Has Isekai become the most uninspired genre in anime?

At one point, isekai anime was thrilling. The concept of being transported to another world—rich with magic, monsters, and quests—offered both escapism and exploration. Inuyasha laid early groundwork in the 2000s, and Sword Art Online exploded the genre into mainstream popularity during the 2010s. It had all the makings of greatness: new rules, high stakes, personal growth, and fresh worldbuilding.

But fast-forward to 2025, and the sentiment among many fans is clear: isekai has become painfully predictable.

Whether it’s a guy being hit by a truck (Truck-kun, now a meme-worthy staple), reincarnated into a video game world, or becoming god-tier overnight, the genre has largely collapsed into its own tropes. Shows like Re:Zero, Overlord, and Konosuba brought flair and originality—but those were exceptions, not the rule. Today, many isekai titles feel like clones of one another, churned out for quantity, not quality.

So, has isekai truly become the most uninspired genre in anime? Or are we overlooking the gems buried beneath the flood of mediocre imitators?

The Rise: Why Isekai Took Off So Fast

The isekai boom didn’t come out of nowhere. Several key factors explain its rapid ascent:

• Escapism: With the rise of burnout culture and digital disconnection, the fantasy of starting life over in a new world hits hard. It’s the ultimate “what if?”

• Gaming Influence: RPGs and MMORPGs shaped an entire generation. The structure of quests, leveling, and magic systems translated easily to anime.

• Light Novel Domination: Many popular isekai titles originate from web and light novels. Their accessibility gave rise to dozens of low-cost adaptations.

• Success Breeds Imitation: The commercial triumph of Sword Art Online and Re:Zero created a gold rush. Studios prioritized volume, not innovation.

It’s no surprise the genre expanded so rapidly. But what once felt fresh now feels overdone.

The Isekai Formula: A Blessing and a Curse

Let’s break down the typical isekai plot:

1. Bland Protagonist dies/get transported via some overused method (death, magic circle, summoning).

2. Wakes up in fantasy world with RPG mechanics.

3. Gains insane power, usually through some cheat skill.

4. Starts a harem (almost always unintentionally).

5. Faces evil empire/demon lord, but only after episodes of world-building, fanservice, and cooking mini-games.

This formula has been recycled across dozens of shows: Arifureta, Wise Man’s Grandchild, The World’s Finest Assassin, and Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, just to name a few.

The result? Predictability.

When every show follows this loop with slight variations, it dulls the excitement of entering a “new world.” There’s little tension, because the main character is nearly always invincible. Growth becomes irrelevant, stakes disappear, and emotional investment dwindles.

Overpowered Protagonists: Cool or Crutch?

One of isekai’s most divisive elements is the overpowered MC. In many cases, the protagonist is so absurdly strong (Rimuru from Slime, Ainz from Overlord, Cautious Hero) that there’s no real sense of danger. Conflicts resolve instantly. Entire armies are vaporized in seconds. The “game” is won before it even begins.

While this can be entertaining (especially in parodies like Konosuba), it also robs the story of suspense. Without struggle, there’s no growth. Without vulnerability, there’s no relatability.

This isn’t to say powerful characters are bad—but when strength is the only defining trait, the narrative loses depth.

The Copy-Paste Worldbuilding Problem

Many isekai worlds blend together because they’re built on identical blueprints:

• Medieval fantasy kingdoms

• Magic academies

• Demon lords

• Elf and beastfolk races

• RPG interfaces

Rarely do these shows dive deeper into their worlds’ politics, culture, or philosophy. Instead, we get surface-level settings that exist only to service the protagonist’s journey. Compare this to Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions, where the world feels harsh, unpredictable, and lived-in. Or Ascendance of a Bookworm, which builds an economic and social system around books and literacy.

The genre’s potential for immersive worldbuilding is immense—but most creators opt for shortcuts.

The Gender Gap and Harem Dynamics

Another issue plaguing isekai is the treatment of female characters. In male-targeted isekai, women often fall into tropes:

• The loyal companion who serves the MC without question.

• The tsundere who “secretly” loves him.

• The child-like goddess or elf who is more fetish than character.

Worse, harems are usually built around shallow interactions, with little emotional or narrative justification. This reduces female agency and adds to the genre’s reputation as male power fantasy.

Of course, reverse isekai (The Devil is a Part-Timer, Fushigi Yuugi) and female-led stories (My Next Life as a Villainess) do exist—but they are the minority.

Gems That Broke the Mold

Despite the fatigue, a few isekai series prove the genre isn’t doomed:

• Mushoku Tensei: A controversial but deeply developed story with complex themes, rich worldbuilding, and long-term character arcs.

• Re:Zero: Subverts the invincibility trope. Subaru can’t overpower his way to victory—he dies, again and again, forcing emotional growth.

• Konosuba: A brilliant parody that mocks isekai clichés with absurd humor and dysfunctional characters.

• The Devil is a Part-Timer: Reverses the formula. The demon lord works part-time at a fast-food chain in Tokyo.

• Ascendance of a Bookworm: Focuses on knowledge, education, and the protagonist’s love for books—not combat or conquest.

These shows remind us that innovation is possible, even within the constraints of a saturated genre.

Is the Genre Dying—or Evolving?

Calling isekai “dead” would be inaccurate. It’s still commercially viable, with multiple shows greenlit every season. However, it is creatively stagnant in many corners.

But signs of evolution are emerging:

• Meta narratives like Re:Creators and Uncle from Another World that reflect on the genre itself.

• Villainess stories where female protagonists gain nuance and complexity.

• Non-action isekai, focusing on slow life, romance, or economic systems (Campfire Cooking in Another World).

If these paths are nurtured, isekai could reemerge as a playground for storytelling—not just power fantasy.

Conclusion

So, has isekai become the most uninspired genre in anime? In many cases, yes.

Oversaturation, recycled tropes, and bland characters have diluted the genre’s original charm. What was once about possibility and wonder is now often a checklist of tired conventions.

But buried beneath the isekai sludge are sparks of creativity—shows and creators willing to push boundaries, subvert expectations, and breathe life into tired formulas.

Isekai doesn’t need to disappear. It just needs to remember why it mattered in the first place: to reimagine the world, not repeat it.