10 Isekai Anime & Manga Where The Protagonist Becomes A Ruler (2024)

With the concept of escapism at its core, the isekai genre is teeming with different narratives that appeal to a variety of audiences. The premise of leaving behind a mundane life remains constant in all isekai manga and anime, though what lies ahead for these protagonists isn’t always set in stone. Becoming a hero in the new life is a common premise, yet some are even more fortunate as they find themselves as rulers of the new world.

The notion of suddenly becoming royalty in a new world is certainly enticing, and viewers seem to agree as these storylines have recently started gaining traction among the isekai landscape. Be it kings and emperors of a kingdom or the demon lord of the underworld, these anime protagonists are in for a ride as they navigate through the woes of being a ruler.

Updated August 28, 2024 by Ahmed Rehan Nasir: With escapism at its core, it comes as no surprise that most isekai narratives end up with the protagonist in a position of power. While the definition of ‘ruler’ can be rather vague, plenty of isekai anime and manga feature characters who make their way to the throne one way or another. From kingdom-building endeavors to royal escapades, these isekai series incorporate all manner of political subtexts. For those who have exhausted their libraries, this list has been updated with a few more exciting entries.

12 Demon Lord, Retry!

MyAnimeList Rating: 6.56/10

The entire isekai genre is full of mysteries, primarily pertaining to why and how characters are transported to an entirely new world. Demon Lord, Retry! focuses on this very concept as the protagonist tries to find out why he was brought to this new world.

Since Akira Ono was transported to the new world in his MMORPG avatar of a demon lord, he gets to keep his personage. His reputation as the Demon Lord spreads far and wide in the new world, allowing him to gain a place of authority within the new world.

11 How Not To Summon A Demon Lord

MyAnimeList Rating: 6.84/10

Following the usual narrative of isekai anime, a shut-in video gamer is summoned to the world of his favorite MMORPG by two girls in a bid to make him their very own servant. Since Takuma Sakamoto is summoned in his video game avatar of the Demon King, his spell of reflection causes the servant binding to reverse, making him the master.

While not exactly a ruler in the traditional sense, Takuma carries on his Demon King personality as he traverses the land with his two new servants. He makes a name for himself in the new world as he learns how to become a leader. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord is similar to other isekai series that follow the demon king trope, albeit with slightly less power in the hands of the demon lord.

10 Santairiku Eiyuuki

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.0/10

With a focus on nation-building and amassing power, Santairiku Eiyuuki’s premise largely revolves around a reincarnated emperor’s attempt at rebuilding his nation from the ground up. With a militaristic setting, the manga teeters towards the political side of things, which is further exacerbated by the chaotic diplomatic landscape.

With a child protagonist at the helm, Santairiku Eiyuuki’s narrative is rather intriguing, though it can also trudge towards a few raunchy themes. Nevertheless, the primary focus of the manga remains on Hercule and his kingdom-building endeavors.

9 The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess To Savior

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.11/10

Pride is a heinous queen of a kingdom in an Otome Game, with several atrocities under her belt. After her demise, a young woman gets reincarnated as the new Pride in the game. Having played the game and knowing Pride’s eventual demise, the new Pride tries to right her wrongs and turns her entire kingdom around.

Despite her ardent efforts, however, the game corrects its course every single time. However, Pride remains adamant about mending her new kingdom and changing the game’s narrative. Sekai villainess anime are certainly rare, and The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen embodies this subgenre perfectly.

8 How A Realist Hero Rebuilt The Kingdom

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.25/10

Staying true to its namesake, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom follows the story of Kazuya Souma, a reincarnated young man who finds himself in a world of royalty and riches. To his surprise, the ruler of the Elfrieden Kingdom entrusts the nation to Kazuya, along with betrothing his daughter to him.

Now, Kazuya is left with a new kingdom to rule, albeit with a struggling economy and a dying future. The story focuses on Kazuya’s new adventure as he rebuilds his nation from scratch, all while juggling the requests of the people and his new fiance.

