10 Best Reincarnation Isekai Anime, Ranked (2025)

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Isekai is one of the biggest genres in modern anime, and reincarnation has become one of its most recurring themes. Despite having such a simple premise, reincarnation isekai are often surprisingly creative, offering fans a glimpse into some of the most imaginative fictional worlds.

Though the reincarnation subgenre has grown rather oversaturated throughout the years, many titles still top charts as some of the most popular anime series around. With fun and exciting storylines, unique worldbuilding, and lovable casts, it's not hard to see why--many of these shows are legitimately fantastic. From comedy classics like KonoSuba to recent hits such as Mushoku Tensei, reincarnation isekai are hotter than ever, and fans can't get enough of them.

Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on July 2nd, 2024: Isekai is quite popular, with many of today's anime being in that genre. While there are several poor examples of these works, the best reincarnation anime are shining takes on isekai. Many of them have outright weird reincarnations, whereas others use their protagonists' new forms to great advantage.

15 Reincarnated As A Sword Is The Story Of A Woman And Her Sword Dad

It's hard for some fans to take a series titled Reincarnated as a Sword seriously, but despite its goofy name, this isekai anime is surprisingly good. The series stars a nameless protagonist who reincarnated into a sword possessing many magical abilities. In this new form, he meets a young girl named Fran, who becomes his wielder. Together, this odd pair begins a quest to become the strongest warriors of all time.

Though it has a simple premise, Reincarnated as a Sword is an enjoyable watch for all isekai fans. The series has a solid story that's surprisingly wholesome and fun, and its cast of characters is nothing short of lovable. The nameless sword gradually starts looking out for Fran like one would a daughter, providing a unique dynamic that's unseen in most series, which earns it a spot on the list but at the bottom.

Reincarnated as a Sword

TV-14

Animation

Fantasy

Adventure

In Reincarnated as a Sword, the protagonist has died in a car accident. His name is lost to him, but all of his memories from his past life intact, he is reincarnated in a new world, but this time as a sentient Sword. Seeking a wielder to help him find his name and a new purpose, he encounters a young catgirl named Fran running for her life in a forest full of deadly creatures. Communicating with her, he helps save her by teaching her how to fight with him, freeing her from her captors, and living as a slave. Now journeying with Fran, the sword simply dubbed "Teacher" will dedicate his new existence to protect her. Reincarnated as a Sword is based on the light novel of the same name created by Yu Tanaka.

Release Date

October 5, 2016

Cast

Melissa Molano , Ty Mahany , John Swasey , Patricia Duran , Antonio Lasanta , Cyrus Rodas , Molly Searchy

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

1

Studio

C2C

Franchise

Reincarnated as a Sword

Characters By

Yu Tanaka

Creator

Yu Tanaka

Distributor

Sentai Filmworks

Main Characters

Teacher, Fran, Amanda, Klimt, Donadrond, Nell, Gallus

Production Company

C2C, Sword Production Committee

Writers

Takahiro Nagano

Number of Episodes

12

14 Saga Of Tanya The Evil Merges Gritty War Drama With The Isekai

Saga of Tanya the Evil is a unique entry in the reincarnation subgenre. While most reincarnation isekai feature a protagonist reborn as a hero in a magical world, this fascinating series does the complete opposite. Rather than focus on a hero, or even a good person, Saga of Tanya follows an actually evil person as its protagonist.

Saga of Tanya the Evil begins when a salaryman finds himself reincarnated into a little girl living in an alternate universe. Now a ruthless young soldier, Tanya must rise through the ranks and carve her own path if she wants to escape a life of endless reincarnation. Tanya the Evil is a refreshing take on reincarnation anime, offering fans a completely new experience through a lack of morality. With its dark plot and villainous main character, the series stands out among other isekai titles.

Saga of Tanya the Evil

TV-MA

Animation

Drama

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

War & Politics

A girl with blond hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin fights on the front lines of a brutal war and climbs the ranks of the imperial army.

