best list isekai anime 2023

 Isekai is a subgenre of Japanese light novels, video games, manga, and anime where the protagonist gets transported to or reborn in another world. They're usually tasked with completing a specific mission during their time in this new world they've been forced into. In recent years, isekai's popularity has skyrocketed, resulting in several more isekai anime adaptations.

It's safe to say that isekai is the most popular type of anime at the moment. Several isekai anime have gone on to become classics because of the rich storytelling, dynamic characters, and immersive world-building that makes every protagonist's story seem more realistic.

The best isekai anime feature a loveable protagonist dealing with a world that should be otherwise totally beyond their capabilities.

Updated on January 16th, 2023 by Sage Ashford: The isekai genre has more series now than it ever has before. Though the genre has been quite prolific for several years now, it shows no signs of slowing down. With that in mind, we've added a few more great isekai series from both the past and the present, showing there's still plenty of variety available in this genre.

Princess Connect! Re: Dive Is A Rare Adaptation Of A Mobile Game That Isn't Just A Cash Grab :

It's rare for an anime adaptation of a mobile game to be anything more than a cash grab by the company, but Princess Connect! Re: Dive proves that there are a few diamonds in the rough in that department. Princess Connect! Re: Dive wholly embraced isekai cliches and told a story where a man falls into an unknown world and turns it around to the point that he doesn't even matter all that much in the end.

However, Princess Connect! Re: Dive is the epitome of all anime starring cute girls doing cute things. It's not a revolutionary premise, but Princess Connect! Re: Dive plays into the trope's cliches and produced an entertaining show because of it.

Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There Uses An Older Protagonist Rather Than The Standard Teenager :

Gate: Thus The JSDF Fought There follows Japan’s Self-Defense Force going to war against an invading kingdom from another world. In addition to forging relationships with the new world's inhabitants, the JSDF also battles various fantasy world creatures, including a dragon.

Gate does an amazing job of blending both modern-day and fantasy elements, and its use of a much older protagonist received popular reception from fans. In fact, Gate: Thus The JSDF Fought There was so well received that it inspired a collaboration campaign with the real JSDF, which used characters from the anime to bring in new recruits.

Sword Art Online :

Sword Art Online is one of the most popular and commercially successful anime in the Isekai subgenre. Unlike the traditional fantasy world, this anime features protagonist Kirito being transported into a virtual realm. After he and a thousand other players are trapped in a virtual reality MMORPG, they must survive in the new virtual world or risk dying in real life.

Sword Art Online received mixed criticism regarding its pacing and writing. Still, fans praise it for its stunning animation and jaw-dropping fight scenes. With its international popularity, there is no denying that Sword Art Online is worthy of being considered one of the best isekai anime out there.

Saga of Tanya the evil :

story of Tanya Degurechaff. Originally a Japanese salaryman, he is reincarnated into a new world as Tanya by the mysterious Being X. As a child, Tanya decides to enlist in the military. Armed with the knowledge of her past life and innate magical talent, she rises through the ranks in the hopes of one day living a life of luxury.

However, Being X constantly threatens this goal. He frequently puts her in dangerous situations to convert her into a devout follower. With a ruthless nature and strategic cunning, viewers can’t help but support Tanya in her fight against an omnipotent being.

Overlord :

An isekai series normally consists of a protagonist being summoned into a new world to help save it. However, that is not the case with Overlord. After being mysteriously transported to another world, a gamer transforms into his virtual avatar, the Elder Lich Momonga. He later renames himself Ainz Ooal Gown, the ruler of the Tomb of Nazarick.

With his newfound power and army of loyal followers, Ainz decides to conquer the world. Even though the protagonist is far more powerful than any other character in the series, Overlord is anything but boring. With hilarious character interactions and frequent displays of Ainz's godlike power, this series is a must-see for any fan of isekai.

The Rising of the Shield Hero :

The Rising of the Shield Hero follows Naofumi Iwatani, one of four heroes summoned to a new world in the hopes of saving it. Unfortunately, as the Shield Hero, he constantly faces discrimination from the people who summoned him. Things only get worse for him after his only companion, Princess Malty, frames him for sexual assault.

As a result, Naofumi becomes a shell of his former self. From a kind, trusting person, he becomes cynical and distrustful of everyone. In addition to its intense fight scenes, The Rising of the Shield Hero is also praised for its character development. Against all odds, Naofumi perseveres against hate and discrimination to prove what it means to be a true hero.

Mushoku Tensei :

Few isekai series can compete with Mushoku Tensei. Though the anime has its problematic elements, the level of writing that goes into building its world and writing its characters is top tier. It's an incredible isekai series focused on Rudeus Greyrat, a man who legitimately failed in his past life, being reincarnated into a different world where he gets another chance.

Mushoku Tensei has Rudeus battling the instincts that caused him to fail in his past life, but that's not the only focus. Mushoku Tensei creates a living, breathing world where Rudeus isn't the chosen one. Though it could've easily fallen into some familiar isekai tropes, the series instead constantly throws twists and turns, as viewers get to see Rudeus grow from a baby into a man. Beautifully animated by Studio Bind, its first season has already made it one of the best isekai.

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest :

As the title might suggest, this is a zero to hero story. It all starts when our protagonist Hajime and his class are transported into a fantasy world with the mission of saving the world.

Everyone gets really strong combat powers except our boy Hajime, who ends up with a niche transmutation power. His class quickly screws him over and he’s left in a labyrinth to fight for himself.