Are There Any Manga/Anime Similar to 'Overlord', 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime', and 'So Im a Spider So What'

If you enjoyed the thrilling, fantasy-driven adventures of novels like Overlord, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and So Im a Spider So What, you'll be happy to know that there are numerous other manga and anime that share similar themes and premises. The genre of isekai (also known as tensei isekai, meaning reincarnation in another world) is a popular choice for thrilling, alternate-world adventures. Let's explore some of these closely related series and why they might be of interest to fans of these immensely popular stories.

1. In Another World with My Smartphone

This manga and anime series introduces a protagonist who is accidentally killed by a careless god. He finds himself in a new life in a fantasy world, but there's a twist—his smart phone has also followed him. In Another World with My Smartphone promises a mix of classic isekai tropes and the modern convenience of a futuristic phone, providing a unique blend.

Main Themes: Adventure, Magic, Technology, Harem Plot Overview: A young man receives a new life in a world of magic and fantasy, but he retains his smartphone, which now works with magical abilities. He gains physical and magical stats similar to a high-level adventurer, and his phone acts as a powerful tool, providing accurate location information and mapping services in this new world. Notable Features: The series is particularly intriguing for its blend of traditional isekai elements with a modern touch, including a smartphone that retains its functionality.

2. Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World takes a different approach, focusing on a protagonist who arrives in a new fantasy world with no special advantages. The twist is that he is able to go back in time when he dies, effectively creating a "Groundhog Day" type scenario. Each time he dies, minor adjustments and changes occur, adding an intriguing layer of complexity and exploration to the story.

Main Themes: Time Manipulation, Overcoming Adversity, Romance Plot Overview: A young man finds himself in a fantasy world, dies, and wakes up the next day with the memory of each "death" event. Over time, he learns to adapt and improve his approach to survive longer. The story is filled with moments of both despair and camaraderie. Notable Features: The protagonist's ability to reset can provide a slow-building sense of narrative tension and character development, especially in how the protagonist's skills and knowledge evolve with each loop.

3. Magic Knights

Magic Knights is an isekai series that features a young man who was a hobbyist in mecha models before he was hit by a car and reincarnated in a world powered by magic. This series combines elements of regular isekai tropes with the added layer of mecha and school life, making it unique among the same genre.

Main Themes: Magic, Hunting, School Life, Character Growth Plot Overview: A seemingly ordinary boy is thrust into a world of magic and giant mecha, where he must navigate school life and become a knight pilot. The story includes elements of adventure, competition, and personal growth as he learns about his new world and his place within it. Notable Features: The series offers a well-rounded storyline that integrates elements of both magical fantasy and typical school life, providing a richer narrative experience.

4. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord

How Not to Summon a Demon Lord presents an intriguing variation on the isekai theme. A smart, overpowered video game character is transported to a fantastical world, and thanks to a magical ring, he gains two powerful women to assist him. This series plays with the power dynamic and the notion of what it means to be a hero in a fantasy world.

Main Themes: Power Dynamics, Adventure, Fictional Romance Plot Overview: The protagonist, a level 100 character from an MMORPG, is summoned to a world of monsters and is tasked with summoning a powerful demon. However, due to a rare magical ring, he ends up with two unwillingly enchanted women who serve him. The story focuses on the protagonist's journey to understand this new world and his place within it. Notable Features: The series is known for its unique premise and the development of its female characters, providing a more diverse and complex romantic storyline.

5. The Misfit in Demon King Academy

The Misfit in Demon King Academy is a series that delves into the chapters of a great war and the aftermath of a conflict that destroyed the world. The story follows a reincarnated demon lord who must navigate the political and social landscape of a world divided by four different races. This series offers a deeper exploration of political intrigue and character relationships.

Main Themes: Political Intrigue, Military Strategy, Personal Growth Plot Overview: A young man is reincarnated as the reincarnation of a demon king from a past war. He must not only deal with the legacy of his predecessor but also the complex political landscape of a world divided among four races. The story is filled with strategic battles, political maneuvering, and character development. Notable Features: The series is characterized by its intricate plot and deep character development, providing a more mature and complex narrative than traditional isekai stories.

Whether you're looking for tales of adventure, romance, power, or strategy, these manga and anime series offer a range of experiences that can satisfy different tastes within the isekai genre. From the technological convenience of a smartphone in a new world, to the complexities of political intrigue in a realm divided by global conflicts, there's an isekai story to suit every fan's preferences.