Isekai series are growing in popularity and the genre brings to our screens some refreshing and vibrant worlds. Have you ever thought of traveling to a magical sphere, gaining more power and a strong drive to surpass the most challenging encounters? Isekai anime let you immerse in a fated journey where the protagonist is (usually) the ‘chosen hero’ in his new world. Isekai is a perfect genre if you’re looking for more adventures in fantastical worlds. And this is where the The Rising of the Shield Hero enters the anime stage.

The series has generated a huge fandom and surpassed in popularity most other isekai works. The remarkable RPG-like journey of the Shield Hero and his companions showcases their teamwork and demonstrated how characters develop in the middle of catastrophic events. The Rising of the Shield Hero is more than just a typical isekai series. With its beautiful story, well-done animation, great musical score, and a pinch of comedy and fan service, the journey of our Shield Hero bears a resemblance to many heroic stories.

MANGA.TOKYO is here with some anime titles that are similar to the bizarre world and the perfect harmony between Naofumi, Raphtalia, and the fluffy Filo!

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

Spring 2016
25 Episodes

As one of the most compelling isekai titles that has gained a large fandom, Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World is filled with great adventures in a well-saturated environment that is set in another world. The protagonist is Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary Japanese boy, who is suddenly summoned into a parallel world of magical things, supernatural creatures, and everything that is beyond reality. He encounters a beautiful girl who is named Satella. They come closer and start to form a perfect bond. However, darkness begins to surround them, and Subaru shockingly encounters unpredicted circumstances.        

The journey of the protagonist and the way he values friendship shares the same formula with The Rising of the Shield Hero. Both series present the darkest angle of fantasy worlds that is far from the expectations of the main protagonists, but both of them are fearless and determined to overcome their tough challenges. The transition in Subaru’s story from light to dark is quite similar to The Rising of the Shield Hero, but the world of Subaru is more brutal and gory. On the bright side, what’s true to both series is the presence of cute girls around them who are filled with extreme loveliness.

The Tower of Druaga: The Aegis of Uruk

Spring 2008
12 Episodes

A very popular anime title by Gonzo studio, The Tower of Druaga tells the exciting adventures of Jil as he tries to reach the top floor of the tower where the evil Druaga resides and where a rumored powerful artifact is located. Full of courage and determination, Jil and his fellow adventurers embark on a journey to reach their goal and to make a beautiful, demon-free country. This anime doesn’t only focus on action and fantasy, but it’s also blended with good comical relief. 

Te protagonist ends up being the chosen one who will overcome the great chaos of the world and is similar to the fated journey of Naofumi as he tries to put an end to the waves of catastrophe. However, the difference is that Naofumi only uses his shield power while Jil wields a sword and a shield. Nevertheless, both of them are powerful and mindful in their quests, and they face the same hardships in defeating chaos and protecting those they care about. Plus, both of them have other party members to rely on that add a little thrill to their adventures.

Kaze no Stigma

Spring 2007
24 Episodes

Kaze no Stigma is an anime based on a light novel that is packed with action, comedy, and supernatural features. It centers on Kazuma Kannagi who was banished from a family of fire users because he can’t wield his own flame power. Four years later, he finally returns with a new name, Kazuma Yagami, but this time, he already possesses the power of the wind. However, a tragic event happens to his clan, and some of its members are killed by a wind user and Kazuma is blamed to have done it out of revenge. Facing discrimination from his society, things become tough for Kazuma, but his only goal is to defeat his father who is a strong fire user. 

Since Kaze no Stigma is set in Japan and draws the audience into a more realistic realm, The Rising of the Shield Hero is obviously different from Kazuma’s world. However, what stands out the most that is true to both series is how the protagonists immensely develop in their stories.  Both of them suffered discrimination and humiliation from the people they trusted the most. Kazuma and Naofumi start off as weakling heroes and outcast individuals from the norms of their societies. Despite these challenges, they learn to unleash their true strength to protect themselves and to fight the evilness of their distorted worlds. The suffering and pain that these protagonists experience are relatable to many viewers, and this makes both series more compelling than any other series that try to use the same formula. Kaze no Stigma will give you an exciting experience brought by the strong-willed character of Kazuma.

