Isekai Anime That Have Awesome World Building (2024)

Anime takes place in all kinds of settings, from the cold and silent reaches of space to fantasy metropolises in which species of every variety rub shoulders and cut deals. Yet many of these worlds are little more than cardboard cutouts: they may have the right look, but there's no depth beneath the surface.

World-building is the process of creating a setting and fleshing it out in all the detail that it needs to be believable. Economics, geography, flora and fauna, and politics are only some of the most important considerations. Successful world-building is even more important in isekai anime since the show must successfully contrast the new world with the old. Here are some isekai that have built phenomenal worlds.

Updated on July 24, 2024, by Oluwatokiloba Folami: Isekai anime is loved by many, mostly because of its ability to transport individuals from their average, boring world to an imaginative world where magic and adventures are the order of the day. As isekai takes people to a different world, it is not far-fetched that these worlds are delicately made in order to accommodate endless possibilities and magic, and this might be what truly sets isekai apart from other genres. Isekai worlds are meticulously crafted with rich details, complex societies, and elaborate histories, which makes them more than just backdrops but a very important part of the plot. These worlds drive the plot as the character’s journey involves exploring and getting used to the laws that govern the world, which are almost always different from what they are used to or familiar with.

24 The Faraway Paladin

Desolate City with a Unique Culture

Will barely remembers his previous life in Japan, but now that he is reborn in a new world, he vows to have a meaningful life. The Faraway Paladin is set in the city of the dead, where Will is born and is being taken care of by three undead creatures: Mary, Gus, and Blood. As the only human in this world, Will becomes curious and starts asking himself questions about his identity, and soon after, he begins to explore the world he finds himself in.

The Faraway Paladintakes place in a world that is filled with mystery and history. As Will explores this world, he learns about the historical events that have happened in this world through the personal stories of his guardians.

23 Re:Zero: Starting Life in Another World

Powerful Witches Control This World

Subaru’s trip to the grocery store takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself being taken away to a fantasy world. Unlike most Isekai characters who have an adventure-filled, fun, and overpowered life, Subaru’s life was quite the opposite in some ways. He finds himself beaten up by thugs, and later that night, he ends up being murdered. Unfortunately for him, because of the Return by Death ability granted to him by the Witch of Envy, he ends up reliving his painful death.

Re:Zero: Starting Life in Another World is set in a complex fantasy world filled with diverse kingdoms and detailed politics, particularly evident in the royal selection process in the Kingdom of Lugunica. The magic system and deep mythology in Re:Zero: Starting Life in Another World are centered around figures like the Witch of Envy, adding layers of intrigue and mystery.

22 Magic Knight Rayearth

Depends On A Human Pillar

An innocent field trip to Tokyo Towers takes three girls, Hikari, Umi, and Fuu, to the magical world of Cephiro, where they have been tasked with restoring peace and balance to the world. As the magical knights of this world, it is up to these girls to deliver Cephiro from evil, as the world has been in disarray since the princess was kidnapped.

In this world, the princess who was kidnapped acts as a pillar, and that is why it is vital that she is rescued from her abductor. The absence of the princess means that there is no defense and no one to pray for Cephiro’s wellbeing, meaning that the world is at risk of being destroyed. This world combines magic and mechas, blending fantasy with sci-fi.

21 Drugstore In Another World: The Slow Life Of A Cheat Pharmacist

MyAnimeList Score: 6.47

This anime series follows the adventures of Reiji Kirio, a polite young man who is suddenly transported to another world. In this new world, Reiji decides to put his medicinal skills to use, rather than fall into the slave-like corporate cycle he was in his old world. With his medicinal skills, Reiji opens up a drugstore and comes across various individuals of different races who have the most surprising ailments.

In terms of building the world in which it takes place, Drug Store In Another World does well by allowing Reiji's skills to be useful in a fantasy world. Rather than having magic solve everything, good medicinal skills are portrayed alongside dragons, elves, and even ghosts, making it believable and relatable for those watching.

