Time travel is one of the most thrilling themes in anime, captivating fans with stories of second chances, history rewrites, and mind-bending twists. Anime where the main character (MC) travels back in time adds an extra layer of suspense, allowing audiences to explore emotional depths and high-stakes decision-making. If you love time travel and anime, you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ve rounded up the top anime where the MC goes back in time. These shows are packed with suspense, action, romance, and heart-wrenching drama. Let’s dive in!
Steins;Gate
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Psychological, Drama, Mystery
- Synopsis:
Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, accidentally stumbles upon a way to send messages to the past using a phone microwave. What begins as an innocent experiment with his friends spirals into a race against time as Okabe discovers the catastrophic effects of altering history. Along with his friends, he must navigate a world of conspiracies, dangers, and the emotional burden of trying to save lives. - Why You Must Watch:
Steins;Gate is a must-watch for any anime fan, especially those who love complex time travel narratives. The emotional weight and psychological intensity of the series will keep you glued to the screen. The relationship dynamics and Okabe’s personal growth are deeply impactful, making this series not just a thrilling ride, but an emotional roller coaster. If you’re a fan of mind-bending twists and heart-wrenching stakes, this anime is for you.
Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)
- Genres: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller, Drama, Supernatural
- Synopsis:
Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist, has a mysterious ability known as “Revival,” which sends him back in time just moments before a dangerous incident occurs, allowing him to prevent it. After his mother is murdered, Satoru is sent 18 years into the past, where he must stop a series of child kidnappings. With his life and the lives of others hanging in the balance, Satoru must navigate a web of danger, betrayal, and past trauma to rewrite history. - Why You Must Watch:
Erased is one of the most gripping time travel anime out there. The combination of mystery, emotional drama, and high-stakes suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat. The emotional depth of Satoru’s journey, as he revisits his past and seeks redemption, makes this anime unforgettable. If you enjoy thrilling stories with deep character development, Erased is essential viewing.
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
- Genres: Fantasy, Psychological, Drama, Action, Isekai
- Synopsis:
Subaru Natsuki, a regular teenager, is suddenly transported to a fantasy world where he discovers that each time he dies, he is brought back to a specific point in time, retaining all of his memories. With each death, Subaru learns more about the world, its characters, and the terrible threats lurking in the shadows. His journey is one of repeated deaths, emotional struggles, and complex decisions as he strives to protect those he loves. - Why You Must Watch:
If you’re looking for an intense psychological journey filled with high emotional stakes and time loops, Re:Zero delivers in spades. Subaru’s repeated deaths and his attempts to change his fate make for an emotionally taxing but rewarding experience. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Isekai who want something deeper and more emotionally impactful.
Nobunaga Concerto
- Genres: Historical, Drama, Slice of Life
- Synopsis:
High school student Saburo is mysteriously transported back to Japan’s Warring States period, where he meets the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga. Due to a strange twist of fate, Saburo is mistaken for the real Nobunaga, and he must take his place in a crucial historical role. Torn between preserving history and changing it, Saburo navigates the turbulent political landscape while trying to survive in a time he knows little about. - Why You Must Watch:
Nobunaga Concerto offers a fresh and fascinating twist on historical fiction. If you’re a fan of Japanese history, you’ll appreciate the series’ accurate portrayal of events combined with the unique perspective of a modern-day character thrown into the past. The interplay of historical drama and time travel is expertly executed, making this an interesting and engaging series for those who enjoy historical settings with a twist.
Zipang
- Genres: Military, Sci-Fi, Historical, Drama
- Synopsis:
The modern Japanese Aegis destroyer Mirai is transported back to World War II, where its crew must decide whether to use their advanced technology to alter the course of history or preserve the timeline. Captain Ohtsuki and his crew face moral dilemmas, military conflicts, and the ethical responsibility that comes with their unique situation, as they weigh the impact of their choices on the future. - Why You Must Watch:
For fans of military anime and time travel, Zipang is a unique and thought-provoking series. It provides a compelling examination of the consequences of interfering with history, especially in the context of war. The combination of action, ethical questions, and alternate history makes Zipang a standout for viewers looking for an anime that mixes history and sci-fi in an intelligent way.
