“Isekai Took Over the 2020s Here Are the Ones You Can’t Miss” 2025
The 2020s have been a golden era for isekai anime, with the genre dominating seasonal lineups and captivating audiences worldwide. Whether it’s reincarnation, transportation to another world, or game-like adventures, isekai has evolved beyond its traditional tropes, offering fresh narratives, stunning animation, and unforgettable isekai characters. If you’re looking for the must-watch isekai anime from this decade, isekai here are the ones that stand out!
ONE PIECE
1. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
One of the most critically acclaimed isekai anime of the 2020s, Mushoku Tensei , isekai redefined the genre with its deep character development, immersive world-building, and emotional storytelling. Following the journey of Rudeus Greyrat, a man isekai reincarnated into a fantasy world, the , isekai series explores themes of redemption, growth, and adventure in a way that resonates isekai with audiences.
2. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (New Seasons)
While Slime debuted in the late 2010s, its new seasons in the 2020s have continued to expand its universe, making , isekai it one of the most beloved isekai series. Rimuru Tempest, the protagonist, evolves , isekai from a simple slime into a powerful ruler, navigating isekai diplomacy, war, and alliances in a , isekai world filled with magic and monsters.
3. The Rising of the Shield Hero (Season 2 & 3)
Shield Hero returned with new seasons, continuing Naofumi Iwatani’s journey as the cursed Shield Hero. Facing betrayal, , isekai political intrigue, and powerful enemies, Naofumi’s strategic battles and emotional depth make this series , isekai a standout in the isekai genre. when isekai was just a quirky little subgenre? Fast forward to the 2020s, and boom — everyone was getting hit by trucks, reincarnated as vending machines, or waking up as demon lords with cheat skills.
4. Reincarnated as a Sword
A fresh take on the reincarnation trope, Reincarnated as a Sword follows a , isekai protagonist who is reborn not as a hero, , isekai but as a sentient weapon. Partnering with Fran, a determined young warrior, the , isekai series delivers fast-paced action, heartfelt moments, and a unique perspective on the isekai formula.
Somewhere between “Re:Zero” making us question our mental health and “Mushoku Tensei” pushing animation boundaries, isekai quietly became the face of modern anime. It didn’t matter if the protagonist was a shut-in, a salaryman, or someone’s house cat — if they got transported to another world, we were watching.
Studios caught on. Suddenly, every season had at least 3-5 new isekai shows. Some had wild twists (hello, farming simulators in medieval fantasy worlds), others just recycled tropes but somehow… we still clicked “Next Episode.” It became less about originality and more about comfort. Escapism. A new spin on the same warm formula.
5. Overlord (New Seasons)
Overlord continues to dominate the isekai scene with its dark fantasy elements and strategic warfare. Ainz Ooal Gown, the undead overlord, , isekai expands his empire, facing new threats, alliances, and moral dilemmas that challenge his rule. Sure, the market got oversaturated. Memes were born.
Titles got longer than light novels themselves (wait, they were light novels). But it’s hard to deny how much isekai shaped the anime landscape in the 2020s — not just in Japan, but globally. For a while, the “real world but better” vibe hit a little too close to home, especially during lockdowns.
6. The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady
Blending fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, this series follows Princess Anisphia, who defies expectations by developing magicology, a , isekai unique magical theory based on memories from her past life. The series offers strong character dynamics and a refreshing take on isekai storytelling.
7. So I’m a Spider, So What?
Taking a non-traditional approach, this series follows a protagonist who is reincarnated as a spider monster in a dangerous dungeon. isekai With survival-based storytelling, RPG mechanics, and unexpected twists, So I’m a Spider, So What? , isekai stands out as one of the most unique isekai anime of the decade.
8. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
Think: overpowered MC, beautiful animation, and a surprising amount of heart. Tsukimichi doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s charming, smart, and knows how to balance comedy with world-building. A sleeper hit that’s gained serious traction.
9. The Eminence in Shadow
This one plays isekai tropes straight — but with the kind of self-aware edge that makes it incredibly fun. With its over-the-top narration and secret-organization antics, it’s , isekai basically isekai Batman but anime. If you love chaotic genius energy, this one’s a blast.
10. Reincarnated as a Sword
Yes, you read that right. A guy dies and becomes a literal sword. Surprisingly isekai heartfelt, action-packed, and beautifully animated, this series reminds us that no matter how absurd an isekai premise is, it can work if the execution is sharp. (Pun intended.) From spiders to swords, slime lords to secret masterminds, the 2020s have proven that isekai is far from a passing trend — it’s an evolving genre full of imagination and surprises. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just isekai-curious, these series are the ones that made the biggest impact.
Honorable Mentions:
- Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious
- Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
- No Game No Life: Zero (2020 re-screenings stirred fan interest)
- Overlord IV
- Handyman Saitou in Another World
Why Isekai Dominated the 2020s
The isekai boom shows no signs of slowing down. Every new anime season isekai introduces fresh isekai adaptations, proving that audiences still crave escapist fantasies, thrilling adventures, and immersive world-building. The genre has evolved beyond its classic tropes, incorporating complex narratives, deeper character arcs, and innovative storytelling techniques.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Isekai
With new adaptations constantly being announced, the isekai genre is set to continue its reign in the anime industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, isekai these must-watch isekai anime from the 2020s isekai offer something for everyone—from action-packed battles to heartfelt journeys of self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into deep character arcs, OP main characters, or just want to see someone get isekai’d by Truck-kun for the thousandth time, the 2020s have served up an isekai buffet worth devouring. The genre’s here to stay — and honestly, we’re not mad about it.What started as a niche genre full of overpowered main characters and “Truck-kun” reincarnations has transformed into something way bigger: isekai bold world-building, complex characters, and genre-bending stories that keep surprising us. isekai Whether you’re into emotional rollercoasters, chaotic comedy, or just love watching isekai someone get reborn as a slime, there’s been an isekai for everyone this decade.
