Unnamed Memory

This stack contains non-isekai fantasy anime that you could easily mistake for being an isekai.


Isekai means "different world" and is a Japanese genre of portal fantasy and science fiction. It is a bit hard to define, but generally revolves around a person (or multiple people) who are transported or reincarnated into another world.
Since this definition is fairly broad, you'll find some shows like "Sonny Boy" or "Bakemono no Ko" that are technically isekai, but may not seem like it, as they do not share the most common tropes that you'll see in other isekai anime like “Death March”, “Kenja no Mago”, “Isekai smartphone” or “Mushoku Tensei”. While these shows are not completely identical, they do share a number of tropes, like having a male protagonist enter a medieval fantasy world filled with monsters and magic where they either start with powerful abilities or slowly gain them, similarly to progressing in a fantasy RPG. It is also common for similar isekai shows to include game mechanics like ability stats, skill names, UI screens or even an infinite inventory. Another common trope is for the protagonist to be a chosen or summoned hero who goes on a quest to save the world, ending up with great powers, great riches and a harem of love interests.


This is a list of shows that could be mistaken as isekai since they share a lot of the most common tropes, but missing the element of being transported to another world.


A great example is “Danmachi” where the protagonist already exists in a fantasy world, has a unique and powerful ability and explores a dungeon full of monsters, gaining new stats and skills as though he was the protagonist of a fantasy RPG. Other examples include powerful protagonists being reborn within the same world or shows mostly taking place within a VRMMO.

Feel free to send me a message if I’ve included an actual isekai by mistake, or if you have any suggestions!

https://i.redd.it/de6evauft3l21.jpg

This list is my personal opinion,

I just want to list some shows which show a little more explicit violence, please bear in mind that this list is not supposed to give you (only) pure splatter or even shows were the brutality is the focus. Hope you enjoy!

!Some of the shows may have multiple seasons, so be aware!

If you liked this list I have another one to check out

Shounen, Seinen, and other romance anime that's aimed at a male audience:

(I am only putting the first season here and I will specify if there are more seasons/spinoffs)

Unaired anime that either deserve recognition, are inaccessible for a majority of people, or I personally think could be interesting.

Looking for new romances??
New romances in the years 2020+
-In ascending order from the first season

part 2- https://myanimelist.net/stacks/28791

No open end (to some extent, in some)
No harem, ecchi, bl or gl
*They are tagged as romance genre in general, the degree of romance content varies and some blooms in sequels which will require patience.
!After completing the anime it's recommended checking out the sequels, movies and/or source materials, if they have those, to confirm couples getting together and/or for further developments.
*Please do specified research before giving your time to watch.
I generally put similar ones side by side.

Upcoming romances:
https://myanimelist.net/stacks/22655

The student romance list:
https://myanimelist.net/stacks/22438

Shousetsuka ni Narou, “Let’s become a novelist!”, is Japan's novel publishing website where anyone can publish and read novels free of charge. These animes are the anime of Shousetsuka ni Narou origin.

Part 1 is here -> https://myanimelist.net/stacks/5026
Part 2 is here -> https://myanimelist.net/stacks/5031
Part 3 is here -> https://myanimelist.net/stacks/5032

Fantasy & Isekai I've watched that is probably worth your time, at least to some degree. Sequels implied unless otherwise stated.

All or at least most of the witch anime entries on MAL. Only included the first seasons/entries. Some shows only have single supporting witch characters.

Created: 20/11/23

Heroes and epic quests. Dragons and demon lords. It's the world of high fantasy.

"It's not a matter of good or evil; yet it may be possible to do it any other way."

Noir is characterized by such elements as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy. The full definition can be found in Noir interest stacks' descriptions; but at times, anime projects did not went all in Noir, rather the team made it more palatable to wider audience.

I realize it after having stumbled upon some anime titles that contain some clear Noir features, but not fully immersed in it (tl;dr: not enough blood spilled) to be inserted in Noir interest stack.

(list will be kept updated)