10 Must-Watch Time Travel Anime Series

Explore the captivating world of time travel in anime, a popular sci-fi theme known for its intriguing plots and dynamic character interactions. From classics like Steins;Gate to recent hits like Re:Zero, these series offer top-notch stories that delve into complex philosophical questions. This article will showcase the 10 best time travel anime that every fan should experience, offering thought-provoking narratives, fully-realized characters, and creative approaches to the concept of moving through time. Whether it's watching someone rewrite their own history or seeing time policemen ensure proper chronology, these titles showcase why the genre resonates strongly with viewers.

Disclaimer: The article is not ranked and reflects the opinion of the writer.

Beyond the clock: Top 10 must-watch time travel anime

1. Orange

Orange (Image via Telecom Animation Film)

"Orange" is a touching teenage drama with a time travel element, where Naho discovers that her new classmate Kakeru will die by suicide in the future through a letter from her 26-year-old self. Determined to change his fate, Naho enlists the help of her friends to save Kakeru. Despite being categorized as a romance anime, "Orange" is also celebrated for its sensitive portrayal of depression and mental health, and its depiction of the lasting impact of tragedy on relationships and regrets.

The time travel creates tension around whether the future is set or can change through compassion.

2. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Image via Madhouse)

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is considered a modern anime classic and received numerous accolades upon its release. The time travel anime follows the story of Makoto Konno, who discovers she has the ability to "leap" back in time and change past events. Initially using her power to fix minor mishaps, Makoto's carefree approach is tested when she realizes the unintended consequences of her actions on others and their futures.

This anime film delves into the ethical implications of altering destiny for personal gain, while also examining the notion that foreknowledge of the future does not guarantee acceptance. It is a poignant exploration of adolescence and the harsh lessons that come with it.

3. Erased

Erased (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Renamed Boku Dake ga Inai Machi in Japan, Erased is a gripping time travel anime that follows 29-year-old Satoru. When a tragedy strikes in his present, Satoru's unique ability transports him back 18 years to his childhood. He now has the chance to unravel the truth behind a past incident and change the dark future that awaits him.

With its thrilling plot and addictive appeal, Erased delves into Satoru's past regrets through the lens of time travel. Blending mystery with real-world issues such as corruption and child abuse, the series tells a deeply moving story punctuated by occasional moments of innocence and hope.

4. Link Click

Link Click (Image via Studio LAN)

Link Click is a compelling Chinese anime series with a surprising sci-fi twist. Following Cheng Xiaoshi, who discovers the ability to time travel through photography, and his partner Lu Guang, the duo embarks on solving historical mysteries. As their detective agency grows in skill, they bear witness to pivotal moments in China's history, while also unraveling perplexing crimes in the present day. The time jumps not only serve as a plot device, but also infuse the story with emotional depth, transporting the characters to impactful historical events that shape their perspectives. Through the lens of time travel, the storytelling explores the far-reaching consequences of choices and moments on people's lives.

5. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate (Image via White Fox) .

Steins;Gate is an essential addition to any list of time travel anime. The series follows eccentric "mad scientist" Rintaro Okabe as he accidentally discovers time travel, only to realize that the universe will try to correct any interference with the past. His friend Mayuri's fate to die leads Okabe to attempt numerous desperate strategies using the ability to send text messages into the past.

More of a sci-fi thriller than a traditional action anime, Steins;Gate showcases cool technology, unexpected twists, and endearing characters that make for an entertaining adventure. The show explores the concept of divergent timelines and the butterfly effect, and has remained a top choice in anime polls since its release in 2011.

Fans are now eagerly waiting for the final film in the trilogy, due in 2023.

6. Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World

Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World (Image via White Fox)

Re:Zero is an exceptional anime that combines psychological fantasy adventure with the tragedy of a time loop. When Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary teenager, is suddenly transported to a realm reminiscent of a fantasy video game, he initially feels fortunate to be part of this thrilling new world. However, his luck takes a turn for the worse when he meets a horrific death, only to find himself back at an earlier point in time, compelled to relive events while retaining knowledge of potential futures.

Witnessing Subaru endure countless brutal deaths may seem repetitive, but each new demise becomes increasingly heartbreaking. As he painstakingly unravels the mysteries of this extraordinary phenomenon, observe his gradual progress toward breaking free from the time loop with the help of allies, acts of sacrifice, and enduring a great deal of suffering.

