The isekai anime is a popular subgenre of fantasy where the main characters are transported or reborn in an alternate world. This transportation usually occurs through magical means or reincarnation and is often filled with fantasy or video game elements.
Whether you're a fan of Iskeai or not, there's a distinct appeal to the anime genre. These series have a unique ability to immerse us in fantasy realms brimming with excitement, adventure, action, romance, and a myriad of other captivating elements.
In 2022, we saw some unique isekai anime like Isekai Ojiisan, Beast Tamer, and Eminence of Shadow. This trend continues in 2023, with the anime industry having already announced over 25 isekai shows for the upcoming year. For those craving magical adventures, here's a list of the announced isekai anime, which are yet to be released this year.
1 I'm In Love With The Villainess
Japanese Title: Watashi no Oshi wa Akuyaku Reijou.
Studio: Platinum Vision
Release Date: October 2023
This isekai series follows the journey of Oochashi Rei, an ordinary woman who finds herself transported into an otome game, taking on the persona of Rae Taylor. However, there's a unique twist to this story. Rae has no inclination toward the game's male characters and instead sets her sights on romancing the villainess, Claire François. To secure a happy ending for themselves, Rae must leverage her knowledge of the game to navigate through various events.
Watch the new trailer for the anime here:
2 I Shall Survive Using Potions!
Japanese Title: Potion-danomi de Ikinobimasu!
Studio: Jumondo
Release Date: October 7, 2023
The main character of I Shall Survive Using Potions! meets an untimely end orchestrated by a god. Yet, instead of ushering her into the afterlife, this deity transports her to a fresh world and endows her with the extraordinary power to craft any potion she can imagine. As she adapts to her new existence, she soon discovers that her gift is the subject of intense desire from various quarters. Although the series tends to proceed at a more measured pace, a sense of tension continues to permeate the story.
Watch the trailer for I Shall Survive Using Potions! here:
3 That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime: Coleus' Dream (OVA)
Japanese Title: Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken
Studio: 8biy
Release Date: Fall 2023
A 3-part OVA adaptation of the That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime side story is titled Coleus' Dream and is written by Fuse, the author of the original series. It will explore the events between the first and second seasons.
In this OVA, Rimuru faces various intrigues within the Coleus kingdom and is assigned a critical mission by Yuuki Kagurazaka. The aging King of the Coleus Kingdom has sparked a succession battle within the royal family. The primary contenders are the First Prince Sauzer, supported by the nobility, and the Second Prince Aslan, who has gained the allegiance of a rogue faction of the Free Guild.
Rimuru takes on the task of infiltrating the Kingdom of Coleus incognito, assuming the guise of the enigmatic Great Phantom Thief Satoru. His mission is not only to address the succession crisis but also to uncover a hidden conspiracy lurking in the shadows.
4 My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! The Movie
Japanese Title: Otome Gēmu no Hametsu Furagu Shika Nai Akuyaku Reijō ni Tensei Shite Shimatta
Studio: Silver Link
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Often referred to as Hamefura: The Movie, it is an upcoming Japanese animated film based on Satoru Yamaguchi's light novel series. A young girl meets her demise and undergoes reincarnation into a video game. However, her shocking revelation is that she's cast as the villainess character destined for a tragic end. Determined to alter the course of the game and escape her grim fate, she takes decisive actions.
Here's the trailer for the anime:
5 The Eminence In Shadow Season 2
Japanese Title: Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute! 2nd Season
Studio: Nexus
Premiere Date: October 4, 2023
The anime The Eminence in Shadow concluded its first season in Winter 2023, and it's already gearing up for a comeback. If the second season lives up to the quality of its predecessor, it has the potential to become one of the standout isekai anime of 2023.
In the story, originally from Earth, Cid aspired to be a hero who operated in the shadows but met an untimely end before realizing his dream. However, Cid is granted a second chance when he wakes up in a fantasy world with extraordinary power. Eager to maximize his newfound potential, he establishes a fictitious organization called the Shadow Garden to combat the imaginary Cult of Diablos. Little does Cid know this conflict is far from make-believe.
Watch the latest trailer for The Eminence in Shadow Season 2 here:
6 The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent Season 2
Japanese Title: Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannō Desu
Studio: Studio Diomedea
Release Date: October 2023
Sei, a 20-year-old office worker, is suddenly transported to an entirely different world. However, the ritual that summoned her, intended to bring forth a "Saint" capable of dispelling dark magic, inexplicably brings two individuals instead of one. To her chagrin, everyone seems to prefer the other girl over Sei.
Nevertheless, Sei embraces this situation and departs from the royal palace to establish her own business, crafting potions and cosmetics using her newfound magical abilities. Her venture becomes a thriving success, and life starts to look up. Yet, there's a lingering concern that her supposed status as a Saint might return to complicate things.
Watch the trailer for The Saint's Magic is Omnipotent Season 2 here:
7 The Faraway Paladin Season 2
Japanese Title: Saihate no Paladin: Tetsusabi no Yama no Ō
Studio(s): OLM and Sunrise Beyond
Release Date: October 2023
The second season of The Faraway Paladin will cover events from volume 3 of the light novel series and beyond. In volume 3, titled The Lord of the Rust Mountains, the Faraway Paladin, Will, and his companion Menel investigate unusual occurrences in the land after defeating demons and chimeras.
Their journey leads them to an ominous prophecy and the Rust Mountains, the dwarves' capital. Volume 4, The Torch Port Ensemble, depicts Will's everyday life after returning from the Rust Mountains, involving friendships, battles, adventures, and interactions with divine beings during a single winter.
8 The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 3
Japanese Title: Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari Season 3
Studio(s): Kinema Citrus
Release Date: October 6, 2023
The third season of this anime series will likely focus on the Fallen Heroes arc, which unfolds in volume 11 of the light novel series. This arc picks up after the Spirit Tortoise incident and revolves around Naofumi and the other heroes as they grapple with the aftermath of their defeat. It delves into their efforts to face the situation and find meaning in their lives following such a devastating setback.
9 Dead Mount Death Play (Cour 2)
Japanese Title: Deddomaunto Desupurei
Studio(s): Geek Toys
Release Date: October 9, 2023
Dead Mount Death Play is a reverse isekai anime that follows the story of a Corpse god reincarnated as a Japanese high school boy named Polka Shinoyama after being murdered. He hopes for a peaceful life in this new existence but soon faces various threats and dangers.
The first part of the series introduced viewers to Polka and showcased his character development. The upcoming episodes are anticipated to delve deeper into the main character and his new world.