Release Date

January 6, 2017

Cast

Aoi Yuki , Saori Hayami , Daiki Hamano , Hochu Otsuka , Nobuo Tobita

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

Studio

NUT

Number of Episodes

12

13 The Eminence In Shadow Sees A Delusional Teen Accidentally Fight A Massive Conspiracy

The Eminence in Shadow is one of the most popular new reincarnation anime stories to come out in some time. The story follows Minoru Kagenou, who wants nothing more than to be as strong as possible. After meeting an untimely end, he finally gets his wish as he reincarnates into a magical world where power seems limitless. Here, he establishes the Shadow Garden, a powerful group set out to defeat the Cult of Diablos.

The Eminence in Shadow is an exciting story where the impossible becomes possible as fiction and reality meet. What makes the story work is the series pokes fun at so many different elements of fantasy anime and isekai characters. Kagenou believes he's playing a game when he forms Shadow Garden, except everyone involved is actually fighting a dangerous secret war.

The Eminence in Shadow

TV-14

Action

Animation

Comedy

Cid Kagenou creates an elaborate plot to fight the Cult of Diabolos and builds his organization, the Shadow Garden.

Release Date

October 5, 2022

Cast

Seiichiro Yamashita , Rina Hidaka , Kana Hanazawa , Yoko Hikasa , Haruka Shiraishi , Asami Seto

Main Genre

Action

Seasons

1

Studio

Nexus

Franchise

The Eminence in Shadow

Characters By

Daisuke Aizawa, Tozai

Creator

Daisuke Aizawa

Main Characters

Cid Kagerou, Claire Kagenou, Alexia Midgar, Iris Midgar, Rose Oriana, Alpha

Production Company

Nexus

Story By

Daisuke Aizawa

Writers

Daisuke Aizawa

Number of Episodes

32

See Also

These are the 11 best isekai anime that will bring you to another world30 Best Reincarnation Anime of All Time, Ranked15 Best Anime On Reincarnation, RankedTop 20 Isekai Anime With OP MC - Anime Corner

12 Reborn as a Vending Machine Is One of the Weirdest Reincarnation Anime

Recently adapted into an anime, Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon showcases how strange the reincarnation anime world has gotten. It focuses on a vending machine enthusiast who actually dies after being crushed by his obsession. Reborn in another world as a vending machine that can't move or do anything else of the sort, he's forced to be carried by a super strong traveling lady in order to get around.

Amid its strange concept, Reincarnated as a Vending Machine also showcases the dark side of the reincarnation anime genre. Helpless without the aid of Lammis, "Boxxo" suffers a fairly morbid fate. Likewise, their relationship is pretty interesting, as they both rely on each other to survive in different ways. Even when it's something that a character loves, when it comes to isekai, reincarnation ain't easy.

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon

Not Rated

Anime

Comedy

Fantasy

Release Date

July 5, 2023

Cast

Jun Fukuyama , Kaede Hondo , Kazuya Nakai , Reigo Yamaguchi

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

11 So I'm A Spider, So What? Weaves a Different Kind of Reincarnation Anime Web

So I'm a Spider, So What? focuses on a fairly forgotten and overlooked part of a high school classroom after she and her classmates are killed and reincarnated following a tumultuous battle. Whereas most of them are reborn as knights and royalty, she's reincarnated as a lowly spider. Preyed upon by man and beast alike, she's forced to make the best of things in her sticky new situation.

So I'm a Spider is a great example of a hero in a reincarnation anime being an underdog. The series really isn't a power fantasy, as she has to fight and struggle for everything that comes to her. Of course, there are still familiar RPG and video game elements, making it firmly an isekai series.

10 The Rising of the Shield Hero Is a Popular but Controversial Isekai

The Rising of the Shield Hero is one of the most popular reincarnation anime, and it's a notable example of the genre's most common tropes. It has a hero who's reborn with one of the weakest weapons possible, and before he knows it, his luck gets even worse due to a false accusation. From there, he's forced to work with other outcasts and eventually become far more renown in his new world.

