These anime shows will make you feel a deep emotional connection to the characters.
With the advent of anime series such as Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Delicious in Dungeon, many fans of Japanese pop culture began to declare the isekai genre dead, replaced once again by traditional fantasy settings. This is not surprising, as just in the last few years we have seen dozens of identical anime projects whose whole gimmick was to feature MMORPG worlds in which the protagonists find themselves.
Within the genre, however, Re:Zero still holds a special place. While other isekai light novels, manga, and anime emphasize action and fan service, Re:Zero focuses on the interaction of the protagonist, Subaru Natsuki, with other characters whose arcs are incredibly deep and emotional. The third season doesn't come out until October, so while you're waiting, check out other great anime series that are just as emotionally intense.
5. Steins;Gate (2011)
Number of seasons: 1 + specials
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Our list starts with an anime that does not fall into the isekai category. However, what makes Steins;Gate similar to Re:Zero is the fact that its protagonist is willing to sacrifice his ordinary life to save his friends.
Expect an even darker and more heartbreaking story — according to the plot, 'mad scientist' Rintaro Okabe accidentally create a time machine inside a microwave oven. Except that SERN, a CERN-inspired organization, kills his friends, and so Okabe must jump back and forth through time to not only prevent the deaths of his loved ones, but to ultimately stop World War III.
The series also has a sequel, Steins;Gate 0.
4. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash (2016)
Number of seasons: 1 + specials
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu
At first glance, Grimgar seems to be more than a typical isekai, as the plot follows a group of young people stranded in a fantasy world. However, it doesn't take long for the leader of the group to die, leaving his friends grieving and scattered. As a result, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, like Re:Zero, places much more emphasis on the emotional state of the characters and their interactions with each other than on the action.
3. Log Horizon (2013)
Number of seasons: 3
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Log Horizon is probably the most cleverly plotted isekai where the main characters, once in the MMORPG world, don't just adapt to it or try to get out of it, but instead try to build a perfect society within the new reality. If you liked Re:Zero for its original spin on the genre, you'll love Log Horizon.
2. Inuyasha (2000)
Number of seasons: 5
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Many people liked Re:Zero for the fact that instead of just action or satire, the series decided to focus on romance, making you empathize with the likable characters. And there seems to be no more romantic isekai than Inuyasha. The plot follows a schoolgirl who is transported to 16th century Japan, meets the half-demon Inuyasha, and together they search for an artifact that can grant any wish.
1. Now And Then, Here And There (1999)
Number of seasons: 1
Where to watch: HiAnime, Prime Video
Rounding out our list is one of the early representatives of the genre, Now And Then, Here And There. The plot follows a teenager who is transported to a post-apocalyptic world in the distant future after trying to save an unknown girl. It is an incredibly emotionally intense and character-driven story, with many of its themes dealing with the horrors of war, child soldiers, slavery, and famine.