There are plenty of reincarnation stories in the anime medium, including both the ever-popular isekai and others, but these are the cream of the crop.
Summary
- Reincarnation stories in anime can be split into two categories: isekai and non-isekai stories.
- The Misfit of Demon King Academy and My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! are must-watch titles for fans of the genre.
- That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is recognized as one of the best isekai anime ever, thanks to its character development and worldbuilding.
Finding the best reincarnation anime is no easy task, given the theme's recent surge in popularity in the medium. The more reincarnation stories that anime fans are presented with, the more difficult it becomes to identify the actually good ones. Yet for those intrigued by such a premise, there are certainly quite a few worthwhile options.
Reincarnation stories are common enough in anime for them to be split into two categories: isekai titles wherein the protagonist is reborn in a completely different, usually magical world and those where one is reincarnated in the same world, either after a long period of time or simply in a different body. While the former are generally more popular, there are quite a few non-isekai reincarnation stories that stand out as well.
10 The Eminence in Shadow (2022)
Produced by Nexus and Based on the Light Novel by Daisuke Aizawa and Tozai
The Eminence in Shadow tells the story of someone whose reincarnation allowed him to become a powerful mastermind who secretly pulls the strings from behind the scenes. Wishing for strength but never for recognition, Cid Kagenou has dreamed of leading an underground society and fighting against a hidden malevolent cult. Unbeknownst to him, this is exactly the situation he ends up in upon being reincarnated, with all his made-up ideas turning into reality. From its production quality to the way it combines action and fantasy, this title truly stands out among the crowd.
Season 2 is currently airing, and it continues to deliver on everything fans enjoyed about the first one.
9 The Misfit of Demon King Academy (2020)
Produced by SILVER LINK. and Based on the Light Novel by Shu and Yoshinori Shizuma
The Misfit of Demon King Academy tells the story of Anos Voldigoad, the first and most powerful Demon King in history. Tired of the endless conflict that plagues the world during his time, Anos seeks to end the wars between humans, spirits, gods, and demons by building walls between the four races and sacrificing himself in the process. Reborn two thousand years later, he finds that the peace he desired has also led to a significant decrease in average magic levels, with his power level being so high that it cannot be assessed. As a fantastic example of a power fantasy, this title is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
8 My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! (2020)
Produced by SILVER LINK. and Based on the Light Novel by Satoru Yamaguchi and Nami Hidaka
Typical isekai stories allow protagonists whose lives were otherwise uninteresting to be reborn in magical worlds full of possibilities and exciting events to experience. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Catarina Claes, the protagonist of My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!. Despite being reincarnated in an otome game she used to play, she is not the much-beloved heroine but rather the antagonist, whose tragic ending is all but guaranteed. Using her wits and knowledge of the game, she must do anything in her power to prevent this. For fans of the isekai theme, this original title is sure to prove refreshing and highly enjoyable.
7 The Founder of Diabolism (2018)
Produced by B.CMAY PICTURES and Tencent Penguin Pictures and Based on the Web Novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
In a world where all cultivators hope to achieve the state of immortality known as xian, Wei Wuxian, otherwise known as The Founder of Diabolism, develops a new, unorthodox path known as Demonic cultivation, harvesting power from ghosts and demons. Although this path allows him to contribute greatly to the overthrowing of the rampaging Wen Clan during the "Sunshot Campaign," he ends up being persecuted by his allies who deem him too powerful and dangerous. Brought back to life thirteen years later, Wei Wuxian is now faced with the task of exploring the mysteries of the spiritual world. Showcasing the unique strengths of Chinese animation, this brilliant title shines in terms of both story and art.
6 KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! (2016)
Produced by Studio Deen and Drive and Based on the Light Novel by Natsume Akatsuki and Kurone Mishima
The growth of any theme as popular as isekai is bound to result in the release of parodies that subvert common tropes and ideas for comedic purposes. In KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, Kazuma Satou is chosen to be reborn in a fantasy world and tasked with defeating the Demon King, without receiving any special skills to aid with his mission. Instead, he selects the Goddess of Water, Aqua, as his companion, only to later learn that she has no interest in supporting him, spending all of her skill points on pointless party tricks. Focusing on pure entertainment above all, KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! is a massive hit for a reason.
