Top 10 Best Time-Travel Anime You Should Watch
Time-travel anime has a unique way of exploring the “what ifs” of life. From suspenseful thrillers to heart-wrenching romances, these stories tackle the challenges, risks, and mysteries of altering the past and future. Here’s a list of the top 10 time-travel anime that will take you on unforgettable journeys through time!
1. Steins;Gate
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Steins;Gate is one of the most acclaimed time-travel anime out there. Following a self-proclaimed “mad scientist” named Rintarou Okabe, the story begins with the discovery of a microwave that can send messages to the past. As Okabe and his friends experiment with time manipulation, they face consequences that grow increasingly intense, leading to a thrilling race against time itself.
2. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Supernatural
Erased tells the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a man who involuntarily travels back in time moments before a tragedy occurs. When a shocking event sends him back to his childhood, he uses this opportunity to prevent the mysterious disappearances of his classmates. Filled with suspense, Erased explores the power of memory, friendship, and a man’s determination to right the wrongs of the past.
3. Re- Starting Life in Another World
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Thriller
In Re, Subaru Natsuki is transported to a fantasy world where he soon discovers a terrifying ability: each time he dies, he’s sent back to a previous point in time. As Subaru faces countless lives and deaths, he uncovers the truth behind his power and the mysteries of the world. With thrilling action and complex characters, Reoffers a unique twist on time travel.
4. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance, Drama
This beloved anime film follows Makoto Konno, an ordinary high school girl who gains the ability to “leap” through time. At first, she uses her newfound power to fix small problems in her daily life, but she soon realizes the unintended consequences of her actions. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a heartfelt story that explores how small choices can have a lasting impact on our lives.
5. Tokyo Revengers
Genre: Action, Drama, Supernatural
Tokyo Revengers follows Takemichi Hanagaki, a man whose life hits rock bottom when he learns that his middle school girlfriend was killed by a gang. After a mysterious event sends him 12 years back into the past, Takemichi sets out to infiltrate the gang to prevent the tragedy. This intense series blends time-travel with high-stakes gang battles, making it a must-watch for action and drama fans.
6. Orange
Genre: Romance, Slice of Life, Sci-Fi
Orange is a heartwarming story of second chances. Naho Takamiya receives letters from her future self urging her to save her friend, Kakeru, from a tragic fate. With each choice she makes, Naho tries to create a future filled with happiness and healing. This series beautifully blends romance and drama with its exploration of the “what-ifs” in life and the bonds that shape us.
7. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Psychological, Magical Girl
Though primarily a magical girl anime, Madoka Magica involves time-travel through the character of Homura Akemi, who goes to extreme lengths to save her friend Madoka. This series takes a darker approach to time-travel, exploring the weight of endless loops and the trauma of watching loved ones suffer. Its haunting story and complex characters make it a standout in the genre.
8. ReLIFE
Genre: Slice of Life, Romance
ReLIFE follows Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old who’s given the chance to relive his high school years through a scientific experiment. Although not traditional time-travel, ReLIFE explores what it would be like to get a second shot at youth. Through Arata’s journey, the anime tackles themes of growth, friendship, and the challenges of navigating life’s choices.
9. Summer Time Rendering
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense
This under-the-radar gem follows Shinpei, who returns to his hometown for a friend’s funeral, only to discover a string of mysterious events. With time-reset abilities, he unravels dark secrets and hidden threats that could endanger everyone he loves. Summer Time Rendering is a gripping mystery thriller that keeps viewers guessing with each loop and reset.
10. Inuyasha
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Inuyasha may not feature traditional time-travel mechanics, but its central character, Kagome, is transported back to Japan’s feudal era, where she meets the half-demon Inuyasha. Together, they embark on a quest to collect sacred shards, facing battles and bonding along the way. While it’s more of an adventure than a classic time-travel story, Inuyasha remains a nostalgic favorite with a unique blend of romance and fantasy.
Honorable Mentions
- Zipang – A naval crew from modern Japan finds itself in World War II.
- Yasuke – Set in feudal Japan with sci-fi twists, Yasuke travels through surreal time loops.
- Time of Eve – While not about classic time travel, it dives into a futuristic world where humans and robots coexist.
Each of these anime offers a fresh and thrilling take on time travel, from high-stakes thrillers to heartwarming romances and intense action. Whether you’re new to time-travel anime or a longtime fan, these series offer mind-bending plots and memorable characters that will keep you coming back for more. So get ready for a journey through time with these must-watch anime!
