Top 5 Isekai Anime Recommendations for Fans of The Rising of the Shield Hero

Discover five incredible series that are perfect for fans of Rising of the Shield Hero, the renowned isekai anime. This captivating show took the genre by storm in 2019, introducing Naofumi Iwatani, a college student and avid gamer, who unexpectedly finds himself transported to a new world as the powerful "shield hero".

Throughout the years, we have observed him endure betrayal from his fellow comrades, fight to protect himself, and navigate through the perplexing realm he has been transported to. As we find ourselves in the midst of season 3, numerous enthusiasts of the show are undoubtedly pondering about alternative series to explore. Look no further, as we present five captivating isekai shows ranging from dark comedies to action-packed series that are bound to captivate Rising of the Shield Hero fans.

5 best isekai anime for Rising of the Shield Hero fans

To start off, it is essential to understand the concept of isekai. In isekai anime, the protagonists are taken away from their familiar surroundings and plunged into a completely different realm, often presenting them with daunting challenges and quests to overcome.

So now we’ve got that out of the way, let’s start.

5. That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

Forget The Chronicles of Narnia or Neil Gaiman’s Stardust, going to a strange and unfamiliar world isn’t always what you would expect it to be.

In Rising of the Shield Hero, Naofumi experiences betrayal, isolation, and the challenge of surviving in a completely unfamiliar world. On the other hand, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime takes a more lighthearted approach, following Satoru Mikami who, after meeting his demise in the real world, undergoes a peculiar transformation into a slime. As the story unfolds, Satoru adjusts to his new slimy existence and strives to establish his very own nation of monsters. However, he quickly realizes that things are not as simple as they appear, as his actions trigger a series of events that will forever alter this newfound world.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

4. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord

Just like Rising of the Shield Hero, How Not to Summon a Demon Lord turns the isekai genre on its head.

Content is based on Yukiya Murasaki's 2014 light novel and tells the story of Takuma Sakamoto, a gamer who finds himself transported into his beloved MMORPG universe. In this world, two girls try to enslave his character, Demon King Diablo, but their plan backfires, resulting in them becoming his servants instead.

One notable similarity between these two shows is their exploration of controversial topics like human rights and slavery, albeit in a fantasy setting. If you found the dynamic between Naofumi and Raphtalia intriguing, then you will likely find How Not to Summon a Demon Lord equally captivating.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

3. Overlord

Developed by Madhouse, Overlord is one of the most popular isekai series of all time (perhaps even more popular than Rising of the Shield Hero).

Following the standard isekai norms, the plot takes an unexpected turn. Momonga, a formidable wizard, becomes trapped in the fantasy world of his beloved MMO game after its server shuts down. Determined to understand why this has happened, he channels his efforts into gaining authority over this new realm. Similar to Rising of the Shield Hero, this series offers a refreshing and emotional portrayal of the "stranger in a strange land" concept, occasionally accompanied by humor. With its extensive four seasons, there are numerous episodes to captivate you for hours on end.

Available to watch on: Crunchyroll

2. Fushigi Yugi

Let's embrace the nostalgia and dive into the world of Fushigi Yugi, a tale reminiscent of the beloved 1984 film, The NeverEnding Story. In this enchanting journey, our protagonists are whisked away to an ancient realm through the mystical pages of a book.

The story of Fushigi Yugi is centered around two teenage girls, Miaka Yuki and Yui Hongo, whose lives take a remarkable twist when they are unexpectedly transported into the enchanting Universe of the Four Gods through a mystical book. Exploring this unfamiliar world reminiscent of ancient China, they confront various obstacles that put their strength to the test as they try to protect this newfound realm and search for a way to return home. It somewhat echoes the challenges faced by Naofumi in Rising of the Shield Hero. Stream it on Crunchyroll.

1. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Wrapping up our list is the critically acclaimed comedy series, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Based on Fujino Omori's popular light novel, the show takes place in the enchanting realm of Orario. In this captivating world, adventurers bravely venture into the labyrinthine Dungeon, embarking on daring quests to discover precious treasures and battle formidable beasts.

However, our protagonist Bell Cranel stands apart from the crowd. He possesses no interest in fame or wealth; his sole desire revolves around women. Yet, he swiftly discovers that reality seldom aligns with one's aspirations, as he unexpectedly finds himself in the helpless role of a damsel in distress.

Streaming on: Crunchyroll

And there you have it! If you're a fan of the Rising of the Shield Hero, we've got you covered with our top five picks for similar isekai anime series to explore once the third season wraps up. Whether you're in the mood for comedy or dark fantasies, this list is sure to have something that catches your interest.

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Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of "The Rising of the Shield Hero," I am thrilled to share my excitement about the top 5 isekai anime recommendations for fans of this captivating series. Isekai anime, known for transporting protagonists to unfamiliar and often daunting realms, offer a thrilling escape from reality. Among the recommended shows, "That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime" stands out for its lighthearted approach, as the protagonist, Satoru Mikami, embraces his new slimy existence and embarks on an extraordinary quest. The series delves into the establishment of a monster nation and the unexpected consequences that follow, providing a refreshing take on the isekai genre.

Equally intriguing is "How Not to Summon a Demon Lord," which cleverly subverts isekai tropes. Takuma Sakamoto, the protagonist, finds himself in his beloved MMORPG universe, only to be faced with an unusual predicament when two girls attempt to enslave his character. The ensuing twist leads to an engaging dynamic reminiscent of the complex relationship between Naofumi and Raphtalia in "The Rising of the Shield Hero." This series explores controversial themes such as human rights and slavery within a captivating fantasy setting.

Finally, I highly recommend "Overlord," one of the most renowned isekai anime of all time. This series takes viewers on a captivating journey as Momonga, a formidable wizard, becomes trapped in the fantasy world of his beloved MMO game. Determined to uncover the truth behind this mysterious occurrence, Momonga sets out to gain authority over this new realm. Similar to "The Rising of the Shield Hero," "Overlord" offers a compelling portrayal of a stranger navigating an unfamiliar land, accompanied by moments of humor. With four seasons available, fans can immerse themselves in countless hours of epic storytelling.