The 10 Worst Isekai Anime of the Last Five Years Ranked

Isekai anime, where characters get whisked away to fantastical worlds, have flooded the scene with tales of adventure and power fantasies. But not every series nails the magic, and some from the last five years have left fans frustrated with bland characters, messy plots, or tired tropes.

These shows, despite the genre’s popularity, fumbled their chance to shine, often feeling like lazy cash grabs. Here’s my ranked list of the 10 worst isekai anime from 2020 to 2025, counting down from the least bad to the absolute bottom of the barrel.

10. The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me? (2020)

Shingo Ichinomiya wakes up as a noble’s eighth son, Wendelin, in a medieval world. The premise is standard, but the show feels like a forgettable clone with no fresh spin.

The main character barely acts like someone from another world, and the plot plods along without surprises. It’s not awful, just painfully generic and easy to mix up with better isekai.

9. In the Land of Leadale (2022)

Cayna, a gamer, reincarnates in a virtual world she once played, now overpowered and exploring a bland fantasy realm. The story lacks stakes, and the world feels empty.

The animation is decent, but the pacing drags, and Cayna’s overpowered nature kills any tension. It’s a snooze that even fans of cozy isekai struggle to defend.

8. I’m Standing on a Million Lives (2020-2021)

Yusuke Yotsuya and his classmates are sent to a game-like world with missions to survive. The concept sounds gritty, but the dull characters and predictable plot fizzle out fast.

The animation is inconsistent, and the story feels like it’s trying to be edgy without earning it. It had potential but ended up forgettable despite two seasons.

7. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021-present)

Makoto Misumi is summoned as a hero but rejected for being “weak,” only to thrive with non-human allies. The premise is fun, but the harem tropes and flat humor drag it down.

The animation is solid, but the story leans on clichés and a bland protagonist. It’s watchable for some, but it never rises above mediocre.

6. The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar (2020)

Yuuto, a teen, uses his smartphone to lead a clan in a Norse-inspired world. The idea of modern tech in a fantasy setting could’ve been cool, but the execution is a dull harem mess.

The animation is lackluster, and the plot prioritizes romance over strategy. It’s a forgettable slog that wastes its unique hook.

5. Isekai Cheat Magician (2019-2020)

Taichi and Rin are transported to a fantasy world with overpowered magic abilities. The show embraces power fantasy tropes so blatantly it feels like a parody gone wrong.

The pacing is rushed, the characters are cardboard, and the plot is painfully predictable. It’s a textbook example of lazy isekai storytelling.

4. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest (2019-2022)

Hajime Nagumo, betrayed by classmates in a fantasy world, becomes a gritty antihero. The light novels had fans, but the anime’s rushed pacing and bad CGI ruin the vibe.

The characters lack depth, and the edgy tone feels forced. It’s a letdown that squanders a promising story with poor execution.

3. Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World (2022)

Michio Kaga builds a harem in a fantasy world, with a focus on fanservice over plot. The premise is thin, and the show barely tries to build a meaningful world or story.

The animation is subpar, and the characters are forgettable. It’s a shameless wish-fulfillment fantasy that feels empty even for harem fans.

2. Butareba: The Story of a Man Turned Into a Pig (2023)

An otaku reincarnates as a pig in a fantasy world, teaming up with a girl who reads his creepy thoughts. The premise is bizarre, but the uncomfortable dynamic and weak plot make it worse.

The animation is average, and the story leans on cringe-worthy moments. It’s a weird, off-putting series that fails to deliver fun or charm.

1. Conception (2018-2019)

Itsuki Yuge is summoned to Granvania to save it by fathering “Star Children” with maidens. The trashy harem premise, rushed story, and unlikeable characters make it a disaster.

The animation is cheap, and the plot feels like a bad joke. Widely panned as one of the worst anime ever, it’s a low point for isekai.

Which of these isekai flops disappointed you the most, or is there another recent one you’d rank lower? Share your thoughts in the comments!