5 Best Reincarnation Anime (Not Just Isekai)

Reincarnation stories in anime aren’t just about waking up in another world, they explore second chances, personal growth, and magical journeys. From a modern soul reborn into a past era or to a hero returning with memories intact, these series give fresh meaning to life after death. 

From magical battles to heartfelt human drama, each anime below uses reincarnation in its own creative way. Here are five of the best reincarnation anime, ranked by popularity, for both newcomers and seasoned anime fans looking for a unique watchlist.

5. Ascendance of a Bookworm

Urano Motosu, a book-loving college student, dies in an accident and wakes up in the frail body of a young girl named Myne in a medieval world. Here, books are rare luxuries reserved for the elite. 

Determined to read again, Myne sets out to make books accessible, learning papermaking and printing along the way. With her weak health threatening her life, she races to leave her mark before her time runs out, using her knowledge from her previous life to spark a reading revolution.

4. Jobless Reincarnation: I Will Seriously Try If I Go to Another World

A 34-year-old NEET dies and is reborn as Rudeus Greyrat in a land filled with magic, swords, and monsters. Unlike his wasted previous life, Rudeus vows to live without regrets. He quickly masters spells at a young age to traveling with warriors like Ruijerd Superdia and Sylphy.

His intelligence, combined with raw magical talent, pushes him into incredible situations, from surviving monster-infested lands to facing political intrigue, all while carrying the memories of his former life.

3. Saga of Tanya the Evil

A ruthless Japanese salaryman is killed and reincarnated as Tanya Degurechaff, a young girl in an alternate, war-torn Europe. Blessed and cursed by “Being X,” Tanya retains her past memories, using military strategy and magical combat skills to climb the ranks of the Empire’s army. 

Her small frame hides a terrifying presence on the battlefield, where she commands troops and annihilates enemies with precision. Tanya’s goal isn’t glory, it’s survival, as she schemes to avoid death in a world where war never seems to end.

2. Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

Subaru Natsuki is mysteriously transported to another world but quickly discovers his true reincarnation twist: when he dies, time resets to a specific moment. This “Return by Death” ability lets him change events, but at the cost of reliving traumatic moments over and over. 

Subaru faces relentless danger by protecting Emilia, the half-elf he cares for, and battling monstrous creatures like the White Whale. Every choice carries consequences, and every death tests his will to keep moving forward while carrying the weight of his failures.

1. Inuyasha

Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day schoolgirl, is pulled into Japan’s Sengoku period through a mystical well. There, she discovers she’s the reincarnation of Kikyo, a priestess tied to the half-demon Inuyasha. Together, they hunt for shards of the powerful Shikon Jewel, facing demons, cursed humans, and old grudges. 

Kagome’s spiritual powers grow as she navigates the chaos of feudal warfare, her bond with Inuyasha strengthening with every battle. Her past life’s ties complicate her feelings, but her modern perspective often changes the course of their dangerous quest.