8 Fantasy Anime That Prove Isekai Is Officially Outdated (Ranked)

For years, isekai has dominated the anime fantasy landscape with thrilling adventures and magical worlds. Many protagonists start out as ordinary people who awaken in new worlds where they can rewrite their destinies, offering audiences appealing stories that are unforgettable as they are immersive. Yet in recent years, isekai has become increasingly formulaic and less engaging.

With the isekai genre growing overcrowded, fantasy anime has steadily begun to dominate the landscape. These titles stand out for unique power systems and imaginative world-building, all led by characters whose presence uplifts the narrative from start to finish. While isekai has plenty of engaging titles, some fantasy anime simply stand out from the rest.

8 Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic follows Aladdin, a young Magi who explores dungeons filled with treasure and powerful Djinn alongside his new friend Alibaba. Along their journey, they’re joined by Morgiana, a former slave with extraordinary strength, as they navigate both thrilling adventures and dangerous enemies.

Magi is based on the novel One Thousand and One Nights and is known for its political intrigue, and complex world-building and magic system. The show stands out as one of the best fantasy anime due to its humor, action, and deep themes, including free will, social inequality, power, and responsibility.

7 Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling centers on Sung Jinwoo, the world’s weakest Hunter, as he struggles to survive in a world filled with dangerous dungeons and monsters. After a brush with death in a dungeon incident, Jinwoo discovers he has the ability to level up through the mysterious System. With this new skill, Jinwoo goes on to become the world’s greatest Hunter.

Solo Leveling became an instant phenomenon following its release. As a power fantasy, the series commanded attention with its fast-paced storyline, stunning visuals, and thrilling protagonist. Solo Leveling went on to earn Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year Award, along with several others, cementing its broad appeal and making it a defining series that helped popularize Korean manhwa adaptations.

6 Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss follows Riko, a young orphan girl who is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a Cave Raider, and Reg, a mysterious amnesiac robot who ascended from the depths of the Abyss. The two travel down into the chasm, aiming to find Riko’s mother, face the Curse of the Abyss, dangerous threats, and meet new allies.

On the surface, Made in Abyss looks like a charming adventure anime, however, it quickly descends into a psychological survival series. While the series is filled with stunning landscapes and strange creatures, it's best known for its intense body horror yet masterful storytelling. Made in Abyss is a difficult watch, but it offers a narrative rich in depth and complexity.

5 Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn centers on the titular character, Princess Yona of the Kouka Kingdom, whose life is upended when her cousin Soo-won murders her father and seizes the throne. With no other choice, Yona flees with her loyal guard, Hak, and journeys across her kingdom in search of the four legendary dragon warriors who can help her survive.

The series is known for Yona’s transformation from innocent, sheltered princess to strong-willed leader. Every encounter she and her allies face helps her grow as a character and adds depth to the story, delivering a truly thrilling and immersive narrative. Filled with political intrigue, romance, and action, Yona of the Dawn is a truly unforgettable story.

4 Delicious in Dungeon

Delicious in Dungeon centers on a group of adventurers led by Laios who reenter a dungeon to rescue their comrade who had been swallowed by a dragon. Along their journey, they turn to the creatures in the dungeon for sustenance, creating lavish meals that respect the dungeon’s biomes and venture further into its depths.

Delicious in Dungeon is a fantasy comedy series that subverts expectations by focusing on culinary arts and blending in moments of depth and complexity, allowing the characters to grow and evolve. The story excels at both charm and tension, making it an engaging must-watch anime.

3 Witch Hat Atelier

Witch Hat Atelier may not have an anime adaptation just yet; however, its story is immensely captivating, and the series already has a strong fan base, making its anime one of the most anticipated of 2026. The series is set to premiere in April 2026 and is known for its world-building, complex magic system, and complex themes.

The series follows Coco, a young girl who dreams of becoming a witch in a world where magic is strictly controlled and reserved for those who are born with the gift. When she accidentally turns her mother into stone, Coco becomes the apprentice to the wizard Qifrey, marking the start of her journey to master magic to undo her mistake.

2 Sentenced to Be a Hero

Sentenced to Be a Hero centers on Xylo Forbartz, a former knight who was condemned to be a hero, a punishment for the worst of criminals. Xylo is forced to endlessly battle against demons with no escape, even through death. Forming a pact with the goddess Teoritta, Xylo swears vengeance while trying to survive and protect those close to him.

The series stands out as a dark fantasy and subversive take on heroism. Sentenced to Be a Hero is a new anime that has already captivated audiences with its thrilling premise, compelling characters, and stylistic animation.

1 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End follows the titular character, a long-lived elven mage who long outlives her human companions after they defeat the Demon King. Wishing to better understand humanity and make sense of her feelings for her deceased comrade, Frieren travels alongside her apprentice Fern and the warrior Stark to make sense of her past connections.

Frieren is best described as a gorgeously animated, slow-paced meditation on memories, bonds, and the passage of time. The story is highly reflective and introspective while still delivering moments of strategic action sequences and breathtaking displays of power. That said, the story primarily focuses on character growth and the fleeting nature of humanity.