15 Best Anime On Reincarnation, Ranked (2025)

Reincarnation has fascinated audiences across various cultures and mediums, and in the world of anime, it has become a prominent and captivating genre. These anime often follow characters who, after dying in their original world, are reborn in a completely different realm or time. This unique premise allows for creative storytelling, blending fantasy, adventure, or comedy.

From idols in Oshi no Ko to the light-hearted humor in KonoSuba, reincarnation-themed anime offer diverse and engaging narratives. Whether it's a second chance at life or an opportunity to fulfill a grand destiny, anime reincarnation continues to delight fans with its limitless possibilities.

15 Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.06

Why Watch Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles?

• Dual identity protagonist
• Unconventional reincarnation story

Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles follows Haruto Amakawa, a young man who dies in a bus accident, only to find his consciousness merged with Rio, an orphan living in a fantasy world. This unique setup leads to a dual narrative: Haruto's modern Japanese knowledge and memories intertwine with Rio's experiences in a realm filled with magic and political intrigue.

Despite living in a world filled with magic and nobility, Rio faces significant challenges due to his low social status as an orphan in the slums. What sets this reincarnation anime apart is its exploration of identity, as Haruto and Rio grapple with their merged selves, leading to complex character development.

14 Knight's & Magic

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.07

Why Watch Knight's & Magic?

• Fusion of mecha and fantasy
• Reincarnation fuels the main character's passion for mech engineering

Knight's & Magic is centered around Tsubasa Kurata, a mecha otaku from Japan who is reincarnated in a fantasy world as Ernesti Echevarria (Eru), a nobleman's son. What sets this anime apart is its fusion of genres. This world uniquely combines traditional fantasy elements like magic and medieval knights with mecha, typically seen in sci-fi settings.

Eru's passion for robots from his previous life translates into an unparalleled enthusiasm for the Silhouette Knights, the mecha of this new world. Eru's knowledge from modern Japan enables him to innovate and revolutionize the design and capabilities of these Silhouette Knights, making him a pivotal figure in his new world.

13 Reincarnated As A Sword

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.54

Why Watch Reincarnated as a Sword?

• Engaging fantasy adventure
• Unique concept of reincarnating as a sentient sword

Reincarnated as a Sword offers a unique twist on the isekai genre by having the protagonist reincarnate as an inanimate object, a sword. The story revolves around a man who awakens in a fantasy world, not as a human or a beast, but as a powerful, sentient sword.

Unlike traditional isekai stories and protagonists, he cannot move independently and must rely on others to wield him. This limitation creates an intriguing dynamic as a young slave girl named Fran becomes his wielder. Together, they embark on adventures, with the sword guiding and mentoring Fran while seeking to understand the circumstances of his reincarnation.

12 The Founder Of Diabolism

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.40

Why Watch The Founder of Diabolism?

• Animation brings the ancient setting to life
• Reincarnation adds mystery to the protagonist's journey

The Founder of Diabolism is a Chinese donghua (animated series) that stands out for its blend of historical and supernatural elements. The story revolves around Wei Wuxian, who was once a powerful cultivator known for his unconventional and forbidden methods in the mystical arts.

The series begins with his resurrection in the body of a lunatic after being dead for 13 years. As Wei Wuxian navigates this new life in a different body, he investigates the mysteries surrounding his death and the many changes that have occurred. What makes this reincarnation anime unique is its intricate plot, which is rich in Chinese folklore and mythology.

11 Ascendance Of A Bookworm

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.99

Why Watch Ascendance of a Bookworm?

• Interesting story with gentle pacing
• Motosu is reborn with a deep love for books

Ascendance of a Bookworm centers on Motosu Urano, a book-loving university student who, after a tragic accident, is reincarnated in a medieval world as Myne, a frail girl from a poor family. In this new world, books are scarce and largely inaccessible to commoners. The unique aspect of this anime lies in its protagonist's passion for books driving the narrative.

Unlike typical reincarnation stories featuring battles and magic conquests, Ascendance of a Bookworm focuses on Myne's quest to create and preserve books, reflecting a deep love for literature and knowledge. This pursuit leads her to innovate, using her previous life's knowledge to recreate the joys of reading in a world where books are a luxury.

10 Reborn As A Vending Machine, I Now Wander The Dungeon

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 6.55

Why Watch Reborn as a Vending Machine?

• Fantasy dungeon setting
• Humorous take on reincarnation into a vending machine

Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon follows a vending machine fanatic who, upon dying, is reincarnated as a sentient vending machine in a fantasy world. Unable to move independently, he is discovered by a young adventurer named Lammis.

This unusual premise makes the anime fun, as the story explores how an object, typically viewed as mundane and static, navigates life in a magical and dangerous environment. The vending machine, now named Boxxo, provides goods to adventurers as they explore dungeons. Through Boxxo's lens, viewers experience adventures, encounters, and a fresh perspective on commerce in a magical world.

9 Wise Man's Grandchild

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 6.62

Why Watch Wise Man's Grandchild?

• Amusing depiction of magic school life
• The protagonist is reincarnated into a magical world

Wise Man's Grandchild tells the story of a young man who dies and is reincarnated in a fantasy realm. He's found and raised by a legendary wizard known as Merlin Wolford and becomes known as Shin. Trained by Merlin and other powerful figures, Shin quickly develops remarkable magical abilities.

However, his common sense doesn't match his magical prowess, so he joins Earlshide Kingdom's Magic Academy to learn and make new friends. This contrast between his extraordinary magical talent and his naivete in everyday social interactions creates a blend of powerful action sequences and humorous situations, differentiating it from traditional, serious reincarnation narratives.

