But to put a twist on this already intriguing genre, we have its less popular counterpart: Reverse Isekai. This essentially “reverses” the way normal Isekai stories go, where a character from some world(or game) is transported to Earth. So out of all the anime in this category, which ones stand out? Here’s a bunch you’ll probably like.
15. Sengoku Collection
Sengoku Collection is a good anime for samurai fans and school-life fans alike. It’s a comedy-heavy show that depicts the famous samurai of Japan as high school girls in an alt-reality setting. And while it is made for a more casual and chill viewing experience, the comedy often makes up for the lack of action in the story. However, it’s not without its flaws – as the lack of continuity between the episodes can be a bit jarring. Not to mention that some anime fans might also have a problem with the story’s overall calmness, despite it featuring some incredible swordsmen. Still worth a shot if you like the premise.
14. Isekai Izakaya: Japanese Food From Another World
Here we have an excellent culinary anime that’s centered around the wonders of food & how it can bring people together. Even across other dimensions. Not that I find that too strange. In fact, I’ve always been a fan of Japanese food myself! If I was ever stuck in a world without Japanese food, I’d probably make a break for the nearest portal to Nobu too. All in all, while some people would say that Isekai Izakaya’s plot might be too laid-back, it does have a certain wholesome vibe to it that most slice-of-life shows can’t match.
13. Dropkick on my Devil!
If the title isn’t an indication enough that this show is hilarious, then I’m not sure where to go. Dropkick on my Devil! is a series that’s chock full of slapstick comedy and hysterical banter between its oddly remarkable set of characters. We mostly follow our two main leads —the human Yurine Hanazono, and the demoness Janshin-chan. The plot revolves around the conflicts these two have, as Janshin-chan can’t go back home unless she kills her summoner – which just happens to be Yurine. We get to see plenty of amusing “showdown” scenes, which often lead to Janshin-chan losing and getting beat up by Yurine.
12. Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero
Our first action-heavy title on the list! Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero is yet another reverse-isekai with an interesting premise — perhaps even more so than the other titles of its kind. It kicks off with our protagonist (along with many other young people like him) being sent to one of the countless fantasy worlds, before being sent back to Earth. Some characters (like our MC Akatsuki Ousawa) retain the abilities they got from whatever worlds they were sent to. And the majority of the story picks up right after they’re back on Earth. Admittedly, the show’s bizarre yet unique take on the reverse-isekai genre has managed to hook me right in. Who knows, maybe it might do the same for you too!
11. Restaurant to Another World
Much like Toriko and Food Wars, Restaurant to Another World is a show that’s mainly focused on food. Although unlike other cooking shows, Restaurant to Another World doesn’t have much steamy fanservice (Food Wars) or over-the-top fight scenes (Toriko). Instead it has a completely different charm that’s somewhat similar to a show we’ve already mentioned (Isekai Izakaya). In essence, Restaurant to Another World is a slice-of-life anime that features lots of fantasy characters, from fairies and elves, to catgirls and dragon-girls. But most of all, it shares a broad and wholesome message about how food should be served no matter who you are — regardless of race, appearance, and status in life.
10. Laidbackers
Let me clarify that this shouldn’t be confused with the criminally underrated action series “GetBackers”. No, Laidbackers is a short (but sweet) anime film all its own. The name comes from the story itself, which revolves around the (mostly) peaceful life of Kumi Honamanuma, our protagonist. She’s an art student who lives with several oddball characters after inheriting a supposedly empty candy store from her grandmother. These oddball characters are actually heroes from another world, who came to Earth in pursuit of the Demon King — only they do less “hero stuff” and more slacking around. It’s a great comedy, and a decent slice-of-slice film overall. But the show’s somewhat underwhelming runtime is among its very few flaws, I would say.
9. Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri is yet another reverse-isekai series that has an entirely fresh take on the genre. It’s a show that explores the story of Yoshifumi Nitta — a Yakuza member/antique collector who’s had a fateful encounter with a mysterious girl from another world. Nitta eventually discovers that this mysterious girl (Hina) has powers that could help him secure his position as a member of this gang. Thus begins an unlikely relationship, and a series of hilarious interactions between a Yakuza member, a girl from an advanced civilization, and a whole lot of strange characters. All the humor in this series is sure to leave you grinning after each episode – and that’s partially why it stands out so much.
8. The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated!
If you’re a fan of adorable demon-girl protagonists (or just demon girls in general) then this one’s for you! The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! is one of the more recent entries on this list. And it’s also one of the best shows to watch if you’re looking for a decent reverse-isekai anime. The show excels in its remarkable portrayal of how it would feel for someone who used to be a big-shot in the fantasy world, to then live on modern-day Earth. Only they have no powers, no wealth, and no viable life experience to their name. And despite having a much lighter and easygoing tone than other reverse-isekai titles out there, this show does have some action scenes – and a ton of hilarious comedy if you’re interested.
