The best Isekai anime of every year of 2010

In recent times, the isekai genre has become one of the most influential forces in the anime industry, bringing forth numerous shows each year in which ordinary heroes travel to exotic and magical worlds. Although it's hard to imagine now, with the abundance of series that revolve around these tropes, this popularity had to come from somewhere, and the answer lies in the very distant past: the era of 2010.

It was during this time that the genre saw a huge surge in interest among fans worldwide, paving the way for Isekai to become the giant it is today. As such, it's no surprise that, while far fewer than in recent years, there are some great Isekai created in this era, which are still fun for fans who decide to give them a shot.

10

2010 – Angel Beats!

Waking up in a strange school is a terrifying experience, even for Otonashi, who has just discovered that his new home is a purgatory where the spirits of the disaffected dead are brought to face their torment. He is recruited into a rebellion of youth in the same situation to fight against the god who brought him there, in what may be one of the most emotionally devastating stories of all time.

While for some fans Angel Bits! Can't be considered an Isekai, as the protagonists are stuck in Purgatory rather than a traditional fantasy world, fitting the series profile more than that. If fans are willing to overlook this issue, they'll find a fascinating, exciting, and moving series that explores people's shared desires and fears. It's a beautiful show that portrays grief in a way that no other story has.

9

2011 – Dog Day

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

As most Isekai fans will quickly notice Dog Days A series conceived long before the era of horror and epic tales of other-worldly heroes. It's one of the most engaging comedy anime of the 2010s, focusing on fun situations and low-stakes action rather than devastating battles for the sake of the world. It may 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 allows players to access fully immersive worlds, he never expected to fall into the trap of an Unvideo developer. Along with 10,000 other players, his goal is to get high enough to beat the 100 floors of this dangerous game. All the while constantly being reminded of a terrible truth: if you die in the game, you die in real life.

Objectively created the most genre-defining anime, Sword Art OnlineIt was a major step for Isekai to take its place among the most beloved genres. The series has seen a change in reputation over the years, as its sequels lacked many of the aspects that made the original so beloved. However, there's no denying that the hate the franchise has received is undeserved, as it's still a fun and exciting adventure.

7

2013 – Log Horizon

Elder Tail used to be the most popular game in the world, with millions of fans eagerly waiting for its latest update. Their joy was cut short when a glitch in the system trapped them inside the game. Shiroe, Naotsugu, and Akatsuki are three friends who fell victim to this mistake and must now work together with the rest of the players to build a society in which they can all thrive.

log horizon This is a series for fans who enjoy amazing world building and are just looking for engaging action. The anime takes a completely new approach to the Isekai genre, depicting the rise and management of a fictional society, which may be very interesting to some. It is one of the biggest kingdom building stories the industry has to offer, the plot and characters will captivate the audience quickly.

6

2014 – No Game Life

Sora and Shirou ruled the gaming world under the name Blank, two of the best gamer anime has ever seen. Their skills caught the eye of a mysterious entity named Tet, the god of a distant and imaginary world where games decide everything. Now trapped inside what appears to be paradise for the siblings, they must find a way to help Immunity reclaim their land as they prepare for their final showdown against Tet.

There are only a handful of anime that can make something as simple as a game of chess as epic Life is not a game can The series is a unique blend of hilarious visuals, thrilling battles of wits, and a stunning art style that results in one of the best isekai to date. Sadly, the series ends on an abrupt and somewhat disappointing cliffhanger, so fans need to be aware before embarking on their journey.

5

2015 – The Boy and the Beast

After escaping, an orphaned boy named Ren falls into another world inhabited by humanoid animals, known as jutengai. There, he is found by a lonely but fierce bear warrior, Kumatetsu, who reluctantly accepts him as a student. The bond between them is tested when an evil force threatens to destroy the human and animal worlds, and the heroes must defeat it and prove that peace can exist.

One of the best movies by the very talented director Mamoru Hosoda, The Boy and the Beast A wholesome and iconic film that will warm the hearts of all audiences. By following Rain on her journey, fans will be exposed to experiences that will help them understand what family means, how cooperation can be the way forward, and the need for viewers to accept the darkness within themselves.

4

2016 – Zero again

For many, the idea of ​​traveling to another world is a dream come true, as it means settling in one of the amazing and colorful lands that anime has to offer. For Subaru, his journey was like a nightmare, as he was not only taken from his regular life, but cursed with the ability to travel back to a safe point every time he was killed.

Arguably one of the most famous Isekai, and highly recommended for a fan to watch before they die, Zero again Hailed by many as an icon of the genre. It's a dark and twisted story that leaves behind the idea of ​​a fantasy world to take a more realistic approach to the idea of ​​traveling to a new world. There's a reason why this show has recently been crowned the king of the genre.

3

2017 – Saga of Tanya the Evil

Death can sometimes be a chance for people to find peace, but not for Salvatore, reincarnated as a young girl named Tanya in an alternate dimension of Earth where magic is real. Angry at the god who brought her there, an ancient being known as Being X, Tanya joins the army, hoping to find a way to survive and thwart her enemy's plans, becoming increasingly brutal with each new battle.

Arguably one of the most divisive and controversial anime of all time, this dark and twisted story is a horrifyingly accurate depiction of the horrors of war. Tanya is undoubtedly the villain, who shows no regard for human life, nor feels any empathy, which makes the series interesting for the vast majority. Few shows will be as uncomfortable for viewers as this one, but the experience will be worthwhile for those willing to endure its many shocking scenes.

2

2018 – That's when I was reincarnated as a slime

While trying to save a colleague from being attacked by a criminal, a Japanese man named Satoru is killed, his soul reincarnated in another world in the body of a small, blue slime monster. His new form may seem weak, but it hides great power, as it is able to absorb the abilities and physical attributes of any creature.

An amazing story with an absolutely powerful protagonist that fans will support from day one, Rimuru's journey is truly enjoyable. The series uses the most common tropes of the isekai genre in a familiar yet exciting way, weaving a tale of effort and magic that leaves fans wanting more. The anime has a lot of fans who consider it the best hero in all of the Isekai, which is a major bonus.

1

2019 – Rising of the Shield Heroes

When Naofumi unexpectedly arrives on the world he now considers home, he is introduced as the legendary SHIELD hero, a warrior destined to save humanity with the help of his fellow heroes. However, the greed and ambition of the corrupt elite had alienated and expelled him from the kingdom. Now, armed with nothing but his magical shield, he will find a way to clear his name and fulfill the fate he sought to take away from him.

Rising of the Shield Hero is a masterclass in storytelling and world-building, merging into a compelling story about survival and resilience in the face of adversity. The series takes a character who was often overlooked, due to his lack of offensive skills, and builds him into a powerful and respected warrior. Naofumi is also an obviously relatable character, making it easy for viewers to relate to the story.