The Best Isekai Anime of Every Year of the 2010s

In recent times, the isekai genre has become one of the most dominant forces in the anime industry, with each year bringing several shows in which normal heroes travel to exotic and magical worlds. While it is hard to imagine it now, with the plethora of series that revolve around these tropes, this popularity had to come from somewhere, and the answer lies in the not-so-distant past: the 2010s era.

It was during this time that the genre saw a massive boom in interest among fans worldwide, paving the road for isekai to become the giant it is today. As such, it is not a surprise that, while far fewer than in recent years, this era has some of the best isekai ever created, which are still quite enjoyable for fans who decide to give them a shot.

10

2010 – Angel Beats!

Waking up in a strange school is an awful experience, even more so for Otonashi, who just found out his new home is a purgatory where souls who died unsatisfied are brought to deal with their pain. He is recruited into a rebellion of youngsters in his same situation to fight against the deity who brought them there, in what could be one of the most emotionally devastating stories of all time.

While for some fans Angel Beats! cannot be considered an isekai, as the protagonists are stuck in purgatory rather than a conventional fantasy world, this series more than fits the profile. If fans are willing to overlook this issue, they will find a charming, thrilling, and moving series that explores the desires and fears humans share. It is a beautiful show that depicts grief in a way no other story has.

9

2011 – Dog Days

Shinku Izumi was a regular, albeit fit, high schooler known around town for his impressive sports skills. At least until he was suddenly summoned to another world where girls with animal features lived, chosen as the savior of the Biscotti Republic. The princess of this country begs him to join her army and fight against the Galette Lion Army in a competition for the future of their land.

Most isekai fans will notice quickly that Dog Days is a series conceived much before the era of gritty and epic tales of other-worldly heroes. It is by far one of the most charming comedy anime of the 2010s, focusing on hilarious situations and low-stakes action rather than destructive battles for the sake of the world. It might not be a show for everyone, but those who decide to give it a chance will not be disappointed.

8

2012 – Sword Art Online

When Kazuto bought his Nervegear, an advanced game console that allows players to access totally immersive worlds, he never expected to be trapped by an unhinged developer. Along with the other 10,000 players, it is now his mission to level up enough to defeat the 100 floors of this dangerous game. All while constantly reminded of the horrible truth: if you die in the game, you die in real life.

Objectively one of the most genre-defining anime ever created, Sword Art Online, was a major step for Isekai to take its spot among the most beloved genres. The series has seen a shift in reputation over the years, as its sequels were lacking several aspects of what made the original so beloved. However, there is no denying that the hate the franchise suffers from is quite undeserved, as it is still an enjoyable and exciting adventure.

7

2013 – Log Horizon

Elder Tale used to be the most popular game in the world, with millions of fans waiting excitedly for its latest update. Their joy was cut short when an error in the system caused them to become trapped inside the game. Shiroe, Naotsugu, and Akatsuki are three friends who became victims of this mistake and will now have to work with the rest of the players to create a society in which all of them can thrive.

Log Horizon is a series for fans who enjoy amazing worldbuilding and are looking for more than just flashy action. The anime takes a completely new approach to the Isekai genre, depicting the rise and management of a fantastical society, which can be quite interesting for some. It is one of the greatest Kingdom Building stories the industry has to offer, with a plot and characters that will quickly enchant audiences.

6

2014 – No Game No Life

Sora and Shiro used to rule the world of games under the name of the Blanks, two of the best gamers anime has ever seen. Their skills caught the eye of a mysterious entity named Tet, the god of a distant and fantastical world where games decide everything. Now trapped inside what seems to be a paradise for the siblings, they will have to find a way to help Immanity recover their land while preparing for their eventual rematch against Tet.

There are only a handful of anime that can make something as simple as a game of chess look as epic as No Game No Life can. The series is a unique blend of hilarious scenes, thrilling battles of wit, and a stunning art style that results in one of the best isekai ever conceived. Lamentably, the series ends on an abrupt and somewhat disappointing cliffhanger, so fans need to be aware before commencing their journey.

5

2015 – The Boy and the Beast

After running away, an orphan boy named Ren falls into a different world where humanoid beasts live, known as Jutengai. There, he is found by a lonely yet fierce bear warrior, Kumatetsu, who reluctantly accepts him as a pupil. The bond between them is tested when an evil force threatens to destroy both the human and animal world, and the heroes must defeat it and prove peace can exist.

One of the best films by the extremely talented director Mamoru Hosoda, The Boy and the Beast is a wholesome and iconic movie that will warm the hearts of all audiences. By following Ren along his journey, fans will be met with experiences that will redefine what family means, how cooperation can be a path forward, and will help viewers understand the need to accept the darkness inside oneself.

4

2016 – Re: Zero

For most, the idea of traveling to another world is a dream come true, as it would mean inhabiting one of the amazing and colorful lands anime has to offer. For Subaru, his journey was more akin to a nightmare, as he was not only taken from his regular life, but was cursed with the ability to travel back to a save point every time he is killed.

Arguably one of the most well-known isekai ever, and one fans are highly recommended to watch before they die, Re: Zero is hailed by many as the epitome of the genre. It is a dark and twisted story that leaves behind the idea of a fantastical world to take a more realistic approach to the idea of traveling to a new world. There is a reason why this show was crowned as the King of the genre recently.

3

2017 – Saga of Tanya the Evil

Death can sometimes be a chance for humans to find peace, but not for the salaryman reincarnated into a young girl named Tanya in an alternate dimension of Earth where magic is real. Angry with the deity who brought him there, an ancient creature known as Being X, Tanya joins the army, hoping to find a way to survive and foil the plans of her enemy, becoming incrementally cruel with each new battle.

Undoubtedly one of the most divisive and controversial anime of all time, this dark and twisted story is a horrifyingly accurate depiction of the horrors of war. Tanya is undoubtedly the villain, showing little to no regard for human life, nor feeling any empathy, making the series intriguing for a large majority. Few shows will be as uncomfortable for viewers as this one, but the experience will be worthwhile for those willing to endure its many shocking scenes.

2

2018 – That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

While trying to save a coworker from being attacked by a criminal, a Japanese man named Satoru is killed, with his soul being reborn into the body of a small, blue Slime monster in another world. His new form might seem weak, but it hides a massive power, as it is capable of absorbing the abilities and physical attributes of any creature it consumes.

An amazing story with a completely overpowered protagonist who fans will support from day one, Rimuru’s journey is genuinely joyful. The series uses the most usual tropes of the isekai genre in a familiar yet thrilling way, weaving a tale of effort and magic that will leave fans wishing for more. The anime also has a large majority of fans who consider it the best hero in all of isekai, which is a major bonus.

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1

2019 – Rising of the Shield Hero

When Naofumi arrived unexpectedly in the world that he now considers home, he was introduced as the legendary Shield Hero, a warrior destined to save humanity with the help of his fellow heroes. Yet, the greed and ambition of corrupt elites caused him to be shunned and banished from the kingdom. Now, armed with nothing but his magic shield, he will find a way to clear his name and fulfill the destiny they tried to strip away from him.

Rising of the Shield Hero is a masterclass of storytelling and worldbuilding, merging into an engaging story about survival and resilience even in the face of adversity. The series takes a character who would often be ignored, due to his not having any offensive skills, and builds him up into a mighty and honorable warrior. Naofumi is also an overtly relatable character, making it easy for audiences to connect with the story.