5 Dead Mount Death Play (2023)
Produced by Geek Toys and Based on the Manga by Ryohgo Narita and Shinta Fujimoto
As somewhat of a reverse isekai, Dead Mount Death Play follows a legendary necromancer known as the Corpse God, who narrowly escapes defeat by reincarnating himself as Polka Shinoyama, a boy who had just been assassinated in modern-day Tokyo. In spite of his hopes of taking this opportunity to live a peaceful life, he finds that this new world isn’t as friendly as he would have thought. Targeted by dangerous groups and assisted by unlikely companions, Polka needs to overcome the lack of mana and other constraints of his new situation to survive. Although far from perfect, this title is surprisingly fun and unpredictable, even for fans familiar with reincarnation stories.
Part 2 is currently airing, making this a good time to get caught up with the story.
4 Ascendance of a Bookworm (2019)
Produced by Ajia-do and Based on the Light Novel by Miya Kazuki and You Shiina
Ascendance of a Bookworm follows the story of a Japanese apprentice librarian who loves books more than anything else in the world. After dying in an unfortunate accident, she is reincarnated in the frail body of Myne, a young girl living in a medieval fantasy world. Much to her dismay, she learns that, due to the difficulty of creating books, they are only available to the elite. Fueled by her passion, she sets out to single-handedly develop a way to bring books to the common citizens, leveraging her vast knowledge and resourcefulness in the process. Among dozens of generic isekai titles, this one stands out, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
3 Ya Boy Kongming! (2022)
Produced by P.A. Works and Based on the Web Manga by Yuto Yotsuba and Ryo Ogawa
As a brilliant military strategist, Ya Boy Kongming!'s titular protagonist Zhuge Kongming’s life was defined by the countless battles he participated in during the Three Kingdoms period. Tired of the endless conflict, his only remaining wish was to be reborn in a more peaceful world. Much to his surprise, his wish is granted, as he finds himself waking up in modern-day Tokyo, where the first person he meets is Eiko Tsukimi, an aspiring singer. Enthralled by her performance, he immediately decides to become her manager and sets out to make her famous, leveraging his tactical genius in the process. As absurd as its premise may be, this show manages to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience.
10 Best Anime Every History Nerd Needs to Watch
Historical fiction is a surprisingly popular genre among anime fans, with key standout series making them a must-watch on anybody's watch list.2 That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018)
Produced by 8bit and Based on the Manga by Fuse, Taiki Kawakami, and Mitz Vah
In most fantasy worlds, slimes are some of the weakest creatures, serving as mere fodder for the heroes to gain experience and skills in the early stages of their journey. As such, one can only imagine the disappointment that That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime's Rimuru must have felt when they were reborn as such a mob. However, Rimuru is no ordinary slime, boasting the divine protection granted by their newfound friend, the storm dragon Veldora Tempest, as well as the ability to devour and mimic others’ abilities. Thanks to Rimuru’s character development and the complexity of its worldbuilding, this title is recognized as one of the best isekai anime ever.
1 [Oshi No Ko] (2023)
Produced by Doga Kobo and Based on the Manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari
[Oshi No Ko]’s Ai Hoshino is a rising idol, hoping to take over the entertainment industry. However, everything changes when she announces a hiatus due to an undisclosed pregnancy. Hoping to give birth secretly, she visits a countryside clinic, where a kind doctor, who also happens to be her fan, commits to the safe delivery of her children. Yet as he is killed by Ai’s stalker, he finds himself reborn as one of her children, Aquamarine Hoshino, and soon learns that the life of a celebrity is not as rosy as it may seem. [Oshi No Ko] is a strange yet captivating title. It's particularly appreciated for its commentary on the entertainment industry, making it among the best reincarnation anime.
