Even though isekai has always been part of the anime medium with all-time classics like Digimon or Inuyasha, the genre has found international fame more recently, mainly thanks to hit series like Sword Art Online or Overlord. Now, with the genre dominating a great part of the streaming catalog every season, it isn't strange that there are new isekai that can compete even with the nostalgia factor of the classics that fans grew up with.

Among the new generation of Isekai series, there are a lot of options to pick from, but the best ones are those that have subverted the overused tropes of the anime medium, creating interesting and captivating stories that take viewers to new realities or entertain them with their absurd comedies that parody the genre itself. This way, these new generation Isekai anime have the potential to become classics in the future.

This list takes into consideration Isekai animes that were released after 2020.

10 As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World

Animated by studio MOTHER; Based on the Light Novel Series Written by Miraijin A

Also known as Tensei Kizoku, Kantei Skill of Nariagaru is a unique isekai where people management can become a greater tool than just physical strength. The anime follows Ars Louvent, who is reborn in a noble family as a child without powerful magical abilities but with an appraisal skill that allows him to detect the hidden talents of others. This power gives Ars the opportunity to lead a talented group of retainers to reinforce his family's domain without having to rely on a sudden power-up, making use of strategy and analysis to succeed.

This setting takes the anime apart from other fantasies Isekai focused on power to explore the politics of another world and the conflicts surrounding it, like social standings, inequality and machinations of different people, which makes it perfect for fans of the nation-building stories.

9 Reincarnated as a Sword

Animated by C2C; Based on the Light Novel Series by Yuu Tanaka and Llo

Reincarnated as a Sword is the story of a man who, after dying, gets reborn in another world as a sentient sword who eventually is wielded by a slave girl named Fran, with whom he forms a unique bond. What makes Reincarnated as a Sword different from other isekai is that, far from the oversaturation of harem in the genre, here the protagonist takes on an almost parental and protective role, creating a wholesome relationship with Fran.

Moreover, although it isn't a game-changing story, the anime does a great exposition of its world and has a great balance of lighthearted moments and action, with Fran driving forward the story as she keeps leveling up and the blade, which she names Master, ing her, becoming a powerful team whose adventures are more than enjoyable to watch.

8 Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

Animated by MAPPA; Based on the Novel by Ren Eguchi

One of the best isekai for beginners, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, is a wholesome and fun series perfect for viewers tired of stories with mindless action. In the anime, Tsuyoshi Mukouda is summoned to another world to become a hero but sets off on his own journey after his ability is considered useless. However, as Mukoda can access a virtual store and get the food and products he needs from his original world, he doesn't experience the same hardships that one would expect from someone in a new realm.

As a result, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill is just as its title s: a simple, slow-paced fantasy with a cooking spin that leans more towards the slice-of-life genre, where Mukouda prepares delicious dishes while also improving his skills, but that doesn't stop being enjoyable at any moment.

7 The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic

Animated by Shin-Ei Animation and Studio Add; Based on the Light Novel Series by Kurokata and KeG

The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic is one of the most hilarious new isekai, with a spin on the typical figure of a hero, as instead of gaining a powerful offensive magic upon being summoned, Usato actually becomes a healer, a role relegated to in most fantasy stories. However, the healing magic becomes a powerful asset to have after Usato is dragged out by Rose, a fearsome captain who will help him polish his skill and potential for combat in a hellish boot camp.

With a lighthearted tone, a hilarious dynamic of mentor and apprentice, and charismatic characters that feel human, the anime gives the healer a new status by introducing ingenious and practical applications to Usato's powers without giving him a power-up to make him invincible. This, along with its grim build-up to the imminent battles ahead, The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic maintains a sense of realism, self-awareness and humor throughout its run that makes it a must-watch anime and raises anticipation for its new season.

6 BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense

Anime Series By Silver Link; Based On The Light Novel By Yuumikan

A video game anime with a unique take on power fantasy BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense is the story of Maple, who, when trying a new game, puts all her stat points into defense. Because of this, Maple unexpectedly becomes absurdly invincible, as she can't receive damage due to her incredible defense.

