10 best virtual reality anime that redefine the genre

Virtual reality (VR) technology opens the door to boundless creative possibilities in anime. At their best, virtual reality anime tap into a potent mix of thrilling adventures and thought-provoking ideas. From fantasy realms and video games to augmented realities, these virtual landscapes showcase some of the best animation and visuals that the genre has to offer.

This list brings together some of the most entertaining anime that feature innovative takes on virtual reality. Whether you crave existential sci-fi or smile-inducing VR gaming shenanigans, these anime aim to satisfy us. So log in and get ready for adventures across imaginative digital worlds!

10 virtual reality anime that will transport you to another world

1. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Sword Art Online instantly became a modern virtual reality anime classic after premiering in 2012. The show revolves around a fully immersive VR MMORPG that traps 10,000 players inside the game. To escape this virtual purgatory, the players must defeat the floors of Sword Art Online.

But if they die in-game or have their VR headsets removed, they die in real life. With its slick animation and high-stakes premise, Sword Art Online perfectly encapsulates why VR makes for compelling virtual reality anime. The virtual realm of Aincrad provides endless adventures for the show’s characters to confront.

Alongside the gaming challenges, there is no shortage of virtual reality-fueled drama. An iconic virtual reality anime, Sword Art Online demonstrates the narrative potential of advanced VR technology gone wrong.

2. Log Horizon

For a more optimistic take on being trapped in an MMORPG, check out 2013’s Log Horizon. When players are transported into the game Elder Tale, they must adapt to their new virtual world. With no apparent way of escaping the game, protagonist Shiroe steps up to create order among the online community.

Unlike the life-or-death stakes in Sword Art Online, Log Horizon emphasizes world-building and politics. There is plenty of adventuring against goblins and raid bosses. But the show also explores complex themes like governance and community relations.

By developing the virtual setting as its own living, breathing place, Log Horizon puts a creative spin on the “trapped in a game” premise, making it a notable virtual reality anime.

3. .hack//Sign

Long before “Trapped in an MMORPG” became its own genre, there was .hack//Sign. This pioneering virtual reality anime aired in 2002 when virtual reality gaming was still a niche concept. The cautionary series kicks off when protagonist Tsukasa gets stuck in an extremely realistic VRMMORPG called The World.

Unable to log out, he must deal with mysteries surrounding his digital imprisonment. In addition to its prescient concept, .hack//Sign stood out for its atmospheric soundtrack. The ambient score by Yuki Kajiura created an entrancing mood befitting Tsukasa’s unsettling experience.

For virtual reality anime fans wanting a slower-paced, experimental take on VR gone wrong, make sure to check out this classic.

4. Overlord

The “trapped in a game” premise gets turned on its head with Overlord. When the servers for the hit DMMO-RPG Yggdrasil shut down, guild leader Momonga stays logged in until the very end. But instead of getting kicked out of the game, Momonga finds the fantasy world transforming into a real alternate dimension.

With all of his avatar’s max-level powers and sentient NPC allies by his side, Momonga sets out to rule over this new digital kingdom. Most virtual reality anime centered on powerless protagonists attempting to escape virtual worlds.

Overlord goes the opposite direction by letting its overpowered MC loose in a fully realized fantasy setting. Watching Momonga effortlessly conquer rivals makes for a fresh take on the virtual reality anime premise.

5. Accel World

Before creating Sword Art Online, Reki Kawahara wrote Accel World – another popular series exploring VR’s impact. Set in 2046, the story focuses on Haruyuki Arita, an overweight teen who gets bullied at school. To escape his frustrations, Arita plays in the virtual reality.

When Haruyuki’s impressive skills catch the attention of student council VP Kuroyukihime, she introduces him to the secret VR dueling game Brain Burst. What separates Accel World from typical virtual reality anime is its relatable focus on real-world teen issues.

Playing Brain Burst allows Arita to feel powerful as he takes out his anger on virtual opponents. Meanwhile, the allure of accelerated virtual reality taps into feelings of what it’s like being a restless youth in the digital age.

6. Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense

Bofuri: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense (Image via SILVER LINK.)

For a lighthearted take on VRMMOs, check out the 2020 sleeper hit Bofuri. After her friend Sally introduces her to the fantasy game NewWorld Online, Kaede dives in using a shield and full defense build. To everyone's surprise, Kaede's unorthodox tank build gives her game-breaking skills.

As she levels up, her defense becomes so maxed out that she gains absurd abilities like machine-gun attacks and impenetrable shields. What makes Bofuri so enjoyable is its colorful cast and positive energy.

Watching Kaede (known as Maple in-game) discover delightfully overpowered skills through brute force trial-and-error makes for smile-inducing shenanigans. While not the deepest sci-fi, Bofuri provides maximum cozy entertainment.

7. Summer Wars

While not technically a series, no list of virtual reality anime is complete without mentioning Summer Wars. This acclaimed film by Mamoru Hosoda focuses on Kenji Koiso, a shy math prodigy who gets tricked into helping a girl named Natsuki Shinohara break into the virtual world OZ.

Things take a disastrous turn when OZ’s security gets compromised by a rogue AI using Kenji’s account. With its lively digital setting and intriguing “AI gone rogue” plot, Summer Wars is an essential sci-fi anime movie for any virtual reality anime fan.

The film combines an emotional story about the importance of family with a fun take-down of the hacking antagonist Love Machine. It helps that the virtual world of OZ brims with creative visuals and endless possibilities. Summer Wars captures everything exciting about VR without getting too caught up in technical specifics.

8. Serial Experiments Lain

Serial Experiments Lain (Image via Triangle Staff)

The series follows Lain Iwakura, an isolated high school girl who gets introduced to Wired, an advanced global communications network, after receiving a mysterious email. As Lain dives deeper into the network, the lines between technology and reality begin blurring in surreal ways.

Released in 1998, Serial Experiments Lain foresaw how the internet would come to redefine society. The unsettling anime explores deep questions about human consciousness and perception in a networked age.

Its cryptic, avant-garde narrative style effectively captures feelings of information overload. Two decades later, this cult sci-fi series remains as hauntingly relevant as ever in our hyper-connected world.

9. Infinite Dendrogram

More recent virtual reality anime like Infinite Dendrogram continue demonstrating fresh takes on virtual worlds. Protagonist Ray Starling dives into the fantasy RPG VRMMO Infinite Dendrogram. When he receives the rare Embryo item, he gets powers beyond normal players.

With his buffed stats and collection of cute “tians” allies, Ray progresses from novice player to formidable champion. While still adhering to typical trapped-in-a-game tropes, Infinite Dendrogram’s colorful art style and fleshed-out game mechanics keep things interesting.

Details like crafting, equipment bonuses, and tian raising add satisfying layers to the world. And its mystery surrounding the Embryo item teases future plot developments. For newer VR isekai with above-average world-building, Infinite Dendrogram hits the spot among virtual reality anime.

10. The King's Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)

The King's Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou) (Image via G.CMay Animation)

No virtual reality anime list would be complete without mentioning this popular Chinese series. The King's Avatar follows professional esports player Ye Xiu after being forced to retire from his championship gaming team due to internal politics.

Vowing revenge against his former club, he picks up work at an internet café and rebuilds his pro gamer status by playing the MMO Glory. As a pioneering Chinese anime, The King's Avatar stands out from other game-inspired series.

It goes into granular detail about gaming techniques and pro esports sponsorships in China. At the same time, exciting 3D visuals during the Glory gameplay sequences make the virtual world feel alive. For an insight into Chinese virtual reality anime and professional esports gaming, this show hits the mark.

Conclusion

VR keeps gaining mainstream momentum thanks to advanced devices like the Oculus Rift. Anime studios have already spent years experimenting with creative takes on VR and gaming narratives.

The shows on this list should appeal to sci-fi fans, gamers, and anyone fascinated by futuristic tech. Just be careful not to get too sucked into binge-watching these addicting VR anime series – make sure to occasionally log out and enjoy real life!