Sword Art Online and Co are as popular as ever. But are there any other isekai anime that you should definitely watch? We introduce you to 5 of them.
There are countless anime now – even if you search for individual genres. Today we want to take a look at the Isekai genre and introduce you to some anime gems that you may not have seen yet. Because especially here on MeinMMO, where many fans are fascinated by the concept of “Sword Art Online”, the idea of alternative worlds is very popular.
That’s why we’re introducing you to 5 top anime from the Isekai genre.
What is Isekai?
“Isekai” is Japanese and means “other world”. Over the last few years, it has become its own genre in 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. As a rule, they still have their knowledge from the modern world.
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-
Alternative names: 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 runs into the beauty Emilia, with whom he immediately falls in love. But the lucky streak doesn’t last long. Because while he tries to help Emilia, Subaru is brutally killed out of the blue. However, instead of simply dying, 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 such as fantasy and colorful characters with some time loop elements. Since the protagonist is always “taken back” several days when he dies, some segments are repeated, but always provide new insights and also wonderfully show the despair that comes with it.
However, it should be noted that Re:ZERO is in some respects much darker and more adult than other isekai. Mental and physical cruelty occurs more frequently towards the end of the first season and gives the plot a gravity that is perhaps not suitable for “casual evening entertainment”.
Saga of Tanya the Evil
Alternative names: Youjo Senki, The Military Chronicles of a Little Girl
Genre: action, fantasy
Episodes: 13
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
Tanya Degurechaff doesn’t seem to make the perfect soldier on the outside – especially because she’s still a child. But her magical skills and strategic calculation quickly brought her to the attention of the military academy. In an alternative version of Europe during the First World War, Tanya tries to help her country win – and at the same time prove that “God” does not exist. Because it is only thanks to this creature that Tanya even exists 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 you should be proven wrong. Saga of Tanya the Evil impresses with its powerful visual and sound scenes, great action and just the right amount of drama.
The anime balances on an interesting line. As a viewer, you’re never quite sure whether to be for or against Tanya – because her calculating, ruthless nature is cold-hearted but efficient.
GATE
Alternative names: 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)
When a manga convention takes place in Tokyo, something strange happens: a large gate appears in the city. Fantastic beings such as orcs, lesser demons and knights storm the portal and plunge Tokyo into chaos – for a few hours. Because after a short time the creatures are destroyed by the Japanese defense army. Now the army itself is pushing through the “gate” and trying to establish an outpost in this strange world, make contact with the inhabitants and perhaps trade in previously unknown goods.
The officer Youji Itami is at the center of the plot and makes initial contacts with the residents, 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 war equipment. A mixture that may seem inappropriate at first glance, but it quickly develops its own fascination. Even if some of the characters – like the Goth Lolita – seem a little cliché, the personalities of the protagonists are still convincing.
GATE has come under a bit of criticism because, in the view of some critics, it is said to be carrying out Japanese military propaganda. However, if you don’t let this deter you or bother you, GATE is exciting and follows a concept that is so far unique in the Isekai area.