Summary
Isekai animeare one of the leading genres of anime that cover numerous themes in a single story. While primarily focused on characters transported to a fantasy world, numerous stories send characters to a multitude of worlds, from medieval to futuristic settings. Whether it be gods, witches, or rituals, unsuspecting characters are targeted and brought into new lives where they have powerful abilities and higher responsibilities.
A familiar plot of many isekai series isthe summoned hero trope. Tasked with saving a single kingdom or the entire world from a demon king, a dark monster, or an unstoppable force, everyday people are snatched from one life and dropped into another. Living up to being a hero in a world that isn’t their own can be daunting for some characters, but many rise to the challenge and overcome insurmountable odds to save the world. Here are some of the best isekai anime with protagonists who were summoned to be heroes.
Seiya Ryuuguuinwas an average teenager with an eccentric personality whose life was upended when he was summoned to another world filled with magic and monsters by a goddess seeking help. The goddess charges Seiya with saving the world of Gaebrand, which has come under threat of impending doom.
As Seiya sets out on his journey, he spends almost as much time preparing as he does adventuring. With overpowered stats and abilities, Seiya still believes he should be as careful as possible to stay safe.Cautious Herois a comical series with a straightforward story to follow for fans looking for a fun but casual watch.
The Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic
Ken Usatowas attending high school and longing for excitement when he suddenly found himself in the presence of a king. Having been teleported to another world along with two other classmates, Ken was shocked and unprepared for the path his life would take.
Initially summoned by mistake, Ken becomes the protege of an aggressive woman named Rose, who is in charge of the rescue squad for the kingdom. Ken, who has the potential to become a very powerful healer, is put through rigorous training, which he endures to ensure he can keep his friends safe as the Demon King’s army approaches.
Kazuya Soumawas working diligently to become a civil servant to help people and society when, out of the blue, he was teleported into a new magical fantasy world. Coming into a world overtaken by war and destruction, Kazuya is shocked to learn that he is meant to be a hero by being a sacrifice.
Witnessing all the hardships around him, Kazuya takes it upon himself toimprove the kingdom’s situationwith his mind instead of a sword and shield. This results in Kazuya being given the throne, which in turn creates another set of problems that he must face.
Hajime Nagumois teleported to another world along with his entire class and teacher. They are met by a group of knights who tell them they have been summoned to combat the darkness that is seeking to plunge the world into despair. All the summoned students are given powerful abilities, but unfortunately, Hajime’s abilities are seen as lackluster, and he’s looked down on and eventually betrayed by his classmates, who push him to the bottom of a dungeon and leave him for dead.
Hajime makes it out of the dungeon through sheer will and spite, and his abilities evolve, making him stronger. Now, he sets out to find a way home, turning his back on his classmates.Arifuretais a very different take on the isekai genreand one of the first to subvert the main protagonist expectations that many viewers go in with.
Arcfell asleep playing his favorite game and awoke in a magical fantasy world with a new body and fancy armor. Thrilled to be able to live out his dream and become a hero who saves the princess and a valorous knight who protects a kingdom, Arc’s happiness plummets when he learns that he is also the last race he chose in his game, an undead skeleton.
As the undead are primarily feared and hated in fantasy worlds, Arc must keep his identity a secret until he finds a way to return to his human form. Along the way on his adventure, he meets new allies to journey with him and finds all sorts of quests to embark on.
Makotowas promised to a powerful goddess by his parents when he was young. Upon reaching the proper age, he was summoned to a fantasy world before the goddess to be the hero of humanity. Unfortunately, the goddess was very fickle and found displeasure in Makoto’s appearance.
Instead of backing Makota as the hero, she banished him and cursed him from ever speaking with human beings again. Despite this hardship, Makoto found a way to thrive andgrow extremely powerfulwhile connecting with the other mystical races of the world. Now Makoto seeks to undo the curse, finally connect with his own people, and face the goddess who turned on him.
Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation
After giving his life to save a girl,Rudeusfinds himself starting over in another world with swords and magic. With all his memories intact, Rudeus decides to make something of himself the second time around and uses all his experiences to do things differently.
Rudeus becomes adept at magic and begins learning about the world around him.Rudeus' journey is one of redemptionand heroism. He goes through countless hardships and must overcome them to prove to himself that he’s more than who he was in his past life.Jobless Reincarnationis a must-watch for isekai fans for its amazing storytelling and unconventionally flawed main character.
Naofumiwas teleported to another world, along with three other young men, and gifted with powerful weapons. Brought before the king, they are told that they have been chosen to be heroes to protect the world from calamity. Naofumi is overjoyed to start his new life until reality nearly crushes him.
Naofumi, unfortunately, is attached tothe Shield weapon, which comes with a deep stigma. This results in Naofumi being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, losing the respect of his fellow heroes, and being banished from the kingdom. Instead of pleading for his innocence, Naofumi decides to turn his back on being a hero and go his own way.
