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Overlord is a popular isekai series that marries brutality and humor to create a hilarious show that's not afraid of exploring darker themes. The star at the center of the series is Ainz Ooal Gown. He's left alone in the video game Yggdrasil, but before he was trapped, he was one of the strongest characters in the game. Now he's alone with only his NPCs to keep him company. After discovering his new situation, he set out to dominate the entire world in the hopes that he could find another person like him.
To be a good Overlord isekai comparison, a show doesn't need to be as dark and funny as Overlord, but it certainly doesn't hurt. The best shows like Overlord will have smart companions to guide the main character, an interesting world filled with the promise of adventure, and a broken protagonist with powers so absurd, they stand in a league of their own.
10 Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
Animated By C2C & J.C. Staff, Based On The Light Novel Series By Kei Azumi & Mitsuaki Matsumoto
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy follows Makoto Misumi, an ordinary high school student who is transported to another world as a hero but is quickly abandoned by the goddess of the new world due to his appearance. Resigned to living on the fringes, he starts to explore his new environment, meeting various non-human races and gaining extraordinary powers. The series chronicles his adventures and challenges in a fantastical realm.
Cast Natsuki Hanae , Ayane Sakura , Akari Kitō , Saori Hayami , Yukiyo Fujii , Shinpachi Tsuji , Yurika Kubo , Aiko Ninomiya , Reina Ueda , Tomoaki Maeno , Yuuki Shin , Yuna Kamakura , Saika Kitamori , Kazuhiko Inoue , Masaharu Satô , Taku Yashiro , Lynn , Minami Tanaka
Character(s) Makoto , Tomoe , Mio , Emma , Rona , Beren , Toa , Rinon , the Goddess , Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto , Hazal , Louisa , Ranina , Patrick Rembrandt , Morris , Lime Latte , Aqua , Eris
Release Date July 7, 2021
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy is a solid Overlord comparison right on its surface. Misumi Makoto, the protagonist of Tsukimichi, is iseaki'd to a new world and given some of the best powers in the series. While he's initially scorned by the rude Goddess, Makoto eventually finds powerful friends who help him build his kingdom, and one day will help him launch an assault against the vengeful Goddess that put him in a bad position. Like Ainz, Makoto's allies are supremely powerful and loyal to a fault.
Overlord and Tsukimichi are also both willing to show the darker side of anime. When Makoto is transported to a battlefield against his will, his fingers are cut off before he knows what's happening. It's a brutal moment that Makoto deals with by destroying the entire surrounding area, killing thousands of soldiers in an instant in true Overlord fashion.
9 Mushoku Tensei
Animated By Studio Bind, Based On The Light Novel Series By Rifujin na Magonote & illustrated by Shirotaka
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation follows a man who, after being reincarnated in a magical world, sets out to live his life without regrets. Adopting the name Rudeus Greyrat, he embarks on a journey of personal growth and adventure, armed with both his past life's knowledge and newfound magical abilities. The series explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the quest to overcome personal failures.
Cast Yumi Uchiyama , Tomokazu Sugita , Amber Lee Connors , Ai Kakuma , Daisuke Namikawa , Ai Kayano , Konomi Kohara , Toshiyuki Morikawa
Release Date March 29, 2022
Seasons 2
Creator(s) Rifujin Na Magonote
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is a little more mature than Overlord. It's a much slower show that takes a look at the entirety of Rudy's life. Like Ainz, however, Rudeus came to his new world overflowing with power. He is one of the strongest characters in Mushoku Tensei and has been since he was a baby. Now as an adult, he's pursuing a better, more mature life filled with family and friends.
Rudeus's story and Ainz story aren't entirely similar, but they share a few key traits. They both surround themselves with powerful friends, they both want to get stronger themselves, and they're both trying to find purpose in their new world. There aren't too many characters in their respective series stronger than either Rudeus or Ainz as well.
8 That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Animated By Eight Bit, Based On The Light Novel Series By Fuse & Mitz Vah
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is an action-adventure isekai anime based on the original novels written by Fuse. Living a standard life with no actual forward trajectory, Satoru Mikami's humdrum life is thrown into chaos when he is stabbed to death during a daily walk. However, Satoru's life is spared when he is reborn into the body of an all-powerful slime in a fantasy world where he gets a second chance at living a more fulfilling - albeit bizarre - life.
Cast Brittney Karbowski , Alexis Tipton , Anthony Bowling , Apphia Yu , Brandon Potter , Brittany Lauda , Bruce DuBose , Charles Campbell , Chris Rager , Colleen Clinkenbeard
Release Date October 5, 2018
Seasons 3
Writers Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Directors Yasuhito Kikuchi
Creator(s) Yasuhito Kikuchi
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is at its best when it's a fun show filled with great, exciting fights. Rimuru Tempest, the protagonist of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, was isekai'd into a new world as a lowly slime. Overtime, he grows to become one of the strongest characters in the series, only weaker than characters who have been around since the world was created. He's a smart, loyal leader who wants the best for his people.