Maple becomes a unique, overpowered character that, rather than taking away the tension of the series with her invulnerability, is easy to root for thanks to her charming nature. Additionally, BOFURI stands out from other isekai for its simplicity and relaxing atmosphere that manages to be entertaining and maintain the interest of viewers.

5 Tsukimichi Moonlit Fantasy

Animated by J.C. Staff; Based on the Light Novel Series by Kei Azumi and Mitsuaki Matsumoto

With a protagonist banished for not being so good-looking, Tsukimichi takes from other anime like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and gives its story a unique twist that has made it one of the most refreshing proposals in the isekai genre in the latest years. In Tsukimichi, Makoto Misumi is summoned by a goddess, but after being thrown out, he has to strive to create a place for himself in a new world. This setting sets the stage for Makoto to find allies along his journey while developing the political aspects and conflicts in this new reality.

Tsukimichi has hilarious moments and a great cast of characters and will appeal to fans of fantasy series with an overpowered and not-so-selfless protagonist, opposing factions, an all-out war against demons, and the nuances of creating a kingdom.

4 The Eminence in Shadow

Animated By Nexus, Based On The Light Novel By Daisuke Aizawa And Tōzai

While The Eminence in Shadow could be seen as too edgy for some, the anime is a satirical take on the Isekai genre. The Eminence in Shadow follows a delusional high school boy, Kageno Minoru, whose main goal in life is to be a hero in the shadows in a world full of magic, who sees his dream come true after reincarnating in another reality and creating a secret organization called “Shadow Garden.”

The Eminence in Shadow is an over-the-top power fantasy that revels in being one, as Cid Kagenou is an unapologetic protagonist who makes use of his strength to achieve his goals, all while being set on remaining as a shadowy mastermind figure. This gives Cid a double life that creates many hilarious situations that, along with its action and overarching narrative, make it a peculiar but extremely entertaining isekai that also doesn't take itself too seriously.

3 Shangri-La Frontier

Animated by C2C; Based on the Web Novel by Katarina

Shangri-La Frontier presents one of the best immersive worlds inside a video game in the medium, following Rakurou Hizutome, who is obsessed with trash games and starts playing a popular one that becomes more challenging than he would have expected. As a result, Shangri-La Frontier portrays the real aspects of MMORPG, from the formation of parties, inventory, stats, and combos to fighting powerful bosses whose attack patterns seem impossible to decipher.

This way, Shangri-La Frontier is perfect for fans of anime like Sword Art Online, with fluid animation and dynamic fights full of adrenaline that keep viewers at the edge of their seats. Moreover, the series is enhanced by its hilarious characters that will entertain even viewers that aren’t fans of games.

2 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Animated by Bind; Based on the Light Novel Series Written by Rifujin na Magonote

Even though its source material has been around for more than a decade, The Beginning After the End, the anime adaptation of Mushoku Tensei has elevated its popularity as one of the biggest modern isekai. Despite the controversy surrounding its protagonist, Rudeus, who doesn't constitute the typical rightful hero, Mushoku Tensei, has one of the best world-building in the genre, as by being reborn as a baby, the viewers start exploring the world next to him, being introduced to a great medieval reality and magic system.

Furthermore, Rudeus isn't destined to save the world from a demon king or blessed with a powerful skill from the beginning, but he is a character with flaws who continues to improve and be shaped throughout the story. With many intrigues, stellar animation, and battles, the anime envelops the viewer and only creates anticipation for whats to come in the Mushoku Tensei Season 3.

1 Sonny Boy

Original Anime Series By Madhouse

Sonny Boy tells the journey of a group of students whose school gets suddenly stranded in an alternative dimension whose role will be questioned and constituted anew in this reality as they seek to return to their world. While this premise might seem generic, the series slowly evolves to become one of the most thought-provoking anime out there.

This way, Sonny Boy tells a linear but complex story that still leaves a lot of room for the viewer's interpretation, inviting reflection on themes like life, societal expectations, and the conflicts of youth, making it a great coming-of-age story. This unique narrative is enhanced by an artistic and expressive experimental animation filled with symbolism and ambiguity. As a result, while it may not be everyone's cup of tea, Sonny Boy is one of the most groundbreaking isekai that proves the unlimited potential of the genre and animation as a whole that every fan of anime should watch at least once.