20 Gate

MyAnimeList Score: 7.68

Even among various isekai anime series, Gate stands out because it allows its characters to go back and forth between worlds. In this anime series, a portal to another world opens up in Japan, and both sides attack each other.

Luckily, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) managed to repel the invading forces, establish a base in the fantasy world, and enter peace negotiations with the empire ruling the fantasy world. The world-building in Gate manages to balance the elements of both worlds, as it brings the modern and medieval elements of both worlds together.

19 The Eminence In Shadow

MyAnimeList Score: 8.30

Cid Kagenou has always dreamed of becoming the Eminence in Shadow. Luckily, he is given the opportunity when he is reincarnated into a fantasy world. Humans dominate this world just like Cid's old world, but the presence of magic changes everything.

The new world where Cid is reincarnated is well-structured, with kingdoms, varying associations, and magic schools present to regulate magic. With magic, many more things have been made possible. Thanks to Cid’s knowledge of his old world, his underlings manage to incorporate some of the technology in Cid’s old world with magic, making the world in which the series is portrayed more well-structured.

18 Overlord

MyAnimeList Score: 7.91

The Overlord anime series depicts the adventures of Ainz Ooal Gown, who is suddenly trapped in the DMMMO-RPG (Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) YGGDRASIL. With Ainz Ooal Gown trapped in YGGDRASIL, the game serves as the world in which the series takes place, and its world-building is very well-thought-out.

As a game, YGGDRASIL was widely popular. With the freedom of choice it granted players, it seemed like a world on its own rather than a game to Ainz Ooal Gown after he was trapped in it. As a world, YGGDRASIL functioned as one with nine different worlds in it, allowing for a rich diversity of races and jobs. It's a fascinating setting for any viewer to lose themselves in.

17 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

MyAnimeList Score: 8.37

Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation

Isekai

Action

Adventure

Drama

Release Date

January 11, 2021

Studio

Studio Bind

Number of Episodes

39+

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

The isekai anime series Mushoku Tensei stands out from its counterparts in various ways. The show portrays a 34-year-old NEET who is reincarnated into another world. Planning to make use of his reincarnation, Rudeus strives to do his best and ends up in a world with different practices from Earth as he knows it.

This new fantasy world he finds himself in has similar practices to those on Earth; however, the inclusion of magic spices things up. Because of magic, some Herculean tasks are easily sorted, and the level of technology available is limited. Regardless, the new world comes with its own unique history and culture, and Rudeus must learn to adapt.

16 No Game No Life

MyAnimeList Score: 8.07

Of the many isekai anime out there, No Game No Life has a unique world-building like no other. Despite following a unique concept where the protagonists Shiro and Sora are reincarnated into a fantasy world where everything is decided through games, the fantasy world is portrayed in a structured manner with various cultures and practices present. The world in which they are reincarnated into—Disboard—consists of 16 different races with a laid-down hierarchy.

At the bottom of this hierarchy lies Imanity, a race of humans with no affinity for magic. To change the status quo, Shiro and Sora involve themselves in a bid for power after they get transported into Disboard.

15 The Devil Is A Part-Timer!

MyAnimeList Score: 7.74

The Devil Is a Part-Timer! (2013)

Isekai

Fantasy

Comedy

Romance

Release Date

April 4, 2013

Studio

White Fox, Studio 3Hz

Number of Episodes

37

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu , Tubi

As a reverse isekai series, this anime takes place not in a fantasy world but in modern-day Tokyo after the Demon Lord Satan retreats into the human world. Now in the human world, Satan’s magic power is weak and diminishing, and he must get a job to cater for himself and pay the rent.

The way this anime series manages to combine the fantasy elements of its characters with modern-day Tokyo is what makes it shine. As Satan is not from Tokyo, he must learn the practices of the people while using his already diminishing magic abilities to fight off his pursuers.

