Top 10 Isekai Anime That Will Make You Question Reality (2020-2024)

For quite some time now, anime based on isekai, or the concept of being transported to another world, has been prevalent, dating back to series like Digimon Adventure and The Vision of Escaflowne, which were popular even before Sword Art Online catapulted it into mainstream success. While it often faces criticism today, the popularity of isekai is undeniable, with each season featuring multiple shows that feature characters being transferred to another realm (even Earth). In terms of quantity, the 2020s have seen an increase in such series, but this doesn’t matter if the quality isn’t there as well.

Despite often facing criticism and mockery, isekai has produced several outstanding anime series. This genre has offered engaging escapist fantasies, side-splitting comedies, poignant dramas, and even visual works of art. Although there have been many mediocre shows in this category, the top isekai anime from the 2020s not only excel but also push the boundaries of the genre.

Here are some criteria for an anime to qualify:

Only isekai anime that started in the 2020s. If a show released its first episode in the 2010s, it will be left out. For example, series like Re:ZERO and Overlord will not be included, even though they released new seasons during this decade.
No movies.
While part of a general ranking, this article aims to highlight the best isekai anime of different subgenres, just to try and provide a suggestion for most people’s tastes.

Honorable Mentions

Due to the abundance of television shows being released each season, it’s challenging to spotlight all worthy series. Let’s talk about some exceptional isekai anime from the 2020s instead.

Ishura
No Longer Allowed in Another World
I’m In Love With The Villainess
So I’m a Spider, So What?
Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke’s Mansion
From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

8. The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash

Best Slow-Life Anime Of The 2020s

One captivating interpretation of this text: “During its Winter 2024 broadcast, The Weakest Tamer Started a Litter-Picking Journey gradually gained momentum and became one of the most visually stunning isekai anime from the 2020s. In terms of animation quality alone, Studio Massket truly excelled, often reaching heights that seemed almost cinematic, especially in depicting the environment.

In a surprising twist, “The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash” offers much more than just visually appealing animation. Set in a world where one’s worth is determined by their abilities, our protagonist Ivy, faces death by her own village when she draws the short straw. Fleeing into the wilderness, Ivy uses her tamer skills to form bonds with creatures such as slimes, adapting to her harsh circumstances. She also has an inner voice that serves as a guide, making this story’s only connection to the isekai genre.

Following some action-packed initial installments, the series “The Weakest Tamer Starts a Cleanup Journey” adopts a captivating pace reminiscent of everyday life adventures.

7. Uncle From Another World

Best Reverse Isekai Comedy Anime Of The 2020s

Initially, a strong beginning made “Uncle from Another World” look promising, but a string of setbacks caused it to lose its forward momentum. Instead of airing consistently, the anime’s 13 episodes were scattered over an eight-month period, making it feel outdated by the time it concluded. Despite this unfortunate timing, the show maintained a good quality throughout its episodes.

Following over a decade of being misunderstood as a troll in a mythical realm, Yousuke found himself awakening from a coma on our planet, yet miraculously preserving his enchanting abilities. He subsequently moved in with his nephew, where he shared tales of his countless escapades, including frequent encounters with an elf who displayed typical tsundere behavior.

In a skillful amalgamation of traditional and reversed “isekai” genres, “Uncle from Another World” masterfully juggles both aspects, each delivering its own share of humor. The titular character, affectionately known as Ojisan, takes center stage, yet he is encircled by a cast of either endearing or uproariously funny characters.

6. Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill

Best Low-Stakes Isekai Anime Of The 2020s

Action-packed apocalyptic tales and nail-biting suspense are often thrilling, but not every narrative requires them. Every now and then, there’s nothing more satisfying than a laid-back series that unfolds without any major events. Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill is just delightful in its simplicity.

Initially called upon as a hero by a kingdom, Tsuyoshi finds himself unexpectedly on his own because he doesn’t appear to possess any special talents. Yet, he’s fortunate enough to have a magical store at his disposal where he can purchase various items, particularly food. With his exceptional culinary skills, Tsuyoshi swiftly establishes friendships with a Fenrir and a slime. Together, they create an unconventional group that primarily seeks out modest adventures and delicious meals.

In the world I’ve been observing, Tsuyoshi, Fel, and Sui form a charming threesome whose friendship feels genuine and blossoms subtly as the first season unfolds. It’s a pleasant change to encounter an isekai protagonist who isn’t overpowered nor entirely inept.

Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill season 2 has been announced for 2025.

5. Zenshu

Best Original Anime Of The 2020s

In the enigmatic silence surrounding MAPPA’s narrative progression, the isekai inclinations in Zenshu came as an unexpected revelation. Renowned animator Natsuko, grappling with her second project, often works solo and can be quite challenging to collaborate with. During a lunch break, she experiences a choking incident that transports her into the world of an anime film she’s been fond of since childhood. A Tale of Perishing, notorious for its gloomy and perplexing conclusion, serves as inspiration for Natsuko who aims to apply her plot understanding and extraordinary divine power to craft a more satisfying ending.

