If youāre tired of the usual isekai, thereās a refreshing twist on the genre that brings in modern technology and sci-fi themes. This list features 20 fantastic series that mix familiar concepts from our world with the imaginative and colorful settings of isekai.
1. Ascendance of a Bookworm
Ascendance of a Bookworm follows the story of Urano Motosu, a young woman who loves books more than anything. After dying in an accident, she is reincarnated as Myne, a frail little girl in a medieval fantasy world where books are a rare luxury. Myne’s obsession with books drives the plot, as she vows to create them herself in a world where literacy is reserved for the elite.
Since Myne comes from modern Earth, she has knowledge of various technologies and techniques, which she begins to introduce in the medieval world to make books more accessible. This includes innovations like papermaking and the printing press, along with other modern improvements that improve people’s daily lives.
2. GATE
GATE combines modern military with fantasy elements, set in both modern Japan and a medieval-style fantasy world. The story begins when a mysterious portal, or “gate,” appears in the middle of Tokyo’s Ginza district. From the gate, an army of soldiers and fantastical creatures from another world invade Japan.
The protagonist, Youji Itami, a 33-year-old JSDF (Japan Self-Defense Forces) officer and a bit of an otaku, plays a central role in repelling the attack. He is later assigned to lead a JSDF expedition through the gate into the alternate world to explore and establish peace.
3. How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom
Another isekai anime with modern technology is How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom. Instead of being the typical action-filled fantasy series, it takes a more practical and political approach. The story revolves around Kazuya Souma, a young man from modern-day Japan who is suddenly summoned to the fantasy kingdom of Elfrieden to be its hero.
However, instead of battling monsters or defeating evil, Kazuya is more interested in fixing the kingdom’s crumbling economy and political system using his knowledge from Earth.
4. High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World
High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World doesn’t necessarily stand out for its uniqueness or character development, but it fits perfectly within the isekai genre with a modern twist, incorporating advanced technology and specialized skills.
The anime follows the story of seven exceptionally talented high school students who are transported to a medieval fantasy world after surviving a plane crash. Each of these students is a prodigy in a different field, ranging from politics and economics to science, medicine, and martial arts. Once they realize theyāve landed in a new world, they decide to use their remarkable skills to revolutionize the society they’ve been thrust into, aiding the local people who are oppressed by the ruling class.
5. Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon
Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon is a quirky isekai about a guy who dies and gets reincarnated as a vending machine in a fantasy world. Stuck as a machine, he can only dispense items, restock using points, and use basic functions like creating barriers or controlling temperature.
He’s found by Lammis, a strong but clumsy adventure. The modern products come through Boxxo, the vending machine, who becomes vital to her and other adventurers. In fact, Boxxo provides them with food, drinks, and supplies as they face the dangers of the dungeon together.
6. Handyman Saitou in Another World
In Handyman Saitou in Another World, the modern technology element isn’t as straightforward as in some other isekai series. Instead of showcasing high-tech gadgets, Saitou’s skills as a handyman play a crucial role in introducing practical solutions and simple inventions that make life easier in the fantasy world.
Saitouās ability to repair broken items and create useful tools reflects modern craftsmanship. He often fixes weapons and gear, demonstrating how everyday skills can be incredibly valuable in a setting where many characters rely on magic or combat prowess. His hands-on approach helps his team tackle various challenges, showing that problem-solving and creativity are just as important as brute strength.
7. Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement
In Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement, Mitsuha Yamanoās life changes dramatically after failing to enter her dream university and losing her family. After a fall off a cliff, she finds herself in a magical world, where sheās rescued by a kind girl named Colette.
Soon, Mitsuha faces life-threatening challenges but catches the attention of a divine being who gives her the power to teleport and heal quickly. Using these abilities, she plans to gather products from Earth and sell them for a profit. Her goal? Saving 80,000 gold coins for a comfortable retirement!
8. Kamikatsu
Katsu is a young man who finds himself in a strange new world after dying in a freak accident. This world, however, is unique because it lacks gods, making it quite different from typical fantasy settings.
He quickly realizes that without any gods around, people have to depend on themselves to get by. He finds a community that values hard work and focuses on using their own skills instead of relying on divine help. Wanting to fit in, Katsu does his best to adapt to his new life.
The modern knowledge that Katsu brings to the table isnāt necessarily high-tech. That said, itās practical and useful in his new environment. His skills and ideas from his previous life also help him adapt and contribute to the community in various ways.
9. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is a popular isekai anime that fans love for its smart storytelling and focus on strategy. The series follows Shiroe, a player who gets trapped in the MMORPG Elder Tale after a major update. Instead of just fighting monsters and leveling up, Shiroe and his friends must figure out how to adjust to their new lives.
Surprisingly, a lot of modern things from Earth are found in Elder Tale at some point, and Saitou is the type to make the best use of those tools.
