ShinimeTop Anime ListTop 10 Underrated Isekai Anime You Need to Watch

Top 10 Underrated Isekai Anime You Need to Watch

Isekai anime, where characters are transported or reincarnated into fantastical worlds, have become a cornerstone of modern anime, with hits like Sword Art Online and Re:Zero dominating the spotlight. However, beneath the mainstream hype lies a treasure trove of underrated isekai anime that offer unique stories, compelling characters, and innovative takes on the genre. These best underrated isekai anime may have lower viewership or MyAnimeList scores, but they shine with creativity and depth, making them must-watch titles for fans seeking fresh experiences. 

From underrated isekai anime with OP MC to emotionally rich narratives, this top 10 underrated isekai anime list highlights hidden gems that deserve more recognition. Whether you’re a seasoned isekai fan or new to the genre, these most underrated isekai anime are perfect additions to your watchlist.

These underrated isekai anime series shine with creativity and depth
These underrated isekai anime series shine with creativity and depth

What Are Underrated Isekai Anime?

Isekai anime feature protagonists who are whisked away from their ordinary lives, often Earth, to fantastical realms filled with magic, adventure, or game-like systems. The term “isekai,” meaning “another world,” captures the essence of these stories, blending relatability with escapism. Underrated isekai anime are those that, despite their quality, have not garnered the widespread attention of mainstream hits, often due to limited marketing, niche premises, or being overshadowed by bigger releases. These series may have MyAnimeList scores below 7.5/10 or fewer than 65,000 users, yet they offer diverse subgenres, including:

  • Power Fantasy Isekai: Featuring overpowered protagonists, like My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered.
  • Slice-of-Life Isekai: Focusing on cozy, everyday adventures, such as Farming Life in Another World.
  • Romantic Isekai: Emphasizing love and relationships, like Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion.
  • Dark Fantasy Isekai: Exploring mature themes, such as No Longer Allowed in Another World.

These underrated isekai anime to watch resonate with fans for their originality and ability to surprise, making them essential viewing for those looking beyond the usual suspects.

Criteria for Choosing the Top Underrated Isekai Anime

To compile this top 10 underrated isekai anime list, we considered several key factors to ensure a diverse and high-quality selection:

  • Viewership and Recognition: Series with lower MyAnimeList scores (below 7.5/10) or fewer than 65,000 users, indicating they’re overlooked compared to mainstream titles.
  • Storyline Originality: Unique premises or subversions of isekai tropes that offer fresh perspectives.
  • Character Development: Protagonists and supporting casts with meaningful growth or distinct personalities.
  • Animation Quality: Visually engaging animation that enhances the storytelling, even if not as polished as big-budget productions.
  • Fan and Critical Reception: Positive feedback from niche audiences or critics, despite limited mainstream attention.

This list includes a mix of older classics and newer releases, ensuring a variety of best underrated isekai anime for all tastes, with a nod to underrated isekai anime with OP MC where applicable.

The Top 10 Underrated Isekai Anime

Below is a curated list of the top 10 underrated isekai anime, each chosen for its exceptional storytelling, unique premise, and lack of mainstream recognition. These most underrated isekai anime offer a range of genres, from action and comedy to romance and dark fantasy, ensuring there’s something for every fan.

1. My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered, No One in This Other World Stands a Chance Against Me!

Subgenre: Action, Comedy, Power Fantasy

My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered
My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered

Synopsis: Yogiri Takatou, a high school student, is transported to a fantasy world with an ability to instantly kill anything he perceives as a threat. Alongside his friend Tomochika, he navigates a dangerous world with a laid-back attitude, using his overpowered skill to overcome challenges effortlessly.

Why It’s Underrated: With a MyAnimeList score of 6.38 and limited mainstream buzz, this series is often dismissed as a niche parody. Its polarizing humor and simplistic plot overshadow its clever take on the OP MC trope.

