Over the years, Sword Art Online has proved to be one of the best MMORPG-themed anime series. The third season of the popular show ended back in 2020. Since then, fans are wondering if the anime will ever return on the screen. Even though another film adaptation of the franchise is on the way, viewers still crave a series that has the same magic as SAO. Well, if you want to watch more shows like this one, you have come to the right place. Today, this list will concern the shows that fall in the same category as this one. So, are some of the best Anime like Sword Art Online.
The world of Sword Art Online is built in the year 2022. Now, we are almost at the edge of this year, and we still don’t have technology that can trap us inside virtual reality. Nonetheless, this does not demean the popularity of this 2012 isekai anime series. The virtual reality world that SAO created still has a strong impression on the audience’s minds.
Classroom of the Elite
The first name on this list of the anime like Sword Art Online is the popular high school drama Classroom of the Elite. Yes, the shows are very different in the crux, but you will find the characters and the filler arcs similar to each other. The story of Classroom of the Elite revolves around a rich high school. Here, students are divided into different sections on the basis of their knowledge quotient. Our protagonist is in the lower section because of his low grades. The struggles of a mediocre boy in a competitive environment make up for the plot of HSOTE.
Code Geass
Code Geass has been a fan favorite ever since it first came out on the screens. This fantasy thriller has made a name for itself over the years. The premise is set in Japan, where Britannica is trying to invade the territories. Stuck amid this is Lelouch Lamperouge, who is almost caught by the opponent armies. But, a mysterious lady, CC, saves him just at the right time. Now, both of them decide to form a team of rebels who can fight the Britannica and free the Japanese lands.
Overlord
One of the common names that are often associated with Sword Art Online is Overlord. Both isekai anime series follow a common plot of a gaming world. On Overlord, a bunch of teenagers finds themselves abducted by the game makers of a popular role-playing video game. Now, the only way to come out into the real world is by defeating the game maker himself. The thrills of a video game, the levels, and the power-ups, all are an experience that you should miss at no cost.
Guilty Crown
The next name on this list of the Anime Like Sword Art Online is the action period drama Guilty Crown. The crux of the show is based on the cruelties of an authoritarian government that wants to keep all the powers in its hands. Amid an epidemic, protagonist Shu Ouma learns that he has a genetic immunity to the deadly virus. Now the government is after him. How will Shu save his genes from getting into the wrong hands? Watch the show to find out yourself.
No Game, No Life
Another Isekai anime that makes it to the list is one of Japan’s most popular gaming anime, No Game, No Life. The plot revolves around Shiro and Sora, who are the best gamers in Japan. However, the gaming world is not keen on their gaming skills. Thus, the lines between their real and reel life blur as the game calls war upon the two. How will Shiro and Sora save humanity now? Only watching the show can answer your curiosities.
The Rising Of The Shield Hero
The Rising of the Shield Hero is not only popular in Japan, but it also has a reputation on global platforms. The premise of this epic show revolves around the titular position of a Shield Hero. Naofumi Iwatani is summoned by a far-off kingdom to become the Shield Hero and protect their realm. However, this job turns out to be much more difficult than he expected. Follows Naofumi as he learns dark truths about the kingdom that is sheltering him.
Accel World
One more gaming show that stands in the same league as Sword Art Online is the popular Japanese shonen series, Accel World. The plot of Accel World is set in the futuristic world in the 2040s. We get to meet Haruyuki, whose life primarily revolves around playing and programming video games. Similar to many Isekai anime series, he plays the Accel World game one day. To his surprise, he cannot escape the world anymore. Thus, he continues with the levels, only to find a grave danger ahead of him. What is this danger? Watch this amazing anime to learn yourself.
Demon Slayer
The Demon Slayer anime deals with a totally different bunch of antagonistic figures like demons and martial arts. However, it is very similar to Sword Art Online in many ways. Firstly, the way both the shows deal with action sequences is common in many ways. Moreover, the character and emotional arcs also fall in the same carder. The story of Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, who is seeking revenge from a demon who murdered his entire family in cold blood.
Log Horizon
The next anime on this list of the Anime Like Sword Art Online is gaming classic Log Horizon. Much like other Isekai anime, this one also follows the same storyline of people getting stuck in a gaming world, Log Horizon. More than thirty thousand people find themselves part of a gaming universe that keeps them abducted. Their only hope is a group of pro gamers that call themselves Log Horizon. Will they save the people from this Game? Find out by watching the show.
Btooom!
As fun as the name sounds, Btooom! It is a show that will become one of your top choices in gaming anime. The story of this show revolves around the titular video game whose current world champion is the protagonist Ryota Sakamoto. As in any Isekai series, he is also trapped in the game. However, instead of trying to escape the virtual world, he is enjoying the life of a champion. But for how long will this glory last? Watch the show to find out.
Bleach
The next name on this list of the Anime like Sword Art Online is the story of legendary heroes in the form of Bleach. The series revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki, who is destined to become the soul reaper just like his parents. However, entering this new life turns out to be extremely excruciating for him. Besides, Ichigo wishes to live a normal like his peers. The internal conflicts mixed with the struggles of reaping souls make up for a brilliant plot of Bleach.
Ghost In The Shell
A Japanese phenomenon that is also widely popular across the globe is Ghost in the Shell. The plot revolves around an extremely advanced level experiment that involves the programming of a human brain into a robotic body. The only surviving android of this experiment is Mira Killian. However, her existence is not as simple as being a cybercrime officer. Her past as a human is haunting her, and she must uncover the real purpose behind her being.
Revisions
The last name on this list of the Anime like Sword Art Online is the action fantasy Revisions. The premise of Revisions revolves around Daisuke Dojima, a part of a team tasked to go in the future and defeat the villain “Revisions,” who is hindering the peace in the past. Do watch this one if you like the action and thrill in Sword Art Online.
With Revisions, we can conclude our list of Anime like Sword Art Online. Which one of these shows do you plan on watching next? Is there any other anime that we did not include in this list? Please let us know in the comment box below. For more such exciting listicles on popular anime, keep coming back to The Anime Daily.
