As a cinephile delving into the realms of both fantasy and sci-fi narratives, I’ve come across a common thread that ties these genres together: Time Travel. This fascinating plot device sees characters traversing through different eras, either venturing into the past or stepping into the future. In each instance, they find themselves in unfamiliar landscapes where adaptation becomes essential. Time travel is prevalent not just in novels and films but also in various anime adaptations. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the 20 best time-travel anime series and movies you simply must experience. Dive in and enjoy the journey!
1. Steins;Gate
Original Run: April 6, 2011 – September 14, 2011
Number of Episodes: 24 + OVA
The narrative of “Steins; Gate” unfolds in the district of Akihabara and revolves around Rintarō Okabe, a rather peculiar scientist, whose sanity has been questioned at times. He devises a way to transform a common microwave into a device capable of sending text messages back in time. What he initially fails to comprehend is that his actions are shaping his current reality, which, in turn, makes him appear unhinged.
Yet, he isn’t the sole researcher working in that domain. Not long after, he encounters an entity called SERN, which is pursuing not only him but also the other participants of the experiment. Repeatedly altering the future due to this information, Okabe finds himself trapped in a timeline where his childhood friend Mayuri perishes. In an attempt to prevent her demise, he journeys back through time and exhausts all possible means, yet remains unsuccessful.
Only after consulting with Kurisu does he get the crucial piece of information from her. He must delete all the text messages he’s previously sent. Just as Okabe is ready to send the last message, he remembers that in the original timeline, his beloved Kurisu is dying. This thought plunges him into a state of hesitation and despair, as he desperately wants to save her.
Following a revelation by someone from the future that Kurisu can be saved, Okabe embarks on his final mission. In his initial attempt, he regrettably fails, resulting in Makise Kurisu’s demise. Yet, during this process, he receives guidance from a future version of himself, detailing a strategy. Eventually, Okabe successfully rescues Kurisu, leaving the original worldlines behind and stepping into the new Steins Gate line where both Mayuri and Kurisu continue to live.
2. Mirai Nikki
Original Run: October 10, 2011 – April 16, 2012
Number of Episodes: 26 + OVA
Yukiteru Amano is a young boy who often feels lonely, finding solace in his vivid imagination to cope with the empty social landscape of his everyday life. He believes that by observing the world from afar, he can steer clear of any inconveniences. To document the occurrences happening around him, he maintains a diary on his mobile phone.
One day, one of Yukiteru’s fantastical companions, Deus ex Machina (the god of time and space) and Mumur (Deus’ assistant), propose a game to him. Yukiteru soon discovers that the phone he uses for note-taking starts showing entries about future events happening around him. Initially thrilled by this newfound ability, Yukiteru becomes overzealous until his device predicts his own demise. A classmate of his, Yuno Gasai, who also possesses a future-predicting diary, begins to chase him; however, he chooses to disregard her attempts to rescue him.
3. InuYasha
The original broadcast period was from October 16, 2000 to September 13, 2004, and then from October 3, 2009 to March 29, 2010. In total, there were 193 episodes (167 + 26).
The storyline in the InuYasha anime revolves around a half-demon character from contemporary Japan, along with a perverted monk, a fox spirit, and a demon hunter from the Sengoku era. Together, they embark on various adventures to gather all the pieces of the Shikon Jewel, while also preventing it from falling into the wrong hands, particularly Naraku.
Throughout the anime series, InuYasha frequently grapples with two conflicting desires: his longing for the Sacred Jewel and his affection for Kagome. Yet, his demonic nature, which amplifies his power, seems to dominate him. However, a twist unfolds as InuYasha discovers the Tessaiga sword, a revelation that underscores his human side as his most potent aspect.
4. Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon
Original Run: October 3, 2020 – March 26, 2022
Number of Episodes: 48
After some time following the InuYasha incidents, Sesshōmaru’s four-year-old daughters Towa and Setsuna escape a forest fire that was their home. Tragedy strikes when a vortex splits them apart, with Towa being whisked into the contemporary era and ending up in the care of Kagome Higurashi’s family, who raise her alongside her younger brother Sota.
Ten years have passed since they parted ways, and now Towa encounters Setsuna once more. Interestingly, Setsuna, together with Moroha, had been transported to the present through the Tree of Ages’ power following a fierce fight against a yōkai. In those missing years, Setsuna took up the profession of a demon slayer and now serves under Kohaku. However, she has lost all memory of her past and her connection to Towa.