Why It’s Great: This underrated isekai anime with OP MC shines with its dark humor and absurd premise. Okuruto Noboru’s animation delivers dynamic action, and the soundtrack’s energetic tone complements Yogiri’s nonchalant dominance. While some may find the humor hit-or-miss, its bold approach makes it a standout for fans of power fantasies.

2. Sonny Boy

Subgenre: Psychological, Fantasy

Sonny Boy
Sonny Boy

Synopsis: A group of 36 high school students is mysteriously transported to alternate dimensions, each with unique rules. As some develop strange powers, they face conflicts, rivalries, and existential questions about their identities and futures.

Why It’s Underrated: Despite critical acclaim, Sonny Boy’s abstract narrative and unconventional art style limit its mainstream appeal, with fewer than 65,000 MyAnimeList users.

Why It’s Great: Its distinctive visuals by Madhouse and thought-provoking story make it one of the most underrated isekai anime. The open-ended plot and deep character exploration appeal to fans of psychological dramas. 

3. The Vision of Escaflowne

Subgenre: Fantasy, Mecha, Romance

The Vision of Escaflowne
The Vision of Escaflowne

Synopsis: Hitomi Kanzaki, a high school girl with psychic abilities, is transported to the planet Gaea, where she aids Prince Van in a war against the Zaibach Empire using the mystical mecha Escaflowne.

Why It’s Underrated: A 1990s classic, it’s often forgotten in modern isekai discussions due to its age and hybrid mecha-fantasy style, with a MyAnimeList score of 7.25.

Why It’s Great: Sunrise’s animation, paired with Yoko Kanno’s iconic soundtrack, creates an epic saga. Hitomi’s emotional growth and the blend of genres make it a timeless underrated isekai anime to watch

4. The Twelve Kingdoms

Subgenre: Fantasy, Political Intrigue

The Twelve Kingdoms
The Twelve Kingdoms

Synopsis: Youko Nakajima, a high school girl, is transported to the Twelve Kingdoms, a world of twelve realms ruled by divine kings. As a chosen ruler, she navigates political intrigue and personal growth in a harsh world.

Why It’s Underrated: Its complex narrative and early 2000s release mean it’s overlooked, with a MyAnimeList score of 7.54 and limited modern buzz.

Why It’s Great: Studio Pierrot’s detailed world-building and Youko’s transformation from timid to confident make it one of the best underrated isekai anime. Its depth appeals to fans of intricate fantasy. 

5. Handyman Saitou in Another World

Subgenre: Comedy, Slice of Life

Handyman Saitou in Another World
Handyman Saitou in Another World

Synopsis: Saitou, a handyman, is summoned to a fantasy world where his practical skills, like lockpicking and crafting, prove invaluable. He joins a party of adventurers, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

Why It’s Underrated: Released in 2023, its low-stakes premise and MyAnimeList score of 7.28 keep it under the radar compared to action-heavy isekai.

Why It’s Great: C2C’s animation and playful soundtrack highlight Saitou’s quirky contributions, making it a refreshing underrated isekai anime. Its blend of comedy and unexpected depth is perfect for relaxed viewing. 

6. The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

Subgenre: Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+

The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady
The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady

Synopsis: Princess Anisphia, reincarnated with past-life memories, teams up with genius mage Euphyllia to revolutionize magic in their kingdom, sparking a heartfelt romance.

Why It’s Underrated: Its focus on yuri romance and scientific magic limits its mainstream appeal, with fewer than 65,000 MyAnimeList users.

Why It’s Great: Diomedéa’s vibrant animation and emotional storytelling make it a standout. Its inclusive narrative and innovative magic system earn it a spot among the best underrated isekai anime.

7. Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

Subgenre: Comedy, Slice of Life, Food

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill

Synopsis: Tsuyoshi Mukouda, a salaryman, is transported to a fantasy world with an “Online Supermarket” skill, allowing him to cook Earth dishes that attract powerful allies like the wolf Fel.

Why It’s Underrated: Its slow-paced, food-centric focus and MyAnimeList score of 7.54 make it less discussed than action-heavy isekai.

