Updated May 12, 2024 by testing

Most animes in this genre or subplot have interesting and complex world-building that is surely hard not to notice. In addition, the characters that bring those worlds into life are worth looking into as well. 

From tragic backstories that will make you cry to inspiring feats that will inspire you to fight for what you believe in, anime in this subgenre will make you feel things, from soft uwu moments to hard-rock—YAS BRING IT ON!!!

So without further ado, let’s get started!

 

ANIME WHERE THE RISES AND BUILDS KINGDOM LIKE A BOSS

 

14. The Rising of the Shield Hero

Title	The Rising of the Shield Hero
Author	Yusagi Aneko
Genre	Action, Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy, Isekai
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	Kinema Citrus
Premiered	January 9, 2019
Episode Count	38 episodes
Duration	23 minutes per episode

If you haven’t seen this show before, then I salute you!

The Rising of the Shield Hero would probably be the go-to Isekai anime for audiences who want something more familiar (or stereotyped, ehe~) when it comes to the characters and the process of interaction with them. 

Rising of the Shield Hero tells the story of Naofumi Iwatani who got pulled into a different dimension after reading a book in their school library.

The gist is that four people who were isekai’d into the Melromarc Kingdom are heroes, granted one specific weapon. As for Naofumi, he is the Shield Hero.

The plot itself has been sufficient enough to support the characters while also having a crazy amount of fanservice! Guys, don’t get too excited that much~

 

13. Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero

Title	Maoyu Maou Yuusha
Author	Tounu Mamare
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Mythology
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	Arms
Premiered	January 5, 2013
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Not necessarily an isekai itself, Maoyu is one of those kingdoms that’s been governed by pacifist characters in a war-torn world.

As someone who wants to rebuild their kingdom after all the tragedy and political upheaval it went through, Maoyu’s characters may be a bit stereotyped at first but proved to be essential later on as the story progresses.

 

12. No Game, No Life

Title	No game, No life
Author	Yuu Kamiya
Genre	Comedy, Fantasy, Ecchi, Isekai
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	April 9, 2014
Episode Count	12 episodes
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Or what fans know as “No Game, No Season2”, just kidding! Even though the show aired for only 12 episodes, it’s without a doubt that both the personalities of Sora and Shiro shone through the series. 

The anime mostly centers around the world and the game system, while not failing to give hints to the extent of the thought processes and beliefs of the Blank duo (Sora and Shiro)

However, supporting characters like Stephanie Dora’s capabilities were undermined as it seemed as if her only purpose in the anime was fanservice.

Nevertheless, the anime is worth watching and re-watching over and over because of the mad tactician skills and satisfyingly awesome sauce energy it gives; it would feel like you’re a pro gamer too.

 

11. The Heroic legend of Arslan

Title	The Heroic legend of Arslan
Author	Hiromu Arakawa
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical
Type	Novel Series
Studio	SANZIGEN, LIDENFILMS
Premiered	April 5, 2015
Episode Count	25 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Please, hear me out first. I know some of you may be wondering, “11th spot? Writer-chan, are you serious??”. 

But in all honesty, this anime has wonders in it, its from plot, to execution itself, it really deserves a higher rank *chef’s kiss*. However, it seems like only the main character has developed well throughout the series. 

I believe that Daryun and Narsus need more exploring as a character even if both have already proved to be walking green flags.

If you’re someone who has a knack for action scenes set in a historical timeline while not forgetting the drama that focuses on the main character’s struggles, then binge-watch this show.

 

10. Amagi Brilliant Park

Title	Amagi Brilliant Park
Author	Shoji Gatoh
Genre	Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	Kyoto Animation
Premiered	October 7, 2014
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Amagi Brilliant Park may be the dream theme park of every otaku in the world, and so is the series itself. 

Set in a place where the theme park turns out to be really magical but is gradually failing, Saiya was “forcefully” brought to Amagi with the purpose of saving their land.

One of the strengths of this anime is how the characters are portrayed as cute, cuddly, and deadly at the same time. Let’s take the Amagi mascots as an example. 

Moffle who appears to look like Bonta-kun from Full Metal Panic! He can actually kill you if you call him cheap and hurt Princess Latifa (or maybe if you call him a Walking Copyright Violation?) 

The entirety of the anime focused on the development of teamwork among the theme park’s staff, not to mention Seiya’s budding humility.

 

9. Dr. Stone

Title	Dr. Stone
Author	Riichiro Inagaki
Genre	Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Type	Manga Series
Studio	TMS Entertainment
Premiered	July 15, 2019
Episode Count	24 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Another anime where the character needs to tone down their arrogance a bit. 

Dr. Stone is set in a post-apocalyptic world where an unknown force turns the whole planet into stone for enough time that nature takes back the modern world. 

Senku Ishigami, the MC is our genius prodigy that aims to rebuild the earth using his wit and science, of course.

In terms of the character itself, Senku is pretty interesting as an MC. Mostly determined to build a civilization out of nothing, his “helpful” ways seemed pure to others but were really conceived out of selfish intentions. 

Despite our MC behaving this way throughout the series, other characters seemed to balance their strengths and weaknesses with each other like how Senku’s childhood best friend Taiju is the muscle of the operation, and Yuzuriha’s practical skills in cloth making.

 

8. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt a Kingdom

Title	Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki
Author	Dojyomaru
Genre	Action, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Harem
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	J.C. Staff
Premiered	July 4, 2021
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Like the great Aristotle said, “Man, by nature, is a political animal.” And wherever the world may be, it still holds the truth.

Instead of the main character warring heads with other conquerors, Kazuya, our MC used his main strength, being a civil servant himself.

This means him introducing organizational restructuring towards the inside of the kingdom and using political prowess to improve their damaged state. 

