6.9 / 10 (based on 451 reviews)
“Dear diary – I got reincarnated as a slime”. Even in another world, lives aren’t always on the line. There’s plenty of work to be done, from feeding the community and forging the items the community needs; as well as plenty of play and hijinks throughout. Join Rimuru and friends as they kick back and enjoy their daily lives.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Miho Okasaki, Sayaka Senbongi, Mao Ichimichi, Makoto Furukawa
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2 seasons, 13 episodes, 24-minute runtime
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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 12008 reviews)
Lonely thirty-seven-year-old Mikami Satoru is stuck in a dead-end job, unhappy with his mundane life, but after dying at the hands of a robber, he awakens to a fresh start in a fantasy realm…as a slime monster. As he acclimates to his goopy new existence, his exploits with the other monsters set off a chain of events that will change his new world forever.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
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I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level (2021)
6.4 / 10 (based on 1018 reviews)
Azusa Aizawa, a 27 years old woman, died on work site due to overworking. She has the possibility to reincarnate, and so she plans to live a chilling and calm life. But will she be able to be relaxed?
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
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1 season, 12 episodes
Hige o Soru. Soshite Joshikousei o Hirou. (2021)
7.4 / 10 (based on 2873 reviews)
An office worker takes in a runaway school girl. Despite the difference in age and personalities, they form a bond.
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kazuyuki Okitsu, Kana Ichinose, Hisako Kanemoto, Yûsuke Kobayashi
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1 season, 13 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Seijo no Maryoku wa Bannou Desu (2021)
7.1 / 10 (based on 652 reviews)
Sei, a 20-year-old office worker, is whisked away to a whole new world. Unfortunately for Sei, the ritual that summoned her – meant to produce a “Saint” who would banish the dark magic – brought two people over instead of one. And everyone prefers the second girl over Sei?! But this is just fine by Sei, who leaves the royal palace to set up shop making potions and cosmetics with her newfound magic. Business is booming, and this might not be such a bad life, after all as long as her supposed Sainthood doesn’t come back to haunt her.
Genre: Animation, Fantasy
Main Cast: Yui Ishikawa, Takahiro Sakurai, Takuya Eguchi, Taku Yashiro
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1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Kumo Desu ga, Nanika? (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1622 reviews)
Something mysterious happens and an entire class finds themselves reincarnated in a RPG-game-like fantasy world. The main character, a girl, finds herself reincarnated in a spider. Will she able to survive and to find out what happened?
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
Main Cast: Aoi Yûki, Shun Horie, Kaito Ishikawa, Stephanie Southerland
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1 season, 24 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Sentouin, Hakenshimasu! (2021)
6.7 / 10 (based on 1014 reviews)
Two agents of an evil corporation are assigned to conquer a distant planet, only to find themselves caught up in the wild and zany events of that world.
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy, Fantasy
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1 season, 12 episodes
Super Cub (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 368 reviews)
A lonely girl’s eyes are opened to the many possibilities when she buys a Honda Super Cub. In her old life she had nothing, but now she has a Cub and many opportunities before her.
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
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1 season, 12 episodes
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7.6 / 10 (based on 1725 reviews)
The series tells the story of normal kid Makoto Misumi who, after being transported to a fantasy world to serve as its hero, is cut loose when the world’s unnamed goddess decides he doesn’t measure up to her standards of beauty.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
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1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
86 (2021)
8.2 / 10 (based on 5536 reviews)
The Republic of San Magnolia is at war with its neighboring country, the Empire of Giad. Both sides use unmanned drones to conduct a “war without casualties”. The story follows Lena as she commands a squad of drones called the 86.
Genre: Animation, Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, War
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2 seasons, 22 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Bokutachi no Remake (2021)
7 / 10 (based on 913 reviews)
Hashiba Kyouya is a 28 year old game developer. With his company going bankrupt, and him losing his job, he returns to his hometown. Looking at the success of creators of his age, he finds himself regretting his life decisions as he lay distressed on his bed. But when he opens his eyes, he finds that he has travelled 10 years back to the time before he entered college. Will he finally make things right? This is a story about a failed person who is given a second opportunity to follow his dreams.
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1 season, 12 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Peach Boy Riverside (2021)
6.2 / 10 (based on 445 reviews)
A hoard of vicious demons known as “Oni” come knocking on her doorstep, threatening the lives of everyone in the Kingdom, they are saved by a lone traveler named Kibitsu Mikoto who slays these monsters with a mysterious “Peach Eye.”