Why It’s Great: MAPPA’s mouthwatering animation and cozy soundtrack create a relaxing experience. It’s a top underrated isekai anime to watch for fans of culinary adventures. 

8. Parallel World Pharmacy

Subgenre: Fantasy, Medical

Parallel World Pharmacy
Parallel World Pharmacy

Synopsis: A pharmacist dies and is reincarnated in a fantasy world with divine abilities to create miraculous medicines, using his knowledge to heal and uncover secrets.

Why It’s Underrated: Its niche medical focus and MyAnimeList score of 7.17 limit its popularity compared to combat-driven isekai.

Why It’s Great: Diomedéa’s detailed animation and unique premise make it a compelling underrated isekai anime with OP MC in a non-combat sense. Its blend of science and fantasy is refreshing. 

9. Farming Life in Another World

Subgenre: Slice of Life, Fantasy

Farming Life in Another World
Farming Life in Another World

Synopsis: Hiraku Machio, reincarnated into a fantasy world, chooses to live as a farmer, using a magical tool to transform barren land into a thriving community.

Why It’s Underrated: Its gentle, farming-focused narrative and MyAnimeList score of 7.26 make it less flashy than action-packed isekai.

Why It’s Great: Zero-G’s warm animation and soothing soundtrack create a heartwarming experience. It’s one of the most underrated isekai anime for fans of cozy stories.

10. No Longer Allowed in Another World

Subgenre: Dark Comedy, Fantasy

No Longer Allowed in Another World
No Longer Allowed in Another World

Synopsis: Osamu Dazai, a disillusioned author, is transported to a fantasy world after a failed suicide attempt. Uninterested in being a hero, he uses his unique skill to navigate challenges with humor and cynicism.

Why It’s Underrated: Released in 2024 with a MyAnimeList score of 7.28, its dark humor and unconventional protagonist limit its mainstream appeal.

Why It’s Great: AtelierPontdarc’s animation and moody soundtrack enhance its unique tone. Its blend of comedy and emotional depth makes it a standout underrated isekai anime to watch

Honorable Mentions and Additional Underrated Isekai Anime Recommendations

While the top 10 underrated isekai anime list highlights the best hidden gems, these honorable mentions also deserve attention for their unique contributions to the genre:

Title

Synopsis

Why It’s Worth Watching

Otaku Elf

A reverse isekai where an elf goddess lives in modern Japan, served by a shrine maiden.

Charming and humorous, with a unique reverse isekai premise. 

El Hazard: The Magnificent World

Makoto is transported to El-Hazard, navigating a war between humans and insect-like creatures.

A 1990s classic with entertaining action and romance. 

Brave Story

Wataru enters a fantasy world to change his fate, blending adventure and family themes.

A rare isekai film with emotional depth. 

Outbreak Company

An otaku is sent to a fantasy world to spread anime culture, facing comedic challenges.

A geeky, humorous take on isekai. 

Conclusion

The isekai genre is brimming with creativity, and underrated isekai anime like My Instant Death Ability is So Overpowered and Sonny Boy prove that hidden gems can rival mainstream hits. From underrated isekai anime with OP MC to cozy slice-of-life tales, these best underrated isekai anime offer diverse stories that deserve more love. Whether you’re drawn to action, romance, or psychological depth, these most underrated isekai anime are essential additions to your watchlist. Dive into these overlooked treasures, share your thoughts at Shinime.blog, and discover the magic of underrated isekai anime to watch!

Top 10 Love Vampire...

Love vampire anime blends the eternal allure of vampires...

Top 10 Romance Vampire...

"Romance Vampire Anime" offers the perfect mix of supernatural...

20 Best Vampire Anime...

Vampire Anime redefines everything you think you know about...

Top 10 Isekai Anime...

Isekai anime, where characters are whisked away to fantastical...

Top 10 Most Popular...

Isekai Anime 2024 delivered an exciting mix of fresh...

Top 10 Best Isekai...

Isekai anime have become a cornerstone of modern anime...