14 The Rising Of The Shield Hero

MyAnimeList Score: 7.97

The Rising of The Shield Hero

Isekai

Action

Fantasy

Release Date

January 9, 2019

Studio

Kinema Citrus, DR Movie

Number of Episodes

50

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

Naofumi Iwatani is summoned to a fantasy world alongside four other individuals to be the cardinal heroes of the world they are summoned to. Firstly unsure of what to do and how to proceed, Naofumi researches the world he must now accept as his duty to protect.

Meanwhile, this fantasy world does not lack a rich cultural heritage, and Naofumi realizes his set of cardinal heroes is not the first, and many others have been summoned from other versions of Japan. As the series goes on, fans realize that many things up to Naofumi’s summoning were not simply by chance but follow certain conditions the world already follows to preserve itself.

13 Darwin's Game

MyAnimeList Score: 7.23

Darwin's Game

Mystery

Action

Suspense

Release Date

January 4, 2020

Studio

Nexus

Number of Episodes

11

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Funimation , Hulu , Netflix

This video game Isekai exists in a world not that much different from reality, but because everything is dripping in dread (and often blood-soaked, too), it changes one's perception entirely. Every building turns into a potential hideout or the safe house of a deadly threat. Each alleyway transforms into a target practice site. A simple cellphone becomes a vital lifeline, possibly containing the only means of escape.

Enduring Darwin's Game is not all that bad, as players are handsomely rewarded for any successful killing sprees, regardless of the fact that the murdered users never return to reality. Each unsuspecting (or occasionally, willing) participant gets blessed with an Isekai bonus called a Sigil, granting them superhuman talents perfectly adapted for survival or assassination.

12 KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!

MyAnimeList Score: 8.11

KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World!

Isekai

Comedy

Based on Natsume Akatsuki's novel and light novel series, KonoSuba parodies the isekai genre by following a party of "heroes" who are the definition of dysfunctional.

Release Date

January 14, 2016

Studio

Studio Deen

Number of Episodes

20

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Hulu

When this NEET-in-denial gets the fright of his life and comes face to face with the Goddess, Aqua, he is not terribly keen on enduring round two of life and decides to drag the blue-haired girl along for the ride. In desperate need of some finances, the pair sign up to be adventurers in the Fantasy World and quickly realize it will take some effort (and some serious coin) to increase their skill sets.

After teaming up with some equally useless quirky characters, Kazuma and his Harem battle against some of the strangest beasts imaginable, ranging from unicorn bunnies to flying cabbages (or lettuce heads in disguise) and much more. Great attention to detail is also applied to the unconventional feasts set before Kazuma and his gal pals (ones which viewers would struggle to find anywhere else)!

11 Parallel World Pharmacy

MyAnimeList Score: 7.30

It's easy for anime fans to get excited when the lead protagonist is reincarnated into a realm that has pre-established and intricate lore, as it adds significantly more depth to the alternative reality. With Panactheos arguably receiving the most praise from society, the various elemental Deities are fondly worshipped in the San Fleuve Empire, and as a reward, Divine Arts are handed out to their patrons (only to those of Noble blood, of course).

What is unique to Parallel World Pharmacy's worldbuilding is how predominant Science is to the storyline (which also lines up with real-life facts and theories, to keep the boffins satisfied). Falma de Médiciss lands in this archaic kingdom with his bum in the butter but is thankfully using his extensive medical knowledge and powers of elemental manipulation to create life-changing medications for those in need.

10 I'm The Villainess, So I'm Taming The Final Boss

MyAnimeList Score: 7.23

The recently reincarnated Aileen d'Autriche has to learn how to navigate her way through not one, but two separate societies within her Isekai nightmare, as humans and demons generally tend to steer clear of each other. As a Villainess who is destined to die, Aileen quickly makes an ally out of the Demon Lord, Claude, and her shadow subsequently becomes a portal of sorts, where demonic creatures (usually of the adorable variety) can pop in and out at will.