To retrieve Setsuna’s lost memories, they embark on an exciting voyage with Moroha, her cousin who is Inuyasha’s teenage daughter, and Kagome Higurashi, who shares a similar predicament of forgetting her parents. Along the way, they uncover that each girl possesses three of the seven Colorful Jewels of Life, whose power rivals the Shikon no Tama. Consequently, Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha are tasked with resolving the enigma surrounding these jewels too.
5. Erased
Original Run: January 8, 2016 – March 25, 2016
Number of Episodes: 12
30-year-old manga artist Satoru Fujinuma possesses an extraordinary talent: he can leap backwards in time when faced with life-threatening situations involving those around him. Yet, this power does not work intentionally. Tragically, his mother Sachiko Fujinuma identifies a serial killer and attempts to contact the authorities. However, she is slain before she can do so, leaving her son to discover her lifeless body.
In an unexpected turn of events, Satoru is found under suspicion and finds himself eighteen years in the past, inhabiting the body of his 10-year-old self. He recalls a string of murders from that time period and believes it’s crucial for him to track down the killer, as doing so may be the key to saving his mother.
6. Your Name.
Original Release: July 3, 2016
Running Time: 107 minutes
The movie centers around Mitsuha and Taki, who mysteriously change forms during the night. Leading separate lives, Mitsuha is a teenage girl from a tranquil mountain town, where her father serves as the mayor. She finds the countryside monotonous, yearning for urban excitement. Contrastingly, Taki resides in bustling Tokyo, immersed in architecture and city life.
One day, an unexpected transformation occurs during the night, leaving Taki and Mitsuha inhabiting different bodies. They communicate using phone messages, offering support on school life and social standing. Once Taki regains his original form, he chooses to pay a visit to Mitsuha.
In a restaurant, the owner identifies a drawing by Taki depicting the town of Itomori, and reveals that it was devastated by a comet collision. Shocked, Taki discovers that Mitsuha’s existence transpired three years back, and she did not survive. Determined to save her, Taki attempts to reach out to Mitsuha to alert her of the incoming comet. Amazingly, he succeeds, and Mitsuha along with her friends Tessie and Sayaka make plans to evacuate Itomori.
In time, a comet strikes and obliterates the village where Taki lived, yet he wakes up the following morning with no recollection of the incident. Five years after this devastating event, Taki learns that the citizens of Itomori miraculously survived due to their mayor’s leadership. Later on, a fateful day arrives when Taki and Mitsuha, who were once strangers, recognize each other as their trains cross paths. They immediately get off at the next station to confirm each other’s identities.
7. Summer Time Rendering
Original Run: April 15, 2022 – present
Number of Episodes: 25
Two summers ago, I found myself back on my cherished island of Hitogashima, a place I hadn’t set foot on for two long years. The familiar sights and sounds were a comforting balm to my heart, yet the island seemed tinged with a melancholy air. Upon arrival, I discovered that everyone I knew was gathered together, mourning the loss of Ushio Kofune, my adoptive sister who had sadly passed away at just seventeen years old.
On the day of Ushio’s funeral, a series of peculiar occurrences unfolded, causing Shinpei to question whether her death was indeed an accidental drowning as previously thought. As he attempted to gather more details about the incident involving Mio, Ushio’s younger sister, and ventured to a secluded part of the island, both of them met an untimely end at the hands of a strange entity that resembled Mio.
On the following day, Shinpei returns to Hitogashima once more and resumes his life on July 22nd. Two days later, coinciding with the Omiokuri festival, he encounters Ushio personally. However, on that very same day, he commits another murder along with several other island residents.
8. Sailor Moon R
Original Run: March 6, 1993 – March 12, 1994
Number of Episodes: 43
Following their victory over the Dark Kingdom, Usagi and her companions encounter a puzzling young girl named Chibiusa. It’s soon revealed that she hails from a future where her mother is trapped. The Sailor warriors then meet Sailor Pluto, protector of the Time Gate, and journey to the 20th century. There, they uncover a devastated Earth under attack by a sinister group known as the Black Moon clan, who Sailor Moon must vanquish.
9. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Original Run: January 7, 2011 – April 21, 2011
Number of Episodes: 12
In the fictitious Japanese city of Mitakihara, two high school friends, Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki, encounter a peculiar magical entity named Kyūbey. This being presents them with an intriguing proposition: by entering into a contract with him, their most heartfelt desires would come true, regardless of what they are. In return, they would gain extraordinary powers, allowing them to transform into puellas magi (magical girls), and use these abilities to combat malevolent beings referred to as witches.