In the vein of classic ’80s and ’90s anime, Zenshu appears as an affectionate homage to long-forgotten masterpieces of yesteryear, while simultaneously unfolding a heartwarming coming-of-age story through a charming main character. Initially, the series captivates with its stunning visuals, lighthearted family-friendly humor, and genre-blending elements, making it worthy of recommendation. However, Zenshu truly shines in its latter stages, elevating from a good show to one of the top isekai anime of the 2020s.

Also, due to being an anime original, Zenshu tells a complete story.

4. Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-

Best Traditional OP MC Isekai Anime Of The 2020s

In simpler terms, Isekai series often favor characters who are extremely powerful. It’s quite challenging to find an Isekai show without such a character who can effortlessly destroy kingdoms with minimal effort. While it’s enjoyable to imagine oneself as a powerful figure, many Isekai stories don’t do these concepts justice. They either struggle to create exciting action scenes that highlight the protagonist’s abilities or fail to inject humor into the situation’s absurdity. Moreover, these shows tend to be repetitive and hard to distinguish from one another.

In other words, despite not introducing anything revolutionary to the isekai genre or original fantasies, Tsukimichi stands out as a strong illustration that this formula can succeed when skillfully implemented. When it comes to isekai anime with reliable characters, action, humor, and world-building, Tsukimichi is one of the most balanced choices from the 2020s and even spawned a follow-up season.

Tsukimichi season 3 has been announced.

3. Sonny Boy

The Most Experimental Isekai Anime Of The 2020s

Instead of being predictable, isekai series tend to follow familiar patterns. While this sense of comfort can be appealing, it would be refreshing to see more anime that dare to innovate and take creative risks. Not all attempts have to be masterpieces, but something like Sonny Boy could easily become the most divisive isekai anime of the decade. Even viewers who don’t particularly enjoy the show will likely remember it, which is an accomplishment shared by only the best and worst isekai series.

In another dimension, a group of pupils mysteriously find themselves, exploring a realm beyond the confines of time and space. Some among them gain extraordinary abilities, leading them on journeys to various realms. The narrative frequently focuses on specific characters, featuring conflicts, deep contemplations, veiled symbols, and an alluring yet unrefined visual aesthetic. While watching Sonny Boy can sometimes be overwhelming and seem devoid of purpose, it is equally captivating and occasionally enriching.

2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

The Most Complete Isekai Anime Of The 2020s

Over a span of three years and four seasons, the anime series “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” has consistently graced our screens during the 2020s. This captivating tale doesn’t seem to be wrapping up anytime soon. A socially awkward young man, who once lived a life of isolation, finds a new beginning when he is reborn as an infant named Rudeus in a magical realm. Despite his previous flaws and shortcomings, Rudey persists, leading him to explore the full spectrum of existence – from the exhilarating peaks of young romance to the heart-wrenching valleys of sorrow. He embarks on thrilling journeys, forges priceless friendships, narrowly escapes encounters with deity-like adversaries, ties the knot, endures profound loss, and even spends a significant period in an educational institution grappling with ED.

The series “Mushoku Tensei” sparks a lot of discussion. Initially, Rudy’s actions throughout the first two seasons can be challenging to accept, making him a complex but not universally adored main character. However, as the narrative unfolds, he evolves, although his journey may not resonate with everyone completely. Setting aside our feelings about Rudy, “Mushoku Tensei” stands out in the isekai genre due to its expansive scope, immersive world-building, captivating storytelling, and bold narrative risks.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation season 3 is confirmed to be in production.

1. The Eminence In Shadow

Best Isekai Anime Of The 2020s (And The Funniest)

The Eminence in Shadow” is simply fantastic! It cleverly spoofs the isekai genre featuring overpowered protagonists, yet it also embraces these very same tropes with humor and enthusiasm. The main character, Cid, aspires to be a hidden guardian of society, but tragically dies before making any progress. However, he gets another chance in a world filled with magic, and more importantly, the ability to fulfill his dream. He also has an unusual charm that attracts numerous women who are prepared to sacrifice themselves for him. Despite thinking they’re just indulging his whimsical dreams, Cid heads Shadow Garden, an organization dedicated to combating a harmful cult.

As an onlooker, I can’t help but find Cid both brilliantly ingenious and amusingly foolish in his ways. His chunibyo-induced exploits unfold in a series of grandiose, side-splitting episodes. At first, it’s Cid who steals the show with his outlandish antics, but as Shadow Garden’s members grow in season 2, they develop into compelling characters in their own right. Despite its primary focus on humor, The Eminence In Shadow boasts top-tier action sequences that easily rival those found within the isekai genre’s elite ranks.

2025-04-14 01:16