The medieval-styled terrain is not the most unique set-up in the Isekai genre; however, the strong Otome element and assortments of mythological creatures, magic items, folklore, and political structures more than make up for any lack of originality. The picturesque scenery perfectly encapsulates the feel of a classic dating-sim scenario, while the spooky woods are foreboding enough to encourage most travelers to avoid its depths.

9 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

MyAnimeList Score: 8.14

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Action

Adventure

Isekai

Based on Fuse's novel and light novel series, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is an isekai anime that follows Rimuru, a guy who reincarnates in a fantasy world as its weakest monster. However, that soon changes.

Release Date

October 2, 2018

Studio

Eight Bit

Number of Episodes

48+

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu , Crunchyroll

Getting to experience the world as a Slime would make most things appear relatively amazing, and That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is the perfect example of how simply changing the audience's point of view can have a significant effect on the success of its worldbuilding. Combining the spiritual, demonic, and human realms is another fail-safe way to entertain fans while following the process of a Slime's evolution in an RPG format creates enough intrigue to keep fans glued to their screens.

Reborn in the chaotic universe of Tensura World, created by the first of its kind, the Star-King Dragon Veldanava, Rimuru has to navigate through a complex landscape (and its equally multifaceted political system) while surviving increasingly more difficult tasks along the way. Interestingly enough, Tensura World gives the strong impression of only being a small element of the larger picture, suggesting that there is much more out there to explore!

8 Drifters

MyAnimeList Score: 7.89

History is a far deeper, more complex, and more confusing subject than most people give it credit for, and it's not until history buffs begin to rattle off names, dates, and incidents that the scope of the subject begins to reveal itself. That's one reason that most anime shy away from incorporating real people into their world-building: it's simply too complex. Drifters tackles this challenge head-on.

A mixture of fantasy isekai and what-if biopic, this underrated isekai anime imagines many of history's most fascinating figures thrown together and then forced to fight a war against one another. Coming from the creator of Hellsing Ultimate, Drifters has quality writing and a great aesthetic, but it's the depth of its world-building that's the ultimate draw.

7 Ascendance Of A Bookworm

MyAnimeList Score: 7.99

Ascendance of a Bookworm (2019)

Isekai

Fantasy

Release Date

October 3, 2019

Studio

Ajia-do Animation Works

Number of Episodes

36

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll

World building can be grand--and to an extent, it has to be, since it's a whole world that's being dealt with, after all--but it's okay if the process starts small. One of the best world-building techniques is to choose a single element of the world and then flesh it out until it is thoroughly believable, then use that element as the foundation for everything else.

In Ascendance of a Bookworm, the small thing is reading. The protagonist is a little girl beginning the long journey towards literacy, and while conquering a book may not be conquering a kingdom the way other isekai protagonists do, it provides the framework for some truly inventive world-building.

6 Sword Art Online

MyAnimeList Score: 7.20

It's easy to downplay the accomplishments of Sword Art Online. The series seemed to work its way into every corner of geek culture, and overexposure grated on the nerves of some. Dismissing the series based on its popularity alone would be a mistake, however.

Sword Art Online has some of the best world-building in isekai and part of what makes it so great is its willingness to go beyond the limits of its fictional MMO. The sinister corporation and mysterious figures pulling the strings back on earth receive plenty of time and attention, letting the writers develop the politics, military activities, and logistics of two worlds at once. That the series manages to build two worlds side by side and intertwine their stories speaks for itself.

5 Now And Then, Here And There

MyAnimeList Score: 7.60

Now and Then, Here and There isn't one of the first anime most people mention when the greatest isekai are discussed, but when it comes to its world-building, it should be. The desert world into which Shuu is flung as the result of his misguided attempt to rescue a strange girl is phenomenal.

Isekai heroics lose much of their meaning and excitement when the world in which they take place feels like every other, and the world of Now and Then, Here and There doesn't. A wasteland boiling under the light of a red giant, the world of this anime is a detailed dystopia that unabashedly examines every awful consequence of the climate crisis and military supremacy it depicts. Its world is painful to look at but brilliantly conceived.