The fantastical worlds of anime, especially in the genres of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, often diverge significantly from our reality. These universes might present an alternate version of history, where European royal families are altered, or they might inhabit entirely alien landscapes, challenging our perceptions of gravity and physics.
Isekai anime feature protagonists thrust into unfamiliar and challenging realms, allowing viewers to experience new cultures and settings through their journeys. This classic narrative structure of ‘the fish out of water’ has been utilized repetitively and can cause even standout titles to be overlooked. While there’s value in popular series, avid fans of the isekai genre should explore its hidden gems.
Latest Update from October 20, 2024, by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime season is in full swing, showcasing numerous sequels in the isekai category. Series including Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles, Demon Lord, Retry!, and As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World are releasing new episodes. These first three are among the most prominent titles of Fall 2024, possibly overshadowing the new contenders from the genre.
Given the fierce rivalry among titles this season, newer entries may very well qualify as underrated isekai anime. While I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History and Loner Life in Another World are generally serviceable, it’s too soon to fully endorse them. However, the former appears to be a promising addition to the villainess otome genre, while the latter offers occasional humor.
A previously aired Summer 2024 anime is now featured in this discussion.
The term “underrated”can be subjective; in this context, it highlights series that receive minimal recognition, whether in viewership or positive discussions. To guide these selections, data from MyAnimeList regarding scores and user counts will be referenced. An anime must have fewer than 65,000 users or a score below 7.5/10 to qualify; ideally, it meets both criteria.
13 No Longer Allowed in Another World
Strong Start, Some Mid-Season Lulls, and a Solid Finish
Overall, the Summer 2024 season posed challenges for isekai series. Aside from That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, a remnant from Spring 2024, the new titles failed to make much of an impression. Shows like Suicide Squad Isekai and Dahlia in Bloom are acceptable yet not particularly noteworthy. Failure Frame relies heavily on a few “hype”moments and features a somewhat cringeworthy overpowered protagonist. Other entries, such as A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring and The Strongest Magician in the Demon Lord’s Army Was a Human, felt bland and overly forgettable. Quality Assurance in Another World has some intriguing concepts, making it worth a consider for fans seeking a “trapped in a game”narrative.
Among the new offerings, No Longer Allowed in Another World stood out, though it lacks the marks of an all-time classic. Frequently humorous and unexpectedly poignant, this serie initially plays as a full-blown parody, showcasing a protagonist seemingly modeled after Osamu Dazai. It cleverly mocks clichés like truck-kun and the mayhem caused by overpowered characters, and its nihilistic main character, supported by a charming cast, brings the punchy humor to life.
While the pacing slightly falters mid-season, the series manages to find its footing towards the end, particularly when delving into more personal narratives involving other summoned heroes.
12 The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash
Slow Start Leads to an Enchanting Journey
The description of The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash as “underrated”might be misleading, as it enjoys a generally favorable reception. However, throughout Winter 2024, it lingered just shy of gaining significant attention, leading to sporadic discussions. By the close of March 2024, this slow-paced narrative had blossomed into one of the season’s notable new isekai series. More importantly, its refreshing interpretation of the genre provides an attractive option for viewers weary of traditional tropes.
In a universe where one’s abilities are judged by their star rating—essentially a reflection of skill— Ivy’s starless existence leaves her deemed worthless. Fleeing the impending threat of death, she escapes her village to endure the wilderness, making the best of her modest tamer skills. Despite its intense beginnings, The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash gradually settles into a soothing slice-of-life rhythm, illuminating Ivy’s gentle warmth and innocence. Additionally, the animation by Studio Massket exceeds expectations.
11. Ishura
Once the Action Begins, It Thrills
Set in a fantastical realm that hosts visitors with extraordinary powers, wars are resolved not through armies but by a select few individuals. As tensions rise, two factions prepare for conflict, gathering chosen heroes, each with motives that don’t quite align with their groups.
Ishura boldly kicks off with five “first”episodes that introduce an entire ensemble rather than solely focusing on one lead. This approach creates a disorienting opening that may leave viewers feeling confused until episode 6, when the war ignites and visitors engage in combat. Following this, the series primarily features exhilarating battles between uniquely skilled characters.
Although it never descends into mediocrity, Ishura’s unconventional storytelling may alienate some viewers, leading them to abandon the show before it finds its rhythm.
10 Now And Then, Here And There
A Cult Classic Addressing Weighty Themes
Helping those in need is vital; altruism is a commendable quality. Going to extraordinary lengths to rescue a girl from machines intent on abducting her is often beyond many, yet it characterizes the impulsive heroism of Shuu Matsutani.
His acts of bravery lead him to a desolate world, where he faces hostile soldiers and accusations of stealing a magical pendant that creates water. Although the animation feels somewhat dated, Now and Then, Here and There boasts enough depth to make up for it. The series skillfully navigates darker themes, making it a worthwhile venture for viewers ready to brave a gritty narrative.
9 Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
A Relaxing and Cozy Experience
The ability to perceive spirits can be both a blessing and a burden, depending on the narrative. For Aoi, a college student, it falls somewhere in between. When she encounters a spirit at a shrine and shares some food, she is soon abducted by that spirit, Odanna, an Ogre, who takes her to the Hidden Realm where spirits reside.
Aoi learns of a debt incurred by her grandfather, leading Odanna to propose marriage as compensation. Instead of acquiescing, Aoi persuades Odanna to allow her to work at his inn. While it may not reach the complexity of a psychological masterpiece, Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits remains one of the finest entries in the isekai genre.
