Isekai, meaning "another world" in Japanese, is a popular sub-genre of fantasy where characters are transported to parallel universes or fantastical realms. It has key types, such as reincarnation, where characters are reborn in new bodies, often after death; Transmigration, which involves characters retaining their original form while entering a new world; and lastly, Summoning, where characters are brought into another realm by others. These are some of the best isekai manga that you should definitely add to your library.
9 Best Leveling Systems In Isekai Anime
These series structure the progression of their stories and deeply influence how characters evolve, interact, and face challenges in their worlds.
9 I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World
Self-Development Through Cheating?
- Author: Miku, Kazuomi Minatogawa
- Number of Vol: 6
This story follows Yuuya Tenjou, a bullied and neglected boy who inherits his grandfather's house and discovers a portal 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, gaining attention from multiple female characters and engaging in various adventures. The series blends fantasy, harem elements, and self-referential humor, appealing to those seeking wish-fulfillment plots.
8 The Rising of the Shield Hero (Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari)
The Scorned Hero Becomes the Strongest
- Author: Aneko Yusagi
- Number of Vol: 25
It follows 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 Melromarc from monstrous invasions known as the Waves. Unlike his fellow heroes, Naofumi is betrayed by a princess who falsely accuses him of assault, leading to his ostracism. Alone and embittered, he purchases a demi-human enslaved person, Raphtalia, to aid him. Together, they navigate challenges, build strength, and seek redemption while uncovering the truth behind the Waves and Naofumi's unjust fate.
7 The Eminence in Shadow
The Ultimate Power Fantasy Isekai
- Author: Daisuke Aizawa
- Number of Vol: 13
The Eminence in Shadow is a story that follows Minoru Kagenou, a boy obsessed with becoming a shadowy mastermind. After dying in an accident, he is reincarnated as Cid Kagenou in a fantasy world where he creates an underground organization called Shadow Garden to combat a fictional cult, the Cult of Diablos. Unbeknownst to him, this cult is real and poses a genuine threat. As Cid recruits members and navigates his new life, he remains blissfully unaware of the true stakes involved, leading to humorous and thrilling adventures as he unwittingly confronts real enemies while playing out his power fantasy.
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Here's which Isekai protagonists unexpectedly transform from zero to hero and become the most potent otherworldly characters imaginable.
6 The Saga of Tanya the Evil (Youjo Senki)
Against Even God, She Will Raise Her Weapon
- Author: Carlo Zen
- Number of Vol: 14
Tanya Degurechaff, a salaryman, reincarnated as a young girl in a war-torn alternate version of World War I. After being killed by a disgruntled employee, Tanya's soul is reborn by a deity known as "Being X," who challenges her to find faith or face eternal damnation. Utilizing her past life's ruthless pragmatism, Tanya quickly rises through the military ranks, becoming a powerful mage and leading her battalion in brutal conflicts. The series explores themes of ambition, morality, and the absurdity of war through Tanya's cold-hearted yet strategic approach to survival and power.
5 Overlord
Thrust Into This World, He Must Make it His Own
- Author: Kugane Maruyama
- Number of Vol: 16
Overlord also follows a salaryman, Momonga, who becomes trapped in the virtual reality MMORPG Yggdrasil when it shuts down. Instead of logging out, he finds himself in a fantasy world as his character, Ainz Ooal Gown, an immensely powerful undead overlord. As Ainz explores this new realm, he discovers that the non-player characters (NPCs) have gained sentience. He aims to establish dominance and search for other players while managing his loyal guardians and navigating political intrigue. The series blends dark fantasy with themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of absolute authority.
4 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
An Admittedly Pervy Story About Self-Worth
- Author: Rifujin na Magonote
- Number of Vol: 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. Retaining his memories, Rudeus vows to seize this second chance at life, striving to overcome his past failures. He quickly develops magical abilities and forms relationships with various characters, including friends and mentors. The series explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the complexities of life as Rudeus navigates challenges while embracing his new opportunities for adventure and self-improvement.
6 Isekai Manga That Might Be Difficult To Adapt Into An Anime
These isekai manga stories play out well on paper, but reworking them into an anime format could prove to be surprisingly difficult.
3 No Game, No Life
The Ultimate Gaming Duo
- Author: Yuu Kamiya
- Number of Vol: 2
The story follows siblings Sora and Shiro, renowned as the unbeatable gaming duo known as "Blank." After defeating a god in chess, they are transported to a fantastical world where all conflicts are resolved through games, and violence is forbidden. In this new realm, humanity is on the brink of extinction, having been pushed back by other powerful races. Sora and Shiro aim to reclaim humanity's former glory by outsmarting their opponents in strategic games, leveraging their exceptional gaming skills and intellect to challenge the world's rules and reshape its fate.
2 That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
From Slime to Demon God
- Author: Fuse
- Number of Vol: 27
The story follows Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old salaryman who is killed and reincarnated in a fantasy world as a slime. Initially perceived as the weakest monster, he gains powerful abilities, including the power to absorb skills from others. After befriending Verudora, a sealed Storm Dragon, Satoru adopts the name Rimuru Tempest and embarks on a journey to create a peaceful society for all beings. The series blends humor, adventure, and fantasy elements as Rimuru navigates challenges and builds alliances in his new life.
1 Re: Zero − Starting Life in Another World
Facing Death Over and Over Tends to Change You
- Author: Tappei Nagatsuki
- Number of Vol: 39
Subaru Natsuki, a high school student, is unexpectedly transported to a fantasy world. After being saved by a silver-haired half-elf named Emilia, Subaru quickly discovers he possesses the ability called "Return by Death," allowing him to rewind time upon dying. Still, only he retains memories of previous timelines. As he navigates this new world filled with danger and intrigue, Subaru faces numerous challenges, including betrayal and tragedy, while striving to protect Emilia and unravel the mysteries surrounding his reincarnation. The series explores themes of despair, resilience, and the consequences of choices.
6 Longest Isekai Manga With The Most Chapters
These Isekai manga series are significantly long and have the most chapters in the isekai manga franchise.