The worlds within anime are vast and rich beyond imagination. From dystopian, cybernetic-enhanced futures to crash landing on a foreign planet millions of miles away from Earth, we’ve traveled to many locations over the years.
But the subgenre of Fantasy—called isekai—visits places only our dreams can seemingly take us. Isekai anime focuses on a protagonist abruptly traveling to another universe or reality they’re not familiar with. There, they take on new abilities and traits that prove useful in saving this new world.
RELATED: Funimation’s Fall 2019 Lineup Ramps Up the Action!
In honor of this season’s isekai titles, we’ve compiled a top five worlds list you should take the time to visit (or revisit). So, fasten your seatbelt and get transported with us!
Gaeabrande from Cautious Hero: The Hero is Overpowered but Overly Cautious
Our first stop takes us to the S-ranked world of Gaeabrande, a planet teeming with some really tough baddies. But Goddess Ristarte has a plan to save Gaeabrande: she will summon the overly cautious hero, Seiya Ryuuguuin, who’s overpowered skills will help save the day.
RELATED: First Impressions: Cautious Hero, Fate/Grand Order and More!
The terrain of Gaeabrande is comprised of fertile, rich farmland, evergreen trees, mountains ranges and serene streams. Join Seiya and Ristarte in the quaint town of Edona as they begin their first of many missions.
Watch Cautious Hero: The Hero is Overpowered but Overly Cautious on Funimation!
The fantasy world of Kemono Michi: Rise Up
If you love the idea of animals and magical beasts overrunning the world, then Genzo’s pet shop featured in Kemono Michi: Rise Up is for you!
Imagine being the caretaker and purveyor of a pet shop that only deals in magical creatures. Awesome right?! And even more awesome is the main character, Genzo, who’s a professional wrestler. 1…2…3! Talk about a suplex jackpot!
Watch Kemono Michi: Rise Up on Funimation!
Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld
Get stuck in the digital realm of the Underworld, a dark, corrupted landscape housing sinister goblins, The Demon Tree, Integrity Knights and more! To get there, the player connects their brain and body to a system that transports their consciousness to the virtual plane.
This connection causes their souls to synchronize with both physical and virtual worlds. Join Alice and Asuna in their efforts to bring Kirito out of his coma!
Watch Sword Art Online Alicization War of Underworld on Funimation!
Melromarc in The Rising of the Shield Hero
The videogame-like Kingdom of Melromarc is a war-torn country part of a large continent with six other nations. Ruled by a matriarchal monarchy, Melromarc has a long history of battling the neighboring country of Siltvelt, a nation made up of demi-humans.
Boot up last season with the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, as he defends the country of Melromarc from calamity.
Watch The Rising of the Shield Hero on Funimation!
The chibi world from ISEKAI QUARTET
Last, but certainly not least, we’re stopping at the unexpected chibi mashup world that unites a group of anime fan-favorites from The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Overlord, KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! and Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- together in a comedic classroom setting. Our advice? Don’t press the red button!
RELATED: ISEKAI QUARTET Returns in January 2020, Brings Shield Hero Along
Speaking of ISEKAI QUARTET, the second season has been confirmed in Japan for January 2020. Naofumi, Raphtalia and Filo from The Rising of the Shield Hero are joining the ranks of the already star-studded cast that spans the isekai anime genre and some fan-favorite lineups.
Watch ISEKAI QUARTET on Funimation!
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