Top 7 Isekai Anime with Hidden Ensemble Heroes

In the present times, it’s hard to escape the allure of Isekai anime. Every season seems to feature at least two shows belonging to this genre, and they often share striking similarities. This is because there’s little need to alter a formula that has already proven itself successful. Typically, these anime center around a lone male protagonist who finds himself transported into a fantasy world reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Equipped with extraordinary abilities, he usually manages to garner an impressive following of admirers, creating what’s often referred to as a harem. While there may be variations, this general description applies to many Isekai narratives.

In the realm of anime, ensembles of main characters, or ensemble casts, aren’t found too frequently, except in genres such as slice-of-life and a select few others, like isekai. Even series that focus on parties, such as “The Rising of the Shield Hero,” “Re:ZERO,” and “Handyman Saitou in Another World,” typically have distinct protagonists who serve as each story’s central figure. However, there are some exceptional isekai anime with multiple leads that effectively make use of their expansive casts.

A few criteria to keep in mind:

To qualify, most of the protagonists need to be from another world, and they should be given mostly equal billing.
Isekai anime about parties will not be included if only one character is from another world.
Reverse isekai will be omitted.

7. Suicide Squad Isekai

DC’s Anti-Heroes Go On An Isekai Adventure

In 2024, despite being one of the year’s most underwhelming anime offerings, “Suicide Squad Isekai” remains an enjoyable watch, primarily due to the witty exchanges among its main characters. When a gateway to another realm suddenly appears, Amanda Waller dispatches a motley crew of lawbreakers to explore it, and she strategically attaches explosives to their persons for extra incentive. Before long, this Suicide Squad becomes embroiled in a conflict, while simultaneously encountering other DC characters endowed with superpowers who had previously crossed over (and a dragon).

As a die-hard fan, let me say that despite its imperfections, the unique blend of “Suicide Squad Isekai” never fails to impress with its dynamic cast. Characters like Harley Quinn, Clayface, Peacemaker, King Shark, Deadshot, and Rick Flag are all given significant weight, ensuring no one is relegated to the sidelines. Granted, Harley does get a touch more focus, but it’s far from being her solo production. The narrative might not be profound, but the action sequences are nothing short of thrilling, often demanding these unlikely allies to band together just to stay alive.

6. Drifters

History’s Greatest Warriors

In a somewhat surprising manner, the series titled Drifters is remarkable, even though it remains in an unfinished state. Reminiscent of Fate, the narrative brings historical personalities together for mortal combat, with a backdrop of a medieval fantasy realm serving as their battleground. The story is divided into two parts: Drifters and Ends. The characters are audacious and excessively violent, showing no remorse for the destruction they cause.

Initially, it might seem like Toyohisa Shimazu is the sole main character in the series, and he dominates most of the scenes. Yet, soon enough, he forms alliances with Nobunaga Oda and Yoichi Suketaka Nasu, characters whose abilities harmonize well with Shimazu’s. Instead of a single overpowered protagonist, Drifters presents these three as a powerful trio who, when united, prove to be much stronger than they are individually.

5. Ishura

OP Isekai MCs Vs. OP Isekai MCs

Ishura appears to favor non-conventional main characters. Both seasons feature approximately a dozen powerful individuals, each given brief, cinematic introductions. In season 1, these scenes culminate in a war between an Empire and an autonomous region, with the previously presented characters engaging in life-or-death confrontations. Season 2 employs different narrative hooks, but its structure is largely similar to its precursor.

By regularly switching its main characters and fostering an atmosphere where any character might perish, Ishura creates a sense of unpredictability. This unpredictability leads to some of the most thrilling battles within the isekai genre, as well as some rather outlandish ones.

Not every Ishura protagonist is from another world, but quite a few of them are visitors.

4. Sonny Boy

An Isekai Anime About A Class Of Students

In a unique twist, the series “Sonny Boy” invites its audience on an adventure that may not be enjoyable for everyone, but is likely to be memorable for most. Unlike many anime in the “isekai” genre where a single character is usually set apart, this show chooses to keep all students involved and delves into the intricate relationships that develop under their extraordinary circumstances.

In the anime “Sonny Boy”, the characters find themselves transported to a peculiar realm separate from our usual existence. Over time, they acquire abilities and the knack for traversing other dimensions. The majority of the storyline revolves around these interdimensional visits, with each episode focusing on distinct personalities. Although “Sonny Boy” can be surreal, perplexing, hard to follow, and frustrating at times, it remains captivating. In comparison to other isekai series, this anime showcases remarkable ambition.

3. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions

An Isekai Party That Lives, Fights, And Survives Together

Even though it’s been over ten years since its initial release, “Grimgar” hasn’t received a follow-up yet, even though the source light novel has already surpassed 20 volumes. Due to its brief run, the adaptation only touches upon the story’s vastness, making it somewhat challenging to fully endorse it on its own merits. Nevertheless, “Grimgar” stands out as an exceptional example of a “isekai anime centered around a party,” and even after all these years, it still feels fresh and engaging.

In this new realm, a band of adolescents, having lost their memories and lacking practical abilities, encounter a world unaccustomed to extraterrestrial visitors. Recognizing the importance of unity for survival, they choose to stay together, leveraging their collective strength. However, they’re starting at ground zero – even common goblins prove formidable opponents in life-threatening confrontations.

2. Digimon Adventure

The Power Of The DigiDestined

A timeless favorite, Digimon Adventure played a significant role in introducing many to both isekai and anime as a whole. Setting aside certain storylines that took place on Earth, the initial series primarily focused on the DigiDestined embarking on journeys through the Digital World, forging friendships and vanquishing foes.

In Digimon Adventure, though Tai is portrayed as the main leader among them, every child character along with their respective Digimon play significant roles. The series has managed to maintain its charm remarkably well, surpassing many other childhood anime shows in longevity. It seamlessly combines action, humor, drama, and even subtle romance, while skillfully integrating enough suspenseful undertones to make the intense battles feel genuinely tense.

Digimon Adventure‘s sequels are also worth watching.

1. KonoSuba

The Ultimate Dysfunctional Isekai Party

Indeed, KonoSuba may not initially appear to fit the bill, but upon closer inspection, both Kazuma and Aqua have indeed been transported to another world, hence they are isekai characters. What’s more intriguing is that the four main characters in this anime seem to stick together more tightly than any other party in an isekai anime.

As a diehard fan, I can confidently say that KonoSuba masterfully pokes fun at isekai tropes all while standing tall among its peers. In the opening act, it’s Kazuma and Aqua who take center stage, but they’re swiftly joined by Megumin and Darkness, creating a band of misfits marked by their blunders, hubris, and endearing idiocy. If any one of these characters were absent from the mix, KonoSuba would lose its unique charm – perhaps this is why the series’ least compelling season was Megumin’s solo spin-off.

Focusing primarily on humor, the series KonoSuba frequently portrays its main characters in their most unflattering moments, and they can be downright cruel towards one another. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, these protagonists develop deep bonds, transforming into something akin to a family by season 3.

2025-04-05 14:24