Based on the steady release of isekai-themed shows over the past years, fans can rightly assume that the genre is here to stay in the anime franchise. However, this development has its visible downsides due to the oversaturation of the genre. A good portion of isekai anime shares similar features, embodying tropes that make the genre monotonous.
Regardless of these setbacks, there are still a handful of isekai anime that are worthwhile to watch due to their takes on the genre. Here are some isekai anime released in 2022 that can be considered the best due to their solid plots, well-paced action, diverse characters, and more.
8 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest
Arifureta’s first season aired in 2019 and was one of the best isekai anime of the year. Subsequently, the second season was released in 2022. The anime combines the classic isekai anime elements with the typical harem narrative. However, the anime’s execution of these elements makes it fun to watch.
The plot of Arifureta revolves around the protagonist, Nagumo who is reincarnated into another world with his classmates. Unfortunately, unlike his classmates, he is not given any particularly powerful combat skills, leaving him to grow his skills using the limited resources available to him. Eventually, he becomes powerful with the aid of the members of his harem.
7 The Executioner And Her Way Of life
The Executioner and Her Way of Life is based on the light novels with the same time title. The anime presents a unique storyline, revolving around an anti-hero protagonist who dedicates her life to keeping the balance by preventing Human Errors from occurring.
Unlike the regular isekai, The Exectioner and Her Way of Life sets up Menou, the protagonist as an assassin of the church to kill “lost” ones or “otherwolders” to prevent Human Errors. Although the anime features the typical isekai introduction, it transforms into something more fulfilling to watch.
6 Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs
Trapped in Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs anime is adapted from the light novel series. The isekai anime revolves around the protagonist, Leon, who is transported into the world of a dating simulation game his younger sister forced him to play.
After beating the game, Leon is transported to the game’s world, as a background character and is forced to make decisions based on the knowledge he obtained from playing the game. The dating sim world has a unique social class hierarchy, putting Leon at a disadvantage due to his social class. Trapped in a Dating Sim is a must-watch anime fans of the isekai genre should watch as the year 2022 comes to an end.
5 Ya Boy Kongming!
Ya Boy Kongming! Adds a different ingredient to the default isekai formula. This wholesome anime begins with the typical isekai reincarnation but evolves to become something more. Ya Boy Kongming! Mixes both isekai and slice-of-anime characteristics into one story efficiently, making it a memorable watch.
The anime revolves around Kongming, a renowned Chinese strategist, who died after living a life filled with battles & drawn-out walls. Fortunately, he is reincarnated into modern Tokyo, an era of peace, where he quickly adapts using his brilliant strategies to help his newfound friends.
4 Rising Of The Shield Hero
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The Rising of the Shield Hero is one of the leading titles of the isekai genre. The first season of the anime was a hit, due to the plot twists, unique fights, and vengeful protagonist. However, the second season took a different turn, which most fans didn’t appreciate. Regardless, the second season was a wholesome adaptation of the series.
The plot featured the Spirit Tortoise saga, new enemies, and best of all, Raphtalia’s evolution into the Katana Hero. Although, frankly speaking, season 2 lacked the intense elements present in the first season, the story is still worthwhile to watch and can be regarded as one of 2022’s best isekai series.
3 Ascendance Of A Bookworm
Just like Ya Boy Kongming! The Ascendance of a Bookworm is a hybrid mix of isekai and slice-of-life anime characteristics. The anime also breaks out from the common tropes of the isekai genre, like the harem and the overpowered main character narratives. 2022 featured the 3rd season of Ascendance of a Bookworm, delving further into Myne’s story.
Myne, the protagonist of the series, who loved reading books died in an accident and was reincarnated into another world where reading was reserved for the nobles, mostly due to the absence of a printing press. Myne resolves to change this development and sets out on a journey filled with adventures, discovery, and more.
2 Eminence In The Shadow
Eminence In The Shadow debuted in the fall 2022 anime season but still managed to gain popularity among fans. The anime deceptively starts as a high school-themed show; however, the story’s premise changes abruptly to one of an isekai.
However, Eminence In the Shadow stands out from most isekai series due to the protagonists’ objectives. Cid, the protagonist intends to conquer evil from the shadows without compromising his identity. Alongside his highly trained group of assassins, Shadow Garden, Cid tries to uncover the secrets behind the Cult of Diablos, a menacing organization with questionable goals.
1 Overlord IV
Over the years, Overlord has grown to become a core part of the isekai genre, and a classic for fans of MMORPG-themed anime. The first season of the series was released in 2015, and 2022 featured the fourth season.
The story revolves around, Ainz Ooal Gown, a powerful necromancer, and his formidable army, whom with the help of Albedo and his loyal commanders intends to conquer kingdoms through diplomacy or war. Overlord is one of the darker-themed anime series and is perfect for fans looking for a more mature anime.