The best Isekai anime that explores morally gray worlds

Key takeaways

• Isekai anime explores morally gray worlds, creating compelling themes and conflicts beyond traditional morality.
• Characters face moral dilemmas in war-like settings, revealing subtleties and complexities.
• Themes of war in series like “Saga of Tanya the Evil” explore no side that doesn't hold the moral high ground.

Isekai anime are known for being set in the realms of high fantasy, meaning that these otherworldly settings are very different from the usual simple black and white stories. This has led to many isekai anime making use of morally gray worlds, giving way to compelling premises that open up space for complex dialogue.

Whether it's worlds torn apart by war or all-out dystopian settings, these isekai anime are filled with subtleties and complexities that go beyond traditional morality. While the characters themselves may not be morally ambiguous, these settings pin the protagonists against moral dilemmas, giving way to all sorts of compelling themes.

1 The wrong way to use healing magic

Shows the human side of monsters

At first glance, the world The wrong way to use healing magic It can seem rather black and white. This notion is supported by the Demon King's army and their past attack on the Lingar Kingdom, an event that caused great damage to the kingdom.

However, as the series progresses, it becomes clear that things aren't really that murky. After the Black Knight is redeemed, it becomes clear that demons are not inherently evil, and that they carry human-like emotions. This incident, along with some other surprising revelations, made the war between the two factions quite gray.

2 Gate

Exploring mystical realms with a touch of nationalism

Gate While the harem may seem like any other isekai anime with a ton of antics, this anime is actually set in a somewhat morally gray world. The story largely revolves around Youji Itami's attempt to contain the mysterious world shown at Japan's doorstep.

While the anime tries to portray Japan as a “good guy” throughout the anime, it soon becomes clear that the actions of the archipelago in this fictional world are not exactly pure. Furthermore, Gate Filled with nationalistic ideals that depict a less advanced fictional world as nothing more than a primitive land, a subtext that makes the premise quite shaky.

3 I'm in love with the villain

Explores the rift between Royals and Commoners

Set in an otome game and based on the villain theme, I'm in love with the villain Initially looks like any other lightweight isekai anime. However, the anime immediately defies expectations with many subtle subtexts, whether it's the stigma associated with same-sex relationships or the rights of normals.

In the latter part of the series, it becomes clear that a divide exists between the oblivious royals of the kingdom and the commoners pushed to the sidelines. These events open up a dialogue about the class differences between the royal family and commoners, a theme that is further examined through the series' protagonist, Roy Taylor.

4 Grimgar: Ashes and Confusion

Survival of the fittest in a hellish world

Another isekai anime set in a war-torn world, Grimgar: Ashes and Confusion Focuses on the bond between soldiers caught in a conflict that they have little of. The anime revolves around a ragtag group of mercenaries who have no choice but to fight for the reserve army after becoming Isekai in a strange world.

Anime focuses more on character development and relationships between characters. However, the fact is that the series is set in a world where children are forced to be recruited for a conflict that has nothing to do with them.

5 Now and then, here and there

A world ravaged by the brutality of war

Set in a war-torn dystopian world, Now and then, here and there Highlights the effects of war on innocent civilians, including those forced to fight against their will. Shu ends up in this world after trying to save a mysterious girl named Lala-ru, a split-second decision that leaves him in a world in turmoil.

Child soldiers are sent to the front lines, while the civilian population is forced to endure famine, poverty and abuse – all for scarce resources. At first glance, the conflict may seem black and white, however as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is really no right or wrong side to this brutal conflict.

6 The Drifters

Historical portraits are pinned against each other

While anime with war and conflict as a central concept tend to be set in morally gray worlds, The Drifters Pinning historical figures against each other takes this concept to the next level. Known as “Drafters” and “Ends”, these two groups of great names in history are forced to fight against each other in a brutal conflict.

While the Andes are the main antagonistic faction The DriftersIt turns out that this group is made up of historical figures who were driven to insanity due to the trauma and psychological pain they faced during their lifetime. This aspect of their madness reveals that no one is inherently evil, as these characters are forced to resist how history has treated them.

7 The Saga of Tanya the Evil

An alternate global retelling of World War 1

The Saga of Tanya the Evil is a classic isekai series that highlights the moral aspect of war with a brutal retelling of World War 1. Filled with mature themes such as war crimes, forced obedience, and the consequences of war for innocent civilians, The Saga of Tanya the Evil It perfectly illuminates how neither side in an armed conflict holds the high moral ground.

Tanya herself is a rather gray character, adding to the series' theme of highlighting how each side is desperate to survive, and there are no true winners in war. Although an isekai anime, Saga of Tanya the Evils Subtle subtexts hit pretty close to home with real-world reflections.