Summary
Isekai anime are known for being set inrealms of high fantasy, meaning these otherworldly settings greatly differ from the usual simplistic black-and-white narratives. This has led to several isekai anime making use of morally gray worlds, giving way to compelling premises that open up room for complex dialogue.
Whether it’s worlds ravaged by war or all-out dystopian settings, these isekai anime are laced with nuances and complexities that go beyond conventional morality. While the characters themselves might not be morally ambiguous, these settings pin the protagonists against the dilemmas of morality, giving way to all sorts of compelling themes.
At first sight, the world ofThe Wrong Way to Use Healing Magicmight seem rather black and white. This notion is further backed by theDemon King’s armyand their past invasion of the Llinger Kingdom, an event that resulted in tremendous casualties for the kingdom.
However, as the series progresses, it becomes quite evident that things aren’t exactly that unambiguous. After the Black Knight is redeemed, it becomes clear that demons aren’t inherently evil, and they bear emotions similar to human beings. This event, along with a few other surprising revelations, deems the war between two factions quite gray.
Gatemay seem akin to any otherisekai anime with a ton of harem antics, yet this anime is actually set in a somewhat morally gray world. The story largely revolves around Youji Itami’s efforts to contain the mystical world that has shown up at Japan’s doorstep.
While the anime tries to portray Japan as the “good guy” throughout the anime, it soon becomes evident that the archipelago’s actions within this fantasy world aren’t exactly pure. Moreover,Gateis laden with nationalistic ideals that portray the less advanced fantasy world as nothing more than a primitive land, a subtext that further makes the premise quite gray.
Set in anotome game and based on the villainess theme,I’m In Love With The Villainessinitially seems akin to any other lightweight isekai anime. However, the anime immediately defies expectations with several nuanced subtexts, whether it’s the stigma associated with same-sex relationships or the rights of commoners.
By the latter half of the series, it becomes clear that a divide exists between the oblivious royals of the kingdom and the commoners who have been pushed to the sidelines. These events open up a dialogue about the class difference that exists between royals and commoners, a theme that is further examined through Rae Taylor, the series’ protagonist.
Another isekai anime set in a world ravaged by war,Grimgar: Ashes and Illusionsfocuses on the bonds formed between soldiers embroiled in a conflict that has little to do with them. The anime revolves around a ragtag group of mercenaries who have no choice but to fight for the reserve army after beingisekai’d in a strange world.
The anime focuses more on character development and the relationships between the characters. However, the fact remains that the series is set in a world that is forced to recruit children for a conflict that has nothing to do with them.
Set in a dystopian world ravaged by war,Now and Then, Here and Therehighlightsthe effects of war on innocent civilians, coupled with those forced to fight against their will. Shu ends up in this world after trying to protect a mysterious girl named Lala-Ru, a split-second decision that leaves him in an unsettling world.
Child soldiers are sent to the frontlines, while the civilian population is forced to undergo famine, poverty, and abuse — all for a scarce resource. At a glance, the conflict might seem black and white, though as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is truly no right or wrong side to this brutal conflict.
While anime with war and conflict as a central concept tends to be set in morally gray worlds,Drifterstakes this concept to another level by pinning historical figures against each other. Known as the “Drifters” and the “Ends,” these two groups of history’s greatest names are forced to fight against each other in a brutal conflict.
While the Ends are the main antagonistic faction inDrifters, it is revealed that this group is composed of historical figures who have been driven to madness due to thetrauma and psychological painthey experienced during their lifetimes. This aspect of their madness reveals that no one is inherently evil, as these characters were forced into antagonism by how history treated them.
Saga Of Tanya the Evilis a classic isekai series that highlights the aspect of morality in war with itsbrutal retelling of World War 1. Laced with mature themes such as war crimes, forceful obedience, and consequences of war for innocent civilians,Saga Of Tanya the Evilperfectly highlights how neither side holds the higher moral ground in an armed conflict.
Tanya herself is a rather gray character, which further adds to the series’ theme of highlighting how each side is desperate to survive, and the fact that there are no true victors in war. Despite being an isekai anime,Saga Of Tanya the Evil’snuanced subtexts hit a bit too close to home with their reflection of the real world.
