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Hannah Diffey
Published 18 minutes ago
Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.
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When it comes to isekai anime, most fans immediately think of modern hits like Re:Zero, Sword Art Online, or That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Yet, the genre has a rich history filled with obscure classics that helped shape the portal-to-another-world formula we love today. These retro gems may not have the same flashy animation as today’s blockbusters, but their creativity and worldbuilding remain unparalleled.
Long before the rise of streaming and global anime fandom, these shows experimented with story, setting, and humor in ways that feel surprisingly fresh even now. From fantastical kingdoms to apocalyptic landscapes, these eight underrated series showcase the early evolution of isekai storytelling. If you’re looking to expand your retro anime library, these hidden treasures deserve a place on your watchlist.
Jurassic Tripper (1991)
Jurassic Tripper is a wild ride through time and space, combining science fiction, comedy, and classic isekai adventure. The story follows a modern-day teenager who is suddenly transported to a prehistoric world filled with strange creatures and peculiar humans. Its blend of slapstick humor and high-stakes adventure makes it a quirky but surprisingly enjoyable isekai experience.
Despite its dated animation, Jurassic Tripper delivers a refreshing take on the genre with its unusual setting. Unlike most fantasy worlds dominated by knights or magic, this prehistoric landscape forces characters to survive with ingenuity rather than brute force. Its emphasis on humor and unconventional problem-solving sets it apart from other early '90s isekai anime.
Those Who Hunt Elves (1996)
This series combines classic isekai with over-the-top comedy and fanservice in a way few shows dared in the '90s. A group of characters is transported to a magical world where they must hunt elves to collect the magical spell fragments that will send them home. Its episodic adventures are packed with gags and absurd situations.
Beyond its comedic exterior, Those Who Hunt Elves subtly explores themes of adaptation and cultural clash. The characters must navigate a world with different rules and norms, forcing them to rethink how they approach challenges. Its unique combination of humor, fantasy, and light-hearted social commentary gives it a cult following even decades later.
El Hazard (1995)
El Hazard is a quintessential retro isekai that perfectly balances adventure, romance, and fantasy. When a group of high school students is mysteriously transported to the magical world of El Hazard, they encounter kingdoms, ancient technology, and political intrigue. Its narrative effortlessly blends light-hearted fun with surprisingly complex story arcs.
What makes El Hazard remarkable is its vibrant worldbuilding and memorable character designs. Each character brings a different perspective to the story, creating a dynamic ensemble cast that drives the plot forward. For fans of colorful settings and imaginative storytelling, this series is a hidden gem that laid the groundwork for many modern isekai tropes.
Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
A boy holding a stick holds his hand out to protect a girl behind him from Now and Then, Here and There.
Now and Then, Here and There takes a darker approach to the isekai formula. A seemingly ordinary boy is transported to a dystopian world plagued by war and environmental collapse. Unlike most comedic or fantastical isekai, this series confronts the brutality of conflict, forcing its protagonist and viewers to grapple with harsh realities.
Its mature storytelling and emotional depth make it a standout in retro isekai. Themes of survival, resilience, and hope shine through even in bleak circumstances. The stark contrast between the protagonist’s innocence and the world’s cruelty gives the show a timeless resonance, proving that isekai can be more than escapist fantasy, it can be a mirror for real-world issues.
Generator Gawl (1998)
Generator Gawl blends time travel with traditional isekai adventure, creating a complex and engaging narrative. The story follows a young man who gains extraordinary powers to fight interdimensional threats. Its intricate plot requires viewers to pay attention, as past, present, and future collide in unexpected ways.
While less known than other series of its time, Generator Gawl excels at mixing suspense, sci-fi, and action. Its creative take on the “ordinary kid in extraordinary circumstances” trope shows that isekai does not always need to transport characters to a medieval fantasy world. The tension and mystery throughout the series make it a must-watch for retro sci-fi fans.
Kyo Kara Maoh! (2004)
Although technically early 2000s, Kyo Kara Maoh! embraces retro isekai sensibilities with its blend of comedy, romance, and political intrigue. A modern high school boy is summoned to a magical kingdom where he unexpectedly becomes the demon king. The show combines whimsical humor with heartfelt moments, appealing to both fantasy lovers and fans of character-driven stories.
What sets it apart is the protagonist’s diplomatic approach to ruling a magical kingdom. Instead of relying solely on combat, he navigates political challenges, builds alliances, and grows as a leader. Its imaginative setting and charming cast make it a retro-inspired isekai that remains enjoyable decades later, showing that clever storytelling can outshine flashy animation.
Fushigi Yugi (1995)
Several people wearing Eastern clothing look into the camera and smile from Fushigi Yugi.
Fushigi Yugi is one of the early isekai anime series to blend romance and fantasy seamlessly. When a schoolgirl is transported into a mystical book, she becomes the priestess of a celestial god, destined to gather warriors and save the fictional world. Its combination of adventure, political intrigue, and emotional stakes created a devoted following.
The series excels in character development and dramatic tension. The relationships between the priestess and her warriors drive the story as much as the fantastical setting does. With its memorable cast and emotionally charged plot, Fushigi Yugi helped define the isekai formula for future romance-focused entries in the genre.
Aura Battler Dunbine (1983)
As one of the earliest isekai-mecha hybrids, Aura Battler Dunbine pushed boundaries with its unique concept of powered suits in a fantasy realm. A modern man is transported to the mystical land of Byston Well, where technology and magic intertwine. Its blend of high-stakes battles and political intrigue sets it apart from both traditional mecha and fantasy anime.
Beyond its inventive mecha designs, the show’s strength lies in its worldbuilding. The land of Byston Well is filled with complex factions, moral dilemmas, and evolving conflicts, creating a layered narrative. For viewers seeking a retro isekai with both intellectual and action-oriented appeal, Aura Battler Dunbine remains a remarkable and often overlooked classic.
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Aura Battler Dunbine
10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed TV-14 Animation Action Adventure Release Date 1983 - 1984Cast
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Norio Wakamoto
Narrator
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Mika Doi
Marvel Frozen
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Shigeru Nakahara
Show Zama
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Maria Kawamura
Cham Fau
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Aura Battler Dunbine
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