Shield Hero might have irked some fans, but others love the series. Those looking for a power fantasy reincarnation anime need not look any further, as the deck is definitely stacked against Naofumi. This only makes his victories even greater and earned, which can't be said for some isekai heroes.

The Rising of The Shield Hero

TV-14

Action

Adventure

A gamer is magically summoned into a parallel universe, where he is chosen as one of four heroes destined to save the world from its prophesied doom.

Release Date

January 9, 2019

Cast

Kaito Ishikawa , Asami Seto , Rina Hidaka

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

3 Seasons

Creator

Aneko Yusagi

Production Company

DR Movie, Kinema Citrus

Number of Episodes

50 Episodes

9 Overlord Is the Ultimate In Overpowered Isekai

When it comes to reincarnation anime, there's a tendency for the heroes to be overpowered and waltz through their challenges. The series Overlord takes this to the logical extreme with a protagonist that scoffs at danger. A former gamer who becomes trapped in his favorite online title, Ainz Ooal Gown embodies the fantasy of becoming a powerful demon lord of death.

No matter who comes up against him, the protagonist in Overlord can't be beaten. This explores the moral implications of being overpowered in a world where others are mere ants against the main character. It's a concept that's rarely explored in most reincarnation anime, which is why Overlord is deemed one of the best in the genre. The series also helped to begin something of a trope with skeleton knights in isekai.

Overlord

TV-MA

Action

Adventure

An office worker in a dystopian world logs onto a video game for the last time only to find out that he, along with his entire guild, has been transported to another reality.

Release Date

July 7, 2015

Cast

Satoshi Hino

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

4

Studio

Madhouse

Number of Episodes

52

See Also

43 Best Reincarnation Anime Series of All Time - My Otaku World

8 The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated In Another World As An Aristocrat Challenges Its Protagonist To Kill A Hero

The World's Finest Assassin is another recent addition to the reincarnation isekai subgenre. The series features plenty of action, mystery, and even a little romance for good measure. The show stars Lugh Tuatha Dé, a young aristocrat who once lived as the greatest assassin the world has ever known. Now living his new life as a noble, Lugh must learn new skills and save the world by slaying the hero.

A unique twist on the usual reincarnation anime stories, World's Finest Assassin has taken the genre by storm over the years. With a gripping story that features a healthy dose of drama and suspense, it's become a favorite among isekai fans. It helps that the protagonist of The World's Finest Assassin is a grizzled adult, and clearly sees most of his situations through adult eyes, something most anime in general refuse to do.

The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat

TV-14

Fantasy

Action

When the world's greatest assassin reaches the end of his life, he is sent by a goddess to be reborn in a magical world and use his skills to save that world.

Release Date

October 6, 2021

Cast

Courtney Lin , Veronica Taylor , Kyle Hebert , Toshiyuki Morikawa , Yukari Tamura , Caitlin Glass , Cristina Valenzuela

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

Studio

Silver Link, Studio Pallette

Creator

Rui Tsukiyo

Number of Episodes

12

7 I've Been Killing Slimes For 300 Years & Maxed Out My Level Sees An Office Lady Live A Life Of Leisure

While most isekai series feature an action-packed fantasy adventure, I've Been Killing Slimes slows things down with a nice slice-of-life story. After working herself into an early grave, Azusa Aizawa gets a second chance at life after she's reincarnated into an all-powerful immortal in a magical world. But rather than seeking thrills and excitement, Azusa decides she wants to use this new life to live peacefully on a farm.

I've Been Killing Slimes is a wholesome and adorable series following Azusa's everyday activities as she tends to her farm, makes new friends, and lives her new immortal life to the fullest. Fans who prefer a simple, easygoing story will love this series and its laid-back style.

I've Been Killing Slimes For 300 Years And Maxed Out My Level

TV-14

Animation

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

Azusa Aizawa, a 27 years old woman, died on work site due to overworking. She has the possibility to reincarnate, and so she plans to live a chilling and calm life. But will she be able to be relaxed?

