Isekai and harem, name a better duo. While there are hundreds of isekai shows to choose from, almost every one of them falls into the harem category or at least hints at the harem. So what to do if you want a quality isekai show with no harem?
You come here and bookmark this article for future use because trust me, it took some research to find these fantastic isekai anime series with no signs of a harem!
The following anime are a truly colorful bunch; some of them are romance-oriented while others chose more action-fueled approach, and we also have anime that belong to the healing category with a slice-of-life attitude.
Let’s get started!
10. Wiseman’s Grandchild
Maybe you are in the mood for a typically OP isekai protagonist who is way too talented for magic from the start. Be cautioned that only fans of isekai who don’t mind generic and overused tropes that have been told a million times should watch this anime. If you don’t mind that, it can be another guilty pleasure show on your watch list.
Wiseman’s Grandchild utilizes the OP MC trope but doesn’t build a harem for the MC. Instead, they focus on a slow-brewing romantic relationship between him and his classmate at the magic school.
9. By the Grace of the Gods
One of the growingly popular subgenres in isekai is a healing type. It aims to have a healing impact on the viewer by showing characters leading peaceful lives in serene environments.
By the Grace of the Gods is one of those healing ones
Ryouma Takebayashi lived a terribly stressful life as a salaryman, passed away from exhaustion, and then was given a second chance at life in another realm by the gods. Everything in his new life is going incredibly well for him, and he is gradually coming to peace.
The show is relaxing, upbeat, and entertaining to watch.
8. In the Land of Leadale
In the Land of Leadale is a relatively unknown 2022 isekai anime that’s soothing and laid-back. This won’t work for you if you’re hoping for any intricate plots. However, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to unwind and partake in the MC’s carefree adventures.
Cayne, the MC, regains consciousness as an RPG character, taking place in the Leadale world. Like most RPGs, this one has classes, and Cayna is an elf with a magical specialization. She is a spellcaster and elf who possesses unusual abilities in addition to the ability to heal and use destructive magic.
Cayna, however, is not there to level up her character in order to beat the game. She is there to savor the wonders of life and explore the world.
7. I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level
Don’t look for fighting or drama in I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level. There are other isekai if you want that. You will, however, be showered with wholesomeness, serenity, and adorable anime girls if you choose this anime.
The main idea is that the female MC overworks herself and dies, but she is reincarnated as an immortal witch who kills slimes every day. Many years later, she becomes insanely OP. However, she prefers to live a quiet life without publicity or grand goals.
This leads to cute girls doing cute (and funny) adventurous things.
6. So I’m a Spider, So What?
Most isekai protagonists are reincarnated either with OP powers from the start or acquire them relatively quickly. Kumoko, on the other hand, struggles to survive when she is reincarnated as a spider, the lowliest of the lowest monsters in a fantasy, RPG-like world. To make matters worse, she is trapped in a dangerous dungeon where monsters consume other monsters!
Luckily, the perks of being an asocial otaku hardcore gamer come in her previous life come really handy for her now.
The leveling and grinding Kumoko has to do are something any RPG & MMORPG player can relate to and her sarcastic humor and witty dialogue will keep you entertained.
5. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions
Grimgar is an isekai as we know it but with the spin that it provides a very grounded, realistic look at what would ensue if unfortunate teens were brought to a harsh fantasy world: they would struggle to survive and be terrible at combat. There is no spare time for building a harem in such an inhospitable environment even if they wanted to. As a result, this isekai truly breaks the mold.
The story centers on seven protagonists in a fantasy realm to which they have been miraculously transported. Other characters have also mysteriously been brought there in large numbers. This enormous group divides into smaller groups and goes out to hunt monsters for treasure and survival in the area.
4. The Vision of Escaflowne
Let me ask you, how many mecha isekai anime do you know?
In 1996, the classic with the archaic aesthetic, The Vision of Escaflowne, was released. It doesn’t have fanservice or a pointless ecchi/harem. Instead, it’s set in the original universe filled with life and beauty, which makes it more endearing than today’s stuff.
The anime revolves around Hitomi Kanzaki, an ordinary girl who also enjoys reading tarot cards. That was all there was to life, at least, until one day she found herself being taken away to the enigmatic realm of Gaia along with a dragon-slaying young man who was coming home.
It turns out that, as a result of the odd activities of the nation of Zaibach, Hitomi has found herself in the heart of a world that is about to go to a full-scale war.
3. Drifters
Great warriors from the feudal era of Japan, including Nobunaga, Nasu no Yoichi, and others, are isekaied to a new world where they have no time for harem because they are always at war. They must fight summoned enemies to save the world from destruction.
While this premise is simple, it doesn’t try to be anything else than an epic battle in a brand-new world war. However, it will be a real treat if you’re interested in a fantasy tale about exceptional people coming together. So kick back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the epicness!
2. Saga of Tanya the Evil
Set in a version of Europe where the First World War is raging in the 1920s, Saga of Tanya the Evil is a war isekai anime.
Yet another isekai with a unique twist: a salaryman reincarnated as a female child soldier who battles for the Germanian Empire and acts very differently from a typical heroine.
It focuses more on tactics and the consequences of war, and it also touches on religion because Tanya, an atheist, is fighting a god-like figure by proving them wrong and existing in a world where needs must be met.
1. Ascendance of a Bookworm
Ascendance of a Bookworm is a highly-rated and beloved isekai show about Myne, a young girl who uses her wits to make her way through a fantasy world where she was reincarnated. It’s also the most popular isekai anime series with no hints of a harem.
What I love about this show is that it chose an innovative approach to isekai. First of all, it has a female protagonist. Secondly, Myne doesn’t have a noble goal of defeating a demon lord and doesn’t receive any OP abilities after reincarnation. Instead, she is born fragile and sickly and has to overcome many hurdles to achieve a seemingly simple goal: to find books in primitive times because the paper isn’t common at all. Her passion for books and literature inspires her to make and create modern things in old times.
And although it’s a surprise, this anime features romance: her love for books!
Hi, my name is Mia, and I am the founder of 9 Tailed Kitsune. I am a big fan of esports, games, and anime. When I was around 7 years old, Phantom Thief Jeanne sparked my fascination for anime, and it has never faded!