8 In Another World With My Smartphone

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 6.14

Why Watch In Another World with My Smartphone?

• Blend of magic, comedy, and light romance
• Reincarnation with a smartphone brings a modern twist

In Another World with My Smartphone, the protagonist, Touya Mochizuki, is accidentally killed by a god, who apologizes by reincarnating him into a magical fantasy world. As compensation, he's allowed to keep his smartphone, which retains its modern functions and gains special abilities. The element of having a smartphone in a fantasy setting makes this reincarnation anime stand out.

Touya leverages the smartphone's capabilities and his newfound magical powers to navigate this unfamiliar realm. The smartphone retains access to Earth's knowledge and has a direct line to the god who reincarnated him, providing a practical and comedic value. The anime is known for its blend of magic, comedy, and harem elements.

7 The Strongest Sage With The Weakest Crest

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 6.23

Why Watch The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest?

• Quest to become more powerful
• Reincarnates to obtain a better crest

The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest revolves around Matthias, once a legendary sage who feels constrained by his current crest's limitations. He decides to reincarnate himself into the future to obtain a stronger crest. This anime is unique in the isekai genre for its concept of a character reincarnating in the same world but at a different time.

However, he is born with what is considered the weakest of crests, which turns out to possess hidden potential. Utilizing his past knowledge and the misunderstood crest, Matthias embarks on a quest to become even more powerful by enrolling in the Second Royal Academy.

6 Saga Of Tanya The Evil

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.96

Why Watch Saga of Tanya the Evil?

• Strategic military action
• Ruthless businessman reborn as a girl in wartime

Saga of Tanya the Evil is a dark isekai anime that follows a salaryman reincarnated as a young girl, Tanya Degurechaff, in an alternate reality with magic. Guided by a self-righteous entity that she refers to as Being X, Tanya must navigate a militaristic society.

What makes this reincarnation anime unique is its focus on military strategy, warfare, and the psychological aspects of its main character. Despite a childlike appearance, Tanya becomes a ruthless soldier, using her acumen and magical abilities to ascend the military ranks. The series offers a memorable experience, particularly for viewers interested in a darker, more cerebral story.

5 KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.11

Why Watch KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!?

• Refreshing take on fantasy world challenges
• Reincarnation leads to unexpected alliances

KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! is a comedic isekai anime about Kazuma Sato, who is reincarnated in a fantasy world. He teams up with quirky companions, including an inept goddess (Aqua), a mage (Megumin) who only knows one spell and a crusader (Darkness) who can't hit her target.

Instead of grand adventures and battles, they often find themselves in funny and mundane situations. The show constantly throws curveballs at its characters, from dealing with debt and working odd jobs to combatting bizarre enemies. The anime stands out for its lighthearted take, focusing more on the comedic misadventures of the characters rather than epic quests or battles.

4 The Eminence In Shadow

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.31

Why Watch The Eminence in Shadow?

• Fascinating secret organizations
• Average guy reincarnates as a powerful shadow leader

The Eminence in Shadow tells the story of Cid Kagenou, who dreams of becoming an eminence in shadow, a character who operates behind the scenes. In his new life after reincarnation, he forms a shadowy organization filled with cliche roles found in fantasy stories to combat an evil cult that only he believes exists.

What makes this anime different is its parody of common isekai and fantasy tropes. Cid is a powerful character who intentionally downplays his abilities to remain in the background. His elaborate ruse and the creation of a fictitious enemy turn into reality as he inadvertently becomes involved in real conspiracies and battles.

3 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.38

Why Watch Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation?

• Immersive world-building and lore
• NEET's second chance at life in a magical world

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation follows a 34-year-old NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) who is reincarnated in a fantasy world as Rudeus Greyrat. Retaining his memories from his previous life, he vows to take advantage of his new life, embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.

As Rudeus grows, he quickly adapts to his new life, using his adult intellect to learn magic and other skills at an extraordinary pace. What makes this reincarnation anime different is Rudeus's journey, which is marked by various milestones: learning from a powerful mage named Roxy, forming relationships with his family and peers, and eventually setting out on adventures.

2 Oshi No Ko

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.74

Why Watch Oshi no Ko?

• Offers a deep dive into idol culture
• Intriguing reincarnation of fans into the idol world

Oshi no Ko follows the intertwined lives of two reincarnated individuals: a 31-year-old obstetrician and a 15-year-old die-hard fan of the idol Ai Hoshino. After their unexpected deaths, they are reincarnated with their memories intact as the fraternal twins Aqua and Ruby to Ai Hoshino.

This premise sets it apart from typical stories about the entertainment industry, blending elements of reincarnation with a behind-the-scenes look at the idol world. Oshi no Ko explores the world of Japanese idols, offering viewers an engaging perspective on celebrity culture and the glamor of showbiz through the eyes of characters with past life experiences.

1 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.14

Why Watch That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime?

• Office worker reborn as a slime in a fantasy world
• Rimuru can devour and copy abilities to grow stronger

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime follows a middle-aged office worker, Satoru Mikami, who is reincarnated as a slime. Unlike typical slimes in fantasy lore, Satoru, renamed as Rimuru Tempest in the new world, discovers that he possesses special abilities uncommon for slimes, like devouring anything and copying its abilities.

Rimuru begins to build a community with various creatures, promoting understanding and cooperation. The anime is #1 on this list because it combines adventure, politics, and humor, showcasing the protagonist's growth from a mere slime to a powerful leader. The diverse cast of characters and imaginative world-building also contribute to the series' popularity.

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