Is Isekai the Most Popular Anime Genre? Debunking the Myth

The world of anime has seen the rise and fall of various genres over the years. One of the most talked-about genres at present is isekai—a narrative where characters find themselves transported to another world. While some argue that isekai is the most popular genre, a closer look at the data presents a different picture.

Understanding Isekai's Popularity

As of August 2023, isekai has indeed gained significant traction. Series like Re:Zero, Sword Art Online, Mushoku Tensei, and Slime have captured the attention of many viewers. However, isekai's popularity is largely driven by the steady stream of successful series rather than consistent dominance in overall viewer interest.

Surveying the Anime Landscape

The anime landscape is richer than one might think at first glance. While isekai is gaining popularity, shonen, fantasy, and slice-of-life genres also enjoy significant followings. Titles such as Dragon Ball Z (DBZ), My Hero Academia, One Piece, and Naruto, among many others, continue to be highly discussed and immensely popular. These series have stood the test of time, with many still enjoying widespread acclaim and numerous adaptations.

Long-Term Success and Popularity

The argument often forwarded to support the claim that isekai is the most popular is based on new releases. However, a closer examination of long-term success reveals that shonen genres have maintained a consistent dominance. Consider the top 10 best-selling manga of 2018:

The Top 10 Best-Selling Manga of 2018

Despite the robust success of isekai titles like Mushoku Tensei and Sword Art Online, the overwhelming majority of the list is composed of shonen works, including:

Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) My Hero Academia One Piece Naruto Fullmetal Alchemist Bleach Hunter x Hunter (HxH) Colosseum Cooking (Food Wars) Attack on Titan Akame ga Kill

Even the most recent entries in the isekai genre, such as Mushoku Tensei and Slime, don't seem to overshadow the shonen favorites.

Top-Selling Media Franchises in Japan: 2018 First Half

The anime chart for 2018 first half also shows a similar trend:

Sword Art Online and Overlord as the only two isekai series to make the list. The rest consists of shonen titles like Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, and others.

Media franchises like Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, and One Piece continue to be dominant, despite the rise of isekai. These series not only command a significant following but also generate substantial revenue through various media adaptations and merchandise.

Why Shonen Dominates

Several factors contribute to the enduring popularity of shonen genres:

Cultural Context: Shonen series often appeal to a broader audience, including both boys and girls. They tend to emphasize themes of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth, which resonate with a wide demographic. Long-Term Engagement: Popular shonen series like DBZ, Naruto, and One Piece have maintained their audience over decades, with fans continuing to engage with new content and rewatch old episodes. Saved Classics: Many shonen series have a legacy that is difficult to replicate. New isekai series often struggle to match the same level of emotional investment and depth of storytelling that long-running shonen franchises provide.

While isekai is certainly one of the top 5 genres today, it is clear that shonen continues to hold a prominent position. The robust crowd of long-running shonen series and their enduring legacy in the anime community cannot be overlooked.

Conclusion

Is isekai the most popular anime genre? It seems that while isekai is certainly a prominent genre, shonen remains the reigning king, with a collection of classics and modern favorites that continue to draw significant audiences and admiration. The success of isekai in recent years is a testament to its ability to thrill and entertain, but the historical dominance and lasting impact of shonen series suggest a more nuanced perspective on the current landscape of anime.

The recent popularity of isekai does not diminish the longstanding importance of shonen in the anime world. Both genres have their unique appeal, and the continued success of both speaks to the diverse interests and tastes of anime viewers.