Influential Isekai Anime Worth Watching Just For Their Importance To The Genre

Key Takeaways

Aura Battler Dunbine
was the first animated isekai, influencing future shows.
Magic Knight Rayearth
linked isekai with shojo and romance in 1994.
Sword Art Online
introduced the mainstream to isekai despite debates on its classification.

As a seasoned anime enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the mesmerizing worlds of isekai, I can confidently say that each of these series has left an indelible mark on the genre.

Each year, numerous anime shows that transport viewers into different worlds, known as “isekai series,” are debuted. Some stand out as exceptional works of fiction, while others end up being ordinary and soon forgotten.

In the realm of isekai stories, certain groundbreaking anime have significantly shaped and molded this genre. These series may have initiated new phases or introduced elements that viewers are accustomed to in current productions. Although these shows may not all be classics, they remain valuable viewing experiences as they significantly impacted the isekai we see today.

10 Aura Battler Dunbine

The First To Ever Do It

Episodes	49
Aired	1983
Studio	Sunrise

Back in 1983, anime like Aura Battler Dunbine stood out as unique stories unlike any other, since isekai-themed anime were not common at that time. The series followed Shou’s journey, who was transported to another realm where he served under Lord Drake and aimed to conquer the world.

Dunbine, a creation of renowned animator Yoshiyuki Tomino, who is widely recognized for his work on the Gundam franchise, maintains its relevance today. It’s frequently acknowledged as the first animated isekai series ever produced.

9 Magic Knight Rayearth

Magic Girls Mix Well With Isekai

In 1994, the anime series known as “Magic Knight Rayearth” was introduced to audiences worldwide by the talented creators of CLAMP, who are also responsible for producing “Code Geass.” This show encompassed a variety of genres such as fantasy, magical girl themes, and mecha.

The story revolves around Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu, who find themselves transported to the world of Cephiro. Here, they’re chosen to become magic knights, tasked with restoring tranquility to the realm. This series played a significant role in shaping the isekai genre by bridging it with shojo and romantic elements. It was subsequently followed by other notable works, such as “The 12 Kingdoms.

8 No Game, No Life

No Second Season, No Problem

One of the most infamous one-season anime is “No Game, No Life.” Originating in 2014, it follows Sora and Shiro, a prodigious sibling pair known for their expertise across various games. They are summoned to another realm by the deity Tet.

In a way that might sound exaggerated, it’s accurate to say that “No Game, No Life” significantly transformed the isekai genre. The unique aspect was its portrayal of protagonists who primarily relied on their intelligence rather than physical strength, a theme that has since been echoed in numerous other isekai productions.

7 El Hazard

One Of The Earliest Examples Of Classmates In Another World

Shows similar to Arifureta and Failure Frame, which feature classes of students being transported to another realm and acquiring powers, are now quite prevalent. But before these shows, and the darker themes they later developed, there was El Hazard.

In this ’90s series, multiple students from a single school were mysteriously whisked away to an alternate realm, each endowed with unique abilities. The central protagonist, Makoto, finds himself navigating the unfamiliar landscape and searching for a way to return home to our world.

6 KonoSuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!

A Subversion Of Expectations

By 2016, isekai anime were deemed overly repetitive. Thus, when KonoSuba emerged, it was a breath of fresh air. The series turned conventional norms upside down and defied every assumption fans held about the genre.

Instead of the gloomy elements prevalent in many isekai series back then, KonoSuba stands out as a riotous comedy. The characters are often bumbling and foolish. It playfully mocks the trope of death by truck, substituting the usual enigmatic and beautiful goddess with the amusing but useless Aqua, and the protagonist is a self-aware, obnoxious jerk. KonoSuba executes humor exceptionally well and is highly recommended for viewing.

5 Ascendance Of A Bookworm

One Of The Most Grounded Isekai

It was refreshing to discover that even though Isekai has been approached from numerous angles, when “Ascendance of a Bookworm” debuted in 2019, it showcased that there were still fresh concepts to uncover within the genre.

The tale unfolds around Myne, a woman who regrettably passed away prior to becoming a librarian in her previous life. Now reborn as a child in another realm, she embarks on a journey to realize her dream – delving deeper into the world of books. In “Ascendance Of A Bookworm”, the down-to-earth narrative, the achievable aspirations of the protagonist, and the portrayal of climbing social ranks all make it a must-watch isekai anime for aficionados of the genre.

4 Overlord

The Rise Of The Villain Protagonist

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about “Overlord” – a truly exceptional show in the isekai genre that has left an indelible mark on me since its debut in 2015. The story revolves around a man who finds himself unexpectedly trapped within a game he once knew so well, which has now transcended into reality. Remarkably, this ordinary individual transforms into the powerful Ainz Ooal Gown, assuming leadership over an ominous organization.

Initially, “Overlord” introduced a more somber tone and even horror aspects to the isekai genre. Viewers were captivated as Ainz ruthlessly conquered the inhabitants of his new realm, aiming to establish his dominion. One of the pioneering series, “Overlord” paved the way for the emergence of antagonistic isekai protagonists, a trend that has since gained widespread popularity.

3 Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation

A Modern Classic

Despite being incredibly new, having premiered in 2021, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation has already garnered classic status. One unique aspect of this anime is its role in popularizing Truck-kun as a modern-day Charon figure, guiding characters to other worlds.

Mushoku Tensei occasionally receives criticism regarding its main character, Rudeus, yet it’s undeniable that this series will be remembered as a significant contributor to the isekai genre due to its success in attracting new audience members to the world of anime and manga.

2 Fushigi Yuugi

Using Isekai To Treat Fantasy

Episodes	52
Aired	1996
Studio	Pierrot

Fushigi Yuugi is an early piece of work by author Yuu Watase, best known for her successful creation, Absolute Boyfriend. Unlike the latter, which has been popular in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, Fushigi Yuugi tells the story of characters Miaka and Yui, who find themselves mysteriously transported into another world via a magical book.

In essence, the isekai aspects served as a backdrop to weave a love story between Miaki and Taamahome, with the show taking its fantastical setting very sincerely, avoiding over-reliance on character quirks. This series laid the groundwork for others, such as The 12 Kingdoms, which likewise delved into the realm of fantasy.

1 Sword Art Online

Isekai’s Big Bang

Sword Art Online might not be the best isekai series ever produced, but without a doubt, it played a significant role in making this genre widely recognized. Prior to SAO, another anime named .Hack//Sign had already explored the concept of being trapped within an MMORPG, but it was SAO that truly catapulted this trope into popular culture.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve often pondered whether Sword Art Online (SAO) truly qualifies as an isekai series. After all, it starts with our protagonist being trapped in a virtual reality world, right? But here’s the twist – dying within this game means death in real life too! And if you think about it, this alternate universe was home to countless characters. Therefore, I personally believe SAO fits squarely within the isekai genre.

2024-10-06 17:34