Why is Isekai still so popular in 2024 and beyond?
For a “genre” that seems to be filled with:
- Cliches.
- Stereotypes.
- Repetitive themes.
- Nonsensical twists.
And other elements people may call “cringe”, the fact is the industry churns out tons of content which continues to succeed on some level.
Let’s talk about why that, and how the genre is so appealing.
1. Idealism
When you consider how Isekai protagonists live out their lives AFTER reincarnation, it’s not surprising why this is on the list.
They live a life many would envy, desire, and want out of selfish reasons. It being animated only makes it more appealing, not just visually.
Cid Kagenou fits that description.
He reincarnates and gets to live his life like a video game. He purposely makes decisions in a trollish kind of way to see what they outcome will look like for his own pleasure.
He even goes as far as doing things that would be considered “dangerous” or “unethical” but it’s ultimately true to his feelings and he has the power to deal with it. Plus he’s powerful enough for the consequences to matter less.
Many Isekai fit these narratives, including Tensei Slime and its protagonist Rimuru Tempest (who is more mobile but still has an idealistic lifestyle).
Everyone wants an ideal lifestyle, regardless of what they may look like. Isekai in this sense portrays an idealistic lifestyle from the perspective of characters who were a few things in the past.
Like:
- “Losers”.
- Depressed.
- Not doing so well.
- Miserable.
- Suicidal.
Among many other things. The aftermath is what gives Isekai its appealing traits and characteristics, even if the genre is repetitive.
2. Relatable storytelling
Ascendance Of A Bookworm is relatable in a different kind of way. The anime has a female protagonist who dies after she is trampled by 100s of books, hilariously.
In all seriousness, once she reincarnates she has to live her life straight from the bottom. Little resources, illness, and many other hindrances.
Seeing her progress in a world where she doesn’t depend solely on supernatural power gives the anime a flavour many Isekai don’t have (or Shounen for that matter).
You see the same thing even in anime shows like Sword Art Online. Kirito is an awkward introvert who loves video games to the degree that he gains all sorts of abilities within the VR world.
That’s how he becomes overpowered. It sounds silly but that’s relatable to gamers who play at the highest level to seek achievement, fulfilment, and the best in game rewards.
The only difference is it’s animated with flashy bits and of course, perks like having women fancy you for multiple reasons (adding to the Isekai appeal).
3. The potential for creativity
The Devil Is A Part Timer changes things a lot.
Sadao Maou, formerly called “Satan” (because he is) is chased out of his world and ends up on Earth. He becomes a Japanese citizen, is weaker than he used to be, and is hiding out to avoid the hero Emilia who is trying to kill him.
She too is weaker on Earth, and somehow, some way, “humans” get in the way of her killing Satan, and the anime’s plot changes drastically to what it initially looks like.
Not to mention it’s a reverse Isekai.
One example of a creative Isekai series is The Executioner And Her Way Of Life. The anime flips the Isekai trope on its head.
Instead of otherworlders being praised and loved, they’re hated, despised, and secretly eliminated like a disease. The “protagonist” of the series learns this the hard way in the first episode.
The anime’s story and plot points make it creatively different to the average Isekai, even if how it plays out isn’t as effective as it could have been.
There are also anime like Tanya Of The Evil, that change the typical narrative of Isekai anime and gives you something different altogether.
This Isekai has militant aspects that dominate the story, its violence, and its action and themes.
Nobody would deny its uniqueness.
ReZero is another creative Isekai series. It’s one of the originals for a lot of things, long first episodes being ONE thing.
Subaru’s casual personality, occasional breaking of the fourth wall, and of course, his approach to “saving the world” through death countless times is a theme you don’t see in Isekai because it would be a blatant rip off.
It blends video game elements of returning to a checkpoint after you die, and horror elements of going through horrific levels of pain before the fact.
4. Brainless entertainment
It’s not always about creativity when it comes to anime, never mind Isekai or any other genre. Sometimes it’s just brainless entertainment and yes, that can be the main appeal.
The kind of anime you watch without thinking too much and the type that is hilarious, funny, and that’s really all it needs to be.
You could say an anime series like How Not To Summon A Demon Lord is comparable to this idea.
The anime is a harem/ecchi and one where the lines are blurred with its LEWD content. The main character is in the gaming world where the strongest character is called Diablo, who he becomes.
He has two girls by his side, seen kissing him as he “enters” the world, and the fanservice and typical shenanigans follow for 2 seasons straight.
On some level, it’s brainless entertainment and still manages to be just enough to enjoy it without taking it too seriously or stressing about the details.
5. The inspirational aspects of “getting it right” the 2nd time
Mushoku Tensei is always an anime people like talking about in this way.
Rudeus Greyrat is the protagonist who in his past life, despite the fact he was bullied, becomes a pedo and becomes a disgusting person, to say the least.
So much so that after reincarnation, he feels the deep shame and guilt of who he became, and tries to become a better man in the new world. But not before being a horny bastard.
And not before being a bit of a scum bag even as a child (with the mind of an adult) who knows better but doesn’t do better.
Later on, he becomes a changed man and these inspirational aspects can be a major appeal for Isekai if they do it right.
ReZero has similar aspects to it. Subaru Natsuki was NOT the man he was in the real world in the new world he found himself in. His new experiences, pains, trauma, and struggles make him someone else altogether.
It makes him stronger, wiser, and more respectable. It’s not just relatable, but inspirational as well.
In real life, there are multiple chances, but not after you’ve offed yourself which is what makes ISEKAI so appealing since you can fix the past.
Relevant: 27+ Inspiring Anime Characters You Can Learn Something From
6. The positive side of reincarnation
Even in the real world, people like to imagine positive outcomes when it comes to reincarnation, regardless of religion or beliefs.
Anime is what these “beliefs” look like when you draw a piece of art, animate it, and give it motion pictures.
Isekai embodies what people want to see when they “reach the other side”.
Whether it’s the comical idea of having God’s direct phone number like in the anime In Another World With My Smartphone.
Or whether it’s a wholesome “second” life like in the anime I’ve Been Killing Slimes For 300+ Years.
Or whether it’s something comparable to Ascendance Of A Bookworm where there’s a balance of everything, good and bad, similar to Tensei Slime.
Or more adventurous like Konosuba.
Isekai’s positive reinforcement of reincarnation is undeniably appealing, especially to those who are more religious and have deep beliefs on this subject.
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Isekai has a lot of appeal even if it comes across as annoying, dumb, cliche, or stale with its repetitive themes.
But with the potential for creativity, new ideas, and more importantly, its reincarnation appeal, it’s a trend that won’t take its foot off the pedal any time soon.
It’s here to stay.