7. The Tatami Galaxy

The Tatami Galaxy (Image via Madhouse)

The Tatami Galaxy, with its distinctive art style, revolves around an unnamed third-year university student filled with regret over his uneventful college life. Given the opportunity to revisit choices made over the past two years, he strives to rectify past errors, only to find himself trading one disappointment for another.

8. Buddy Complex

This thought-provoking anime delves into the realm of surreal dark comedy, utilizing time travel to highlight the struggle of decision paralysis and the pointlessness of measuring real life against unrealistic concepts of happiness. The concise 11-minute episodes urge audiences to immerse themselves in this existential time travel series in just one contemplative evening.

Buddy Complex (Image via Sunrise)

Aoba, a mecha pilot from the future, finds himself unexpectedly transported to a battlefield one year in the past. There, he teams up with student soldier Dio to pilot the powerful Buddy Complex robot. As their friendship develops, they learn to synchronize their fighting moves across the time rift.

9. Tokyo Revengers

Aoba and Dio find themselves caught in a struggle to restore the original timeline, plunging them into a temporal conflict rife with earth-shattering revelations that threaten to obliterate their shared future. Buddy Complex seamlessly combines traditional mecha battles with mind-bending time travel elements throughout its 13 thrilling episodes. This time-bending anime showcases awe-inspiring mecha animation sequences that showcase the synchronized combat prowess of the two main characters.

Tokyo Revengers (Image via Liden Films)

Following the mysterious death of his middle school ex-girlfriend Hinata, the protagonist Takemichi Hanagaki from Tokyo Revengers discovers a unique ability to time travel. Transported back to his middle school years, his mission is to infiltrate the Tokyo Manji Gang and prevent Hinata's tragic fate. Along the way, he must navigate the gang's internal conflicts and rivalries.

10. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

The series goes beyond typical tropes and bravely addresses serious topics such as abuse and violence, using empathetic character development. Takemichi's transformation from weakness to heroism also prompts thought-provoking questions about redemption and the ability to make up for past mistakes later in life.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Image via Shaft)

Although famous for its dark magical girl theme, Puella Magi Madoka Magica incorporates extensive time travel elements, particularly in the story of Homura Akemi. When she fails to save Madoka Kaname from a tragic fate, Homura's unique ability enables her to go back in time in order to prevent the disaster from taking place.

Homura is caught in an intricate time loop, constantly going back to alter events and witnessing Madoka face different misfortunes. Through her painful perseverance, the emotional weight of Madoka Magica is revealed, delving into Homura's deep motivations. This anime stands out in the time travel genre.

Conclusion

Delving into the world of time travel anime, viewers are captivated by innovative twists on the classic theme, as characters navigate through past, present, and future with thrilling and sometimes unpredictable consequences. Whether it's a gripping sci-fi thriller, a deeply emotional drama, or a side-splitting comedy, anime creators expertly weave time travel into their narratives, delivering a fresh and captivating take on the concept.

This compilation barely scratches the surface of the captivating tales that demonstrate the significance of time travel in anime. Dive into these captivating series to witness the endless possibilities of rewriting destiny. Which anime would you consider as timeless classics in the realm of time travel? The potential for storytelling through time knows no bounds.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited to explore the captivating world of time travel anime. The concept of manipulating time has always fascinated me, and I believe that anime is the perfect medium to bring these stories to life. The 10 series mentioned in the article offer a diverse range of time travel narratives, from the touching drama of "Orange" to the thrilling mystery of "Erased."

One of the things I appreciate most about time travel anime is the way it allows creators to explore complex philosophical questions. For example, "Steins;Gate" delves into the idea of predestination and the consequences of changing the past. "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" raises questions about the nature of identity and the value of life. These series challenge viewers to think deeply about the nature of time and the choices we make in our own lives.

In addition to the philosophical themes, I also enjoy the character dynamics in time travel anime. The characters in these series are often forced to confront difficult choices and moral dilemmas, and their interactions with each other can be both heartwarming and heartbreaking. For example, the relationship between Okabe Rintarou and Kurisu Makise in "Steins;Gate" is both complex and compelling, and their journey together is one of the most emotionally resonant in all of anime.

Overall, I believe that time travel anime is a unique and exciting genre that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for thought-provoking storytelling, dynamic character interactions, or simply a thrilling escape, there is a time travel anime out there for you. I encourage all anime fans to explore this genre and discover the many wonders it has to offer.