The survival genre is a thrilling and multifaceted approach to storytelling that covers a wide range of topics and themes. It presents dangerous situations where characters are forced to use the skills and resources at their disposal to survive as long as possible. They are also presented with difficult decisions that have dire consequences, setting the tone for engaging adventures.

This is no different for both isekai anime and manga, as the characters are often thrown into new worlds without any degree of safety. More often than not, they are given powers that make them easier to deal with, but even so, traversing an unfamiliar land will always have its dangers.

10. Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?

Reincarnations in isekai titles have become increasingly unnatural over the years, so being reborn as an arachnid shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Unfortunately for the young protagonist, however, not only is she reborn as a spider, but she's also placed in the most dangerous labyrinth in her new world.

This dangerous situation forces her to constantly fight powerful monsters. She suffers fatal injuries, setbacks, and struggles as she fights alone in the labyrinth. Fortunately, though, because of these challenges, she is able to evolve and become stronger.

9. Easy Survival in Another World

In a world where humanity created a teleportation device to explore other worlds, institutions dedicated to training adventurers began to gain more and more popularity.

This is also the case with Tokyo's Adventurer Guild Training Grounds, responsible for sending trainees to investigate other worlds and contribute to the progress of humanity. The protagonist Shinomiya Hokage has recently enrolled at this institution and is an experienced adventurer.

Unfortunately, however, on his first trip, the portal back to Earth disappears and he is stranded in a foreign land with his classmates. This is the story of how Shinomiya uses his pre-acquired abilities to defend himself and the members of his group.

8. I'm Standing on a Million Lives

I'm Standing on a Million Lives is another anime that serves as a good example of being dealt a bad hand when arriving in a new world. The protagonist Yuusuke Yotsuya was a regular high school student, but after being transported to a fantasy world, he was given the class of a farmer.

Additionally, he is accompanied by two others from his school with magician and warrior classes. The trio are given a set of tasks by a mysterious being called the game master, with time limits for each mission issued. They also have the ability to respawn, but if the entire group dies at the same time, the game will be over for everyone.

7. Urasekai Picnic

Urasekai Picnic tells the story of two girls who cross paths in a mysterious world filled with strange and dangerous phenomena. The world, commonly known as the Otherworld, is a mysterious realm where urban legends and mythical creatures reside.

It can be accessed through different portals scattered throughout the world and affects the bodies and minds of those who enter it. The main duo, Sorawo and Toriko, meet in the Otherworld, and the two form a strong bond soon after.

Although they initially have different motivations, they explore the area together and do their best to survive in a dangerous realm.

6. Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions

Featuring characters thrown into a foreign land with no memory of their past lives, Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions is an engaging isekai that explores the harsh realities of surviving in a new world.

The anime centers on novice adventurers who presumably have arrived from modern-day Japan. They face numerous challenges and struggles as they adapt to their new world, and suffer debilitating losses along the way.

The story portrays the genuine growth and development of these characters as they overcome numerous hardships and deepen their relationships with each other. They work as a team and look out for each other throughout most of the series, while trying their best to survive in a cruel and unforgiving world.

5. Dungeon Seeker

Being transported to another world often presents a new set of dangers and challenges, but unfortunately for young Junpei Takeda, his past struggles continue to play a major role.

For most of his school life, Junpei has been bullied and extorted by Kido Shouta. Even after being transported to a different world, he discovers that he still has no powers and is tricked by Kido into entering a hopelessly dangerous labyrinth.

This is where things begin to change for him, as he discovers that he can learn the abilities of the beings he defeats. Using this knowledge, as well as a bit of luck, Kido advances further into the labyrinth in hopes of finding a way out.

4. Human Ranch

As the title indicates, Human Ranch is a manga that tells the story of high school students who are transported to another world as livestock. They are delivered by the government in a transactional agreement with elves to serve as food and are treated inhumanely.

The manga follows the main group of friends as they attempt to escape the facility and save their classmates. However, this proves to be an extremely difficult task, as the elves are supernatural creatures with immense power, with a large number of subordinates working for them.

3. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online is one of the largest anime franchises spanning multiple seasons with different focuses. While not a traditional isekai, it does feature a virtual world with high stakes and significant implications in the real world. Players of the virtual MMO, Sword Art Online, were trapped inside the game by its creator and given the condition of beating all the levels of the dangerous floating castle, Aincrad.

The creator prevented players from leaving and punished any forced attempt to escape with death. Death in the game was also fatal, as a virtual death would translate into a real one. This created a realistic scenario where players had to take on different roles in order to survive until all floors of the castle were cleared.

2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Mushoku Tensei is a story of rebirth, growth, and second chances. The story's protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, was originally a failed recluse, despised by his family and friends.

After his reincarnation, however, he resolved to do things differently and make the most of his second life. Now living in a world of monsters and magic, Rudeus is surrounded by a loving family and makes precious friends early in his life.

Unfortunately, disaster strikes and he is transported to a distant land known as the Demon Continent. Here Rudeus must make the most of the skills he has learned so far to navigate the dangerous land, fend off ferocious beasts, and find his family.

1. Ima, Soko Ni Iru Boku

Released in the late 90s, Ima, Soko Ni Iru Boku is an anime with heavy themes, realistically portraying the harrowing impacts of war and the consequences it presents even to outsiders. The protagonist, Shuu, is a boy with his heart in the right place. After trying to save a girl from kidnappers from another world, he is transported to her original world and immediately confronted with the harsh reality of a landscape at war.

Upon arrival, Shuu is tortured, beaten, and arrested under suspicion of being involved with an artifact belonging to the girl he tried to save. This does not stop him, however, as he finds another girl in need of help and dedicates himself to protecting her and escaping together.