The best Isekai anime of every year of 2010

The isekai genre has recently become one of the most dominant forces in the anime industry, and each year brings several shows in which normal heroes travel to exotic and magical worlds. Although it's hard to imagine now, with the number of series revolving around these tropes, this popularity had to come from somewhere, and the answer lies in the not-so-distant past: the 2010 era.

It was during this time that the genre saw a massive boom in interest among fans worldwide, paving the way for isekai to become the giant it is today. So it's no surprise that while there are far fewer of them than in recent years, this era has some of the best isekai ever created that are still quite enjoyable for fans who choose to try them out.

10

2010 – Angel Beats!

Waking up in a foreign school is a terrible experience, even more so for Otonashi, who has just discovered that his new home is a purgatory where souls who died unsatisfied are taken to deal with their pain. He is recruited into a rebellion of young people in the same situation to fight against the deity that brought them there in what might be one of the most emotionally devastating stories of all time.

While for some fans Angel Beats! can't be considered isekai because the heroes are stuck in purgatory rather than a conventional fantasy world, this series more than fits the profile. If fans are willing to overlook that issue, they'll find a charming, suspenseful, and moving series that explores the desires and fears that people share. It's a beautiful performance that portrays grief in a way that no other story has.

9

2011 – Dog days

Shinku Izumi was a regular, albeit fit, high school student known around town for his impressive athletic skills. At least until he was suddenly summoned to another world where girls with animal features lived, chosen to be the saviors of the Biscotti Republic. The princess of this country begs him to join her army and fight against the Galette Lion Army in a competition for the future of their country.

Most isekai fans will notice this quickly Dog days is a series created long before the time of brave and epic stories of heroes from another world. It's by far one of the most charming comedy anime of 2010, focusing on hilarious situations and low-key action rather than destructive battles for the good of the world. It might not be a show for everyone, but those who decide to give it a chance won't be disappointed.

8

2012 – Sword Art Online

When Kazuto bought his Nervegear, an advanced game console that gives players access to fully immersive worlds, he never expected to be trapped by an unbiased developer. Along with 10,000 other players, his task is now to level up to beat 100 floors of this dangerous game. All this while constantly being reminded of a terrible truth: if you die in the game, you die in real life.

Objectively one of the most genre-defining anime ever created, Sword Art Onlinewas a crucial step for Isekai to take its place among the most popular genres. The series has seen a shift in reputation over the years as its sequels lacked several aspects of what made the original so popular. However, there's no denying that the hate the franchise is getting is completely undeserved, as it's still an enjoyable and exciting adventure.

7

2013 – Log Horizon

Elder Tale used to be the most popular game in the world and millions of fans were eagerly waiting for its latest update. Their joy was cut short when a glitch in the system left them stuck in the game. Shiroe, Naotsugu, and Akatsuki are three friends who fell victim to this bug and will now have to work together with the rest of the players to create a society where they can all thrive.

Log Horizon is a series for fans who enjoy amazing worldbuilding and are looking for more than flashy action. The anime takes a completely new approach to the Isekai genre, portraying the rise and management of a fantasy society, which may be quite interesting to some. This is one of the greatest kingdom-building stories the industry has to offer, with a plot and characters that will quickly captivate audiences.

6

2014 – No Game No Life

Sora and Shiro ruled the gaming world under the name Blanks, two of the best gamer anime ever seen. Their abilities caught the attention of a mysterious entity named Tet, the god of a distant and fantastical world where games decide everything. Now trapped inside what appears to be a paradise for the siblings, they will have to find a way to help Immanity reclaim their land while preparing for their eventual retaliation against Tet.

There are only a handful of anime that can make something as simple as a game of chess look as epic as it does No game, no life can. The series is a unique blend of hilarious scenes, exciting battles of wit, and a stunning art style, resulting in one of the best isekai ever conceived. Unfortunately, the series ends on an abrupt and somewhat disappointing cliffhanger, something fans need to be aware of before they begin their journey.

5

2015 – The Boy and the Beast

After escaping, an orphaned boy named Ren finds himself in another world inhabited by humanoid beasts known as Jutengai. There he is found by the lonely but fierce bear warrior Kumatetsu, who reluctantly accepts him as a disciple. The bond between them is tested when an evil force threatens to destroy the world of both humans and animals, and the heroes must defeat it and prove that peace can exist.

One of the best films by the extremely talented director Mamoru Hosoda, Boy and animal is a wholesome and iconic film that will warm the hearts of all viewers. As you follow Ren on his journey, fans will encounter experiences that redefine what family means, how collaboration can be the way forward, and help viewers understand the need to embrace the darkness within themselves.

4

2016 – Re: Zero

For most, the idea of ​​traveling to another world is a dream come true, as it would mean inhabiting one of the amazing and colorful lands that anime has to offer. For Subaru, his journey was more of a nightmare as he was not only cut out of his normal life but cursed with the ability to travel back to a save point every time he is killed.

Arguably one of the most iconic isekai of all time, and one fans are strongly advised to watch before they die, Re: Zero is hailed by many as the epitome of the genre. It is a dark and twisted story that abandons the idea of ​​a fantasy world to approach the idea of ​​traveling to a new world in a more realistic way. There's a reason this show was recently crowned king of the genre.

3

2017 – The Saga of Tanya the Evil

Death can sometimes be a chance for people to find peace, but not for a platman reincarnated as a young girl named Tanya in an alternate dimension Earth where magic is real. Angry at the deity that brought him there, an ancient creature known as Being X, Tanya joins the army in hopes of finding a way to survive and thwart her enemy's plans, becoming more and more vicious with each battle.

Undoubtedly one of the most controversial and controversial anime of all time, this dark and twisted story is a frighteningly accurate portrayal of the horrors of war. Tanya is undeniably a villain, showing little to no respect for human life, nor does she feel any empathy, which makes the series interesting for the vast majority. Few shows will be as unpleasant for viewers as this one, but the experience will be worth it for those willing to endure its many shocking scenes.

2

2018 – That time I was reincarnated as slime

While trying to save a co-worker from an attack by a criminal, a Japanese man named Satoru is killed, whose soul is reborn into the body of a small, blue Slime monster in another world. His new form may appear weak, but it holds immense power as it is able to absorb the abilities and physical attributes of any creature it absorbs.

An amazing story with a completely overpowered protagonist that fans will root for from day one, Rimuro's journey is truly a joy. The series uses the most common tropes of the isekai genre in a familiar yet thrilling way, weaving a story of effort and magic that will leave fans wanting more. The anime also has a large majority of fans who consider him to be the best hero in all of isekai, which is a major bonus.

1

2019 – Rising of the Shield Hero

When Naofumi unexpectedly arrived in the world he now considers his home, he was introduced as the legendary Shield Hero, a warrior destined to save humanity with the help of his fellow heroes. Yet the greed and ambition of the corrupt elites caused them to shun him and banish him from the kingdom. Now, armed with nothing but his magical shield, he finds a way to clear his name and fulfill the destiny they tried to deprive him of.

Rising of the Shield Hero is a masterclass in storytelling and world-building that weaves itself into a compelling tale of survival and resilience in the face of adversity. The series takes a character who would often be ignored because he has no offensive abilities and builds him into a powerful and honorable warrior. Naofumi is also an obviously relatable character, making it easy for viewers to relate to the story.