With a season 2 set to debut during July 2020, there has never been a better time to watch Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World. Based on the fantastic light novel series by Tappei Nagatsuki, which is still by far the best way to consume this story, White Fox's 2016 adaptation stood out among the many isekai anime that tend to flood each season. Although certain elements of the series can be polarizing, Re:Zero is generally regarded among the best and most unforgettable entries in the subgenre.

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There are many reasons why Re:Zero deserves to be called the best isekai anime; however, competitors for that honor are hardly in short supply. Here are five reasons why Re:Zero is untouchable when it comes to anime about ordinary people who are transported to strange worlds, along with five alternative series that might be better.

10 Re:Zero – Ordinary Protagonist

Isekai stories love their self-insert protagonists, as demonstrated by Sword Art Online's Kirito and In Another World With My Smart Phone's Touya Mochizuki. This narrative technique has its place, but it often results in bland main characters who tend to be overpowered.

Subaru Natsuki is essentially a deconstruction of this trope, as the almost completely ordinary character ends up in another world for what seems like no specific reason. He is not special and takes quite a while to accept that, culminating in a sobering declaration of self-hatred in the 18th episode. While he can return to a former "save point" by dying, Subaru otherwise lacks any unique abilities and must rely on his personality and relationships to get by.

9 Alternative – KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!

Kazuma Sato screaming in fear in Konosuba

Subaru is a well-written character who undergoes a great deal of development throughout season 1, but that does not mean he is especially likable. KonoSuba's Kazuma Satou is similar, as he is reincarnated in a dangerous world with only a temperamental goddess for an assistant. Kazuma is isekai's other iconic "ordinary" hero, although the last descriptor is not particularly accurate. In fact, Kazuma can be unequivocally awful, albeit in a relatable way.

As KonoSuba is a comedy, it is far more lighthearted than Re:Zero, which might make it a better fit for those seeking a less intense isekai anime featuring an underpowered protagonist.

8 Re:Zero – Psychological Consequences

Quite a lot of isekai anime are power fantasies. They might tackle some sensitive topics but they usually maintain an air of optimism throughout their story arcs, mainly through a protagonist that rises above any challenges on their way to superstardom.

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Re:Zero is not that type of show. Initially, Subaru's respawn ability might make it seem like there are no stakes, but the constant death has a significant impact on the character's psyche. Subaru is constantly reminded of his vulnerability, ineptitude, and frailty. While he might not die, Subaru feels pain and most of his deaths are hardly pleasant or even quick.

7 Alternative – Now and Then, Here and There

Shu and Lala Ru in a prison in Now and Then, Here and There.

Now and Then, Here and There is an underappreciated isekai series that debuted at the turn of the century. It actually shares many traits with Re:Zero, including an out-of-his-element protagonist who is delusional about his capabilities and tries to force himself into the role of a hero.

Now and Then, Here and There is an incredibly dark series that is enhanced by its desolate setting, a change from the typical medieval fantasy aesthetic employed by most isekai. While not an easy watch, this is an anime that is worth seeking out.

6 Re:Zero – A Strong Sense of Mystery

Re:Zero's season 1 has decent world-building for the most part; however, as it is merely a fraction of a much longer story, the anime naturally leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Isekai anime often present things at face value, but Re:Zero maintains a definite sense of mystery throughout its storylines.

Since there does not seem to be any sort of prophecy, why was Subaru summoned to this world? Who is the Witch of Envy? Even though these questions are not explored deeply in season 1, they add an element of intrigue to every situation.

5 Alternative – Log Horizon

Shiroe-log-horizon

Following the release of an expansion pack, thousands of Japanese gamers find themselves trapped in an MMORPG called Elder Tale. Along with trying to learn the reason behind this event and if there is a way to escape, these gamers are left with no choice but to adapt to this fantasy realm and make it their own.

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Led by a great thinker in Shiroe, Log Horizon is a highly entertaining isekai anime that expertly blends action, drama, humor, and social intrigue.

4 Re:Zero – Rem

Re:Zero's brilliant 18th episode not only recontextualized Subaru's character while making him sympathetic, but it also firmly established Rem as the "best girl" of all the girls in the history of anime. Hyperbole aside, Rem's popularity is not solely due to her status as an A-tier waifu, as she is a complex character who is driven by guilt. She tends to give herself over completely to other people because of her low self-esteem.

Prior to Subaru forcing her to take stock of the rest of the world, Rem's entire existence revolved around her sister Ram. Once she fell in love with the protagonist, she traded one obsession for another.

3 Alternative – Overlord

Albedo bowing in Overlord.

Madhouse's Overlord is the ultimate power fantasy, albeit with a sinister twist. After being teleported as his MMORPG character into a world very similar to the game, Ainz Ooal Gown sets out to slowly conquer the world with the help of his NPC henchmen. Ainz is so overpowered that nothing offers any challenge, and the anime shines the brightest whenever it embraces the protagonist's dominant nature.

Overlord is also a goldmine when it comes to quirky secondary characters, with Albedo, Shalltear, and Sebas being especially awesome.

2 Re:Zero – Arc 3

Re:Zero's opening season adapted the first three arcs of the novels, culminating in a stunning second cour that included huge character moments, some absolutely brutal scenes, and redemption. While the first two arcs can be somewhat difficult to get through, especially since Subaru seems to grow more irritating with each passing scene, Arc 3 pays off the early frustration splendidly.

The highlight of this cour is the White Whale Saga, which revolves around the hunt of mythical monsters capable of erasing people from existence and history. It leads to a fantastic stretch of episodes and ranks among the best sagas to ever feature in an isekai anime.

1 Alternative – No Game No Life

No Game No Life follows two siblings who are summoned to a world governed by games. Sora and Shiro are undefeatable in this area, so they set out to literally take on this world's god. While the anime has only adapted a small sliver of the light novel series, No Game No Life is still among Madhouse's greatest shows.

Compared to Re:ZeroNo Game No Life is more lighthearted, although it does have its share of intense moments. In terms of likable characters, great animation, and fun storylines, few isekai series come close to No Game No Life.

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