Summary
"Beast Tamer" on Crunchyroll is a unique RPG anime that takes inspiration from "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" and offers fresh and interesting storytelling.
"Crunchyroll's 'My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom' is a delightful shojo series that challenges genre conventions, making it a great choice for fans of 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' who seek a safe and enjoyable experience."
"Get ready to laugh with 'Reborn as a Vending Machine: I Now Wander the Dungeon' on Crunchyroll, a clever parody of isekai tropes that offers a unique perspective. Fans of 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' will definitely have a fun time watching this hilarious series."
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime holds significant influence as an isekai series, prompting fans to seek out similar anime. The isekai genre has gained immense popularity in the past decade, resulting in a plethora of options for viewers. However, not all anime in this genre meet the high standards set by That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
When the light novels of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime were initially released in 2013, they provided a much-needed rejuvenation for the isekai genre. With the endless possibilities that isekai offers, it is not surprising that numerous unique stories have emerged within this genre. Even anime that proudly draw inspiration from Slime have managed to bring fresh and captivating elements to the genre. Fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime have a wide selection of anime that capture a similar vibe to choose from.
15 Beast Tamer (2022)
• Streamable on Crunchyroll
Beast Tamer belongs to the recent wave of RPG anime that incorporates the tropes of the isekai genre. While not strictly classified as isekai, it follows the story of Rein Shroud, a weak adventurer who is expelled from his party. Despite his perceived lack of strength, Rein possesses incredible potential by forming contracts with powerful beasts and gaining their abilities. Drawing inspiration from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Beast Tamer offers a fresh and intriguing take on the concept. Fans of Slime will surely enjoy this anime.
14 My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom (2020)
• Available on Crunchyroll, My Next Life as a Villainess recounts the story of Catarina Claes, a young woman whose uneventful existence takes a turn when she regains memories of her past life. Formerly an avid video game enthusiast who was ostracized by society, she now finds herself reincarnated as a female antagonist in a dating simulation game. Aware of her predetermined failure, Catarina defies expectations and strives to carve out her own path. With its plethora of tropes and its gentle tone, this shojo series faithfully adheres to the genre, making it an appealing choice for fans of whimsical and heartwarming isekai tales.
13 Reborn as a Vending Machine: I Now Wander the Dungeon (2023 - Present)
• Streamable on Crunchyroll
If fans thought being transported into a slime's body was mind-bending, they should experience the tale of a hero who is reborn as a vending machine. Reborn as a Vending Machine is a story that stays true to its title, as the main character Boxxo finds himself reincarnated into a mystical realm in the form of a vending machine. Unlike Slime, which gave Rimuru a fashionable appearance, Vending Machine fully embraces Boxxo's new identity as a functional vending machine. Beyond its comedic take on isekai stereotypes, Reborn as a Vending Machine showcases clever storytelling by presenting ingenious ways for Boxxo to utilize his vending machine abilities. As this series is currently ongoing, fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime can tune in to catch this unique and entertaining adventure.
12 The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)
• Streamable on Funimation and Tubi
In a refreshing twist on the popular Isekai anime genre, The Devil is a Part-Timer breaks the mold by sending a fantasy character into the real world. Satan, desperate to conquer the land of Ente Isla, finds himself trapped and makes a hasty escape through a portal that transports him to modern-day Japan. Suddenly human, Satan and his followers must adapt to their unfamiliar surroundings. To survive, Satan takes on a part-time job at a local fast-food restaurant called MgRonald's, all the while remaining vigilant for old adversaries in this bizarre new reality. Packed with comedy and clever narrative surprises, the series consistently subverts viewers' expectations.
11 I'm Standing on a Million Lives (2020)
10 Grimgar of Fantasy And Ash (2016)
is a unique series that follows a group of middle school students who find themselves transported to a medieval fantasy world. Tasked with completing quests, they return to their normal lives only to be summoned back again at a later time. Combining elements of both an isekai and a teenage slice-of-life series,10 Grimgar of Fantasy And Ash (2016)
offers a captivating blend of genres. While the plot may seem absurd and the characters, especially the protagonist, may not always be taken seriously, the series injects a generous amount of humor into this isekai adventure. Additionally, the Game Master character adds an element of intrigue that keeps viewers engaged throughout the season.
• Available on Hulu
9 Log Horizon (2014 - 2015)
In contrast to many isekai anime, the protagonists of Grimgar Of Fantasy And Ash do not quickly become all-powerful after being reincarnated. This particular anime takes place in a RPG-like world, where a group of strangers with amnesia are compelled to collaborate in order to survive. The setting of the anime is harsh and realistic, presenting the characters with authentic challenges that have the potential to end their lives. Even low-level goblins pose a significant threat to the group of adventurers, adding a gritty and realistic aspect to their journey. Fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime will appreciate the fact that Grimgar Of Fantasy And Ash treats the fantasy genre with sincerity and fearlessly explores darker themes when appropriate.
• Available to purchase on Prime Video
8 .hack//Sign (2002)
Log Horizon kicks off like any typical isekai anime. At the beginning of the series, a whopping 30,000 gamers from Japan suddenly find themselves trapped inside a virtual reality game, with no way to escape. Shiroe, one of the players, stands out as a cunning veteran of the game and manages to gather a group of fellow players who are also stuck in this predicament. Together, they embark on thrilling adventures within the game and learn to coexist with the game's non-playable characters, known as "natives." While Log Horizon doesn't attempt to revolutionize the genre or introduce anything groundbreaking, it remains a solid series that adheres to a reliable and proven formula. With its blend of swordplay, magic, and fantastical drama, it proudly ticks all the boxes for fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, providing an enthralling anime experience.