Originating from the shadows and hidden from human sight, these witches pose a significant threat and are believed to be behind numerous calamities, suicides, and crimes in contemporary society. Concurrently, an enigmatic exchange student named Homura Akemi, who shares the title of ‘puella magi’ with Madoka, goes to great lengths to prevent Madoka from signing a pact with Kyūbey, even making multiple attempts on his life.
Later on, Madoka and Sayaka come across Mami Tomoe, an upperclassman from their same school who happens to be a magical girl too. She invites them to join her on a witch hunt, explaining that this experience will help them grasp the full gravity of their duties so they can make informed decisions about what lies ahead.
In her contemplation about accepting the contract, Madoka finds herself in the midst of a whirlwind of occurrences, accompanied by a seasoned rebel mage named Kyoko Sakura. The path she walks is fraught with confusion, fear, the bittersweet edge of personal longings, despair, and even the specter of death. This journey encircles the themes of “entropy” and the universal laws that dictate cosmic order.
10. Now and Then, Here and There
Original Run: October 14, 1999 – January 20, 2000
Number of Episodes: 13
A lively schoolboy, deeply fond of carefree kendo, encounters a reserved young lady named Lala-Rū. Struck by an unexpected bolt of love, he strives to bring cheer to her in every way possible. However, all of a sudden, futuristic robots show up and whisk the girl away through some sort of energy gateway.
Shū chases after them, brandishing his wooden sword, yet becomes lost from Lala-Rū. Despite their separation, she manages to hand him her necklace beforehand. Meanwhile, Shū discovers that he is not in his native town anymore, nor even in his own world (our assumption being this takes place far into the future during the anime). The planet is now a barren wasteland inhabited by terrifying creatures and water has become a rare commodity.
11. Dr.STONE
Original Run: July 5, 2019 – present
Number of Episodes: 35
The tale of Dr. Stone centers on Taiju, an ordinary high school student, who plans to confess his long-held feelings for Yuzuriha, a girl he’s had feelings for years, to his science prodigy friend Senku. Just as Taiju is about to express his affection, a bright light envelops the sky and petrifies every human being.
Once Taiju breaks free, he encounters a world transformed by nature’s reign. However, it’s not just him who’s awake; his buddy Senku was already up and about. Senku informs him that approximately 3,700 years have elapsed since the enigmatic incident. With their unique blend of scientific acumen (Senku) and physical prowess (Taiju), they aim to rescue the remaining 7 billion human beings entombed in stone and unravel the mystery behind this calamity’s origin.
12. DNA²
Original Run: October 7, 1994 – December 23, 1994
Number of Episodes: 12 + 3 OVA
Operator DNA named Karin Aoi journeys back 100 years to thwart the notorious “mega-playboy” Junta Momonari. His actions were allegedly the cause of Earth’s overpopulation in Karin’s era, as he had an astounding 100 children who each went on to have another 100 offspring. This pattern continued across multiple generations.
Interestingly, Junta lacks the characteristics typically associated with a renowned playboy. Nevertheless, Karin proceeds to fulfill her assignment and unintentionally transform him into a mega-playboy. Numerous other girls pose challenges along the way, and her own feelings for Junta complicate her mission.
13. In Search of the Lost Future
Original Run: October 4, 2014 – December 20, 2014
Number of Episodes: 12 + OVA
The story unfolds at Uchiyama Academy, where the influx of new students has been growing annually, leading to the construction of a brand-new school facility. Prior to their relocation, the academy plans to host one final Grand Club Festival in the old building. Eager for success, each club is determined to pull out all the stops.
At the outset, Seo belongs to the school’s astronomy club. Prior to the commencement of the festival, the student executive committee requests that members of the club help reassure students about the peculiar occurrences taking place in the ancient building. As the shy girl Yui Furukawa enrolls at the end of the academic year and encounters Seo, the gears of destiny gradually set into motion.
14. Fate/Grand Order – Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
Original Run: October 5, 2019 – March 21, 2020
Number of Episodes: 21 + 1 Special
In 2017, King Solomon, known as the Magi, allegedly set ablaze the very essence of human existence. A clandestine group of mages called Chaldea foretold the end of humanity for the year 2019. Consequently, they embarked on a mission to rectify the anomalies in history caused by the Holy Grails that were scattered across time and space – this was the beginning of the Grand Order operation.
In this rephrased version, With the help of a time-travel device called Rayshift, the final Master from Chaldea, Ritsuka Fujimaru, along with his semi-servant Mash Kyrielight, embarked on numerous journeys and solved six different instances. Upon their return from the Singularity of Camelot, they are now required to visit a potentially perilous location: Mesopotamia, situated in 2655 BC during the era known as the Age of the Gods.
