Sword Art Online and Co. are more popular than ever. But are there other Isekai anime that one must absolutely see? We present to you 5 of them.
There are countless anime nowadays – even when searching by individual genres. Today, we want to take a look at the Isekai genre and introduce you to some hidden gems that you may not have seen yet. Especially here at MeinMMO, where many fans are fascinated by the concept of a “Sword Art Online”, the idea of alternative worlds finds great resonance.
Therefore, we present to you here 5 top anime from the Isekai genre.
“Isekai” is Japanese and means “another world”. Over the past few years, it has become its own genre in the realm of anime and manga. The basic idea is usually similar: one or more protagonists are transported from reality to another world, usually with a fantasy setting. However, they generally still possess their knowledge from the modern world.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Alternative titles: Re:Zero, Re: Life in a different world from zero, Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Episodes: 51 (2 seasons)
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
Just on the way to the supermarket, suddenly in the marketplace of a fantasy world – that’s what happens to Subaru. And it gets even better: shortly after arriving, he also encounters the beautiful Emilia, whom he immediately falls for. But his lucky streak doesn’t last long. As he tries to help Emilia, Subaru is brutally killed out of nowhere. Instead of simply dying, however, he travels back in time and finds himself back in his original position.
What to expect from Re:Zero: The anime combines the classic Isekai ingredients like fantasy and colorful characters with some elements from time loops. Since the protagonist gets “reset” several days upon death, some segments repeat, but always provide new insights and beautifully showcase the despair that comes with it.
However, it should be noted that Re:ZERO is significantly darker and more mature in some respects than other Isekai. Mental and physical cruelties occur more frequently, especially towards the end of the first season, adding a weight to the story that might not be suitable for “casual evening entertainment”.
Saga of Tanya the Evil
Alternative titles: Youjo Senki, The Military Chronicles of a Little Girl
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Episodes: 13
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
Tanya Degurechaff may not look like the perfect soldier at first glance – especially since she is still a child. However, her magical abilities and strategic calculations have quickly caught the attention of the military academy. In an alternate version of Europe during the First World War, Tanya attempts to lead her country to victory – while simultaneously proving that “God” doesn’t exist. Because it is this being that she owes her existence in this world, as she actually comes from modern Japan.
What to expect from Saga of Tanya the Evil: On paper, “World War in Europe with Magic” sounds a bit silly, but after the first episode, one might be proven wrong. Saga of Tanya the Evil impresses with visually and sonically stunning scenes, grand action, and just the right amount of drama.
The anime balances on an interesting line. As a viewer, one is never entirely sure whether to cheer for or against Tanya – as her calculating, ruthless nature is cold-hearted but efficient.
GATE
Alternative titles: Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Takakaeri, Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There!
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)
Stream available on: Aniverse (Amazon Prime Channel)
As a manga convention takes place in Tokyo, something strange happens: a large gate appears in the city. Fantastic creatures like orcs, lesser demons, and knights storm through the portal and plunge Tokyo into chaos – for a few hours. Because shortly after, the creatures are devastatingly defeated by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The army now pushes through the “Gate” and attempts to establish an outpost in this foreign world, make contact with the inhabitants, and perhaps trade with previously unknown goods.
Officer Youji Itami is at the center of the action and makes first contacts with the inhabitants, who are also overwhelmed by the political implications of this portal behind which a superior force awaits.
What to expect from GATE: GATE mixes traditional fantasy with modern military tactics and corresponding weaponry. At first glance, it may seem like an incongruous mix, but it quickly develops a unique fascination. Even though some characters – like the goth-lolita – may seem a bit cliché, the personalities of the protagonists can be quite convincing.
GATE faced some criticism because some critics claim it promotes Japanese military propaganda. However, if one doesn’t let that dissuade or disturb them, GATE is exciting and pursues a concept that is unique in the Isekai genre.
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