Isekai animation with excellent storytelling

Isekai anime has become one of the most beloved and dominant genres in animation. With each anime season, a new story is revealed where unsuspecting individuals are thrust into a world completely different from the one they knew due to mysterious and sometimes unfortunate circumstances. Whether it's a speeding truck or a portal popping out of their living room, their ordinary lives are over, and they become the protagonists of their own journey.

For the most part, these stories are fun balls that task heroes with slaying monsters and saving the world. But in special cases, isekai anime can tell amazing stories of discovery and growth. Surrounded by well-crafted characters and an interesting world, this animation leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Introducing isekai animation with the best storytelling.

8 Rising of the Shield Hero

A unique character growth journey that overturns expectations

Naofumi is the main character of an isekai anime who hasn't had anything go his way since he was summoned to another world. Along with three other young men who were summoned as heroes and gifted with sacred weapons, Naofumi is chosen as the Shield Hero. Surprisingly, Naofumi's arrival differs significantly from his peers in that he is framed for a crime, exiled from the kingdom, and ostracized by society on his first day. Rising of the Shield Hero handles Naofumi's struggles well by having him start from the bottom, with no one to turn to, and learn about the world he lives in on an intimate level. Furthermore, Naofumi's character is tested as he tries to break his attachment to people but cannot fight his better nature of wanting to do the right thing. Each season of The Rising Of The Shield Hero has made significant progress not only in Naofumi's journey, but also in his growth.

7 At that time I was reincarnated as a slime

An interesting character test for the hero of the story

Rimuru's old life ended in the blink of an eye when he was killed while protecting his friends from a mob. In this moment, Rimuru is portrayed as a kind and caring individual, but this is a stark contrast when he is reincarnated as a monster in another world. The strongest storytelling of the series revolves around Rimuru and how he adapts to his new lifestyle.

While maintaining a kind and gentle personality, as Rimuru develops, he shows the ability to make ruthless judgments when it comes to the safety of his people and the lives of his friends. Rimuru appears to be a naive boy on the surface, but the subtle changes that occur when he accepts the position of Demon King make the plot of the series interesting as to how much Rimuru will change over time.

6 Grimgar: Ashes and Visions

Realistic aspects of fantasy settings

Grimgar is probably one of the most unique isekai anime in its genre, handling being teleported to another world in a much more drastic way. Many able-bodied people sprout from the fantasy world, and while most immediately find their way, a few rejects stumble and become aimless in their efforts. Gathered together, they experience a difficult life, having to risk their lives and kill several goblins in order to survive and gather enough items to feed themselves. Grimgar shows a more realistic outcome for ordinary people who are told to live with magic and swords in their hands. Each character has their own struggles and sorrows as they adapt, fail, and try again. In a world where fortune favors the bold, the meek must struggle and pick up the trash.

5 Tanya's Saga The Evil

A rare character dynamic where the main protagonist rebels against authority.

When a somewhat narcissistic atheist dies cursing God with his last breath, he becomes God's focus, and God decides to place him in a world where he must acknowledge his existence or suffer. Reincarnated as a young girl in a war-torn world, Tanya spits in the eye of fate and decides to push the so-called patience of God to its limits. Cautiously, Tanya joins the army and soon becomes the most decorated warrior among the magical infantry. Pettiness is a trait that most isekai protagonists lack. But in Tanya's story, it is her pettiness that moves the story of her struggle against power forward. They try to prove that in reality they are neither omnipotent nor have dominion over her.

4 boy and beast

A great story of acceptance and coming of age.

A young boy named Ren finds himself alone among his family and, looking for a way out of his unfortunate situation, accidentally ends up in another world. He gets his wish and begins a new journey under the guidance of a beastman named Kumaketsu.

Each needs the other to break away from everyday life and move forward with their lives. Kumaketsu seeks to become the sovereign leader of the beast kingdom, and Ren wants a place to belong. However, as time passes, the bond formed through their agreement heals the wounds they did not know about. The Boy and the Beast has great emotional depth and does a great job of showing the differences individuals have when they come from two very different backgrounds.

3 The Eminence in Shadow

A protagonist who is different from others

The Eminence in Shadow is one of the more recent isekai releases and has surprised fans with a completely different take on the genre and its classic protagonist. After being killed in his first life and reborn in another world, Sid seeks a second chance. Unlike most protagonists, Sid dreams not of becoming a hero, but of becoming the ruler of this new world. Cid increases his power to ungodly levels and begins taking up pillars of power from the shadows to increase his control over the kingdom. Although Cid is actually an evil character, the story depicts his methods of madness in a charming way that makes for pure entertainment. There have been other isekai that focused on more sinister protagonists, but none have achieved the same aura as Cid and The Eminence In Shadow.

2 Unemployed person incarnate

Excellent character development

Jobless Avatar is a work that depicts the story of a knitwear man who is given a second chance at life and is reborn into a fantasy world with his memories intact. Rudeus decides to use reincarnation as an opportunity to behave differently from his previous life, which he was ashamed of, but it quickly becomes clear that old habits do not go away easily.

Unfortunately, it takes real hardship for Rudeus to realize that not only is he wasting his second chance, but that the consequences of his actions in this world are far more dire than his last chance. Incarnation of the Unemployed does an impeccable job of showcasing an unsightly protagonist and showing how maturity is not a time-sensitive journey and how long it takes to catch up. Rudeus' flaws and his journey to overcome them are outstanding character development that rivals any other isekai anime.

1 Reply: zero

A very unique interpretation of second life in another world

Subaru is shocked to appear in a vibrant fantasy world. Immediately coming to the conclusion that this is his chance to become a sword-wielding hero like his favorite video games, Subaru sets out into this unknown place with optimism and joy. Unfortunately, the rules are not in his favor. Because Subaru rather quickly experiences the downfall of being a stranger in an unfamiliar place. The moment things start to get better, Subaru comes face to face with death, the universal constant of life. But surprisingly, he returned to the fantasy world again. The concept of Subaru with the power of “Last Save” is a heavy story element that adds insurmountable depth to the everyday adventure. The experiences he goes through and the friends he makes are fun, but as the threat becomes more and more dangerous, the idea that once seen it may be gone sets a unique tone throughout the story. Lee: Zero.