6 ‘Untouchable’ Isekai Anime That Need a Remake

We’re seeing a lot more anime remakes lately, with studios like MAPPA and E&H Production revisiting older, beloved series for both longtime fans and new audiences. The recent remake of Magic Knight Rayearth, a popular isekai anime from the past, might encourage remakes of other classic isekai titles as well.

Many classic isekai anime from the 90s and early 2000s are now perfect candidates for a modern update. These beloved series deserve to be remade and would likely find a new audience with today’s animation technology.

Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play

Release Date: April 6, 1995
Episode Count: 52 episodes

Most fans of shoujo manga are familiar with Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play and its memorable characters. This includes the energetic but headstrong protagonist, Miaka Yuuki, and her seven devoted protectors, particularly the popular Tamahome and Hotohori.

It seems Yui Hongo and Nakago, the two blonde girls who caused trouble for Miaka and her protectors both in the real world and within the Four Gods universe, likely worked together to create those problems.

Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play is a pioneering example of the isekai genre, where a teenage girl finds herself magically transported to ancient China. There, Miaka Yuuki becomes the Priestess of Suzaku and must safeguard the nation of Konan, hoping to have a wish fulfilled in return.

The Twelve Kingdoms

Release Date: April 9, 2002
Episode Count: 45 episodes

I recently watched The Twelve Kingdoms, and it’s a really interesting isekai anime – that’s a genre where characters are transported to another world. What struck me was how much it draws from Chinese mythology. The story centers around Yoko Nakajima, a young woman who suddenly ends up in a fantastical realm torn apart by war, ruled by powerful, almost god-like figures.

This anime stands out from others in the same genre because of its realistic main character. Yoko Nakajima isn’t immediately lovable, but watching her grow and change is the most compelling part of the show.

Many fans consider The Twelve Kingdoms to be one of the best isekai anime of all time, making a remake a really ambitious project. While the series can seem complex at first, a reboot could make it even more captivating for viewers.

The Vision of Escaflowne

Release Date: April 2, 1996
Episode Count: 26 episodes

The Vision of Escaflowne is a unique anime that mixes elements of different genres—including stories about being transported to another world, giant robots, and romantic stories geared towards young girls. While it delivers plenty of action, romance, and comedy, the show truly shines because of its detailed world, complex political storylines, and characters who grow and change throughout the series.

In The Vision of Escaflowne, Hitomi is a unique heroine who actively helps Van and Allen battle the Zaibach Empire using her smarts and ability to anticipate events. Together, and with the powerful combat mecha Escaflowne, they’re a force to be reckoned with, determined to save their world.

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Monster Rancher

Release Date: April 17, 1999
Episode Count: 48 episodes

For many, Monster Rancher was a beloved part of their childhood. The show captured the imagination of viewers who dreamed of joining Genki on epic adventures with his monster friends, just like in the video game. Originally released in the 1990s, this anime offers a wonderfully nostalgic experience for longtime fans, and a fun, imaginative introduction for new ones, showcasing a world filled with both friendly and fearsome creatures.

I absolutely love the story in Monster Rancher! It’s a really straightforward adventure – a young boy teams up with a bunch of cool monsters to save the world. Honestly, it’s super easy to get pulled into the story, which is why I think it’s fun for everyone, no matter how old you are!

Kiba

Release Date: April 2, 2006
Episode Count: 51 episodes

The anime Kiba offers a fresh take on magic users, featuring ‘shard casters’ instead of traditional spellcasters, though both types use magic in battle. The story follows Kiba, a shard caster who originates from a contaminated town on Earth and is transported to the magical world of Templar. He harbors a strong spirit named Amil Gaoul, who will become essential in his battles within this new realm.

Similar to the game Monster Rancher, Kiba has a simple story, but it explores more complex ideas like difficult choices, betrayal, and the consequences of having great power. The story centers around Kiba’s journey to collect powerful beings known as Key Spirits before his rivals do.

Now and Then, Here and There

Release Date: October 14, 1999
Episode Count: 13 episodes

In this anime, Shuu Masutani is determined to protect Lala-Ru, even though he’s only just met her. He’s willing to risk everything – even his life – to keep her safe, and refuses to give up, no matter the challenge. It begs the question: how far would you go to help someone you barely know?

Now and Then, Here and There is a truly classic isekai anime, but be warned – it’s quite intense. Despite featuring young characters, the story doesn’t shy away from showing truly horrifying experiences that push them to their absolute limits, both mentally and physically.

This anime is undeniably one of the grimmest isekai series from the 1990s. What sets it apart is its unique setting – instead of a typical fantasy world, the story follows Shuu and Lala-Ru as they struggle to survive in a huge, desolate desert where water is incredibly rare.

2026-04-04 00:35