15 Best Isekai Anime Like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, aside from being a mouthful of a title, is one of the generation’s greatest, most definitive ongoing isekai today. Into its fourth season with a movie on the way, the series, also affectionately named TenSura, is a phenomenal encapsulation of the escapism found in the genre’s tropes of reincarnation and renewal in another world. While it’s far from the only popular anime in its genre, as anybody familiar with Crunchyroll’s algorithm can confirm, it’s undeniably one of the best, and in many fans’ eyes, the strongest the isekai genre has to offer.

But beyond creating a glorious presence atop its original light novels, with the series still handily topping the sales charts for the medium, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is nothing to scoff at for its anime, either. When the series inevitably reaches its season 4 finale, fans might be strongly inclined to relive its heights through another hit isekai anime. While not identical, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has a ton of lovable and gorgeous isekai anime, as well as genre-essential viewing, for any fan to enjoy.

15

Reborn as a Vending Machine: I Now Wander the Dungeon (2023)

Based on the Light Novel Written by Hirukuma

If fans thought being reincarnated as a slime was wild, try a hero who gets reincarnated as a vending machine. Reborn as a Vending Machine is exactly what it says on the tin, as the protagonist Boxxo is indeed reincarnated into a fantasy world as a vending machine. However, unlike Slime which gave Rimuru a suitably cool design, Vending Machine is fully committed to making Boxxo a functioning vending machine.

More than just a hilarious parody of isekai tropes Reborn as a Vending Machine actually has some clever writing as the series finds increasingly clever ways for Boxxo to use his vending machine powers. Fans of isekai shouldn’t let the ridiculous premise or Boxo’s goofy design fool them, as Reborn as a Vending Machine is a series that actually gets fairly significant mileage out of its ridiculous premise.

14

The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)

Based on the Light Novel Written by Satoshi Wagahara

Unlike most Isekai anime, The Devil is a Part-Timer takes a novel approach to the reincarnation trope by transporting a fantasy character into the normal world, aka “reverse isekai”. Satan is trying to take over the territory of Ente Isla, but, when he is cornered, he escapes through a portal that spits him out in modern-day Japan. Upon arrival, Satan and the followers change into humans and are forced to contend with their new surroundings. To survive, Satan takes on a part-time job at a local fast-food restaurant, MgRonald’s, while also keeping an eye out for old enemies in this strange new world.

The series is full of comedy and cleverly subverts viewers’ expectations time and again. In a way, The Devil is a Part-Timer is the exact opposite of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, as instead of a not obviously powerful being becoming powerful as in Slime, The Devil is a Part-Timer is about an incredibly powerful being forced to work a low-paying job.

13

By the Grace of the Gods (2020)

Based on the Light Novel Written by Roy and Illustrated by Ririnra

By the Grace of the Gods follows Ryoma Takebayashi, a salaryman who works in a black company, eventually dying from overwork before getting summoned to a fantasy world by three gods, reincarnating as a child and becoming a merchant expert in taming and collecting slimes for multiple activities. The anime is a charming slice-of-life isekai, without much action or conflict, as it focuses on Ryoma now having the chance to live a relaxed, mellow life, which makes for some heartwarming moments.

Just like TenSura, By the Grace of the Gods is a lighthearted isekai where the slimes play a major role in the story, as Rimuru is a slime himself and Ryoma tames and collects different types of them, but also shares relaxing vibes and smart, industrious protagonists. Like Rimuru, Ryoma uses his knowledge of the human world in his new reality, but instead of becoming the leader of a nation, he creates different artifacts and becomes a business owner.

12

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (2021)

Based on the Novel by Rifujin na Magonote

Referred to as the “grandfather of isekai”, Mushoku Tensei is a lush series filled with a large ensemble class, a complex magic system, and a political system that drives the main story. The main plot of the series follows Rudeus, a young man who, in his previous life, was a problematic degenerate trying to redeem himself and lead a better life now that he’s been reincarnated.

Starting out as a toddler, Mushoku Tensei explores many of Rudeus’ major milestones, being trained in magic for the first time, and spends time exploring his life as he ages and becomes an adept adventurer. Playing itself more straight compared to isekai with stronger comedy leanings, Mushoku Tensei excels in drama, with season 2 reuniting Rudeus with one of his childhood friends and seeing the two get married.

11

I’m Standing on a Million Lives (2020)

Based on the manga by Naoki Yamakawa

I’m Standing on a Million Lives follows a group of middle school students transported to a medieval fantasy world to complete quests, returning once they’re finished only to be summoned again sometime later. Somewhat of a mix between an isekai and a teenage slice-of-life series, I’m Standing on a Million Lives wears many hats.

