Recommendations
Anime, manga, light novels, and visual novels that I personally recommend.
Familiar of Zero
While the latter seasons feel rather rushed, and its interpretation of the story's ending being different to the source material, Zero no Tsukaima is rather beloved as one of the first modern isekai shows in anime history. It was also one of my very first anime, meaning it holds a special place in my heart. I love the character of Louise, which might just be because I love the tsundere archetype. The LN covers a lot more of the other characters' personalities which really makes the story so much deeper. Overall I think it's a great piece of media.
Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is one of those visual novels that completely pulls you in without you even realising it’s happening. It starts off slow and a bit goofy, but that’s honestly part of the charm. You get attached to the characters before the story really starts messing with your head. When things finally click into place, the tension hits hard, and I found myself way more invested than I expected. It’s smart, emotional, occasionally self-aware, and somehow all of that works together perfectly. Absolutely worth reading, especially if you like stories that take their time to really gain your trust.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Regularly considered one of the foundations of modern isekai, Mushoku Tensei is an unparalleled pillar of the subgenre. It tells a beautiful story of a really fucked up dude in an incredibly well developed world. The main character, Rudeus, is an incredibly flawed and pathetic person. He shows this over and over for the first dozen or so arcs before he finally begins to show growth. If you don't like it after the first 3 entries, you won't like the series. I think this is the best book series I have read to date, I'm very excited for season 3 of the anime adaptation.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
A beautiful yet heartbreaking story that genuinely moved me. Despite its short length, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas manages to explore the depth of a friendship built on quiet understanding and an emotional connection that feels incredibly real. The author captures those subtle, intimate moments that are so hard to get right, and by the end I found myself completely hooked -- and honestly, a little tearful. It’s a brief read, but one that stays with you long after you finish it.
Your Name.
Starting off with an initially light, comedic concept, the movie quickly becomes a surprisingly tense and emotionally gripping story about two high school students who find themselves mysteriously swapping bodies. What begins as playful and fun gradually unfolds into something far more dramatic, leading to a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming. A must-watch romantic fantasy film that I personally acquired the physical media of and have rewatched it several times over the years.