Both Rimuru and Ainz have plans for the world around them. Rimuru wants to create a hub of human-monster connection, squashing discrimination and creating a new world based on merit and fairness. Ainz has other ideas. He wants to dominate the world and control everything he can see in the hopes of finding a new friend.
7 KonoSuba: God's Blessing on this Wonderful World!
Animated By Studio Deen & Drive, Based On the Light Novel Series By Natsume Akatsuki & Kurone Mishima
KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!, commonly referred to as KonoSuba, is a Japanese anime series based on the novels of the same name from writer Natsume Akatsuki and illustrator Kurone Mishima. The series revolves around a man named Kazuma, who is offered a second chance at life on a magical world after he dies.
Cast Jun Fukushima , Sora Amamiya , Noucky Andriansyah
Release Date January 13, 2016
Seasons 2
Writers Natsume Akatsuki , Aoi Akashiro , Touko Machida , Kojiro Nakamura , Makoto Uezu , Alexander Von David
Directors Takaomi Kanasaki
Main Genre Adventure
Creator(s) Natsume Akatsuki
KonoSuba is hands down the funniest isekai series around. The writing is superb, the characters are unhinged in the best way possible, and the story itself is entirely irrelevant. Kazuma was isekai'd to a new world with the task of killing the Demon King, and he couldn't care less. He spends his days hanging out, trying to get out of work, and finding new products he can invent from his previous world that he can use to make a ton of money with.
Overlord is a funny show itself, making KonoSuba a great comparison for anyone who wants to laugh even more than they do watching Overlord. It doesn't have the same depraved themes or bleak moments, but that's what makes KonoSuba so special. Kazuma may or may not defeat the Demon King, but he'll be making people laugh the entire time regardless.
6 Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World
Animated By White Fox, Based On The Light Novel Series By Tappei Nagatsuki & Shin'ichirō Ōtsuka
In RE: Zero, Subaru Natsuki is an average teenager transported to a fantasy world where he quickly discovers a cruel ability: every time he dies, he returns to a set point in the past, retaining his memories. Forced to relive his failures, Subaru embarks on a journey of self-improvement and resilience to protect his new friends and solve the mystery behind his power.
Cast Yuusuke Kobayashi , Rie Takahashi , Yumi Uchiyama , Inori Minase , Rie Murakawa , Satomi Arai
Release Date April 4, 2016
Seasons 2
Franchise(s) Re:Zero
Writers Tappei Nagatsuki
Directors Masaharu Watanabe
Creator(s) Tappei Nagatsuki
If KonoSuba is the best isekai comparison to Overlord for how funny both shows are, Re:Zero is the perfect show for how dark both shows are. While Overlord definitely gets dark, nothing is darker than watching Natsuki Subaru die time and time again. His Return by Death power is one of the most bittersweet in anime. Sure, it gives him the ability to return to a predetermined save point when he dies, but he has to experience death to go through it every time.
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Re:Zero does a great job looking at the parts of life most people would like to ignore. Subaru understands he has to do some of the hardest things possible if he wants to live in the future he envisions, and he's brave enough to go for it on several occasions. Ainz Ooal Gown is also no stranger to sacrifice in the face of a goal, making both shows a good comparison for each other.
5 Misfit of Demon King Academy
Animated By Silver Link, Based On The Light Novel Series By Shu & Yoshinori Shizuma
The Misfit of Demon Academy is a 2020 anime series based on the manga by Shuhei Dojima. The story follows Anos Voldigoad, the reincarnation of the Demon King of Tyranny, as he enrolls in the Demon Academy to reclaim his former glory and power. However, he soon discovers that the academy's students possess inferior magical abilities, prompting him to begin a journey to uncover the truth behind the decline of demonkind.
Cast Yuuichirou Umehara , Tomori Kusunoki , Yuko Natsuyoshi , Takuma Terashima , Nene Hieda
Release Date July 4, 2020
Seasons 2
The Misfit of Demon King Academy stars Anos Voldigoad. Before the events of the series, in the Mythical Age, Anos was known as the Demon King of Tyranny himself. He was absolutely powerful and showed no remorse towards his enemies. He split the world into four separate pieces, sacrificing his own life. He was later reincarnated in the Magical Age as a student in the Demon King Academy, looking to reprise his role as the tyrant who dominated the world.
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Both Overlord and The Misfit of Demon King Academy feature a character more than familiar with domination. While Ainz is trying to dominate as many nations as he can, Anos already did. He's come back to his old world with new followers and a new vision for the future. Ainz could take some notes from the man who achieved what he'd been working towards while trapped in Yggdrasil.