10. Eminence in Shadow
Eminence in Shadow follows Cid Kagenou, a young man who dreams of being a mastermind in the shadows. One day, he gets transported to a fantasy world where he creates a secret organization to fight a fictional cult. Unbeknownst to him, his made-up stories and schemes often lead to real-world consequences, making him an unwitting hero as he deals with his new life.
While there isn’t much flashy technology, there are some modern concepts introduced, like the use of paper currency. This idea has a massive impact on the fantasy world, making trade and economics more efficient. However, these elements often play out in the background rather than being the main focus of the story.
11. The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady
A yuri isekai, The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady follows Anisphia Wynn Palletia, a reincarnated princess who retains her memories from her past life. Although she is passionate about magic, she can’t use it herself.
She meets Euphie, a talented young lady struggling under her family’s expectations, and together, they push the boundaries of magic by developing new spells and innovations.
Since Anisphia lives in a strict class-based kingdom with beliefs like “magic is power” and “technology is evil,” she leverages her knowledge from her past life to recreate the technology that once existed on Earth.
12. By the Grace of the Gods
By the Grace of the Gods is a cozy isekai anime that fans enjoy for its chill vibe and sweet story. It follows Ryoma Takebayashi, a 39-year-old guy who dies and is reincarnated as a young boy in a magical fantasy world. Heās blessed by three gods who give him special abilities.
As Ryoma gets used to his new life, he loves spending time in nature and caring for slimes. Instead of going after battles or fame like many other heroes, he just wants to enjoy his peaceful life and help people when he can.
While the series doesnāt focus on high-tech gadgets, Ryoma does bring some practical knowledge from his previous life, like how to properly care for animals and manage resources.
13. Knight’s & Magic
Eita Mitsuki is a big mecha fan and programmer who gets reincarnated in a fantasy world as a young noble named Tsubasa Kurata. In this world, powerful robots called Silhouette Knights are used to fight against scary monsters known as Demonoids.
Using his tech and programming knowledge from his past life, Eita quickly becomes fascinated by these mecha suits and starts to improve them. He designs advanced tech for the Silhouette Knights and uses his magic to make them even better.
14. The Worldās Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated as an Aristocrat
A clever mix of action and strategy, The Worldās Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated as an Aristocrat also features a smart and resourceful protagonist who creates modern tech to help him in his quests.
The story centers around Lugh Tuatha DĆ©, a top-tier assassin who is reincarnated into a fantasy world as a young nobleman. In his new life, heās tasked with a mission to eliminate a hero destined to bring destruction to the world.
15. Outbreak Company
Outbreak Company is a fun isekai anime that mixes comedy, fantasy, and otaku culture. The story follows Shinichi Kanou, a huge otaku who gets sent to a fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures. However, instead of being a typical hero, his mission is to spread Japanese culture, especially anime, manga, and games, in this new world.
The tech side comes from his efforts to set up things like printing presses for manga and light novels and gaming consoles to entertain and teach the people around him.
16. In Another World with My Smartphone
A lighthearted isekai anime that fans love for its humorous take on the genre, In Another World with My Smartphone follows Touya Mochizuki, a regular guy who accidentally dies and is reincarnated in a fantasy world. To his surprise, he finds that he can bring his smartphone with him, which opens up a whole new set of possibilities.
With his phone, he brings new technology and ideas that help him overcome challenges, make friends, and go on adventures.
17. Parallel World Pharmacy
Parallel World Pharmacy incorporates modern pharmaceutical knowledge into its narrative. The story follows Reiji Kirio, a young pharmacist from Japan who is reincarnated in a fantasy world as a skilled apothecary.
Reiji uses his knowledge of modern medicine to make different medicines and remedies in the fantasy world. He brings in ideas like how to create the right drug formulations, the right dosages, and the importance of hygiene. With his understanding of pharmaceuticals, heās able to create effective treatments for diseases and injuries that couldnāt be treated before.
18. Farming in Another World
A 2023 isekai with modern tech, Farming in Another World includes elements of contemporary agricultural practices. The protagonist is a man who gets a second chance at life in a fantasy world, where he decides to become a farmer.
In this new world, he uses his knowledge of modern farming techniques to improve crop yields and manage his land effectively. This includes methods like crop rotation, using fertilizers, and possibly even introducing new tools or farming equipment that make the farming process easier and more efficient.
19. Re: Creators
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your favorite anime characters came to life in the real world? For the protagonist of Re:Creators, this becomes a reality. However, things take a dark turn when he has to stop a nihilistic young girl known as the Military Uniform Princess, who threatens to destroy the real world.
Fans of sci-fi and isekai wonāt be let down because the characters feel remarkable and authentic in how they react to their creators and the situations they find themselves in.
20. No Game No Life
No Game No Life is an exciting game isekai about two siblings, Sora and Shiro, who get taken to a world where all decisions are made through games. The interesting part is the sci-fi vibe that comes from the smart gaming strategies and mechanics that run this new place.
Itās worth watching because the sibling duo is super clever and fun, plus their adventures are full of twists and surprises that keep you hooked. If you love games and a bit of strategy mixed with humor, this show is a must-see!
