Isekai Anime is a fantasy subgenre in which the protagonist is abruptly transported to another world. The protagonist of these series is often an average person who is considered special in their new world. What they once thought to be a useless habit has now become their most powerful asset, and this often attracts a lot of attention.
One type of attention they may attract is from love interests and sometimes to an unrealistic extent, thus creating a harem. The harem is one of the numerous cliches that this popular genre has produced. While some fans enjoy harems, others despise them, particularly their sexist aspects. On top of that, harems run the risk of becoming too ridiculous, and relatable relationships add balance to these surreal stories.
Sword Art Online
Set in the year 2022, fans will enjoy comparing this fantasy world to our own. The story begins with the release of Sword Art Online (SAO), a highly anticipated virtual reality RPG. Players manage their avatars within the game using only their thoughts thanks to a technology called "NerveGear." The protagonist, known as Kirito, gets his hands on the game's first shipment. He logs on to discover the gorgeous and intricate world of Aincrad, which is full of magnificent medieval weapons and horrible monsters, along with tens of thousands of others. However, the players quickly discover that they are unable to log out since the game's designer has locked them in his new world until they finish all one hundred levels. Determined to return to the real world, Kirito meets another player who shares his sentiment and together they fight to defeat the game.
Sword Art Online is available to stream on Netflix and Crunchyroll
Now and Then, Here and There
This 90s anime is more down-to-earth than the typical isekai. While walking home from school, a boy named Shu witnesses a girl being assaulted. He attempts to save her, and this heroic act transports him to another world--- one that is at war. This militaristic realm suggests the end of days on Earth, with dwindling resources and the sun replaced by a red giant burning the last of its fuel. Shu must adapt to this hostile world while continuing to look for the girl he hasn't forgotten.
Now and Then, Here and There is available to rent on Google Play, YouTube, and Amazon.
Angel Beats!
When the protagonist of Angel Beats!, Otonashi Yuzuru, awakens, he learns he is no longer alive. He's in a high school version of the afterlife, a sort of purgatory for those who have suffered pain or adversity in their lives. These characters must make amends with their former selves before moving on or being reincarnated, but it won't be easy. With all of the mystery surrounding his predicament, Otonashi joins a group of rebel students, where he encounters a diverse group of characters, including a girl he falls for. This affection grows into love as he realizes that his bond with her is far stronger than he ever imagined.
The 13-episode Angel Beats! anime is available to stream on each of Crunchyroll, Funimation, or Netflix.
RE:Zero
Subaru Natsuki never expected to be thrown into a dream world as he leaves a simple convenience store. His arrival is anything but warm as he is immediately accosted by several thugs and pummeled to a pulp, armed only with a bag of groceries and a now useless cell phone. Fortunately, Subaru is saved by a mysterious beauty who is on the hunt for the person who stole something from her. This adventure fantasy is filled with a colorful cast of characters, and yet the protagonist has his eyes set on one girl. Time and time again he expresses his love, even when the words don't come so easily, destroying any chance of this series turning into a harem.
RE:Zero is available to stream on HBOMax
Inuyasha
This 90s gem is one of the most popular Isekai anime, starring Kagome Higurashi, an ordinary fifteen-year-old girl living in modern Tokyo. Kagome's life is turned upside down when she is ambushed by a demon and dragged down a cursed well. Instead of falling, Kagome travels 500 years back in time to Japan's Sengoku era. There she meets Inuyasha, a man-demon hybrid who is after a wish-granting diamond, the Shikon Jewel, which has been reborn inside of her. Despite their clashing personalities and the fact that he's part demon, this anime largely centers on their relationship.
Inuyasha is a new addition to Netflix's growing anime catalog. It is also available on HBO Max and Hulu Premium.