If you’re an otaku who wants to see realistic reforms in an anime that is purely political in a sense that even romance is built under the power of politics, then this one’s for you! 

 

7. One Piece

Title	One Piece
Author	Eiichiro Oda
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Type	Manga Series
Studio	Toei Animation
Premiered	October 20, 1999
Episode Count	1028+ episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

If we’re talking about legends, we better start talking about One Piece! This anime is worth every otaku’s admiration and simping! 

The unique world building and the plot that still makes sense despite running a thousand episodes (woah, woah!!) is really worth watching because the characters’ execution of their actions is done well. (Not to mention the absolutely refreshing art style *chef’s kiss*)

One Piece’s characters are also worth rooting for, as they are both distinctive and compelling.

Let’s have an “aww” moment at Senor Pink.

Senor Pink’s character was first introduced in episode 632 of the anime series. He was one of the ridiculous looking characters in which he looked like a gangster trying-hard baby (an image you don’t really want stuck in your head).

However, it was soon revealed that he kept that kind of appearance to satisfy a void left in his heart after his wife and son’s passing.

If that didn’t make you tear up, I don’t know what will~

 

6. Magi: Adventures of Sinbad

Title	Magi: Sinbad no Bouken
Author	Shinobu Ohtaka
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Type	Manga series
Studio	Lay-duce
Premiered	April 16, 2016
Episode Count	13 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Hands up if you also simped for Sinbad!

One of the walking green flags in a world filled with filth and corruption, Sinbad’s character is definitely worth swooning over. 

Despite his upbringing, he began as an energetic and optimistic individual. Sinbad was pulled toward the world of politics, where he learned that accomplishing what he dreamed of requires sacrifice, even if it means sacrificing his morals.

 

5. Ranking of Kings

Title	Ousama Ranking
Author	Sousuke Tooka
Genre	Adventure, Fantasy
Type	Manga Series
Studio	Wit Studio
Premiered	October 15, 2015
Episode Count	23 episodes
Duration	22 minutes per episode

I am pretty much biased towards this, but in all seriousness, this anime gives me huge UWU vibes.

If you’re that type who wants to get to know the character in terms of dealing with their psyche and their past, thus understanding the motivation behind certain decisions, you’d better watch this anime with me (~let’s cheer for dear bojji-chan!)

Ranking of Kings focuses not just on Bojji, our MC who is deaf and physically incapable (some fans say he might be in the autism spectrum), but also in the other characters as well. 

Let’s take Queen Hiling as an example. In the early episodes, she seemed like the typical “Evil Stepmom” to Bojji, but after certain circumstances, is revealed to be a tsundere mom who wishes nothing but the safety and comfort of Bojji (major uwu moment<3).

 

4. Attack on Titan

Title	Shingeki no Kyojin
Author	Hajime Isayama
Genre	Action, Drama, Gore. Thriller
Type	Manga Series
Studio	Wit Studio
Premiered	April 7, 2013
Episode Count	87 Episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Undoubtedly one of the animes that swept pop culture by storm, Attack on Titan is not only wonderful in terms of the plot and the elaborate world system, but also in the characters as well.

From the tragic Eren Yeager to the heartbroken Mikasa, this anime is worth the watch, maybe just to cry over how the characters end up in some way.

But to balance things out in this gruesome world, characters like Connie, Sasha, and Hanji (aren’t we teary-eyed now?) were there to make us laugh, proving that tough situations make you cry because of two things: imminent death and absurd laughter like there’s no tomorrow (‘cause they probably wouldn’t be there tomorrow).

 

3. Overlord

Title	Overlord
Author	Kugane Maruyama
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	Madhouse
Premiered	July 15, 2017
Episode Count	52 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Ah yes, Overlord! Someone who is into isekai would definitely know this anime!

With its elaborate characters and world-building, Overlord is a classic gem in the world of isekai. 

The protagonist, Momonga, whose character resembles that of a fancy purple-robed lich, on the surface looks like an almighty god capable of making powerful figures bow to him, when in reality he’s just as clueless as the audience. 

 

2. That Time I Reincarnated as a Slime

Title	Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken
Author	Fuse
Genre	Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai
Type	Light Novel Series
Studio	8bit
Premiered	October 2, 2018
Episode Count	48
Duration	23 minutes per episode

Who would have thought slime as a main character would gain an unexpected huge fandom?

That time I reincarnated as a slime (wooh~ is there a way to shorten this?) is worth the watch because of how the MC portrayed itself in the series.

Satoru Mikami, also known as Rimeru when isakai-ed as a slime, demonstrates his maturity. Adult in a sense that he’s matured and is able to help others and make boundaries for himself (if all men would be like this…)

Not only that but other characters as well showed unique features worth noting for. Like Veldora Tempest, who at first looked intimidating as any time you’d turn into ash, is actually a Tsunderagon (tsundere dragon) that only wanted to make friends after being trapped for centuries.

 

1. Code Geass

Title	Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
Author	Gorō Taniguchi Ichirō Ōkouchi
Genre	Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Mecha
Type	Anime Series
Studio	Sunrise
Premiered	October 6, 2006
Episode Count	50 episodes
Duration	24 minutes per episode

Who would’ve thought this would reach our top spot? Yeah, right, everyone did! Code Geass is as legendary as it is. From plot to societal issues confronted into, this is a legit masterpiece. Looking closely at Lelouch as the main character has always fascinated me because of how compelling his character was. In a way that the lines between good and evil blur, making you second guess what’s right and wrong, logical or just plain emotional.

 

Conclusion

If I didn’t give you an emotional rollercoaster, then maybe your next watchlist would? What do you think fits the number one spot, and why isn’t it Code Geass? Haha! Just kidding! Let us know in the comments below!