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
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1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Seirei Gensouki (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1380 reviews)
Amakawa Haruto is a young man who died before reuniting with his childhood friend who disappeared five years ago. Rio is a boy living in the slums who wants revenge for his mother who was murdered in front of him when he was five years old. Earth and another world. Two people with completely different backgrounds and values. For some reason, the memories and personality of Haruto who should’ve died is resurrected in Rio’s body. As the two are confused over their memories and personalities fusing together, Rio decides to live in this new world. Along with Haruto’s memories, Rio awakens an unknown “special power,” and it seems that if he uses it well, he can live a better life. But before that, Rio encounters a kidnapping that turns out to be of a princess of the Bertram Kingdom that he lives in. After saving the princess, Rio is given a scholarship at the Royal Academy, a school for the rich and powerful. Being a poor orphan in a school of nobles turns out to be an extremely detestable place to be.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
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1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
In the vast universe of anime, where action-packed sagas and heart-wrenching dramas often steal the spotlight, there exists a delightful oasis of calm and humor. “Tensura Nikki: Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken” (The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) is that serene spot. This spin-off from the main series, “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” takes a detour from its action-oriented roots to offer viewers a slice-of-life experience that’s as refreshing as it is charming. Let’s unpack what makes this series stand out, without resorting to the usual fluff.
A Familiar World Through a New Lens
At its core, “The Slime Diaries” revisits the vibrant world of Jura Tempest Federation, a nation founded and governed by the protagonist Rimuru Tempest, who, in case you missed it, is a slime with unparalleled abilities. However, unlike its predecessor, this series zooms in on the everyday lives of Rimuru and his eclectic mix of citizens. Here, epic battles and political intrigue take a backseat to festivals, daily chores, and personal interactions among the characters.
What’s fascinating is how this shift in focus doesn’t diminish the world’s allure but rather enriches it. By showcasing the mundane alongside the magical, “The Slime Diaries” paints a fuller picture of Tempest, making it feel more like a living, breathing community than ever before.
Character Dynamics in the Spotlight
One of the show’s strongest suits is its exploration of character dynamics. With the overarching narrative’s urgency dialed down, viewers get to see sides of the characters that were previously overshadowed by plot-driven developments. Whether it’s observing Shion’s disastrous cooking attempts or witnessing the Goblins’ efforts to tackle everyday tasks, these moments add layers to characters we thought we knew well.
An excellent example of this is the relationship between Rimuru and his subordinates. The series peels back the layers of their formal interactions to reveal a genuine camaraderie and affection. It’s these interactions that breathe life into the series, transforming it from a mere spin-off into a standalone gem.
The Art of Mundanity
At first glance, focusing on the mundane aspects of life in a fantasy world might seem like a risky move. However, “The Slime Diaries” executes this with a finesse that’s both engaging and endearing. The series revels in the ordinary, finding beauty and humor in the everyday. From the changing of seasons to the simple joy of a well-cooked meal, the show invites viewers to find wonder in the mundane.
This approach not only provides a welcome respite from the high stakes of the main series but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the simple pleasures in life. It’s a testament to the show’s writing and direction that such simple moments can be as captivating as any battle scene.
Visuals and Sound: Enhancing the Experience
No discussion of “The Slime Diaries” would be complete without mentioning its visuals and sound design. The animation retains the vibrant color palette of the main series but employs a softer, more pastoral aesthetic that fits the slice-of-life genre perfectly. This visual style, combined with a whimsical soundtrack, complements the show’s tone, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The attention to detail in the animation of everyday activities and the changing seasons adds a layer of realism to the fantasy world. Meanwhile, the soundtrack, with its light and airy compositions, underscores the series’ laid-back vibe, making each episode feel like a breath of fresh air.
A Spin-off That Stands on Its Own
Spin-offs are often hit or miss, with many failing to capture the essence of the original series or carve out their own identity. “The Slime Diaries” is a notable exception. By taking a well-established world and exploring it through a new lens, the series not only enriches the lore of “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” but also establishes itself as a worthy entry in the slice-of-life genre.
For fans of the original series, “The Slime Diaries” offers a deeper connection to the characters and setting they’ve grown to love. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible and enjoyable introduction to the world of Tempest. Either way, it’s a series that proves the power of taking a step back and appreciating the smaller moments in life.
Conclusion
“The Slime Diaries: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” is a delightful detour from the high-octane adventures of its parent series. It invites viewers to slow down and savor the everyday interactions and simple pleasures that make life, even in a fantasy world, truly meaningful. With its focus on character dynamics, the beauty of mundanity, and a perfect blend of visuals and sound, the series stands as a testament to the versatility and depth of the anime medium.
In a landscape often dominated by action and drama, “The Slime Diaries” emerges as a refreshing change of pace, reminding us that sometimes, the most memorable stories are the ones that happen in between the big moments.