Isekai anime has had the biggest growth in recent years, premiering multiple series every season where the protagonists are sent to a new reality. However, even though fans often debate on social media about which series has the best storytelling and world-building, Japan has already settled on which is the best isekai anime the genre has to offer.

The beauty of isekai is that they take the viewer on an adventure in another realm, discovering, along with the protagonist, a new world where they either gain power, help others, find themselves, or even create a nation. Yet some of them nailed its stories more than others. According to a recent poll on the popular ranking site Minna no Ranking, Japan’s top pick among the isekai anime is an unexpected yet fairly recognized title.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Takes First Place as the Best Isekai of All Time in Japanese Poll

Popular Animes Like Re: Zero and Sword Art Online Have Lower Ranks Than Expected

According to the Minna No Ranking poll, with more than 47,595 votes, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime overtook first place as the best Isekai anime, suring 233 other series, even Sword Art Online, which has been considered the one that popularized the genre. Also, what is surprising is the lack of recognized titles such as Log Horizon, Ascendance of a Bookworm, Inuyasha and Digimon in the top ten. However, the number of series considered in the poll proves that isekai is very popular among Japanese fans, which can only continue to rise over time.

The top three of the ranking close with Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and Overlord. Although Mushoku Tensei is one of the most influential isekai, which has inspired even the popular webcomic The Beginning After the End, it has not been exempt from controversy, while Overlord has had a long history as one of the most interesting isekai due to its ruthless and powerful protagonist, so it is natural that both series are valued by anime fans.

What Makes That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime So Popular

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Continues to Be One of the Best-Selling Light Novels

That Time I Get Reincarnated as a Slime not only does it have a protagonist whose beginning makes him look weak, being reincarnated into a simple slime, but Rimuru overtakes his new world, becoming incredibly strong to the point of being considered one of the most overpowered heroes in all anime. Furthermore, the anime has stood out for its detailed world-building with a touch of political intrigue, delving into the aspects behind constructing a nation, which is balanced by its comedy and stunning battles.

Although That Time I Get Reincarnated as a Slime Season 3 received criticism for its pacing and lack of fights, the installment covered a fairly slow arc, with the story getting progressively better afterward. Moreover, as the novel is reaching its end and the franchise has already confirmed a new season for That Time I Get Reincarnated as a Slime, the anime could become even more popular in the future. Nevertheless, the ranking might be subjective as it's based on Japanese viewers, but it could also serve as recommendations to those looking for a new isekai anime to watch next.

Source: Minna no Ranking