Tokyo Revengers
- Genres: Action, Drama, Shounen, Supernatural
- Synopsis:
Takemichi Hanagaki, a hopeless adult, finds himself sent back to his middle school days after his ex-girlfriend, Hinata, is killed by a gang. Determined to change the future, Takemichi must navigate the dangerous world of gang conflicts and gang politics, attempting to rewrite history by influencing the decisions of the past. As he forms bonds and fights to protect his loved ones, he learns that changing the future comes with unpredictable consequences. - Why You Must Watch:
Tokyo Revengers is an action-packed anime with a solid emotional core. The blend of gang drama and time travel provides thrilling moments while also focusing on personal growth and redemption. It’s a great pick for fans of action, romance, and time-traveling thrillers, with a storyline that emphasizes the importance of the choices we make.
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Isekai
- Synopsis:
Aileen, a young princess and villainess in a game world, keeps dying and resetting the timeline, only to be reincarnated back into the past. After multiple failures, she decides to change her approach and live a carefree life. In an unexpected twist, she ends up marrying the prince, her sworn enemy. As she navigates her new life with knowledge of the future, Aileen learns that things may not be as simple as they appear. - Why You Must Watch:
If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun time travel anime with a mix of romance and comedy, 7th Time Loop is perfect. It combines elements of isekai and time travel with humor and charm, offering a refreshing take on the villainess trope. For fans who want a less intense but still enjoyable series, this anime is a great choice.
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama, Music
- Synopsis:
Vivy, an AI songstress, is sent back 100 years in time to prevent an AI uprising that threatens humanity. Working with Matsumoto, a mysterious AI, she must alter the future by changing key events that lead to the downfall of humanity. Through her journey, Vivy learns more about emotions, purpose, and the complexities of human-AI relationships. - Why You Must Watch:
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song combines stunning animation, gripping sci-fi elements, and a compelling time-travel story. The emotional and philosophical undertones, mixed with thrilling action sequences and incredible music, make this a standout anime. It’s a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and those who appreciate beautiful animation and meaningful storytelling.
Tearmoon Empire
- Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Drama
- Synopsis:
Princess Mia Luna Tearmoon is a spoiled and selfish royal who faces the downfall of her empire due to her reckless actions. However, just before her execution, she is sent back in time to before the empire fell. Armed with knowledge of the future, Mia sets out to change her ways and prevent the collapse of her kingdom. Along the way, she faces political intrigue, growing pains, and the consequences of her past mistakes. - Why You Must Watch:
Tearmoon Empire is a fun, light-hearted time travel anime with a blend of fantasy, comedy, and political drama. It’s a unique take on the reincarnation and time-loop genre, offering a charming story with a lovable (and flawed) protagonist. If you enjoy lighthearted, humorous fantasy with time travel, this series is a perfect choice.
Ragna Crimson
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Drama
- Synopsis:
Ragna, a skilled warrior, is on a mission to avenge the loss of his loved ones and take down the powerful dragons that threaten humanity. After a tragic event, he is sent back in time to alter the course of history and prevent the cataclysmic future he witnessed. With his newfound knowledge, Ragna faces daunting enemies and must make difficult sacrifices to change the fate of the world. - Why You Must Watch:
For fans of dark fantasy and intense action, Ragna Crimson delivers. The emotional stakes are high, and the series explores the moral consequences of time manipulation and vengeance. If you’re looking for a thrilling action-packed adventure with a time travel twist, this anime is a must-watch.
Time travel anime provides some of the most thought-provoking and exhilarating stories, and the above list of top anime where the MC went back in time showcases a variety of genres from action to romance to psychological thrillers. Whether you’re into sci-fi, historical drama, or fantasy, these series offer something for everyone. From the gut-wrenching emotional rollercoaster of Steins;Gate to the thrilling battles in Ragna Crimson, these anime will keep you on the edge of your seat while exploring the complex consequences of meddling with time. If you’re a fan of time travel stories, these shows are definitely worth adding to your watchlist!