The Legend of the Legendary Heroes

Summer 2010
24 Episodes

With the vision to make a peaceful nation, Ryner Lute, who is a talented magician of the Roland Empire, embarks on a journey to search for the useful relics of legendary heroes from the past that will aid in creating a beautiful world. However, he has cursed eyes known as Alpha Stigma, and when this powerful magic activates, it will cause massive destruction. Together with a beautiful, skilled swordsman named Ferris Eris, he goes on with his quest to fight the evilness of his nation.

The anime has a focus on its fantasy aspects and you’ll easily be fascinated by its vibrant world that is full of magical elements and well-crafted setting. As this anime isn’t associated with Role-Playing games, the breathtaking journey of Ryner and Ferris is like watching the strong bonds of Naofumi and Raphtalia. Also, the male protagonist’s overpowered cursed eyes, when activated, make him go berserk, and this particular character will remind you of Naofumi’s uncontrollable strength brought by his cursed shield when intense rage triggers him. The most entertaining part when it comes to The Legend of the Legendary Heroes is the harem element: Ryner soon encounters different types of adorable girls aside from Ferris, similar to Naofumi’s journey. Both anime are packed with action, adventure, and fantasy that will absolutely satisfy your otaku needs.

Spice and Wolf

Winter 2008 (Season 1): 13 Episodes
Summer 2009 (Season 2): 12 Episodes

Would you like to watch a sweet relationship between a human and a demi-human? Then this anime is for you. Spice and Wolf is a story about a traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence who encounters Holo (also known as the ‘Wise Wolf’) in the middle of his economic journey. Holo offers herself to be the merchant’s business partner, but in one condition: To take her back to her homeland in the north called Yoitsu. To Kraft’s surprise, Holo is a brilliant wolf deity who can solve business problems. Both of them set their ventures towards a more profitable life while their affection to one another grows ponder.

While Spice and Wolf isn’t an isekai series and focuses more on adventure and romance, the anime has some similarities to The Rising of the Shield Hero. It captures the fantastical relationship between a human and a demi-human that is also found in the adventurous pursuits of Naofumi and Raphtalia. Although it tackles economics in a medieval setting (very different from the world of the Shield Hero), the main protagonist mirrors Naofumi in terms of wits. Kraft is a brilliant merchant who knows a lot of things about economic principles, trading, and commerce, and this specific appeal resembles Naofumi. Both main characters are able to deal with mercantile and other business matters by using their critical thinking. If you like to see some exciting ventures about a human and a fox girl and their delightful bonding, then Spice and Wolf won’t disappoint you. Holo is adorable like Raphtalia, and both of them are filled with unique charms that will make you love them.

Rave Master

2001
51 Episodes

Rave Master, also known as Groove Adventure Rave, is a nostalgic anime from the early 2000s. It follows the journey of Haru Glory who has gained the title of the second Rave Master who will fight the darkness of their world known as Demon Card. Together with his guardian, Plue, and a girl who has lost her memories, Elie, he sets off on a journey to search for the missing Rave stone.

This is the journey of a character who wants to overcome the great turmoil of his world. This particular concept is true to both Rave Master and The Rising of the Shield Hero. While Haru is destined to become a Rave Master who will fight the catastrophic events brought by the people of Demon Card, the unexpected fate of Naofumi as one of the summoned Four Cardinal Heroes follows the same path. Both protagonists have a strong vision to stop the chaos and distortion of their worlds. Another engaging thing that makes the anime similar to The Rising of the Shield Hero is how it captures the delightful bonding between Haru and Elie from the dynamic master-apprentice relationship between Naofumi and Raphtalia. Their tight bonding is very wholesome, and you wouldn’t want them to separate ways.

Inuyasha

2000-2004
167 Episodes

This long-running iconic anime has created a huge fandom since it aired in the early 2000s. It starts with Kagome Higurashi who is dragged by a centipede demon and finds herself in the past during the Sengoku Period. As she shares a deep resemblance with a deceased warrior priestess named Kikyo who was the keeper of Shinkon jewel, it is revealed that Kagome is reincarnated to be the priestess, with the jewel contained in her body, but shattered into many shards. She meets Inuyasha, a hybrid demon dog who later on joins Kagome to find the shards of the jewel across feudal Japan in order to overcome the threat of their world. 

