Isekai Anime with good storytelling

Isekai anime has become one of the most beloved and dominant genres when it comes to anime. Every anime season new stories are released where an unsuspecting individual is thrown into a world completely different from the one they know by mysterious and sometimes unfortunate circumstances. Whether it's a fast truck or a portal that appears in their living room, their ordinary lives are over and they become the protagonist of their own journey.

More often than not, these stories are a ball of fun, tasking the hero with killing the monster and saving the world. But on special occasions, isekai anime can tell an incredible story of discovery and coming of age. Along with well-crafted characters and enveloped in interesting worlds, these anime leave lasting impressions on viewers. Here are some isekai anime with the best storytelling.

8 Rising Of The Shield Hero

Unique character growth journey that subverts expectations

Naofumi is a reluctant protagonist in an isekai anime, as nothing has gone his way since the moment he was summoned to another world. Along with three other young men called as heroes and given a holy weapon, Naofumi is chosen as the shield hero. Surprisingly, Naofumi's arrival is very different from his peers, as he is the victim of a crime, banished from the kingdom and ostracized from society on the first day. The Rising of the Shield hero handles Naofumi's struggle well by starting him at the bottom with nowhere to turn, forcing him to learn the world he inhabits on an intimate level. Also, Naofumi's character is tested as he tries to cut off his connection to humans but cannot fight his better nature to want to do the right thing. Each season of The Rising Of The Shield Hero makes a lot of progress not only in Naofumi's journey but also in his growth.

7 The time I was reincarnated as a slime

Interesting character tests for a hero in history

Rimuru's old life ended in an instant when he was killed protecting his friends from a thug. This one moment paints Rimuru as a kind and caring individual, which sets a drastic contrast when he is reincarnated in another world as a monster. The series' strongest narrative revolves around Rimuru and how he adapts to his new lifestyle.

While maintaining his kind and gentle nature, as Rimuru developed, it shows that he is also capable of cruel judgment regarding the safety of his people and the lives of his friends. While on the surface Rimuru appears to be an innocent young boy, the subtle change as he embraces his status as a demon lord is a stark contrast that makes the plot of the series interesting on how much Rimuru will change over time.

6 Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions

Realistic aspects of a fantasy setting

Grimgar is perhaps one of the most unique isekai anime in the genre, and it handles being teleported to another world in a much more drastic way. A large group of able-bodied individuals emerges in a fantasy world, and while most find their way right away, a small group of rejects stumbles and becomes aimless in their efforts. Together they experience a life of hard knocks where, just to survive and raise enough to support themselves, they have to put their lives on the line to kill some trolls. Grimgar shows a more realistic outcome for ordinary people who are given magic and a sword and told to live. Each character has their own problems and sorrows as they try to adapt, fail and try again. In a world where fortune favors the bold, the meek must struggle and pick up scraps.

5 The Tale of Tanya The Evil

Rare character dynamic where the protagonist rebels against the powers that be

When a somewhat narcissistic atheist dies and curses god with his last breath, he becomes the focus of god, who decides to place him in a world where he must acknowledge his existence or suffer. Reincarnated as a young girl in a world consumed by war, Tanya decides to spit in the face of fate and push the so-called god's patience to its limits. Throwing caution to the wind, Tanya enlists in the military and soon becomes the most decorated warrior among the magical infantry. Smallness is a trait that most isekai protagonists lack; But in Tanya's story, it is her pettiness that drives the story forward as she struggles against the powers that be, trying to prove that they are not, in fact, all-powerful and have no dominion over her.

4 The Boy And The Beast

A great story of acceptance and coming of age

A young boy named Ren finds himself alone among his own family and stumbles into another world after searching for an escape from his unfortunate circumstances. He gets his wish and embarks on a new journey where he finds himself under the guidance of a beast-man named Kumaketsu.

Each needs the other to propel their lives forward from the mundane. Kumaketsu aspires to become the supreme leader of the Beast Kingdom, and Ren wants a place to belong. But as time goes on, the bond created by their agreement heals wounds they didn't know existed. The Boy and the Beast excels at emotional depth and also does a spectacular job of showing the differences individuals have when they come from two vastly different backgrounds.

3 The eminence in the shadow

A main character unlike any other

One of the more recent isekai releases, The Eminence in Shadow has blown away fans for its drastically different take on the genre and on the classic protagonist. Cid is killed in his first life and gets a second chance after being reborn in another world. Unlike most protagonists, Cid does not dream of becoming the hero, but instead the ruler of this new world. Increasing his power to ungodly levels, Cid begins taking the Pillars of Power from the shadows to increase his control over the realm. While Cid is certainly a sinister character, the story portrays his methods of madness in an enticing way that provides pure entertainment. While there have been other isekai that focused on a more villainous main character, none have achieved such an aura as Cid and The Eminence In Shadow.

2 Jobless incarnation

Brilliant character development

Jobless Incarnation follows a NEET man who gets a second chance at life and is reborn into a fantasy world with his memories intact. Taking full advantage of his rebirth, Rudeus decides to do things differently than in his shameful past, but it is quickly revealed that old habits die hard.

Unfortunately, it takes true hardship for Rudeus to realize that not only is he wasting his second chance, but that the consequences of his actions are far more dire in this world compared to his last. Jobless Incarnation does an impeccable job of showcasing a misfit protagonist and how maturity is not a time sensitive journey and takes as long as it has to catch up. Rudeu's faults and his journey to grow out of them are exceptional character development unlike any other isekai anime of its kind.

1 Re: Zero

An extremely unique version of a second life in another world

Subaru is shocked when he emerges into a vibrant fantasy world. When Subaru immediately comes to the conclusion that this is his chance to become a hero with a sword like in his favorite game, he makes his way to this unknown place with optimism and joy. Unfortunately, the rules are not in his favor, as Subaru experiences the doom of being a stranger in a strange place rather quickly. Just as things begin to take a turn for the better, Subaru encounters the universal constant in life: death. But to his surprise, once again, he dives back into the fantasy world. The concept of Subaru having the power of “last save” is a heavy story element that adds insurmountable depth to his everyday adventures. While the experiences he has and the friends he makes are entertaining, the idea that it might disappear at a second glance as the threats become more dangerous sets a unique tone throughout the story of Re: Zero.