Highlights
- Some people find it exciting to be isekai'd and start a new life in a magical world.
- Innocent bystanders caught up in isekais have relatable stories and struggles.
- The isekai genre explores various scenarios and themes, including comedy, adventure, romance, and fantasy.
For some, getting "isekai'd" would be a dream come true. It would be amazing to start a new life in a world full of magic and wonder. Many protagonists in isekai anime and manhwa have troubles in their daily lives, which is why they're always so ready to embrace a sudden transmigration.
However, for people satisfied in their lives, getting abducted and dropped into an unfamiliar environment is a serious problem, especially if they're then asked to get rid of someone named "The Demon Lord." While not often, innocent bystanders are occasionally caught up in isekais, and their stories are much more relatable compared to the usual hero's tale.
9 I Was Summoned To Be The Saint, But I Was Robbed Of The Position, Apparently
MyAnimeList Score: 6.68
- Author: Hana Yoshitaka
- Illustrator: Jisama
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance
Normally, a kingdom in a magical land will only summon one saint to fix their problems, but in this case, Anise is summoned alongside classmate Hime as a "prospective" saint. It doesn't take long for things to go sour, however. Hime is a narcissist and takes any chance to ruin Anise's life. Being in another world doesn't change that.
Anise has no other option but to flee when she's suddenly sentenced to death. She decides to use her powers to make a living and settle down quietly. Unfortunately, Hime won't leave her alone.
8 Isekai ni Teni shitara Yama no Naka datta. Handou de Tsuyosa yori mo Kaitekisa wo Erabimashita
MyAnimeList Score: 6.46
- Author: Jaga Butter
- Illustrator: Sora Tsutaya
- Published: 2021 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Adventure, Fantasy, Slice of Life
- English Name: I Got Sent To Another World, But It's In The Mountains. In Reaction, I Choose Comfort Over Strength
Jin Konohana is an ordinary guy whose only problem is his sister. Her selfishness and unreasonable demands make her a pain to deal with, but on top of all that, she's incredibly manipulative. JIn wants nothing to do with her.
One day, a sudden trip turns into a trial in the wilderness where Jin must do all he can to survive. Luckily, a god comes to explain what actually happened. His sister and her friends were summoned as heroes, and he was summoned by accident.
7 Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill
MyAnimeList Score: 7.67
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: 2023 to 2023
- Studios: MAPPA
- Genres/Themes: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Gourmet, Isekai
Tsuyoshi Mukouda is an average salaryman, but on his way home, he's engulfed in a bright flash of light and summoned into the Kingdom of Reijseger. Alongside him are three high-schoolers who seem just as confused as him.
He avoids being sent to fight demons because of his skill "Online Supermarket." While it appears useless, Mukouda is actually able to purchase various food items and supplies from Japan, and because of their unique flavors, he garners plenty of attention from people and monsters alike.
6 The White Cat's Revenge As Plotted From The Dragon King's Lap
MyAnimeList Score: 7.44
- Author: Kureha
- Illustrator: Aki
- Published: 2017 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Isekai
One day, Ruri Morikawa is summoned with her "friend," Asahi Shinomiya, to another world. In this world, Asahi is immediately recognized as the Shrine Maiden, which is great, but her one-sided affection puts Ruri in a bad situation. Ultimately, she's banished from the kingdom.
It turns out to be a blessing in disguise, since Ruri learns she's loved by spirits, a rare condition that can alter nations. She gets help from an old woman, learns more about magic, and finds a bracelet that allows her to become a white cat. However, she can't escape Asahi.
5 The Other World's Books Depend On The Bean Counter
MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
- Author: Wakatsu Yatsuki
- Illustrator: Kazuki Irodori
- Published: 2020 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Boys Love, Fantasy, Isekai
On his way home from work, Seiichirou Kondou sees a young woman being sucked into a mysterious portal and gets transported along with her, trying to help. In the new world, the girl is lauded as the Saintess who will drive away the Miasma. Seiichirou is just an extra.
Instead of money or a house, Seiichirou asks for a job in compensation. Having been an employee of a black company, he's developed an addiction to working. His odd behavior draws the attention of the knight captain, Aresh Indrak, and the two begin a seriously complicated relationship.
4 Konjiki no Word Master: Yuusha Yonin ni Makikomareta Unique Cheat
MyAnimeList Score: 7.33
- Author: Sui Tomoto
- Illustrator: Yuusuke Ozaki
- Published: 2014 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
- English Name: The Golden Word Master – The Four Heroes And The Innocent Bystander With The Unique Cheat
After school, Hiiro Okumura is collecting his things when he is suddenly summoned to another world. He and four of his classmates were summoned to fight demons and keep the kingdom safe. While the others are willing to help out, Hiiro wants nothing to do with it, especially since he's not a "hero."
Despite his title of "Innocent Bystander," Hiiro actually has a powerful, unique magic that lets him manifest the meaning of words as he understands them. He sets off on his own adventure to see what he can get out of this other world.
3 The Wrong Way To Use Healing Magic
MyAnimeList Score: 7.59
- Episodes: Ongoing
- Aired: 2024 to Present
- Studios: Shin-Ei Animation, Studio Add
- Genres/Themes: Action, Fantasy, Isekai
While walking home from school, Ken Usato and two of his classmates are suddenly whisked away to another world. It's clear he wasn't meant to be summoned, especially when his friends are a hero and a sage. Luckily, Ken gained an affinity for healing magic through the transfer.
However, that means being under the tutelage of the strongest woman in the kingdom, Rose, another person with healing magic. Her methods are spartan and nearly cruel, but through intense training, Ken gains physical ability comparable to a hero, and healing magic capable of sustaining an army.
2 The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent
MyAnimeList Score: 7.30
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: 2021 to 2021
- Studios: Diomedéa
- Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Medical
Sei Takanashi returns home from a long day of work only to be caught up in a summoning ritual. She finds herself in the kingdom of Slantania with another teenage girl, who is immediately chosen by the prince to be the next Saint. Sei is almost completely forgotten.
With nothing better to do, Sei starts working with the Medicinal Flora Research Institute, making potions. However, it becomes clear Sei's abilities are extraordinary, and she may be the real Saint after all.
1 I Got Caught Up In A Hero Summons, But The Other World Was At Peace!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.67
- Author: Toudai
- Illustrator: Jiroo Heian
- Published: 2018 to Present
- Genres/Themes: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai
Kaito Miyama is an average college student with no particularly interesting features. Unfortunately, he's caught up in a hero's summoning, taking him and three others to another world. As a bystander, he's told to wait one year before he can go home.
What's special about this world is that there's no danger. The Demon Lord was slain centuries ago. There are no political agendas. All he has to do is tour the kingdom. However, a fateful encounter with a demon might make everything much more exciting.