Similar to The Rising of the Shield Hero, the anime features a story that happens in another world, but this time the world feels familiar with its old Japan setting. It also involves a special relationship between a demi-human and a human which is also found in the adventurous bonding of Naofumi and Raphtalia. While Inuyasha touches a lot of romance, The Rising of the Shield Hero doesn’t lean on too much lovey-dovey moments. However, there are some fan service involved in the series. Although in that case, both anime are very enjoyable to watch if you’re into action and fun-filled adventures with complex storylines. Added to that, the intense fighting scenes found in The Rising of the Shield Hero are also present in Inuyasha. There are notable villains which remain unforgettable because of their strength and prowess on the battlefield. Naofumi is always surrounded by tough villains, so watching Inuyasha will offer you the same kind of thrills. 

Overlord

Summer 2015
13 Episodes

Have you ever thought of being transfered into the world of your favorite game? Have you visualized yourself surviving in the world of fantasy? Overlord introduces Yggdrasil, a very popular Dive Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game or DMMORPG. However, it is about to be shut down. Momonga, the main protagonist of the anime, decides to remain in the game during its final moments but later realizes that he hasn’t logged out. To his surprise, he discovers that Non-Player Characters (NPCs) start to feel emotions like real humans. He should make his best to rule over the world as the guild master while trying to analyze the new realm he is destined to live in.

This anime is one of the most worthy isekai series that have to do with MMORPG and it captures the same levels excitement we saw in The Rising of the Shield Hero. They both follow main characters who enter challenging quests that they need to overcome. They both tackle chaos of the world, monsters and supernatural, and find ways to survive their misfortunes. Both series are packed with spectacular RPG formulas, amazing world-building, and engaging character tropes.

Overlord III (Season 3) Series Review

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Spring 2015
13 Episodes

Also known as DanMachi, the anime is based on a light novel of the same name. In hopes of becoming the greatest adventurer in the land of Orario, a 14-year-old boy named Bell Cranel starts his own exploits and experiences the most exciting life in a fantasy world: he fights tough monsters and levels his power up. He encounters a beautiful goddess named Hestia who is in charge of developing Bell’s power. They help one another to reach their goals while Bell is trying to improve himself. As their relationship develops, Hestia starts to show her deep affection towards him.

This anime is full of fantasy, action, and great adventures, just like those in the world of The Rising of the Shield Hero. The anime feels like an RPG-like quest as Bell encounters different types of monsters and supernatural creatures. Both Shield Hero and DanMachi have spectacular settings and well-saturated environments that are visually pleasing. Plus, Bell is similar to Naofumi as both these heroes start off as weaklings and they try their best to level up their skills. Bell’s character development is something you should look forward to.

10 Anime Like Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Fall 2018
24 Episodes

Another isekai that follows the typical route of the protagonist, this anime is about Satoru Mikami, an ordinary working man, who finds himself dragged into a new world where he is reincarnated as a goop of slime and is named Rimuru Tempest. He is able to acquire a power that lets him devour everything and obtain its abilities. As things get more exciting for him, he makes friends with a dragon known as Veldora. He then embarks on a journey to free Veldora from his seal while carrying out some side quests along his way.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime has a protagonist who is summoned into another world and this scenario is also found in Naofumi’s journey. Both this anime and The Rising of the Shield Hero are notable isekai series that have gained a massive following among hardcore fans of the genre. They both have fantastical dimensions that are packed with fun-filled and breathtaking adventures to fight the turmoil of their worlds. Although both heroes are initially misunderstood and are believed to be incapable, they have good relationships with people who are close to their hearts. It’s fun to see how both main characters grow stronger and evolve immensely like the typical sequence found in RPG.

Interview with That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Producer Nobuaki Sugimoto

More than just your isekai

The Rising of the Shield Hero is not just another anime that comes into your mind when you hear the word isekai. It’s a very thrilling fantasy that managed to revitalize the genre, and there’s a lot more to appreciate in the series aside from its notable isekai element. The anime on the list will absolutely give you the best otaku experience from their different fantastical dimensions.

Do you want to add more anime titles to the list? Let us know in the comments.