Before we onboard this small journey of some of the best anime similar to Overlord, let us understand the genre at hand. The world of fantasy and isekai anime enthralls minds and hearts with its world-building, storytelling, graphics. Each anime in the genre focuses on variedly different aspects, provides new experiences to the viewers.
Yet amidst this vast sea of endless fantastical possibilities, Overlord has had the honor of becoming one of the top isekai anime of all time. And that’s not without reason, as most Overlord fans would agree. And why not. After all, the anime has everything that it needs to draw even a first time viewer into its world, well designed characters, world expansion, well paced storytelling, top notch fights, and power levels that seem overpowered yet not overbearing enough to drag down any excitement.
However, before first delving into the worlds of anime similar to Overlord, for those unaware about what the show is about; here is a gist to give you an idea of the new world that awaits you. Overlord follows the story and exploits of a veteran gamer, Momonga, who is trapped in an MMORPG game world once the game’s servers are shut down. Being a member of one of the strongest guilds in the game he played, he finds himself in the body of his character as he explores this new world in a different and new light. With unparalleled powers that truly give him the crown of an ‘overlord,’ he now seeks to dominate and uncover the mysteries that this ‘game world’ has to offer.
While the show does switch between light and darker aspects, one thing that can be guaranteed is that no episode is short of any nail biting moment. That said, without further ado, let us now explore 15 other anime worlds through this list of anime similar to Overlord that have proven to be a must watch for any Overlord fan.
15. Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan/ Nurarihyon no Mago
The blatant features that makes Nurarihyon no Mago , an anime similar to Overlord is the abundance of demons and monsters, and both revolve around creatures of the night for the most part. One can also enjoy the unique designs and animations along with the mind blowing action scenes that will appeal to any anime fan. But that is probably all the similarity. Nurarihyon takes on a more shounen style of narration that focuses on Nura, living a half human and a half demon life while he takes on the mantle of his clan’s leader. If you are here for the plot, then this is one show you must watch. Albeit regrettably, the anime was canceled after the 2nd season, so you can read from the 134th chapter of the manga.
14. One Punch Man (OPM)
While not even an isekai anime, OPM makes it on this list with its superbly overpowered protagonist, Saitama. The most glaringly obvious factor is that both the leads are the top tier in terms of power levels. So strong that even the fiercest foes seem little more than a child in a costume. Both even have similar moments of enjoyable deadpan humor. Although Overlord mixes plenty of dread and horror and creates actual moments of strife to balance everything, One Punch Man takes a relatively light hearted approach in creating a parody of the entire superhero genre. Needless to say, when the moment calls for it, they are uber cool that may make even the most casual audience root for the characters. And thereby, making itself another anime similar to Overlord.
13. Sword Art Online (SAO)
Kirito is one of many stuck in a game wherein they can control their virtual characters with their minds. While it seems to be a cool feature, it is not dandy. Soon, the characters’ excitement turns into horror as they realize that their in game lives are just as real. For if they die in the game, they die in reality. To escape this grim fate, Kirito, and co. must complete 100 levels of the game. Fundamentally, Sword Art Online is anime anime similar to Overlord due to its alikeness of the genre and plot. Based on veteran gamers stuck within video games, both are overpowered as they steamroll over other minor characters without any hitch. Yet, there is some sort of charm that the fans of the genre adore and cannot get enough of.
12. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is another go to anime if game based isekai tickles your anime taste buds. Both Overlord and this show have different takes on the protagonist being stuck in a game with similar world development. While the former is darker, with Momonga focusing on world domination. The latter’s lead, Shiroe, focuses on discovering a way out of the game while also adapting to the new world at the same time. All the while, they are unearthing the game world’s many mysteries. Yet another aspect to consider is that Log Horizon may be more viewer friendly. In contrast, Overlord may appeal to matured crowds with its brutal and lewd undertones. That said, both have a lot going for them, so do note it down if you want to watch other anime similar to Overlord.
11. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions/ Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
One of the better yet underrated isekai shows, Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, focuses on a motley crew of strangers transported to a fictional world minus their memories. All they now have is themselves as they group together, joining an army and fighting to maintain peace. Oh, did I forget to mention? Once one dies here, they die for real! So Grimgar makes a place for itself in this list of anime similar to Overlord, as both have a similar feeling of a fictional world turning quite real when the stakes are placed high. However, Grimgar gives more attention to drama, character growth, and bonding, moving the party and the plot forward. So let this anime grow on you as the characters grow themselves, securing their future in the brand new world.
10. Wise Man’s Grandchild/ Kenja no Mago
This is one of those underrated shows that surpass most expectations while away from the mainstream isekai genre. To sum up, a salaried salesman meets a not so happy end and reincarnates into a magical world to relive life anew. Reborn as Shin Wolford, the lead grows up to be exceptionally talented yet lacking social skills. He joins the magic academy and tries to mingle with his fellow peers while defending the kingdom from what evil lurks around. Apart from being of the same genre and another anime similar to Overlord, there is also plenty of magic to go around with leads of both shows being stronger and talented than the rest by far. A decent recommendation for any fan of the genre!
9. The Saga of Tanya The Evil/ Youjo Senki
The Saga of Tanya The Evil begins when the lead, a salaryman, dies and is cursed by a certain godly being, Being X, to reincarnate as a girl. Reborn as Tanya, in a world marred by magical warfare, she must now rise to the higher echelons of her army while striving to attain her peace. The themes take heavy inspiration from the World Wars with a lot of focus on tactical aspects of military strategy and war, making it an anime similar to Overlord, if not more. While the show’s world building lags behind, the lead’s overall prowess and the darker themes more than makeup to be a good match for Overlord lovers. That said, it is a set of 288 minutes that fans of the genre definitely won’t regret it.
