10 Isekai anime with the most absurd reincarnation

Modern-day Isekai anime (where the protagonist gets reincarnated into another world after death) are very different from the ones that aired in the 1990s and 2000s. The reason behind this could be the creative freedom authors have over reincarnating their protagonists into anything of their imagination, making their work intriguing but absurd at the same time.

While it is hard to find Isekai anime series that match No Game No Life and Re: Zero in plot progression, this matches with the strange reincarnations the protagonists of the modern Isekai undergo. This article has compiled 10 of the most absurd and strange reincarnations protagonists go through in Isekai anime, which would surely surprise the fandom over their existence.

Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in this article solely belong to the author.

Mushoku Tensei, Re: Monster, and 8 other Isekai anime series with the most absurd reincarnations

1) That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Slime)

The main cast as seen in the anime (Image via 8bit)

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is one of the most absurd and famous Isekai series where the main protagonist gets reincarnated as a slime into a fantasy world. It tells the tale of Mikami Satoru, who climbs the ranks in the fantasy world, despite being the weakest creature.

Although slimes are known for their weak abilities and short lifespan, the series's main protagonist changes the norms centered around slimes through his reincarnated abilities and the Great Sage who is present at every step to guide the protagonist.

2) Butareba: The Story of a Man Who Turned into a Pig (Pig)

Buta san as seen in the anime (Image via Project no. 9)

Butareba follows the story of a man who gets reincarnated into the fantasy world as a pig and helps Jess, a slave girl, reach her destination. Despite being a pig, the protagonist possesses some abilities that help Jess in crucial times.

Despite being an Isekai, this anime series doesn't showcase the protagonist as an overpowered one. However, it is still one of the most absurd Isekai anime series with the most absurd reincarnations.

3) Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon (Vending machine)

Boxxo and Lammis as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Gokumi & AXsiZ)

The anime Reborn as a Vending Machine takes the concept of Isekai to the next level. One of the most absurd Isekai anime series, it follows the story of a protagonist who gets reincarnated as an inanimate object that helps others in their quests.

The main protagonist of the series has an internal consciousness and is a vending machine that can dispense anything, be it potions or regular drinks. Moreover, the main protagonist is also a bonafide battle machine, which makes the series one of the weirdest Isekai-themed anime.

4) Reincarnated as a Sword (Sword)

Fran and Shishou as seen in the anime (Image via C2C)

While the typical Isekai anime series follows the story of a protagonist climbing the ranks using a sword, Reincarnated as a Sword follows the story of a protagonist who gets reincarnated as a sword and helps a girl become a strong adventurer.

Even though the concept of protagonists getting reincarnated as inanimate objects is getting popular with the passing day, this anime takes the cake with being one of the most unique and strange ones.

5) The Saga of Tanya the Evil (Little girl)

Tanya as seen in the anime (Image via Nut)

The Saga of Tanya the Evil follows the story of Tanya as she wreaks havoc in a fantasy world. In this Isekai anime, the main protagonist, a grown-up male, gets reincarnated as a little girl after challenging the strongest being in the series' world.

The concept is more interesting than absurd, as the main protagonist doesn't let others hold her down because of her status as a girl, which is why Tanya gets the name "The Devil of Rhine."

6) Ascendance of a Bookworm (A weak character)

Myne as seen in the anime (Image via Ajia-do)

Ascendance of a Bookworm follows the tale of a girl obsessed with reading books, but unfortunately, before fulfilling her dream of becoming a librarian, she dies due to an accident and is reincarnated into a world as a frail girl.

The lesson behind this anime is pretty inspirational as Myne tries to get rid of the drought of books in the new fantasy world even though she is weak. However, her being reincarnated as a weak character, despite this being an Isekai anime, makes the series absurd.

7) So I'm a Spider, So What? (Spider)

Kumoko as seen in the anime (Image via Millepensee)

So I'm a Spider, So What? follows the tale of a protagonist who is reincarnated into another world as a spider, although the rest of her class get reincarnated as adventurers after a catastrophe in their school.

The unique thing about this anime is how Kumoko climbs the levels by traveling through the dungeon and killing monsters. However, her reality as an insect, without any overpowered buffs, is what makes the anime series absurd.

8) Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody (Game character)

The main cast as seen in the anime (Image via Silver Link & Connect)

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody is the perfect blend of harem and Isekai and is also a perfect gateway for anyone to enter the former genre. However, the protagonist, who gets reincarnated into the game he developed himself, is what makes it absurd but a good watch.

The series follows the story of a game developer who dies due to exhaustion and is reincarnated as a player in his games. As he is aware of the dos and don'ts of games, he makes a clean sweep through the game by becoming an undercover merchant.

9) Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Baby)

Rudeus as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Bind)

Arguably the best Isekai series that combines both a perfectly paced plotline and interesting characters, Mushoku Tensei follows the tale of a failure who takes his reincarnation as a redemption and decides to make things right. However, his reincarnation wasn't received the correct way in the fandom, making it absurd.

The story is about a shut-in man who dies while protecting a girl. However, instead of dying, he is reincarnated as a baby in a fantasy world. With a second go in life, Rudeus tries to do everything better than before and live a life without regrets.

10) Re: Monster (Goblin)

Rou as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Deen)

The series that is the inspiration behind some big Isekai series, Re: Monster is an anime that follows a crude plotline with a protagonist who is reincarnated as one of the most infamous creatures in anime, a goblin, making the series absurd.

The series tells the tale of Tomokui, who gets reincarnated as the weakest goblin after an unfortunate death. However, he receives a buff, allowing him to gain strength by eating. So, he decides to rise to the top by eating continously.

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Edited by Meenakshi Ajith