4 I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince
Animated By Tsumugi Akita Animation Lab, Based On The Light Novel Series By Kenkyo na Circle & Meru
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability
Cast Makoto Koichi , Fairouz Ai , Lynn , Akira Sekine , Rie Takahashi , Shun Horie , Yuya Hirose , Akane Kumada , Eriko Matsui , Tomokazu Sugita , Satomi Akesaka , Shunichi Toki , Takuma Nagatsuka
Character(s) Lloyd de Saloum , Grim , Sylpha , Tao , Ren , Albert , Dian , Alieze , Shiro , Galilea , Talia , Babylon , Crow
Release Date April 2, 2024
I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince features one of the most insane characters in Prince Lloyd. In his previous life, he was a commoner who couldn't control magic very well, almost solely due to his bloodline. When he was reincarnated back into the world he had just died in, he came back as a member of the royal family with a huge pool of mana to draw from. Prince Lloyd couldn't have been happier, as he now has the strength he's always wanted to become the most powerful magic user around.
Ainz Ooal Gown is another character in a league of his own due to his magical ability. He's able to cause some of the most devastating moments in anime thanks to his Dark Young ability. While Prince Lloyd isn't as focused on conquering the world, he is pretty happy to experiement on his enemies whenever he gets the chance, which is a fairly Overlord-ian trait.
3 Drifters
Animated By Hoods Drifters Studio & Based On The Manga By Kouta Hirano
Drifters is a British sitcom that follows the lives of three female friends after their graduation from university. Written by and starring Jessica Knappett as Meg, the series explores their struggles with dead-end jobs, financial troubles, and romantic entanglements as they navigate adult life. Lydia Rose Bewley and Lauren O'Rourke co-star as her best friends, Bunny and Laura, respectively, providing comedic insights into post-graduate challenges.
Cast Mitsuki Saiga , Naoya Uchida , Yuichi Nakamura , Takahiro Sakurai , Daisuke Ono , Tomokazu Sugita , Akira Ishida , Tatsuhisa Suzuki
Release Date October 7, 2016
Seasons 1
Creator(s) Kohta Hirano
Drifters is a gritty series made by the same creator of Hellsing Ultimate. Its style of humor is entirely unique from most other isekai series, except for Overlord. Overlord can be funny on purpose, but it's even better when it's funny by accident. Ainz will kill so many people, his allies will start clapping out of pure fear. Shimazu Toyohisa, one of the main protagonists from Drifters, isn't as absurdly strong as Ainz, but he's no stranger to dominating a fight.
Both series have a fresh style of humor perfect for anyone with a darker sense of humor. Drifters is the exact opposite of shows like KonoSuba that have light-hearted humor and cute moments spread throughout the series. Drifter's art style is also incredibly unique, making the show look as rough and edgy as it feels. Overlord also uses its gothic art style to bring out the themes of the show in beautifully dark colors.
2 The Eminence in Shadow
Animated By Nexus, Based On The Light Novel Series By Daisuke Aizawa & Tōzai
Cast Seiichiro Yamashita , Asami Seto , Inori Minase , Suzuko Mimori , Fairouz Ai
Release Date October 5, 2022
Seasons 1
The Eminence in Shadow is hilarious. It's one of the funniest isekai series around and a great watch for anyone who wants to laugh while they watch the main character pull off ridiculous moves. Shadow, like Ainz, is much stronger than everyone else around him. Also like Ainz, Shadow leads a covert group of powerful, beautiful women that revere him like a god. All things considered, both characters are fairly godlike in their respective series.
The Eminence in Shadow is almost a perfect comparison to Overlord, but Shadow, ironically, is never that dark. He loves fighting and acting like the Eminence in Shadow itself, but is never one to go too far or destroy scores of people at once. Ainz, on the other hand, is no stranger to destroying entire armies with a single spell.
1 The Saga of Tanya the Evil
Animated By NUT, Based On The Light Novel Series By Carlo Zen & Shinobu Shinotsuki
Saga of Tanya the Evil is a fantasy anime series set in a parallel universe during World War I. The story follows Tanya Degurechaff, a young girl who is reincarnated as a soldier in a fantasy world, and rises through the ranks of the Empire's military to become a powerful mage.
Cast Aoi Yuki , Saori Hayami , Daiki Hamano , Hochu Otsuka , Nobuo Tobita
Release Date January 6, 2017
Seasons 1
Creator(s) Carlo Zen
The Saga of Tanya the Evil is the closest isekai anime to Overlord for a couple of reasons. First, both protagonists are always plotting and scheming against their enemies, and sometimes their friends. Second, Tanya the Evil and Overlord are both darker shows with hints of humor spread throughout. Finally, and arguably the most important comparison, is that Tanya and Ainz are both wondering what their true role is in their new world. Sure, they're strong enough to take over, but what then?
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The Saga of Tanya the Evil isn't afraid to dive into the darker side of isekai, just like Overlord. Tanya herself has destroyed legions of enemies, and she's a bonafide one-man-army every time she's on the battlefield. If she had absurd power like Ainz, the war in her new world would have been over the second she showed up in it.
English (US) ·