Release Date

April 10, 2021

Cast

Sakura Nakamura , Aoi Yuki , Kaede Hondo , Sayaka Senbongi , Minami Tanaka , Sayaka Harada , Manami Numakura , Riho Sugiyama , Azumi Waki , Yukari Tamura , Shinya Takahashi , Ari Ozawa , Sayaka Kikuchi , Miku Itō , Akihiro Mine , Kouhei Yanagi , Hikaru Tono , Ryô Sugisaki , Aya Kawakami , Jun Fukazawa

Main Genre

Animation

Seasons

2

Studio

Revoroot

Creator

Kisetsu Morita

Number of Episodes

12

6 Ascendance Of A Bookworm Trades Heavy Action For Slice Of Life Fantasy

Ascendance of a Bookworm may not be the typical epic fantasy adventure found in most reincarnation isekai, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming one of the most beloved titles in recent years. This charming series follows the adventures of Myne, a young girl who was an avid reader and lover of books in her past life. Now that she's reincarnated, she hopes to rekindle that love. However, it won't be easy since books are hard to come by in her new world.

Ascendance of a Bookworm joins Myne as she works hard to make her own books and satisfy her need to read. The series is incredibly wholesome and fun, and its slow, easygoing pace is a breath of fresh air in a genre filled with action-packed stories. Combined with its slice-of-life qualities, that's enough to earn Ascendance of a Bookworm a spot among the best reincarnation anime.

Ascendance of a Bookworm

TV-PG

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

Urano, a young Japanese soon-to-be librarian, dies in an earthquake. She is reincarnated in another world as a young girl named Mayne, but learns books are scarce and only provided to prestigious elites.

Release Date

October 13, 2019

Cast

Takehito Koyasu , Fumiko Orikasa , Mutsumi Tamura , Satoshi Hino

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

3

Studio

Ajia-do Animation Works, Wit Studio

Creator

Miya Kazuki

Number of Episodes

36 + 2 OVA

5 KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World! Is The Ultimate Isekai Parody Series

At first glance, KonoSuba seems like one of the most mediocre, run-of-the-mill isekai series of all time. While it does admittedly have a fairly common premise, it completely makes up for it with its hilarious comedy and lovable characters. Using familiar tropes and outrageous humor to bring a cool cast to life, KonoSuba is one of the funniest examples of reincarnation anime.

KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World! is the story of Kazuma Satou, a rather pathetic guy who used to live the NEET life until he met an untimely demise. Now, he's reincarnated in a magical world and tasked with defeating the Demon King. However, this task proves difficult for him and his rag-tag party. KonoSuba follows their adventures as they struggle to make it in this unforgiving fantasy world.

KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!

TV-14

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

It was a happy day for Kazuma - right up to the moment he died. A goddess intervenes and offers him a second chance in a magical land.

Release Date

January 13, 2016

Cast

Jun Fukushima , Sora Amamiya , Noucky Andriansyah

Main Genre

Adventure

Seasons

2

Studio

Studio Deen, Drive

Number of Episodes

20 + 2 OVAs

4 My Next Life As A Villainess Started An Entirely New Isekai Subgenre

When My Next Life as a Villainess first came out, most wrote it off as just another boring isekai series. However, it turns out it's anything but. The series stars Katarina Claes, the dastardly villainess of the otome game Fortune Lover who's destined for doom. After a head injury, memories of Katarina's past life resurface, and she uses this knowledge to avoid yet another untimely end, resulting in hysterical antics that alter the course of Fortune Lover's story forever.

With sidesplitting comedy, a huge, lovable cast, and plenty of wholesome moments, My Next Life as a Villainess has become one of the best new reincarnation isekai around. The series has reinvented the subgenre and helped jumpstart the ever-popular villainess trend in anime. Said subgenre has become the overarching "moment" in the reincarnation anime genre.