7 The Epic Tale Of The Reincarnated Prince Herscherik

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.29/10

While most isekai protagonists are reincarnated with cheat skills and overpowered abilities, Herscherik gets the short end of the stick after being reborn as a prince of a nation on the verge of collapse. Armed with the knowledge of his previous life, Herscherik sets out on a nation-building escapade to reclaim his nation’s glory.

The manga throws in some gender-bender antics as well, and while The Epic Tale of the Reincarnated Prince Herscherik is dotted with comedic elements, it largely focuses on the drama and political intrigue that comes with building a nation. Since Herscherik relies solely on his past skills of working in an office, the manga presents a realistic take on the whole reincarnation plot.

6 The Ride-On King

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.46/10

The Ride-On King is an absurd take on the isekai genre as this manga follows the story of the President of Persia, Alexander Purchinov, an eccentric personality known for his desire to ride things. After riding everything the mortal realm has to offer, Alexander looks towards the fantasy world.

With his goal of riding all sorts of creatures such as Centaurs, Wyverns, and Orcs, Alexander steps foot in a new fantasy world where he is keen on spreading his influence and power. Alexander’s eventual rise to power is imminent, although not without a few absurd adventures along the way.

5 Kyou Kara Maou!

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.63/10

After being sucked in by a toilet, Yuri Shibuya finds himself in a new realm where he is proclaimed the Demon King. As the ruler of the Great Demon Kingdom, Yuri is forced to navigate through the whims of being a demon lord, all while keeping order between humans and demons.

Despite following a common isekai narrative, Kyou Kara Maou! has several distinct elements. The series is one of the few isekai anime that allows the protagonist to move back and forth between the worlds, albeit in a mortifying way. Moreover, the show has a shounen-ai (gay romance) theme as Yuri and Wolfram accidentally get engaged, leading to several jokes about their arrangement.

4 Accomplishments Of The Duke's Daughter

MyAnimeList Rating: 7.73/10

The premise of Accomplishments Of The Duke's Daughter is the same as any other isekai otome manga — reincarnation as a villainess who is resigned to a grim fate. However, the manga differentiates itself by forgoing the usual romantic elements of this niche for a more realistic narrative, with a heavy focus on nation-building and political matters.

Iris isn’t the archetypal isekai villainess either, as she refuses to let her fate be governed by the game’s storyline. Instead, she presents herself as an empowered woman willing to fight for what’s right, no matter the cost. Iris may be a mere acting Lord, yet she possesses the power and knowledge to bring prosperity to her people, proving herself a worthy ruler.

3 The Twelve Kingdoms **

MyAnimeList Rating: 8.01/10

The Twelve Kingdoms is an underrated isekai from the early 2000s, one that ends up flying under the radar quite often. However, the kingdom-building aspects of the anime are arguably the most nuanced out of any isekai series, with each kingdom showcasing a different facet of political policies.

High schooler Youka Nakajima ends up as the heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Kei, eventually ascending to the position of queen. With all sorts of predicaments plaguing her kingdom, Youko learns to navigate through the trials and tribulations of leading an entire nation. With ample character development, Youko ends up becoming a competent leader who rebuilds her kingdom from the ground up.

2 No Game, No Life

MyAnimeList Rating: 8.06/10

No Game, No Life offers an interesting premise within the isekai world as it revolves around the concept of games without delving into the usual MMORPG premise. Two unrivaled step-siblings are challenged by a god from another world, and defeating him in a video game leads the two to an entirely new realm, one where conflicts and arguments are resolved through games.

With a tournament set in place to decide the next ruler of Elkia, the two quickly rise to power as they remain undefeated in any game. With such a unique take on the isekai concept, No Game No Life stands as a classic within the genre.

1 That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime **

MyAnimeList Rating: 8.14/10

While the title hints at another isekai with an absurd premise, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime subverts expectations with a sound plotline and a premise laced with political intrigue and nation building. Reincarnated as a literal slime, Rimuru’s isekai adventure initially seems dull, though things take a turn once he realizes his power to acquire the strength of powerful creatures.

With his newfound powers and a storm dragon by his side, Rimuru is able to flip a rundown village into a powerful empire. Unlike other isekai protagonists who ascend to power through sheer luck, Rimure showcases bureaucratic knowledge and leadership qualities that have allowed him to smoothly rule over an entire federation.