Isekai, which means “other world” in Japanese, is a popular subgenre of fantasy in which characters travel to parallel universes or fantastical realms. These include the main types, such as reincarnation, where characters are often reborn in a new body after death. Reincarnation, where the character enters a new world while retaining his or her original form; Lastly, there is Summoning, where the character is transported to another area by other people. These are some of the best isekai manga that you should definitely add to your library.
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6 Best Leveling Systems in Isekai Anime
The series structures the progression of the story and deeply influences how the characters evolve, interact, and face challenges in the world.
9 I gained cheat skills in another world.
Self-improvement through cheating?
- Author: Minatogawa Kazuomi Miku
- Number of volumes: 6
The story follows Yuya Tenjo, a bullied and neglected boy, as he inherits his grandfather's house and discovers a door to a fantasy world. In this new realm, he gains powerful skills and transforms into a handsome, muscular figure. Yuuya uses his abilities to improve his life in both worlds, attracting the attention of several female characters and engaging them in various adventures. The series blends fantasy, harem elements, and self-referential humor to appeal to those looking for a wish-fulfillment plot.
8 Temple of the Shield Hero (Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari)
A despised hero becomes the strongest
- Author: Yusagi Aneko
- Number of Volumes: 25
It follows the story of Naofumi Iwatani, a young man summoned to a fantasy world as the Shield Hero, one of four legendary heroes tasked with saving the kingdom of Melomarque from a monstrous invasion known as the Wave. Unlike his fellow heroes, Naofumi is betrayed and ostracized by the princess who falsely accused him of assault. Suffering alone, he purchases Raphtalia, a half-human slave, to help him. Together, they navigate challenges, grow in strength, and seek redemption while uncovering the truth behind the wave and Naofumi's unjust fate.
7 Eminence in the shadows
Ultimate Power Fantasy Isekai
- Author: Daisuke Aizawa
- Number of volumes: 13
The Eminence in Shadow is a story that follows Minoru Kageno, a boy obsessed with becoming the master of shadows. After his accidental death, he is reincarnated as Cid Kagenou in a fantasy world and creates an underground organization called Shadow Garden to combat the fictional cult Diablos Cult. Unbeknownst to him, this cult is real and poses a real threat. This leads to humorous and thrilling adventures as Cid recruits members and navigates his new life, blissfully unaware of the real dangers involved, and unwittingly faces real enemies while playing out his own power fantasy.
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Isekai Anime: 13 Weak Characters with Overwhelming Abilities
Here's how isekai protagonists suddenly go from nothing to heroes, becoming some of the most powerful supernatural characters imaginable.
6 Evil Tanya Saga (Fairy Biography)
Even against God she takes up arms
- Author: Carlo Zen
- Number of volumes: 14
Salaryman Tanya Degurechav is reincarnated as a young girl in an alternate version of the war-torn World War I. After being murdered by a disgruntled employee, Tanya's soul is reborn by a god known as “Being X”, who challenges her to find it. If you do not have faith, you will be eternally damned. Drawing on the ruthless pragmatism of her previous life, Tanya quickly rose through the ranks of the military, becoming a powerful sorceress and leading her battalion in brutal battles. The series explores themes of ambition, morality, and the absurdity of war through Tanya's cool-headed but strategic approach to survival and power.
5 overload
Thrown into this world, he must make it his own.
- Author: Maruyama Kugane
- Number of volumes: 16
Overlord also follows Momonga, a salaryman who becomes trapped when the virtual reality MMORPG Yggdrasil is shut down. Instead of logging out, he finds himself in a fantasy world as his character Ainz Ooal Gown, an incredibly powerful undead overlord. As Ainz explores this new realm, he discovers that NPCs (non-player characters) have gained sentience. He aims to establish dominance and seek out other players while managing loyal guardians and navigating political intrigue. The series blends dark fantasy with themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of absolute authority.
4 Ignorant Reincarnation: Unemployed Reincarnation
A perverted story about self-worth.
- Author: Lifujinna Magonote
- Number of volumes: 20
The story follows Rudeus Greyrat, a 34-year-old NEET who dies in an accident and is reincarnated as an infant in a magical fantasy world. Rudeus, who retains his memories, resolves to seize a second chance at life and strives to overcome his past failures. He quickly develops magical abilities and forms relationships with a variety of characters, including friends and mentors. The series explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the complexities of life as Rudeus navigates challenges while embracing new opportunities for adventure and self-improvement.
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6 Isekai Manga That Might Be Difficult to Produce into Animation
These isekai manga stories play well on paper, but reworking them in anime form can be surprisingly difficult.
3 No games, no life.
best gaming duo
- Author: Yuu Kamiya
- Number of Volumes: 2
The story follows siblings Sora and Shiro, famous for being the unbeatable gaming duo known as “Blank”. After defeating God at chess, they are transported to a fantastical world where all conflicts are resolved through games and violence is prohibited. In this new realm, humanity is pushed out by other powerful races and is on the verge of extinction. Sora and Shiro aim to restore humanity to its former glory by outmaneuvering their opponents in strategic games and using their superior gaming skills and intelligence to challenge the rules of the world and reshape its fate.
2 At that time I was reincarnated as a slime
From slime to drink
- Posted by Fuse
- Number of volumes: 27
The story follows Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old salaryman who is murdered and reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world. Although initially perceived as the weakest monster, it gains powerful abilities, including the power to absorb the skills of others. After becoming friends with the sealed storm dragon Berudora, Satoru takes on the name Rimuru Tempest and sets off on a journey to create a peaceful society for all beings. The series blends humor, adventure, and fantasy elements as Rimuru navigates the challenges and forges alliances in his new life.
1 Re:Zero – Starting life in another world
Facing death over and over again tends to change you
- Author: Nagatsuki Tappei
- Number of Volumes: 39
High school student Natsuki Subaru is unexpectedly transported to a fantasy world. After being rescued by the silver-haired half-elf Emilia, Subaru quickly realizes that he possesses an ability called “Death Reversion” that allows him to turn back time when he dies. Despite this, only he retains memories of the previous timeline. Navigating this new world filled with danger and intrigue, Subaru faces numerous challenges, including betrayal and tragedy, while working to protect Emilia and unravel the mystery surrounding her reincarnation. The series explores themes of despair, resilience, and the consequences of choices.
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The 6 longest isekai manga with the most chapters
This Isekai manga series is quite long and has the most chapters in the isekai manga franchise.