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

TV-14

Anime

Comedy

Drama

A young girl dies and is reincarnated into a video game. But when she finds out that her role is the villainess destined for doom, she takes measures to change the game and avoid that fate.

Release Date

April 4, 2020

Cast

Maaya Uchida , Tetsuya Kakihara , Shouta Aoi , Miho Okasaki

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

2

Studio

Silver Link

Creator

Satoru Yamaguchi

Number of Episodes

24 +OVA

3 Skeleton Knight Is a Heroic Reincarnation Anime With Lots of Characters

Skeleton Knight in Another World feels very similar to other reincarnation anime, but in a good way. The protagonist is a skeletal knight, but he was once merely a gamer who had since reincarnated as his avatar. Coming across various groups of hapless individuals, he befriends them all as he traverses the various kingdoms of his new world.

Skeleton Knight works because the hero is so dashing and friendly, despite his scary experience. There's basic world building and politics to keep people intrigued, but the main crux is just how easygoing the protagonist is. This gives it a great balance between action, adventure and silly antics with a relaxed skeleton. As a result, it's a jack-of-all-trades among reincarnation anime.

Skeleton Knight in Another World

Action-Adventure

Fantasy

Isekai

A gamer ends up in the world he was playing, but also with the skeletal appearance he was using. Now he must make his way in the new world conscious of his frightening appearance.

Release Date

April 7, 2022

Cast

Tomoaki Maeno , Brandon Johnson , Caitlin Glass , Akira Ishida , Fairouz Ai , Nene Hieda

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

1

Studio

Studio Kai

Number of Episodes

12

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

2 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime Shows Even The Weakest Monster Can Become Strong

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime sounds pretty silly, so it's easy to judge this title right off the bat. However, this highly popular reincarnation anime isekai is actually one of the best out there. The series follows the adventures of Rimuru Tempest, a slime demon who was once a regular guy in a past life. Now reborn as a powerful demon in a magical world, Rimuru plans to use his powers to create a new relaxed society that mirrors the modern world.

With a unique premise, a likable protagonist, and a well-thought-out setting, Reincarnated as a Slime features the very best aspects of the genre. Over time, the series finds a way to balance between focusing on Rimuru and his friends and introducing political intrigue about the world. For people who don't love the slice of life or politics though, the show still has a ton of great action.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

TV-PG

Action-Adventure

Average 37-year-old Minami Satoru dies and is reincarnated as the most unremarkable creature imaginable-a slime.

Release Date

October 2, 2018

Cast

Miho Okasaki , Megumi Toyoguchi , Mao Ichimichi , Makoto Furukawa

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

2

Studio

Eight Bit

Creator

Fuse

Sequel

The Slime Diaries

Number of Episodes

48

1 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Offers The Best World-Building In Isekai

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is one of the newest reincarnation isekai to hit the scene. Though it's only been around for a short time, it's already become one of the best titles in the subgenre. It's not exactly one of the most unique series out there, but fans have fallen in love with its dramatic story and memorable cast.

Jobless Reincarnation follows Rudeus Greyrat, a young man who's been reborn after suffering a miserable death in his past life. Now that he's reincarnated into a world where magic is possible, Rudeus plans to harness its power and live his life to the fullest. Fans watch as he learns magic, meets new companions, and works to make his second life a meaningful one. Studio Bind has done everything it can to elevate the already amazing source material, making every episode of Mushoku Tensei feel like a special event. That is more than enough to earn it the top spot as the best reincarnation isekai of them all.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

TV-14

Anime

Action

Adventure

A 34-year-old underachiever gets run over by a bus, but his story isn't over. Reincarnated as an infant, he'll embark on an epic adventure.

Release Date

March 29, 2022

Cast

Yumi Uchiyama , Tomokazu Sugita , Amber Lee Connors , Ai Kakuma , Daisuke Namikawa , Ai Kayano , Konomi Kohara , Toshiyuki Morikawa

Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

2

Studio

Studio Bind

Creator

Rifujin na Magonote