Isekai is a subgenre of anime and manga that has significantly become popular over the past several years. The term 'isekai' literally means 'another world.' It refers to a story in which the main character is transported to a different world, usually one filled with fantasy and adventure. Isekai stories often feature elements of magic, mythical creatures, and fantastical landscapes, and they often explore themes of self-discovery, friendship, and overcoming challenges.
With the rise in popularity of Isekai stories, there have been many different isekai protagonists to choose from. Some characters have become popular among fans, while others have fallen by the wayside.
7 Aileen Lauren Dautriche — I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss
When Aileen's engagement to prince Cedric Jeanne Elmir is broken off so that he can marry Lilia Rainworth, certain memories from her past come back to her. She remembers being transported to an otome game as a villainess. In the last act of this game, it is her fate to die.
She plans to marry the Demon King, Claude Jeanne Elmir, so that she won't die as she was meant to. Claude makes it hard for Aileen because he doesn't trust her. In this comedy/romance anime, Aileen wants to win his heart by helping him reach his goal of making peace between demonic beasts and humans.
6 Rimuru Tempest — That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: The Movie
After being reborn in a fantasy world as a slime monster, Rimuru discovers his unique ability to absorb and mimic the abilities of other creatures. He uses this power to become stronger and more versatile, and eventually becomes a respected leader among the monsters of the Jura Forest. Rimuru is kind, intelligent, and always looking for ways to help those around him. Despite facing numerous challenges and enemies, Rimuru remains determined and works to create a better life for himself and those around him.
In this movie, while exploring a new country to the west of Tempest, Rimuru and his companions become embroiled in a plot involving the abilities of the neighboring queen. In the course of his adventure, Rimuru meets Hiiro, Benimaru's brother.
5 Master/Teacher — Reincarnated as a Sword
Master is a kind and compassionate individual who is reborn as a sword after being killed by a careless driver. Despite his initial confusion because he does not remember anything, Master eventually embraces his new life and sets out to discover his place in the world. He faces numerous challenges and obstacles throughout the series as he tries to understand his place in the world and discover his own abilities and limitations as a sword.
He moves around with telekinesis and meets Fran, who is from the tribe of Beaskins, which has a bad reputation. By grabbing Master, they were able to defeat the beast that had first attacked Fran. From this meeting, Fran forms a partnership with Master, whose name she changes to Shishou. Now recognized as a sword, Shishou wants to help Fran reach her goal.
4 Iruma Suzuki — Welcome To Demon School! Iruma-kun
A kind and compassionate teenager, Iruma is sent to the Demon World by his selfish and abusive parents. Despite his initial reluctance to embrace his new life as a demon, Iruma eventually enjoys living in the Demon World and becomes determined to make the most of his new life. Throughout the series, Iruma faces numerous challenges and obstacles as he navigates life in the Demon World and tries to fit in with his demonic peers. However, he remains determined and perseveres in the face of adversity, eventually understanding and embracing his unique abilities and talents.
In the anime's third season, after the events that played out at Walter Park, the misfit class return to school after their summer break. Upon their return, they are hit with new information that to stay in their Royal One classroom, they must be promoted to Dalet Rank. With the hopes of ranking up, the class is given a special tutor to help them. This fall season, Iruma hopes to rank up while also gaining the respect of the class tutor.
3 Cid Kagenou — The Eminence In Shadow
Written by Daisuke Aizawa, The Eminence in Shadow is an isekai anime that revolves around Cid Kagenou. A truck hits a young boy in modern Japan, and he dies and comes back to life in another world. In this world, he has been reborn as Cid Kagenou and wants to live out his dream of influencing things from behind the scenes. He meets an elven girl and heals her; thereafter, he tells a story of how the world is controlled by a cult known as the Cult of Diablos. To fight against this cult, he claims that his organization that dwells in secret, 'The Shadow Garden,' are the only one that can fight against them. The rescued elf, Alpha, joins his 'organization' and starts to recruit new members to help in the fight against the cult.
Unbeknownst to Cid, his stories are not mere delusions, and both organizations exist in a power struggle. As the leader of the Shadow Garden, his followers think he is a brilliant mastermind, but in reality, a lot of what happens depends on luck. Cid is obsessed with making sure that he is seen as a 'mob character,' so he will do anything to make sure that his actions are seen as 'mob-like.'
2 Kirito — Sword Art Online Progressive: Kuraki Yuuyami no Scherzo
Kirito is a great swordsman and avid player of virtual reality games. He finds himself imprisoned in a game in which a loss in the virtual world results in a loss of life in the actual world. Additionally, Kirito is a fearsome adversary and a smart strategist who is able to outmaneuver and triumph over even the most powerful of opponents. The fact that he is so determined to help others and so prepared to put his own life in danger for them makes him a genuine hero.
In this movie, the deadly game has begun, and Kirito and Asuna stop for a treasure. During this encounter, they must defeat a deadly monster.
1 Yousuke Shibazaki — Uncle From Another World
After being in a coma for 17 years, Yosuke Shibazaki wakes up and starts to talk in a foreign language, explaining that he was transported to a magical world known as Gran Bahamal. His nephew, Takafumi Takaoka, shoulders the duty of having to keep his uncle up to date by educating him on all that had changed during his time asleep. Some of these things include explaining the internet, the outcome of the '90s console war, and other technological advancements.
Initially receiving the news his uncle delivers to him with skepticism, Takafumi believes him after seeing a cup of water fly in the air. The two try to grow their YouTube channel and deal with the different problems that come up.