Best Isekai Anime of the 2010s Every Year

In recent years, the isekai genre has become one of the most dominant forces in the animation industry, with several shows each year featuring ordinary heroes traveling to exotic and magical worlds. It's hard to imagine now, but with so many series centered around these tropes, this popularity had to come from somewhere, and the answer lies in the not-so-distant past, in the 2010s.

The genre saw tremendous interest among fans around the world, paving the way for isekai to grow into the giant it is today. So it's no surprise that some of the best isekai ever created exists in this era, although there is far less of it than in recent years, which is still quite enjoyable for fans who decide to give it a try.

10

2010 – Angel Beats!

Waking up in an unfamiliar school is a terrifying experience, especially for Otonashi, who has just learned that his new home is a purgatory where souls who die unsatisfied are taken to deal with their pain. He joins a rebellion of young people in his situation and fights against the god who brought them there. This story may be one of the most emotionally devastating stories in history.

For some fans Angel beat! It cannot be considered isekai, as the main characters are trapped in purgatory rather than a traditional fantasy world, and this series better fits that profile. If fans overlook this issue, they'll find a compelling, thrilling, and moving series that explores our shared desires and fears. It's a beautiful show that depicts grief in a way you don't see in other stories.

9

2011 – Dog Day

Shinku Izumi was an ordinary, albeit healthy, high school student known to the villagers for his impressive sports skills. At least until he is suddenly summoned to a different world where girls with animal characteristics live and is chosen as the savior of the Republic of Biscotti. The country's princess pleads with him to join her army and fight against the Galette Lions in a contest for the future of their country.

Most isekai fans will quickly notice this: dog days The series was conceived long before the advent of gritty, epic tales of otherworldly heroes. One of the most engaging comedic anime of the 2010s, focusing on funny situations and low-stakes action rather than a destructive battle for the world. It may not be a show for everyone, but those who decide to give it a chance won't be disappointed.

8

2012 – Sword Art Online

When Kazuto purchased Nervegear, an advanced gaming console that gives players access to fully immersive worlds, he never expected to be trapped by an unwary developer. Now it's his job to level up enough to knock down the 100 floors of this dangerous game along with 10,000 other players. Meanwhile, the terrible truth kept coming back to me. The fact is that if you die in the game, you die in real life too.

Objectively, it is one of the most genre-defining anime ever made. sword art onlinewas an important step in establishing Isekai as one of the most beloved genres. The series' reputation has changed over the years, as the sequels have lacked some of the aspects that made the original so beloved. However, there's no denying that the hate the franchise is receiving is quite unfair, as it's still a fun and exciting adventure.

7

2013 – Log Horizon

Elder Tale was the most popular game in the world and millions of fans were eagerly awaiting the latest updates. Their joy was dashed when a system error left them trapped inside the game. Shiroe, Naotsugu and Akatsuki are three friends who have fallen victim to this mistake and must now work together with the rest of the players to create a society where everyone can prosper.

log horizon This is a series for fans who enjoy amazing world-building and want more than flashy action. The anime takes a completely new approach to the Isekai genre, depicting the rise and operation of a fantastical society, and may be very interesting to some. One of the best kingdom-building stories on the market, with a plot and characters that will quickly enthrall audiences.

6

2014 – No Game No Life

Sora and Shiro used to rule the gaming world under the name Blanks, two of the best gamers in anime history. Their skills caught the eye of a mysterious being named Tet, the god of a distant, fantastical world where games decide everything. Now trapped in what appears to be a haven for their brothers and sisters, they must prepare for a final rematch with Tet while also finding a way to help the Immanity reclaim their land.

There are only a few animations that can make something as simple as a game of chess look epic. no game no life You can do it. This series has a unique mix of funny scenes, thrilling wit, and amazing art style, making it one of the best isekai I've ever thought of. Unfortunately, the series ends on an abrupt and somewhat disappointing cliffhanger, so fans should be aware of this before starting the journey.

5

2015 – The Boy and the Beast

After running away, an orphan boy named Ren falls into Jutengai, a different world inhabited by humanoid beasts. There he meets the lonely but fierce bear warrior Kumatetsu and reluctantly accepts him as his disciple. The bonds between them are tested when an evil force threatens to destroy both the human and animal worlds, and the heroes must defeat it and prove that peace can exist.

One of Mamoru Hosoda's best films. boy and beast It is a wholesome and iconic film that will warm the hearts of all audiences. Along Ren's journey, fans will encounter experiences that will help him redefine what family means, how cooperation can move forward, and understand the need to embrace the darkness within himself.

4

2016 – Re:Zero

For most, the idea of ​​traveling to another world is a dream come true. Because it means residing in one of the amazing and colorful lands that anime has to offer. For Subaru, his trip was closer to a nightmare. Because not only is he out of his daily routine, but he's also cursed with the ability to return to a save point whenever he dies.

It's arguably one of the best-known isekai, and one fan highly recommends you see it before you die. Reply: zero It is well-received by many people as the epitome of the genre. It is a dark and twisted story that leaves behind the idea of ​​a fantastical world and takes a more realistic approach to the idea of ​​traveling to a new world. There is a reason why this drama has recently been crowned the king of the genre.

3

2017 – The Saga of Tanya the Evil

Death can sometimes be a chance for humans to find peace, but not for a salaryman who is reincarnated as a young girl named Tanya in an alternate dimension on Earth where magic becomes reality. Angered by the god who brought her there, an ancient creature known as Being

Undoubtedly one of the most divisive and controversial anime of all time, this dark and twisted story depicts the horrors of war with terrifying accuracy. Tanya is undoubtedly the villain, showing little to no concern for human life and feeling no empathy whatsoever, which makes the series interesting to most people. Few shows will be as disturbing to viewers as this one, but for those willing to endure a lot of shocking scenes, the experience may be worthwhile.

2

2018 – That time I was reincarnated as a slime

Satoru, a Japanese man who was trying to save a colleague who was attacked by a criminal, is killed, and his soul is reborn as a small blue slime monster in another world. His new form may appear weak, but it hides tremendous power, as he can absorb the abilities and physical properties of any living creature he consumes.

Rimuru's journey is truly enjoyable, an incredible story of an utterly overpowered protagonist that fans will root for from the beginning. The series uses the isekai genre's most common tropes in a familiar yet thrilling way, weaving a tale of hard work and magic that will leave fans wanting more. The anime also has a majority of fans who consider him to be the best hero in all of isekai, which is a huge bonus.

1

2019 – The Birth of the Shield Hero

When Naofumi unexpectedly arrived on the world he now considers home, he was introduced as the legendary Shield Hero, a warrior destined to save humanity with the help of his fellow heroes. However, due to the greed and ambition of the corrupt elite, he was abandoned and exiled from the kingdom. Now, armed with nothing but a magic shield, he will find a way to clear his name and fulfill the destiny they sought to take from him.

Resurrection of the Shield Hero It's a masterclass in storytelling and world-building combined into a compelling story of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. The series takes characters who are often overlooked due to their lack of offensive abilities and develops them into strong, honorable warriors. Naofumi is also an openly relatable character, making it easier for audiences to relate to the story.