Humans have always been captivated by the notion of time travel, dreaming of revisiting the past or glimpsing the future. Anime, with its boundless creativity, has thoroughly explored this fascination, delivering stories that transport viewers across time. While time travel narratives can sometimes become intricate, the best anime in this genre masterfully blend compelling stories with imaginative world-building, creating truly unforgettable viewing experiences.
The anime world is rich with series that utilize time travel as a core element. From characters being transported to different eras to intricate time loop scenarios, the possibilities are endless. For those eager to embark on a temporal journey, let’s explore some of the best anime that travel back in time, offering narratives that are both captivating and thought-provoking.
1. Steins;Gate
MyAnimeList: 9.07
Considered a masterpiece by many, Steins;Gate centers around Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who accidentally invents a time machine. When SERN, a shadowy organization also researching time travel, discovers his creation, tragedy strikes, compelling Rintaro to use time travel to undo the damage and save his friends.
Steins;Gate is celebrated for its intelligent and intricate portrayal of time travel, establishing clear rules and consequences within its universe. It masterfully blends elements of science fiction, drama, romance, and even comedy, creating a deeply engaging story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. For anyone seeking an anime that delves into the complexities and paradoxes of time travel, Steins;Gate is an essential watch.
2. Summer Time Rendering
MyAnimeList: 8.48
Summer Time Rendering presents a thrilling mystery with a unique time travel mechanic. Shinpei Ajiro returns to his hometown for Ushio’s funeral, only to find inconsistencies surrounding her death. He soon discovers a power that allows him to reset time upon dying, thrusting him into a desperate fight to uncover the truth and prevent a looming catastrophe on his island home.
This anime masterfully combines mystery, science fiction, and suspense, creating a rollercoaster of emotions and shocking revelations. Summer Time Rendering‘s time travel element is expertly woven into the narrative, driving the plot forward with каждый episode ending on a cliffhanger that demands immediate continuation. As the series progresses, it evolves into an action-packed battle shonen, further enhancing its appeal.
3. The Tatami Galaxy
MyAnimeList: 8.56
The Tatami Galaxy is a visually and narratively unique anime that explores the concept of time and choices. It follows a college student regretting his past two years, who is then given the chance to relive his college life, making different choices in various parallel timelines. Each episode presents a different “what if” scenario, based on the protagonist’s club selections and social interactions.
This anime is a thought-provoking blend of comedy and drama, presented with a distinctive and rapid-fire visual style. The Tatami Galaxy is not just about time travel but about self-reflection and the impact of decisions, making it a deeply resonant and unforgettable anime experience.
4. Link Click
MyAnimeList: 8.73 (Season 1)
Link Click, a compelling Chinese donghua, offers a fresh perspective on time travel. Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang run a photography studio with a special ability: by using a photograph, Cheng Xiaoshi can travel back in time to when the photo was taken. They use this power to help clients, but with a strict rule: they can only observe and cannot alter the past.
This anime excels in its mystery and thriller elements, with each case presenting unique challenges and emotional depth. Link Click‘s time travel is intrinsically linked to memories and emotions captured in photos, adding a layer of poignant storytelling to the suspenseful plots. The characters are well-developed, and the interconnected cases build towards a larger, captivating narrative.
5. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
MyAnimeList: 8.39
From the creator of Re:Zero, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is an original anime that combines time travel with a futuristic AI narrative. Vivy, an AI tasked with making people happy through singing, is visited by Matsumoto, an AI from the future. He reveals a future AI uprising and enlists Vivy’s help to travel through different points in time to prevent the impending war.
Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song is a visually stunning and action-packed anime with a strong emotional core. Its episodic structure allows for exploration of various future eras and societal impacts of AI development. The anime poses thought-provoking questions about AI, humanity, and the potential consequences of technological advancement, all within an engaging time travel framework.
6. Erased
MyAnimeList: 8.30
Erased is a suspenseful psychological thriller with a time-traveling twist. Satoru Fujinuma possesses “Revival,” an ability that sends him back in time to prevent tragedies. When his mother is murdered, Revival sends him back 18 years into his childhood. He realizes that saving his mother is connected to preventing a series of kidnappings that occurred during his youth.
Erased is a gripping and emotionally resonant anime that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Its blend of mystery, crime, and time travel creates a compelling narrative about confronting the past and fighting for a better future. While the ending is debated among fans, the journey Erased takes viewers on is undeniably powerful.
7. Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-
MyAnimeList: 8.23 (Season 1)
Re:Zero is an isekai anime with a dark and compelling time loop mechanic. Subaru Natsuki is transported to a fantasy world and quickly discovers he has the ability “Return by Death,” sending him back to a checkpoint each time he dies. He must navigate treacherous situations and complex relationships, enduring repeated deaths and psychological strain to protect those he cares about.
Re:Zero stands out for its brutal honesty in portraying the mental toll of time loops and the protagonist’s vulnerability. Subaru’s struggles and growth, combined with the intricate world-building and compelling characters, make Re:Zero a standout isekai and time travel anime.
