So I'm a Spider, So What? is an isekai anime about a high school girl being reborn as a spider, Kumoko. Unlike the protagonists of many other isekai anime, Kumoko is not strong. In fact, she’s one of the most vulnerable beings there are, being a simple spider in a cave inhabited by larger and more dangerous creatures. Combining her knowledge and intelligence from her human life and her abilities as a spider, Kumoko must learn to survive in the cave. It’s no easy task, and watching Kumoko overcome her obstacles fills you with the sense that working hard at your goals is worth it. Plus, Kumoko’s thoughts are hilarious to hear, and her voice acting is on point! If you are looking for a unique spin on the isekai genre, definitely check out So I'm a Spider, So What?

The second isekai anime on this list, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, focuses on a middle-aged shut-in who is isolated from society. After dying in a tragic accident, he gets reincarnated into a magical setting as a baby named Rudeus with loving parents. Adjusting to his new life, he finds that he is talented in magic and surrounded by friends. He tries to make the most of this second chance at life and pursues what he lacked in his past life: love. Many fans praise Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation for its production quality and good music as well as the immersive worldbuilding, but others complain about the anime depicting sexually inappropriate situations humorously and in poor taste. Still, if you like isekai anime you might enjoy Mushoku Tensei!

The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace features Idaten, a race of battle deities born out of human prayer during a time of conflict with vicious demons. In modern times, the current generation of Idatens are completely unfamiliar with demons, but when the Zoble Empire brings demons back, the Idatens must group together to fight it off. The Idaten Deities Know Only Peace is an action-packed and thrilling anime; watching it will be a wild ride. The color palette and animation style are zany, and the character designs are memorable. The worldbuilding is quite unique, featuring deities and demons existing in a technologically advanced world, and who doesn’t want to watch battle deities fight off demons? For sensitive viewers, though, it is important to note that this anime earns its R+ rating and is very grotesque at times.

The Case Study of Vanitas is set in steampunk 19th century Paris, where humans and vampires live side by side in total secrecy. The protagonist is Noé Archiviste, a vampire seeking the Book of Vanitas, a grimoire with the ability to save vampires from becoming corrupted by uncontrollable bloodlust. While traveling on board an airship, he encounters a doctor named Vanitas holding this very same magical book! This begins their quest to save vampires. The Case Study of Vanitas has subtle characterization, great chemistry between the protagonists, and an intriguing plot that keeps you interested in each episode. There are numerous plot twists that keep you on your toes, but even if the plot can be complex and unpredictable at times, it remains cohesive. If you like a good vampire anime, we highly recommend checking out The Case Study of Vanitas!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc is the sequel of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, an extremely popular shounen anime set in a world in which demons kill humans and cause chaos. In the Mugen Train Arc, the well-liked protagonists, Tanjirou Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, and Zenitsu Agatsuma, are sent by the Demon Slayer Corps to board the Mugen Train and fight against the demon responsible for a series of disappearances on the train. Like the first season, the Mugen Train Arc is filled with amazingly animated fight scenes and dramatic villains with unique abilities so terrifying you’ll be happy demons aren’t a thing in the real world. The main characters are charismatic as usual, and it’s easy to cheer for them as they defeat the villains. If you liked the first season of Demon Slayer, you’ll probably enjoy the Mugen Train Arc, so we highly recommend you put this anime on your list!

Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy- is an isekai anime in which Makoto Misumi is sent to a fantasy world to fulfill a contract made by a goddess and his parents a long time ago, but this goddess calls Makoto “hideous” and refuses to keep him. Out of spite, she removes his ability to understand the human language and sends him far from civilization to isolate him. Makoto isn’t entirely unfortunate, though, because he quickly finds himself developing powerful magical abilities and meeting various fantasy beings that he makes friends with. Despite this, he still desires to connect with fellow humans. Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy- is funny and light-hearted, and the world and characters are built quickly. In terms of production quality, the art style is unique, particularly when it comes to character designs. If you like isekai anime like KonoSuba or That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, you’ll surely enjoy Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-.

Fruits Basket: The Final is the third season of Fruits Basket (2019), a fantasy romance anime about Tohru Honda, a girl who is left alone after her mother died in a car accident. Living in a tent, she is found out by the Souma family on whose land she is camping on. Sympathizing with her plight, the Souma family allows her to live in their house, and she quickly befriends Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo Souma as well as their relatives, but there is a twist: the Souma family is cursed to turn into their zodiac animals if touched by a member of the opposite sex! Fruits Basket is well-liked for its realistic and charming characters with unique struggles and heartwarming moments as the characters often support one another through their bad times. The anime also does a good job at intertwining the more mystical and mysterious aspects of the Souma family and more mundane plot points centered around school and friends. Additionally, many scenes can be quite funny! Fruits Basket: The Final is the emotional conclusion to this popular shoujo anime that no one should miss. If you still haven’t caught the prior seasons, consider this your nudge!

Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon S is the second season of Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid, a fantasy slice of life anime about a dragon named Tohru moving in with Kobayashi, who works an office job. They are then joined by many other dragons, including the adorable Kanna and the morbid Fafnir. Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon S continues directly after the first season and introduces a couple more characters into the mix while still giving plenty of screen time to the first season’s protagonists. Just like the first installment, this second season is funny and light-hearted. If you’re looking for a cute anime with bright colors, plenty of jokes and gags, and you liked the first season, you’ll probably like Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon S.

To Your Eternity is centered on an immortal being who is later named Fushi. He is initially in the form of an Orb but is capable of changing forms. He transforms into a rock, then an arctic wolf, and later a boy as he travels through an arctic region, meeting humans, learning to speak, and experiencing humanity. To Your Eternity is a great anime if you’re looking for something a little more unique. The main character is an alien who becomes more and more human as the series goes on, and this growth is remarkably well-written. Other than the main character, the side characters all have unique characterization as well, and they are all well-drawn and voice acted. If an alien protagonist starring in an emotional anime sounds good to you, we think you’ll like To Your Eternity.

To Your Eternity Trailer

One of the most popular fantasy anime of 2021 is Ranking of Kings. It takes place in a classic fantasy setting reminiscent of classic Disney cartoons like Beauty and the Beast. The main character, Prince Bojji, is deaf and mute and because of this, he is ridiculed by his kingdom’s people. Regardless, he has a strong will. When he encounters a monster named Kage, an experience that should be traumatizing for most children, Prince Bojji makes friends with it. After his life-changing experience, Prince Bojji becomes more confident and decides he will become a good king despite his people’s mockery. Fans praise Ranking of Kings for its relatable storyline of the underdog prince improving himself and overcoming obstacles. The side characters are surprisingly fleshed-out and often surprise you with their realistic character development. If you’re looking for an anime that’s good all around, check out Ranking of Kings, and you’ll quickly see why it takes the Number 1 spot on our list.