8. The Devil is a Part Timer!/ Hataraku Maou sama!
While Overlord is a show on what if a man became a, well, all powerful undead overlord, The Devil is a Part Timer is kind of similar but in reverse. One may have seen countless movies on devils trying to invade our mortal realm, but this anime takes on a more humorous and unusual approach to the theme. While on the verge of world domination, the titular Devil, Satan, is teleported to a modern day Tokyo with his loyal comrade. Stripped of most of his ungodly magical powers, he must live as a regular human and secure his livelihood like every other human. Armed with humor aplenty, this surpasses expectations if you can’t get enough of Overlord’s demon-y goodness and (dark) comedy. Ultimately being not only an anime similar to Overlord but also equally funny, if not more.
7. How to Not Summon a Demon Lord/ Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo no Dorei Majutsu
Here we have a must watch on any Overlord fan’s watchlist. How to Not Summon a Demon Lord is yet another anime similar to Overlord while sharing its likeness as the beginning as both stories start with the lead being a veteran gamer stuck in their games in the persona of an all powerful deity like being. Aside from the curb stomping and steamrolling through the story, there is likeness with the female companions in both shows fussing over the main lead. At the same time, the omnipotent leads hide their inner embarrassment. However, How to Not Summon a Demon Lord takes the lead here with its higher degree of ecchi-ness. While the world building may not be entirely top notch, it is, nonetheless, an enjoyable watch. Meanwhile, do not try to summon any demon lords, folks.
6. Demon Lord, Retry!/ Maou sama, Retry!
With plenty of Overlord vibes, Demon Lord, Retry! makes its much deserved place on this list of anime similar to Overlord. The leads for both shows are transported to their game worlds and reincarnate as overpowered demon lords that wreak havoc on the new worlds in their own ways. Akira, a game manager of the fictional Infinity Game, is transported to his game world one day. In the avatar of the game’s great demon lord, Kunai Hakuto, he encounters a girl, Aku. Traveling the world, figuring out its mysteries while trying to pave his way back, he makes allies and foes alike along the path. While the trapped in a video game isekai genre is somewhat familiar, the abundance of adventure, action, and comedy makes it a worthwhile watch for almost anyone.
5. Rising of the Shield Hero/ Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari
The rising of the Shield Hero begins as Naofumi is summoned to a new, magical world. Now in the kingdom of Melromarc, as the Shield Hero tasked to protect the land’s people from disasters and mysterious, otherworldly assaults. After a series of unfortunate events, he is falsely implicated and hated. But even with no one to trust, he manages to form a party of 3, leading the group to become stronger. And figure the world out. This show stands out as one of the top anime similar to Overlord due to both being heavily based on RPG style isekai. There is plenty of action and a solid plot to keep the story going, meanwhile offering its uniqueness in a different style. So you won’t ever get bored by the genre’s tropes!
4. Tears to Tiara
In a sacrificial ritual bearing an unexpected result, the summoned demon lord, Arawn, teams up with Riannon, the sacrifice, and her brother. Along with the two and later joining forces, the ever growing group tries to take on the villainous Empire. As Tears to Tiara is based on a game while Overlord is set in one, it comes in our top recommendations for anime similar to Overlord. And both surround demon lords with devastating powers. Besides the leading characters, the supporting cast also proves to be quite interesting in both, with each character showing enough personality. Needless to say, the action, drama, and the plot itself prove to be the main selling point in both cases, making this a worthwhile yet unfamiliar show for many.
3. So I’m a Spider, So What?/ Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?
Coming to the top 3, it would be a shame if we did not include ‘So I’m a Spider, So What?’. On yet another absolutely ordinary day in a high school, some rather extraordinary event occurs, causing many of the students to reincarnate in a separate mythical world. However, reborn as the lowest kind of spider of all beings, the lead gets the short end of the stick. She must overcome many hardships along the way to survive and explore this new realm. This world has an RPG like system similar to Overlord. The perfect balance of top notch narratives, epic world building, a wide cast and character plots, some comedy, and loads more makes it a true delight, being a worthy anime similar to Overlord.
2. Utawarerumono
Lost and injured, a man finds himself void of his memories. Rescued by a girl named Eruruu and nursed back to health, he is welcomed by her village. Surrounded by mystery, this particular person of interest is quite different physically and has an unremovable mask. Coming to love the village, he must now help protect it as political turmoil and conflict knock at the village’s door. All the while trying to unveil the fog hanging over his past. Being an anime similar to Overlord, the lead finds himself in an unfamiliar environment and becomes a leader. Both shows involve some aspects of politics and harem too. And so, being a good watch for Overlord fans, it scores itself a spot on our list.
1. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime/ Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken
In other news, Satoru Mikami, 37, was fatally stabbed by a robber. The end. Or is it? Much to the salaryman’s shock, he is reincarnated in the body of Slime, the weakest of all monsters, in a world much different to ours. But make no mistake, this is no ordinary slime. Armed with powers that give even the wisest wizards and terrifying demons a run for their money, he explores this world as he meets new characters of all kinds. With the alias of Rimuru Tempest, he establishes his own nation of ‘Tempest’ while making plenty of allies. The show rightfully proves itself to be one of the best isekai shows out there besides Overlord. There is a lot of character variety, comedy, magic, and action. While Overlord is a tad bit darker, Slime has its own, more profound moments too. With all that is going for it, it is our best bet to being an anime similar to Overlord, as close as possible.
So pull up your anime socks and get ready to travel to these new 15 other magical worlds featuring anime similar to Overlord and revel in the adventure and excitement. As we eagerly wait for the 4th season of Overlord and for Ainz Ooal Gown sama to grace us with his presence on screen. What other isekai shows do you like and look forward to? Do let us know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed going through this article, be sure to check out our other anime suggestions as well!