8. Your Name.
MyAnimeList: 8.83
Your Name. is a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant film that blends body-swapping with a time travel element. Mitsuha, a girl from the countryside, and Taki, a boy from Tokyo, begin inexplicably swapping bodies. As they learn to live each other’s lives, they form a deep connection. However, the body-swapping abruptly stops, and Taki seeks to understand why, uncovering a significant temporal anomaly.
Your Name. is a visually stunning and emotionally captivating film that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its masterful storytelling, coupled with a breathtaking soundtrack, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience that explores themes of connection, fate, and time.
9. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
MyAnimeList: 8.10
Mamoru Hosoda’s The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a classic coming-of-age sci-fi romance film. Makoto Konno gains the ability to time leap and initially uses it for trivial teenage desires. However, she soon learns that her actions have unforeseen consequences, and time travel is not without its costs.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a charming and relatable story about growing up and taking responsibility. Its blend of lighthearted moments with dramatic turns creates a compelling narrative that explores the butterfly effect and the value of cherishing the present.
10. Inuyasha
MyAnimeList: 7.87
Inuyasha is a beloved classic that transports viewers to feudal Japan. Kagome Higurashi, through a well in her family shrine, travels back to the Sengoku period where she meets the half-demon Inuyasha. Together, they embark on a quest to collect the shards of the shattered Shikon Jewel.
Inuyasha offers a more adventurous and romantic take on time travel. Its blend of action, fantasy, and historical setting, combined with a large episode count, makes it a great series for those who enjoy long-running anime with engaging character development and world-building.
11. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
MyAnimeList: 7.50
7th Time Loop offers a unique take on time travel within an otome isekai setting. Rishe Irmgard Wertsner is trapped in a time loop, reliving her life each time she dies, always resetting to the moment her engagement is broken. In her seventh loop, she decides to live a carefree life and unexpectedly finds herself engaged to her enemy prince, Arnold Hein.
This anime is charming and entertaining, with a strong female lead and an intriguing premise. Rishe’s accumulated knowledge and skills from previous loops make her a highly competent protagonist, and her developing relationship with Arnold adds a layer of romantic tension to the time loop narrative.
12. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
MyAnimeList: 7.23 (Season 2, Endless Eight Arc)
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a unique anime where time travel is subtly woven into the overarching narrative. Haruhi Suzumiya, unknowingly a god-like being, can warp reality. The SOS Brigade, her school club, is formed to entertain her and keep her powers in check. While not explicitly focused on time travel, the series hints at temporal manipulations and anomalies.
The infamous “Endless Eight” arc, where the characters are stuck in a time loop for eight episodes, directly explores time travel, albeit in a highly experimental and divisive way. Despite this arc’s reception, Haruhi Suzumiya remains a significant anime for its unique premise and exploration of reality and perception.
13. Tokyo Revengers
MyAnimeList: 7.90 (Season 1)
Tokyo Revengers is a popular anime where time travel serves as a catalyst for character development and conflict. Takemichi Hanagaki, a down-on-his-luck adult, suddenly travels 12 years into the past. He uses this chance to try and save his ex-girlfriend Hinata and change his future by infiltrating a dangerous gang.
Tokyo Revengers Season 3 Cast
Tokyo Revengers gains appeal from its underdog protagonist and its focus on gang rivalries and personal redemption. While the time travel mechanics are not deeply explored, they serve as a compelling plot device to drive the narrative and allow Takemichi to grow and confront his past mistakes.
14. Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya
MyAnimeList: 8.90
Gintama: The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya is a comedic yet surprisingly poignant entry in the Gintama franchise. Gintoki mysteriously travels to a future where his beloved Edo has become a desolate wasteland. In this altered future, his Yorozuya companions, Kagura and Shinpachi, have changed significantly.
This movie utilizes time travel to explore alternate futures and character transformations within the Gintama universe. While primarily comedic and irreverent, as is Gintama‘s style, Be Forever Yorozuya also delves into themes of change, loss, and the bonds between characters.
15. 16bit Sensation: Another Layer
MyAnimeList: 6.90
16bit Sensation: Another Layer is a nostalgic anime that uses time travel to celebrate the history of gaming, particularly the bishojo subgenre. Konoha, a passionate fan of 90s games, finds herself transported back to 1992. She joins a video game company and experiences the golden age of game development firsthand, traveling between past and present eras pivotal to the industry.
While 16bit Sensation: Another Layer may have a polarizing protagonist for some, it serves as a charming tribute to retro gaming and anime culture. Its time travel element is used to explore the evolution of the gaming industry and indulge in nostalgic appreciation for classic titles.
Conclusion
Anime offers a vast and diverse landscape for time travel stories, ranging from epic adventures to intimate character dramas. Whether you are drawn to the intricate paradoxes of Steins;Gate, the emotional rollercoaster of Your Name., or the thrilling mysteries of Erased, there’s an anime on this list to take you on a journey through time. So, pick your portal and get ready to explore the past, present, and future through the captivating world of Anime Travel Back In Time.