While the plot is ridiculous and the characters – particularly the protagonist – can be tough to take seriously, there’s a hearty dose of humor in this isekai adventure, and characters like the Game Master introduce enough intrigue to keep viewers engaged throughout the season. Fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime may find the series’ irreverent tone to be particularly appealing, as I’m Standing on a Million Lives is probably best enjoyed if fans don’t take the events too seriously.

10

Grimgar Ashes And Illusions (2016)

Based on the light novel Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash written by Ao Jumonji & illustrated by Eiri Shirai

Many protagonists in isekai anime become overpowered shortly after being reincarnated, but this is not the case in Grimgar Of Fantasy And Ash. This anime is set in an RPG-like world where a group of amnesiac strangers is forced to work together to survive. The setting of the anime is brutal and realistic, and the characters face genuine challenges that could easily kill them. Even low-level goblins are no easy task for the group of adventurers, which makes their journey all the more gritty and realistic.

The series follows a group of adventurers who have no memory of how they arrived in a dark fantasy world. Unfortunately not cut out for the adventuring life, a team of rejects led by the thief Haruhiro band together to try and make a living in the brutal world they now call home. Fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime will appreciate that Grimgar Of Fantasy And Ash takes the fantasy genre seriously and isn’t afraid to take a dark turn when appropriate.

9

Log Horizon (2014)

Based on the Light Novel by Mamare Touno

Log Horizon begins like any other isekai anime. At the start of the series, 30,000 gamers from Japan become mysteriously trapped inside a virtual reality game. One of the players, Shiroe, is a wily veteran of the game and manages to attract a group of fellow players stuck there with him. Together, Shiroe and his companions navigate the game’s adventures and learn how to coexist with the game’s NPCs known as “natives.”

Log Horizon doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel or do anything new in the genre, but it’s a solid series that sticks to a tried and true formula. It’s a classic adventure story that checks off all the boxes when it comes to swords, sorcery, and fantasy drama making it a great anime for fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated a Slime to get lost in.

8

Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021)

Based on the Light Novel Written by Kei Azumi and Illustrated by Mitsuaki Matsumoto.

In Tsukimichi, Makoto Misumi tries to make a place for himself in his new reality after being rejected by the goddess who summoned him and threw him into the wasteland where he meets various non-human races, each offering a unique perspective on the world and helping build Makoto’s role in it. Makoto ends up becoming a powerful figure and finding companions, Tomoe and Mio, who follow him out of respect and admiration, an aspect also developed in That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, where Rimuru seeks allies.

Although Rimuru doesn’t struggle with his appearance like Makoto, as he has good looks despite being a slime, they share similarities as they are both overpowered in their new worlds, build their own nations, and also ally with a dragon. Makoto makes a contract with Tomoe, while Rimuru befriends Veldora. Both anime also strike the perfect balance between comedy and action, with their unique quirkiness and stunning battles while focusing more on a world-building narrative, showing more of the political aspects of their kingdoms.

7

.hack//Sign (2002)

Original Anime Series Created by Studio Bee Train

Though far from the first isekai anime, .hack//Sign codified many of the tropes that have since become foundational to the genre. Things like getting stuck in a video game fantasy world can trace its popularity, in some part, back to .hack. The series follows a young man named Tsukasa whose mind is trapped in The World, the first MMORPG developed in the wake of a disaster that destroyed the internet.

What follows is as much of a mystery series as it is a fantasy, as Tsukasa tries to unveil the reason his mind is stuck in The World. .hack//Sign was released right around the time that MMOs such as Everquest were blowing up in popularity, so its plot was quite unique and interesting when the series first released. Even beyond its interesting themes and intriguing plot, as a classic forefather of isekai, it’s well worth a watch for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime fans.

6

KonoSuba (2016)

Based on the Light Novel by Natsume Akatsuki

KonoSuba begins with Kazuma Satou dying prematurely and being presented with the choice to either continue on to heaven or be reincarnated into a new world. He predictably chooses the latter and is subsequently thrown into a fantasy world that keeps trying to get him to confront a villain known as the Demon King. On his journey, Kazuma is joined by other adventurers such as the mage, Megumin, and the crusader, Darkness. Kazuma and his dysfunctional party stumble along as best they can, and the resulting adventures are equal parts exciting and hilarious.

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What makes KonoSuba stand out is just how much fun the series is. Kazuma’s party is laughably dysfunctional, giving them a goofy sort of energy that feels like friends constantly ribbing each other in good nature. The irreverence and banter between the party members is more than enough to earn KonoSuba a place among the best anime like That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.