Introduction
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018) took the isekai genre by storm with its charming protagonist, Rimuru Tempest, who evolves from a simple slime into a powerful, beloved leader. The anime blends world-building, game-like power systems, and underdog growth with humor and unexpected emotional weight. What makes it stand out is how it subverts typical power fantasy tropes while building genuine character bonds and political intrigue.
For fans looking for anime that share Slime’s tone, character arcs, or narrative creativity—but haven’t received the spotlight they deserve—this list of 15 underrated series will broaden your horizons with fresh takes on isekai and adjacent genres.
1. Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.9
Studio: TMS Entertainment
After dying in a tragic accident, a college student awakens in the body of a young boy named Rio in a fantasy world. He must navigate a harsh kingdom while uncovering secrets tied to his past life.
Why It’s Similar: Like Rimuru, the protagonist starts at the bottom, gains immense power, and is driven by a desire to protect those around him while uncovering world-altering truths.
2. The Faraway Paladin (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12 (Season 2 ongoing)
MAL Rating: 7.2
Studio: Children’s Playground Entertainment
Raised by three undead guardians in a ruined city, Will is taught the ways of magic, combat, and faith before setting out into the unknown.
Why It’s Similar: Focuses on strong world-building, a kind protagonist with a second-chance life, and a slower, more philosophical journey of growth and leadership akin to Slime.
3. Ascendance of a Bookworm (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Episodes: 36 across 3 seasons
MAL Rating: 8.0
Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
A book-loving girl is reborn in a medieval world with no access to literature, and she vows to create books herself.
Why It’s Similar: Features a deeply strategic and resourceful protagonist rebuilding civilization elements in a new world, just like Rimuru’s efforts to develop Tempest.
4. Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.5
Studio: C2C
Misumi Makoto is abruptly discarded by a goddess and dropped into a brutal world, where he gains overwhelming power and builds his own nation.
Why It’s Similar: Similar narrative beats of betrayal, power gain, and the creation of a new society—accompanied by comedic and action-packed undertones.
5. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.7
Studio: A-1 Pictures
A group of strangers wakes up in a fantasy world with no memories and must learn to survive as soldiers.
Why It’s Similar: Shares themes of vulnerability, loss, and teamwork, with stunning watercolor-style visuals and a grounded take on fantasy survival.
6. Cautious Hero: The Hero is Overpowered but Overly Cautious (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.5
Studio: White Fox
Summoned to save a world, Seiya is absurdly powerful but refuses to act unless he’s over-prepared for every scenario.
Why It’s Similar: A comedic subversion of isekai tropes with an OP protagonist hiding depth, much like Rimuru’s seemingly laid-back but deeply strategic nature.
7. World Trigger (2014–2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Episodes: 99+
MAL Rating: 7.5
Studio: Toei Animation
In a world invaded by extradimensional beings, a team of fighters uses advanced weaponry and tactics to survive.
Why It’s Similar: Heavy on tactical battles, team development, and power scaling—World Trigger resonates with Slime fans interested in structured power systems.
8. The Devil is a Part-Timer! (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Episodes: 13 + 2 seasons
MAL Rating: 7.8
Studio: White Fox / Studio 3Hz
A demon lord escapes to modern Tokyo and must work part-time at a fast-food chain to survive.
Why It’s Similar: Inverts fantasy expectations, mixes comedy with light action, and features a powerful protagonist trying to rebuild his life with quirky allies.
9. I’m Standing on a Million Lives (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24 across 2 seasons
MAL Rating: 6.8
Studio: Maho Film
Three students are transported to a game-like world where they must complete missions or risk death.
Why It’s Similar: Combines RPG mechanics, moral dilemmas, and team-based strategy with a gritty twist on classic isekai themes.
10. Wise Man’s Grandchild (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.6
Studio: Silver Link
A reincarnated man is raised by a legendary wizard and becomes a magical prodigy, eventually establishing his own organization.
Why It’s Similar: Mirrors Rimuru’s growth into a respected leader and features overpowered magic combined with light-hearted social moments.
11. Log Horizon (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Episodes: 62 across 3 seasons
MAL Rating: 7.9
Studio: Satelight / Studio Deen
Thousands of gamers find themselves trapped in a fantasy MMORPG and must rebuild society within the game.
Why It’s Similar: Emphasizes governance, economics, and diplomacy—key aspects of Slime’s world-building, especially in later arcs.
12. The 8th Son? Are You Kidding Me? (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.2
Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
A modern man is reincarnated as a poor noble’s eighth son and quickly rises in magical and political influence.
Why It’s Similar: Underdog protagonist who climbs the ranks with magic, diplomacy, and alliances, similar to Rimuru’s path.
13. Knight’s & Magic (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 13
MAL Rating: 7.0
Studio: 8bit
A mecha-otaku is reborn in a fantasy world where he uses his programming skills to build powerful magical robots.
Why It’s Similar: Combines isekai with world-building innovation, much like Slime’s tech and infrastructure expansion elements.
14. Kemono Michi: Rise Up (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.6
Studio: ENGI
A pro wrestler is summoned to defeat beasts in a fantasy world—but instead, opens a pet shop for monsters.
Why It’s Similar: Subverts fantasy tropes with a humorous yet heartfelt tone and has a strong focus on coexisting with non-human races like Slime.
15. Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody (2018)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.4
Studio: Silver Link
A game developer wakes up in a fantasy RPG world and embarks on a journey filled with powerful magic and mysterious encounters.
Why It’s Similar: Overpowered protagonist, harem-adjacent storytelling, and a relaxed pace echo the lighter elements of Slime.
Why These Anime Work for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Fans
Each of these anime explores themes of personal evolution, tactical world-building, and the idea of starting over stronger and smarter. Whether it’s through political intrigue, character-driven development, or innovative magic systems, they reflect what made Slime special—an engaging mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes growth. And best of all, they’re all hidden gems that deserve more attention in the crowded isekai and fantasy space.
