[10 Similar] Anime Like Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

Now for the juicy stuff, both Okabe and Subaru are quite different from the usual anime protagonist and aren't meant to be self-inserts for viewers. They both must overcome obstacles to save the ones they love and both feature thrilling story lines and engaging characters that break the mold of most anime tropes like Tsunderes (with Steins;Gate's Kurisu) and Moé characters (Re:Zero's Rem). The authors want you to see the MCs go through very difficult (and sometimes gory) hardships in order to reach their goals. In a nutshell both are:

- Animated by White Fox
- Time Traveling Related
- Have fresh Non-Self Insert Protagonists
- Mold Breakers of Anime Tropes

and both anime titles have a thing for colons and semi-colons.

Re:Zero has its lead die over and over and over and over and over again trying to save the girls he encounters in his new world. KonoSuba also has its lead die from time to time... due to his moronic (yet lovable) band of misfit female party members that make him want to punch himself/them in the face.

One is a drama. The other is a comedy. But both will most likely appeal to one that the likes the other. This is because, via equivalent exchange, they give what the other cannot.

‘Boku dake ga Inai Machi’ showcases a game of cat and mouse that has seen it being dragged on for over 10 years in which all the tragedies that unfolded before us are planned by one single entity. The rich storyline that is full of substance accompanied by dark striking character expressions will undeniably leave your heart pumping while trying to anticipate the outcome of one’s action.

‘Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu’ convene its story through multiple layers of secluded mystery where it is not known how each event are related. Unlike ‘Boku dake ga Inai Machi’, this mystery-base story plays right into the show’s strength due to the final villain not being revealed blatantly while their true purpose remains an enigma. Commendation should also be given to the series with the way it prioritises its vision, the romance/harem is certainly noticeable but never overwhelm the true objective which is the storyline. Audience would certainly appreciate the character interactions and comedy which sets a lighter tone away from the frightening events that has all but left us bewitched.

I think this is a pretty good recommendation because the unexpectedly dark style of the two anime can really get to you emotionally. If you like the dark emotional elements in one you will probably like the other.

Both involve the main character enduring many hardships, including death, forcing them to maintain a strong mentality which will continue to push them forward towards their final goal. They both share episodes of despair which will hit you right in the feels, they both have some comedy relief throughout the series, and both main characters experience romantic feelings (which I personally enjoyed most).

I regard them both very highly and thoroughly enjoyed both of them; I think if you enjoyed one, you should consider watching the other. As a forewarning without giving away any spoilers, I will say that Akame ga Kill is a much darker themed story than Re:Zero, but I would not let that deter you from watching both.

Story wise, both shows feature protagonist(s) who are pulled into a brand new world without consent or ability to escape. Both main protagonists start out very weak, and have to accept very lowly roles first. As each series progresses, both male protagonists get braver, stronger, and more experienced. However, both carry scars, either emotional or physical, that appear as literal obstacles to them in the story.

The main difference between the two anime is the theme and personalities of the characters. Grimgar's characters are unwillingly stranded in a new world, where the first things they learn are humility and survival. ReZero's main man is an arrogant young man who retains memory from his own time, where fantasy rpgs exist. Thus ReZero's character comes off as narcissistic, naive person who doesn't fully understand the severity of his situation. Both of these ideas are heavily explored in each series, and is the main point of separation for the two main characters and each series as a whole.

On the whole, ReZero is more volatile, violent and potentially shocking, whereas Grimgar is one long, slow burning journey to the finish. But regardless, both are very good shows that provide fresh, interesting new approaches to the "trapped in a fantasy world." The art, the writing, the stories, and the characters are all very well done.

Overall, I found ReZero to be the more exciting show, while Grimgar is more soothing and relaxing.