7. GATE
Speaking of reverse isekai titles with plenty of action scenes… GATE often comes to mind. It’s show that’s focused on war, technology vs. magic battles, and otherworldly creatures. GATE is one of my personal favorites here, as it answers a question that almost every teenage boy has wondered: “What would happen if medieval and modern forces clashed?” The answer is already pretty obvious if you think about it – but I’d still recommend all of you to watch this one. Why? Because it’s simply that good. Which is pretty amazing, if we stop to consider just how bad some typical isekai titles are.
6. Gabriel Dropout
If you’re an angel character enthusiast just like yours truly, then I’m sure you’ll find this show a pretty satisfying experience. Gabriel Dropout, as its name suggests, revolves around the tale of Gabriel — our angelic protagonist who’s hell-bent on staying on Earth despite heaven’s wishes. What’s the reason for this? It’s because she was hooked on Earth’s video games, and then became a bit of a NEET in the process. Hmm, maybe all those Karens saying video games are bad were right all along… In any case, Gabriel Dropout is a series that I’d personally recommend to any fans of isekai stuff. Mostly because of its interesting (and often hilarious) take on angels, demons, and humans in general.
5. The Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok
This is a series that’s loosely based on Norse Mythology – so if that interests you, keep reading. If you loved seeing Loki (as played by Tom Hiddleston) in the Avengers movies, the Thor movies, and especially in his latest series – then this anime will get you hooked. The show depicts Loki as the main protagonist, and in a much different light than what the “God of Mischief” is usually depicted at. After being exiled from Asgard for his bad pranks, Loki must become the good guy in this anime and collect the “evil” that resides within human hearts. To do this, he’s created a detective agency on Earth with his human partner (Mayura) who helps him solve cases one by one, Conan Edogawa-style.
4. Re:Creators
Let’s say you’re looking for only the most high octane action-packed reverse-isekai anime. If that’s the case, Re:Creators is exactly what you need. It’s a show that features a lot of different fictional characters from other worlds — all of whom were mysteriously transported to Earth one day. It has plenty of action scenes to blow you away, along with an intriguing plot that gets even more engaging once you get to the end. What else can I say without spoilers? This series is many things – but boring isn’t one of them.
3. The Demon Lord is a Part-Timer
When it comes to combining intense action scenes and the hilarity of day-to-day life, “The Demon Lord is a Part-Timer” stands out for being one of the best. The show revolves around Sadao Maou (seriously, that’s about as creative of alias as he can get). Sadao is a literal demon lord who was thrown unexpectedly into Earth from his old world — Ente Isla. He’s not alone, though. As he’s also followed by his trusty second-in-command Shirou Ashiya, the demon-turned-NEET Lucifer, the hero Emi Yusa, and a few others. Unexpectedly, the kicker is that Maou enjoys his work at MgRonald’s instead of doing his usual “demon lord” stuff. Sure enough, he still plans to dominate the world after climbing the corporate ladder. This confuses Emi, his sworn archenemy, who then vows to keep an eye on him while they’re stuck on Earth. Everything about this unlikely relationship is what makes this comedy series so great. Definitely worth a watch.
2. Fate Series
How could we ever leave out the Fate series from this ranking? You know, the series with countless mythological figures who can be summoned as servants on Earth to fight to the death for their masters? Yep, that sounds pretty reverse isekai to me! Fate is one of the most critically acclaimed action/fantasy titles of all time for a reason – and most other titles in this genre don’t even come close to it. The show’s history not only includes the manga it was based on, but also a light novel, an eroge, and a mobile gacha game that I was once admittedly addicted to. Say what you want about Aniplex and Ufotable, but they sure know how to grow an IP both as a game and an anime series! If you’re brand new to the Fate anime then I’d recommend a watch order list like this to help you decide where to start & what to watch next.
1. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid
For our top entry we have one of the best reverse isekai & slice-of-life anime to come out in modern times. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is a light-hearted, hilarious, and oftentimes wholesome show that explores an unlikely friendship between an exiled dragon and a human. As the show goes on, more dragons (and a few more humans) are introduced as well. To which I say, “The more the merrier!” The series does have some action scenes here and there, but it’s still a laid-back show first and foremost. So if you don’t mind a slower-paced slice of life anime that’ll tug on your heartstrings every once in a while, then I’ll insist that this is a must-watch.
