Isekai, meaning “other world” in Japanese, is a popular subgenre of fantasy in which characters are transported to parallel worlds or fantastical realms. It has key variants, such as reincarnation, where characters are reborn in new bodies, often after death. Transmutation, which involves characters retaining their original form while entering a new world. And finally, summoning, where characters are brought to another realm by others. These are some of the best isekai manga you should definitely add to your library.
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6 The best leveling system in Isekai anime
These series structure the progression of their stories and deeply influence how characters develop, interact, and face challenges in their world.
9 I have a cheat skill in another world
Self-improvement through fraud?
- Author: Miko, Kazumi Minatogawa
- Number of volumes: 6
It follows Yuya Tenjo, an abused and neglected boy who inherits his grandfather's house and discovers a portal to a fantasy world. In this new realm, he gains powerful skills and transforms into a handsome, muscular figure. Yuvia uses her abilities to improve her life in both worlds, attracting the attention of numerous female characters and engaging in various adventures. This series combines fantasy, harem elements and self-referential humor and appeals to those looking for wish-fulfillment plots.
8 The Rising of the Shield Hero
The humiliated hero becomes the strongest
- Author: Anko Usagi
- Number of volumes: 25
This is the story of Naofumi Iwatani, a young man summoned to a fantasy world as a shield hero, one of four legendary heroes tasked with saving the kingdom of Melromark from the invasion of a monster known as the Waves. Unlike his other protagonists, Naofumi is betrayed by a princess who falsely accuses him of assault, leading to his rejection. Alone and bitter, he buys a half-human slave named Raphtalia to help him. Together, they overcome challenges, gain strength, and seek redemption while discovering the truth behind the waves and Naofumi's unfair fate.
7 His Highness in the shadow
Isekai's ultimate fantasy power
- Author: Daisuke Aizawa
- Number of volumes: 13
The Eminence in Shadow is a story that follows Minoru Kageno, a boy obsessed with becoming a mastermind in the shadows. After dying in an accident, he is reincarnated as Sid Cagno in a fantasy world where he creates an underground organization called the Shadow Garden to fight a fictional cult called the Diablo Cult. Unbeknownst to him, this cult is real and a real threat. As Sid recruits members and settles into his new life, he remains blissfully unaware of the real stakes involved, leading to hilarious and thrilling adventures as he inadvertently confronts real enemies and plays out his powerful fantasy. does
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6 The Saga of Tanya the Devil (Yujo Senki)
Against even God, he will raise his weapon
- Author: Carlo Zen
- Number of volumes: 14
Tanya DeGorechoff, a salaryman, was born as a young girl in a war-torn version of the First World War. After being killed by a disgruntled employee, Tanya's soul is reborn by a god called “X-Being” who challenges her. Believe or face eternal damnation. Using the ruthless pragmatism of her past life, Tanya quickly rises through the military ranks, becoming a powerful sorceress and leading her battalion in brutal battles. The series explores themes of ambition, morality, and the absurdity of war through Tanya's cold, yet strategic approach to survival and power.
5 master
Driven into this world, he must make it his own
- Author: Kogan Maruyama
- Number of volumes: 16
Overlord also follows a mercenary named Momonga who gets trapped in virtual reality when the MMORPG Yggdrasil shuts down. Instead of logging out, he finds himself in a fantasy world where his character, Ainz Aval Goven, is an incredibly powerful undead lord. As Ainz explores this new realm, he notices that the non-player characters (NPCs) have gained sentience. His goal is to dominate and seek out other players while managing his loyal guards and directing political intrigue. The series combines dark fantasy with themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of absolute authority.
4 Moshoku Tennessee: Reincarnation without a job
An absolutely amazing story about self-worth
- Author: Rifujin na Magonote
- Number of volumes: 20
The story follows Rudeus Greyrat, a 34-year-old NEET who dies in an accident and is reincarnated as a baby in a magical fantasy world. Retaining his memories, Rodeus vows to take advantage of this second chance at life and try to overcome his past failures. He quickly develops magical abilities and forms relationships with various characters, including friends and mentors. The series explores themes of redemption, personal growth, and the complexities of life as Rodeos navigates challenges while embracing new opportunities for adventure and self-improvement.
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These isekai manga stories work well on paper, but reworking them into anime can be surprisingly difficult.
3 No game, no life
The Ultimate Gaming Duo
- Author: Yu Kamiya
- Volume number: 2
It follows the story of two siblings, Sora and Shirou, who are known as two unique games known as “Blank”. After defeating a god at chess, they are transported to a fantastical world where all conflicts are resolved through play and violence is forbidden. In this new realm, humanity is on the brink of extinction, pushed back by other powerful races. Sora and Shirou's goal is to outdo their opponents in strategic games, regain humanity's former glory, and use their exceptional game skills and intelligence to challenge the rules of the world and change its destiny.
2 Then I was reincarnated as a slime
From slime to God's devil
- Author: Fuse
- Number of volumes: 27
The story is about Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old salaryman who is killed and reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world. Originally known as the weakest monster, he gains powerful abilities, including the ability to absorb the skills of others. After befriending Verudora, a sealed storm dragon, Satoru takes on the name Storm Rimuro and begins a journey to create a peaceful society for all creatures. The series mixes elements of humor, adventure, and fantasy as Rimuro overcomes challenges and forges alliances in his new life.
1 Re:Zero – Starting life in another world
Facing death over and over changes you
- Author: Tappei Nagatsuki
- Number of volumes: 39
High school student Subaru Natsuki is unexpectedly transported to a fantasy world. After being rescued by a silver-haired half-elf named Emilia, Subaru quickly discovers that he has an ability called “Death Return”, which allows him to turn back time after death. However, only he retains memories of the previous timeline. As he navigates this new world filled with danger and intrigue, Subaru faces numerous challenges, including betrayal and tragedy, as he tries to protect Emilia and discover the secrets of his own reincarnation. This series explores themes of frustration, resilience and the consequences of choice.
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The 6 longest Isekai manga with the most chapters
This isekai manga series is considerably longer and has the most chapters in the isekai manga franchise.
