai anime with unique premises and engaging characters.
Watch TSUKIMICHI -Moonlit Fantasy on Crunchyroll
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs is an entertaining Isekai anime series that follows the story of Leon Fou Bartfort. He’s reincarnated into a world that resembles a dating simulation game he was forced to play by his sister. However, instead of becoming the protagonist, Leon finds himself in the role of a mob, a minor character and the villain’s younger brother. Determined to avoid the fate of the villain and his inevitable downfall, Leon sets out to change his destiny and lead a normal life. Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs skillfully combines comedy, romance, and action elements.
Watch Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs on Crunchyroll
The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is an isekai anime series about a young man named Ken Usato. Ken is accidentally summoned to the Kingdom of Llinger, a world ruled by King Lloyd. Ken discovers that he has a unique and powerful ability to heal others using magic. However, with the kingdom in need of heroes and warriors, his magic and powers are considered weak and unimportant.
Working alongside Rose, the captain of the Kingdom’s Rescue Team, Ken is determined to rescue as many as he can and prove his healing magic is important. The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is one of the most recent Isekai anime series on the list. It originally aired from January 6, 2024, to March 30, 2024.
Watch The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic on Crunchyroll
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
In That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Satoru Mikami, a corporate worker with an uneventful life, is stabbed to death by an assailant. He awakes, reincarnated as a slime in another world. With supernatural powers and abilities to devour and mimic anything, he strengthens as The Predator. In an alliance with a 300-year-old imprisoned dragon, Satoru (renamed Rimuru) becomes the respected leader of the Great Forest of Jura. As his strength and influence grow, he attracts other powerful heroes, kings, and demons who seek him out for an alliance or to destroy him.
Watch That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime on Crunchyroll
Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion
Junichi Yamamoto directed Mitsutaka Hirota’s written screenplay for the Isekai anime series Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion. The anime series follows its titular character, Raeliana McMillan, who gets reincarnated into her favorite novel. However, she meets a tragic end as an extra character. Given a second chance, Raeliana is determined to change her fate and begins by navigating the intricate web of political and romantic entanglements with the lead character, Duke Noah Volstaire Wynknight. If you enjoyed reading about these 10 popular Isekai anime series, check out these Top Anime Picks for Spring 2024 and Where to Watch Them.
Watch Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion on Crunchyroll
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