• Available on Crunchyroll
Though not the first isekai anime, .hack//Sign played a pivotal role in establishing many of the tropes that have since become the foundation of the genre. The concept of being trapped in a video game fantasy world, which has garnered immense popularity, can be traced back, at least partially, to .hack. The narrative revolves around Tsukasa, a young man whose consciousness is ensnared within The World, the initial massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed following a catastrophic event that caused the collapse of the internet. As Tsukasa embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind his entrapment, the series transcends the boundaries of both fantasy and mystery genres. Aside from its captivating themes and intriguing storyline, .hack//Sign, as a pioneer of isekai, is highly recommended for enthusiasts of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
7 KonoSuba (2016 - 2017)
• Available on HBO Max and Crunchyroll
6 RE: Zero - Starting Life In Another World (2016 - 2021)
KonoSuba kicks off with Kazuma Satou meeting an untimely demise and faces a crucial decision between ascending to heaven or being reborn in a whole new world. As expected, he opts for the latter and finds himself thrust into a fantastical realm incessantly urging him to confront a powerful foe known as the Demon King. Alongside fellow adventurers like the enchanting mage, Megumin, and the valiant crusader, Darkness, Kazuma and his utterly dysfunctional party stumble through their misadventures, resulting in a blend of exhilarating and comical escapades.
• Available on HBO Max and Crunchyroll
5 Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon (2015 - 2023)
Unlike the typical isekai protagonists, Natsuki Subaru from RE: Zero - Starting Life In Another World doesn't find himself in a new world through a video game or being hit by a truck. Unfortunately, Natsuki is randomly transported to this new world without any special powers. He quickly befriends Satella, a half-elf, and her companion Puck, and agrees to help them retrieve a stolen insignia. However, after they are suddenly killed, Natsuki wakes up in his bed and realizes that every time he dies, he is given a fresh chance at life to save himself and his friends. This series takes a unique approach to the reincarnation concept, blending elements of Groundhog Day and dark fantasy, making it a captivating choice for fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.
• Available on Hulu, Peacock, and Crunchyroll
In the series Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, gods send humans into a dungeon for their own entertainment. Within this dungeon, fighters have the opportunity to obtain crystal shards, which serve as both currency and materials for crafting. Additionally, heroes are organized based on their prestige and accomplishments, placing even more importance on their success in dungeoneering. With its unique blend of video game elements and high fantasy tropes, Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? stands as a quintessential example of the genre that fans of Slime will undoubtedly adore.
4 No Game No Life (2014)
• Available on Peacock, and Crunchyroll
In No Game No Life, fans are introduced to another set of hapless gamers who are suddenly transported into a game. However, everything changes for reclusive shut-ins Sora and Shiro when they receive a challenge to play chess from Tet, the God of Games. Suddenly, they find themselves transported to Disboard, a world where conflicts are resolved through games. The stakes are incredibly high, and Sora and Shiro quickly discover that the games in Disboard are far more intense and genuine than anything they have experienced before. Undeterred, they swiftly adapt to their new reality and embark on a mission to overthrow Tet and claim the throne as the rulers of Disboard.
3 Overlord (2015 - 2018)
• Available on Tubi, Hulu, Funimation, and Crunchyroll
2 So I'm A Spider, So What? (2021)
Overlord, one of the most popular titles to emerge during the Isekai renaissance, has gained its popularity for good reason. When Momonga's beloved virtual reality game, Yggdrasil, faces an imminent shutdown, he decides to make one last login and remain inside until the servers go offline. However, instead of getting booted out of the game, Momonga finds himself trapped within Yggdrasil, now taking on the persona of his skeleton character, "Overlord." Adopting the name of his former guild, Ainz Ooal Gown, he embarks on a journey to expand his dominion and conquer the various monsters and factions that oppose him. With its witty humor, compelling animation, and thrilling action, Overlord has firmly established itself within a highly competitive genre.
• Available on Crunchyroll
1 Sword Art Online (2014)
"So I'm A Spider, So What?" embraces the popular isekai tropes and actively breaks the fourth wall. The main character, a high school girl, meets her demise in an explosion but is then reborn as a low-level spider monster at the depths of a dangerous dungeon in a fantasy realm. As the story unfolds, we witness the unnamed spider's arduous journey to gain experience and grow stronger, all while her classmates engage in a gripping political power struggle. This series is a delightful blend of comedy, campiness, and exhilarating battles, making it a must-watch for fans of isekai anime and "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime."
• Available on Netflix, Hulu, Funimation, and Crunchyroll
A virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online becomes a sensation in Japan, with millions of players immersing themselves in its virtual world. However, the game takes a dark turn when its creator traps all players inside, making their escape dependent on conquering all 100 levels. The consequences are dire, as in-game death results in real-world demise. It is up to a skilled player named Kirito to gather a group of heroes and save everyone. Despite its occasional reliance on clichés and silliness, Sword Art Online remains one of the most significant anime series of the past decade. It stands alongside That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime as one of the most influential isekai series, making it essential viewing for fans.
Isekai anime shows no signs of disappearing, and while many series fall into predictable or problematic patterns, there is room for innovation. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime revolutionized the isekai genre, inspiring numerous current anime series to explore unconventional realms. Despite the negative reputation some isekai shows have garnered, fans of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime have a wide selection of excellent anime to indulge in.