Isekai anime tend to be both imaginative and fun with loads of heart. The Isekai genre focuses on characters that are transported to other worlds and must find a way to survive while usually completing some kind of mission or quest. The entire premise of the genre allows for action, introspection, personal growth, and fantastic animation.

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Many anime that fall into the Isekai genre are released every year with some of them going on to be utter classics. The sheer number of anime classics that reside in this genre are too numerous to count. Due to allowing creators to let their imaginations run wild, the Isekai genre is fertile land for some of the best storytelling in all of anime.

10 The Twelve Kingdoms

Based on the popular novel series by Fuyumi Ono, The Twelve Kingdoms is a phenomenal piece of storytelling. While the novels focus on multiple kingdoms inspired by Chinese Mythology, the anime narrows it down to just the kingdom of Kei.

This allows for a more in-depth look at the kingdom itself and the main character Yoko Nakajima. Yoko is a very likable protagonist and her challenges are real enough to captivate fans from many diverse backgrounds.

9 Mushoku Tensei

Mushoku Tensei aka Jobless Reincarnation is the story of one unnamed 34-year-old homeless man and how he reincarnates in a fantasy world. From the beginning, the show sets itself apart by showing a man at the end of his rope that hopes to do one good thing before his life is over.

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This serious tone hits one very hard and it sets the stage for a surprisingly introspective show. The protagonist manages to get a second chance at life and what he decides to do with it is inspiring. As with a few other Isekai anime, this show is one that will have viewers thinking for quite some time.

8 Overlord

One of the most popular and creative Isekai series to be released in recent years is Overlord. This epic, funny, heartfelt, and well-animated series places a critical eye on several issues that only anime just brush over. Its focus on what a being of near-limitless power feels and cares about is quite fascinating.

Also being trapped within a game that is shut down, while not being an entirely new concept, is an intriguing take on the stranger in a strange land trope that many Isekai utilize. If the show keeps up its current quality then it is only a matter of time before it becomes a classic Isekai anime.

7 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

This show somehow manages to follow many Isekai tropes while at the same time either breaking or improving them. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime manages to rise above its simple premise to craft some of the most engaging characters in not just Isekai but anime in general.

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In just two seasons the show has managed to earn its spot in anime history and it is more than well deserved. One of the show's strongest points is its characters and how they have evolved as the show has gone on.

6 Inuyasha

Rumiko Takahashi is a combining action, romance, horror, suspense, and fantasy to keep millions of fans hooked on her works. She is the mastermind behind such classics as Ranma ½ and Maison Ikkoku, both of which are some of the best manga of all time. 

Another of her creations is Inuyasha, the epic tale of romance and action that managed to maintain a high quality of storytelling for over a decade. This series defines what a great Isekai show should be while setting the standard of quality for the entire genre. If one wants to start delving into the world of Isekai then Inuyasha is the place to start.

5 Sword Art Online

Arguably the most well know Isekai series at the moment, Sword Art Online resides at legendary status for many anime fans. The rich and interesting world of this series seems to grow more and more with each subsequent year.

First premiering in 2012, the first season is fantastic and is fun no matter how many times one rewatches it. The world of Sword Art Online is immensely captivating and can easily draw one in. Between games, movies, books, and light novels one can delve deep into this world.

4 No Game No Life

For some reason shows that delve into the psychology of Hikikomori or shut-ins always tend to be fascinating. In the case of No Game No Life, the two main protagonists are both Hikikomoris that also happen to be master gamers. After being challenged to a game of chess by the god Tet and winning they are thrust into a fantasy world of Disboard.

In Disboard no one can hurt each other and all disputes must be settled with games. Not only does that present an interesting picture of conflict but how the main protagonists interact with this world is very interesting. By focusing on character this show manages to rise above many other Isekai anime with its intelligent writing.

3 The Devil Is A Part-Timer!

Who could have guessed that a show about the Devil working at a Mcdonald's parody would be so much fun? By creating such fun and engaging characters, The Devil Is a Part-Timer! has risen to the top of many Isekai anime fans' favorite lists.

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Not only is the show well animated but its humor is top-notch with many moments that will be sure to have viewers laughing their heads off. While the anime currently only has one season, another is on the way and if it's even half as good as the first then it'll be a ton of fun.

2 Re: Zero - Starting Life In Another World

Quite possibly the best Isekai anime to focus on a down-and-out regular guy, Re: Zero- Starting Life In Another World is a classic. Many of the classic Isekai tropes are on display in this series but they are transcended by the overall quality of the show.

The character of Subaru is likable and funny while the rest of the cast is equally engaging. The first season in particular managed to set itself apart from all the other Isekai anime that was released at the time within just a handful of episodes.

1 Log Horizon

Starting off as just another MMORPG based Isekai, Log Horizon quickly set itself apart with its massively intelligent writing. Unlike some other shows, once the main characters are transported into the world of Elder Tale they set about forming the kind of world they have always dreamed of.

This show is smart and well-paced, using action to its maximum potential by not relying on it as a crutch during slower moments. None of the challenges of forming a new society and ensuring a peaceful existence are brushed over. Log Horizon is one of the most intelligent and interesting Isekai of all time, even with a slower pace one will not be bored. There are currently two seasons out with a third on the way.

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