Upon their arrival, Ritsuka and Mash soon realize that menacing beasts are rampaging through the region, causing harm to both people and towns. Amidst the turmoil and fear, humanity’s final stronghold emerges: Uruk, a fortified city that serves as the battleground against these monsters. The frontlines of this battle are led by none other than King Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes, who has assembled heroic spirits to aid him in his role as a mage, defending his city from the beasts.
As a devoted cinephile, I’ve found myself immersed in a unique tale where I discover that three divine entities are orchestrating these enigmatic beast invasions. Alongside my trusted companion Mash, we’re tasked by Gilgamesh to thwart the mysterious beasts invading Uruk, all while uncovering the genuine intentions behind the trio of goddesses as they wage war against humanity. However, I remain oblivious to the fact that an ancient force has begun to stir from its long sleep.
15. Hug! Pretty Cure
Original Run: February 4, 2018 – January 27, 2019
Number of Episodes: 49 + film
13-year-old Hana Nono, eager to be perceived as an adult, embarks on her first year of high school in a flurry. On her way to school, she stumbles upon an unusual baby named Hug-tan and a fairy resembling a hamster named Harryham Harry, who seemingly dropped from the heavens.
During the meeting, it transpired that these individuals were being pursued by the Criasu Corporation for possession of Hug-tan’s Future Crystal (Cristal de Futuro). One of their companions was also a target. This revelation sparked Hana’s determination to safeguard Hug-tan, igniting her hidden powers. As a result, her own Future Crystal manifested, transforming her into Cure Yell.
Alongside Saaya, Homare, and subsequently Emiru and Ruru, they make up the HUGtto squad! As Precure, they strive to safeguard the future of the people within Criasu’s society.
16. Kimagure Orange Road
Original Run: April 6, 1987 – March 7, 1988
Number of Episodes: 48 + 3 films + 8 OVA episodes
16-year-old Kyōsuke Kasuka relocates to a fresh town following his unearthing of “The Power,” which grants him extraordinary talents. Kyōsuke, along with his family (excluding his father), possess unique abilities such as telekinesis, teleportation, and hypnosis due to their extrasensory perception. In this new urban setting, Kyōsuke encounters a girl who captures his heart at first sight. To his delight, he learns she is in the same class the following day. Known as Madoka Ayukawa, she’s renowned for her rebellious streak and makes no secret of it when it comes to Kyōsuke.
17. Remake Our Life!
Original Run: July 3, 2021 – September 25, 2021
Number of Episodes: 12
In my own words, I’m a 28-year-old developer, recently jobless due to my company’s bankruptcy. Returning home, I find myself wrestling with regrets over past choices as I look at the successes of my contemporaries. But then, an extraordinary thing happens: I wake up to find myself ten years back in time, before college – a rare second chance to make things right in my life’s journey.
18. Iroduku: The World in Colors
Original Run: October 6, 2018 – December 29, 2018
Number of Episodes: 13
2078 found me, Hitomi Tsukishiro, a teenage girl hailing from a lineage of witches, bereft of color due to the loss of those I held dearest. My dear grandmother, Kohaku Tsukishiro, sought to shield her own granddaughter from further pain and propelled me back through time, landing me in 2018, so that I might encounter my 17-year-old self.
19. Orange
Original Run: July 3, 2016 – September 25, 2016
Number of Episodes: 13
Naho is a sixteen-year-old student attending high school in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. Her routine life takes an unexpected twist when she receives a letter from her future self, who is now twenty-six years old and filled with regret. This future Naho wants to help the current Naho avoid repeating past mistakes by providing details about upcoming events and specific advice related to a new student joining their class, named Kakeru.
20. The Saga of Tanya the Evil
Original Run: January 6, 2017 – March 31, 2017
Number of Episodes: 12
The narrative begins by introducing a humble salaryman. However, his arrogance led him to mock God, which resulted in his unexpected demise on February 22, 2013. In a twist reminiscent of isekai genre, he is reborn in a different realm, mirroring the strife-torn Europe of the 1910s, where this empire is embroiled in endless conflicts with its surrounding nations.
In a surprising twist, a former salaryman finds himself transformed as an orphan girl named Tanya Degurechaff, who appears to be far from a typical anime waifu. At just nine years old, she holds the rank of second lieutenant in the Imperial Army. Known as “Being X” by Tanya herself, this divine entity declares that if Tanya cannot meet a natural death or chooses not to believe in Him, her soul will be cast out and condemned to the depths of Hell for all the transgressions she allegedly committed during her previous life. For fans who appreciate anime with elements of time travel, this unique series offers an intriguing take on the genre.
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2025-05-29 04:47