8 El Hazard: The Magnificent World
A Classic Isekai That Continues to Entertain
This OVA series, renowned for its two seasons, isn’t without its flaws but remains consistently enjoyable. The rivalry between Makoto and Jinnai stems from jealousy, leading to both being whisked away to a magical realm along with two others by a mysterious woman.
El Hazard embraces over-the-top humor. While the comedic style might not suit all, viewers who appreciate its unabashedly “1990s”flair will find plenty of laughs throughout the show. Today, discovering this underrated isekai anime might be challenging, but it’s well worth watching if encountered.
7 Brave Story
An Uncommon Isekai Film
The mid-2000s film by Gonzo, Brave Story, is a captivating tale that follows a young boy venturing into the magical realm of Vision to change the course of his troubled family life.
Although it doesn’t reach remarkable heights, it is enjoyable, albeit challenged by condensing a lengthy narrative into about two hours. While the CGI looks somewhat outdated, Gonzo’s animation maintains a commendable quality, and the protagonists embark on a fulfilling character arc.
6 High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even In Another World
High-Quality Production Boosts This Uneven Series
What do a magician, a multi-millionaire, an inventor genius, a swordswoman, a Prime Minister, a doctor, and a former ninja journalist have in common? They are the seven high school prodigies who survive a plane crash landing in a medieval fantasy world.
Despite a bizarre premise, High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even In Another World excels in quality, from animation to music and writing. Each prodigy is a virtuoso in their field—how will they utilize their talents in a world replete with magic and swords? Indeed, this question is the crux of the series.
5 The Twelve Kingdoms
A Timeless Classic Essential for Isekai Enthusiasts
For connoisseurs of intricate world-building, The Twelve Kingdoms stands out as a remarkable anime. The story unfolds across twelve distinct kingdoms, each boasting its own culture and governance. While not grounded in realism like Higehiro, it explores its universe in a fulfilling manner.
The kingdoms feel lived-in and authentic in ways that many anime worlds fail to achieve. The character arcs are compelling, and the series effectively tackles profound questions and themes. Though its animation might feel dated, the storytelling and character depth shine through impressively. Overall, The Twelve Kingdoms surpasses expectations across numerous fronts.
4 Outbreak Company
Celebrate Geek Culture
A delightful blend of harem, comedy, and parody, Outbreak Company follows a protagonist’s mission to introduce otaku culture into a fantasy world that lacks it. The absurdity of undertaking such a seemingly futile task generates plenty of humor, and the series embraces this absurdity at every turn.
Shinichi, who fervently champions otaku culture, faces the challenge of being in a world indifferent to his passions. This plot resonated deeply with otaku viewers, allowing them to relate to a hero whose sole mission is to share his enthusiasm for beloved fictional elements. This relatability may be the show’s greatest strength: it’s a geek-centric narrative advocating for the legitimacy of geek culture.
3 Didn’t I Say To Make My Abilities Average In The Next Life?!
An Engaging Female Protagonist
Genius can often isolate individuals, a reality well understood by Misato Kurihara. Upon the chance to reincarnate in a fantasy realm, her wish is simply to be ordinary. Unfortunately, she finds her magically bestowed powers to be the average of all abilities in the world, rendering her exceedingly potent.
Similar to titles like Sword Art Online, Didn’t I Say To Make My Abilities Average In The Next Life?! balances humor with serious undertones. While the anime veers from its original light novels, it possesses its own merits, featuring an engaging female lead and an assortment of in-jokes alongside references to fellow anime, hitting its target audience effectively.
2 A Salad Bowl Of Eccentrics
A Reverse Isekai Comedy with Creative Twists
The Spring 2024 anime season proved to be splendid for isekai series, marked by the presence of KonoSuba, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and Mushoku Tensei, all delivering new episodes that mostly upheld their established standards. However, none of these series fall under the categorization of “underrated.”The newcomers to the genre shared a similar fate. While Re:Monster received appropriate reviews, As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I’ll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World and Chillin’ in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers garnered fair acknowledgment for their quality. The New Gate, on the other hand, faded into forgetfulness.
Yet, one particular Spring 2024 isekai anime went largely unnoticed, to the point of barely being recognized as part of the genre. A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics twists the formula by transporting powerful women from their fantastical world to Earth, starring a princess escaping a dire situation who literally lands on a private investigator mid-case. Sara uses her magic to flee to Tokyo, soon joined by her guardian Livia, who navigates her new life as part of a homeless community, while Sara allies with Sousuke, a former police officer turned private detective.
In many respects, A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics mirrors the acclaimed Hinamatsuri, one of the best reverse isekai narratives. The inaugural episodes do bear a resemblance to the more famous counterpart, but the series ultimately succeeds in carving a distinctive identity. The bond between Sara and Sousuke is heartwarming, yet Livia’s subplots frequently dominate with humor. Her ascent to deity status among a cult produces many of the series’ standout comedic moments. While it’s not groundbreaking, A Salad Bowl of Eccentrics offers an enjoyable viewing experience.
1 KamiKatsu: Working For God In A Godless World
A Distinctively Quirky Comedy
Overall, 2023 proved to be a strong year for isekai narratives, with series like The Eminence in Shadow and Mushoku Tensei taking the spotlight. Although titles like The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen and Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill hold their own and could arguably be seen as underrated, KamiKatsu deserves a notable mention due to its unique premise.
Studio Palette’s anime creates a perplexing initial impression with its offbeat CGI animation, a stylistic choice that might initially be seen as poor execution. It takes several episodes before viewers grasp that KamiKatsu possesses a bizarre comedic style, which becomes increasingly whimsical and surreal as the season matures. This anime definitely represents an acquired taste; however, for those who resonate with its humor, it’s likely to become a beloved favorite.
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