10 Isekai Anime and Manga that focus on Survival

 The survival genre is an exciting, multifaceted approach to storytelling that spans a wide range of topics and themes. It presents perilous situations where characters are forced to use the skills and resources at their disposal in order to live as long as possible. They are also faced with difficult decisions that have dire consequences, setting the tone for adventures that engage audiences.

This is no different for isekai anime and manga, as characters are often thrown into new worlds without any degree of safety. Most of the time, they receive powers that facilitate their adaptation, but even so, roaming an unknown land will always have its dangers.

10 So I'm a Spider, So What?

 Reincarnations in isekai titles have become more and more uncommon over the years, to the point where being reborn as an arachnid isn't all that surprising. Unfortunately for the young protagonist, however, not only is she reborn as a spider, but she is also placed in her new world's most dangerous labyrinth.

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

 9 Easy Survival Life In The Other World

In a world where humanity created a teleportation device to explore other worlds, institutions focused on training adventurers began to gain popularity. This is also the case for the Tokyo Adventurer's Guild Training Camp, responsible for sending apprentices to investigate other worlds and contribute to the progress of humanity.

The protagonist Shinomiya Hokage has recently joined this institution and is a seasoned adventurer. Unfortunately, on his first trip, the portal back to Earth disappears, and he is trapped in a foreign land with his classmates. This is the story of how Shinomiya uses his pre-gained abilities to care for both himself and his group members.

8 I'm Standing On A Million Lives

 I'm Over a Million Lives is another anime that serves as a good example of getting a bad deal when arriving in a new world. The protagonist Yuusuke Yotsuya was an ordinary high school student, but after being transported to a fantasy world, he was given the class of a farmer. In addition, he is joined by two others from his school in the mage and warrior classes.

The trio is given a set of tasks by a mysterious being called the game master, with deadlines for each mission issued. They also have the ability to respawn, but if the entire group dies at the same time, it's game over for all of them.

 7 Otherside Picnic

Picnic on the Other Side tells the story of two girls who cross paths in a mysterious world full of strange and dangerous phenomena. The world, commonly known as the Otherworld, is a sinister realm where urban legends and mythical creatures reside. It can be accessed through different portals around the world and affects the bodies and minds of those who enter.

The main duo, Sorawo, and Toriko, meet in the Otherworld, and the two form a strong bond shortly thereafter. Though 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 immersive isekai that explores the harsh realities of surviving in a new world. The anime revolves around rookie adventurers who presumably hail from contemporary Japan. They face countless challenges and hardships as they adjust to their new world, and suffer debilitating losses along the way.

The story depicts the genuine growth and development of these characters as they overcome numerous difficulties and deepen their relationships with one another. They work as a team and look out for each other for most of the series as they try to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world.

5 Dungeon Seeker

Being transported to another world normally presents a whole new set of dangers and challenges, but unfortunately for young Junpei Takeda, his past struggles continue to play a role. For most of his high school life, Junpei was bullied and extorted by Kido Shouta. Even after being transported to a different world, he discovers he still has no powers and is tricked by Kido into entering a desperately dangerous labyrinth.

This is where things start to change for him, as he discovers that he can learn the abilities of the creatures he defeats. Using this knowledge, plus a little luck, Kido progresses further into the maze in hopes of finding a way out.

4 Human Ranch

As the title suggests, Rancho Humano is a manga that tells the story of high school students who are transported to another world as a form of cattle. They are handed over by the government in a transactional agreement with elves to serve as food and are treated in inhumane ways.

The manga follows the main group of friends in their attempts to escape the facility and save their classmates. This proves to be an extremely difficult task, however, as 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 biggest anime franchises, spanning multiple seasons with different focuses. While not a traditional isekai, it features a virtual world with high stakes and significant real-world implications. Players of the virtual MMO, Sword Art Online, were trapped inside the game by its creator and given the condition to beat every level of the dangerous floating castle, Aincrad.

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

2 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Mushoku Tensei: Unemployed Reincarnation is a story of rebirth, growth and second chances. The story's protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat, was originally an isolated failure, scorned by his family and friends. After his reincarnation, however, he resolves 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 referred to as the Demon Continent. Here, Rudeus must make the most of the skills he's learned so far to navigate the dangerous land, fend off ferocious beasts, and find his family.

1 Now And Then, Here And There

Released in the late 1990s, Agora e So, Aqui e Lá is an anime with heavy themes, realistically portraying the terrible impacts of war and the consequences it presents even to an outsider. The protagonist, Shuu, is a boy with good intentions. After trying to save a girl from otherworldly kidnappers, he is transported to her original world and is immediately faced with the harsh reality of a scene at war.

Upon arrival, Shuu is tortured, beaten, and arrested on suspicion of being involved with an artifact belonging to the girl he tried to save. However, that doesn't stop him, as he finds another girl in need of help and dedicates himself to protecting her and escaping together.