10 Books/Manga Like Re: Zero
Re: Zero is an intriguing isekai series with deep themes and psychological aspects. It’s written by Tappei Nagatsuki with illustration work done by Shin’ichirō Ōtsuka. The story follows Subaru who finds himself transported to a fantasy world. He meets a female named Satella and assists her with a few things.
Unfortunately, some villains murder them, but Subaru revives back at the start of his journey here. With his new time-altering powers, Subaru plans to save his friends’ lives to forge a destiny that’s right for them all. Praised for its complex storytelling and shocking revelations and events, Re: Zero is a great light novel series that will hold your attention.
If you’re in the mood for more isekai or thriller-themed books/manga that offer a similar vibe, fear not! We’ve gathered together 10 books/manga to check out when you’ve caught up with Re: Zero. Of course, if you feel we’ve missed any of your favorites, do comment below and let us know!
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation – Rifujin na Magonote
Similarities – Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is an enjoyable fantasy-light novel series for Re: Zero fans to read. Like Re: Zero, it involves its protagonist getting sent to a magical world and showcases how they struggle to adjust to their new surroundings. It explores its characters’ growth and the consequences behind their actions.
In Mushoku Tensei, we follow Rudeus, a 34-year-old NEET who gets murdered in a car accident. He gets another shot at life in a fantasy world. Despite having his memories, Rudeus must navigate this world as a toddler and embark on a journey he’ll never forget. Rudeus is a weird protagonist to follow at first, but he gradually grows into a skilled magician near the series’s later half.
With intense drama and grandiose worlds, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation should keep you occupied.
The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria – Eiji Mikage
Similarities – Themes & Time-Travel
The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria is a fabulous story with stellar mystery and supernatural components. Like Re: Zero, this story has a protagonist who finds themselves trapped in time loops. Additionally, both light novels explore ideas such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities behind human relationships.
In The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria, we follow Kazuki, who finds himself in a repetitive cycle. He must solve mysteries regarding a strange artifact. Kazuki’s repetitive predicaments mirror the themes behind Subaru’s time-centric scenarios where he tries to use his time-themed abilities to save himself and others. Both series utilize time to create tension as fans will love seeing how each protagonist attempts to overcome their respective challenges.
With its rich cast and time-travel aspects, The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria shouldn’t disappoint.
Konosuba – Natsume Akatsuki
Similarities – Isekai, Adventure, Romance
While Konosuba’s more humorous than Re: Zero, these light novels have much in common. For instance, both stories are isekai and revolve around male leads who are whisked away to a fantasy setting. Both protagonists have a fair share of challenges and get roped into many thrilling and entertaining scenarios with their female companions.
In Konosuba, we follow Kazuma, who receives an opportunity to be reincarnated in a fantasy world after his demise. He chooses to bring a water goddess named Aqua along for the ride, leading to many humorous and action-packed endeavors. While Kazuma’s life in this world isn’t as gritty as Subaru’s time in his magical setting, both characters engage in life-threatening situations with their buddies. Furthermore, both stories contain comedic and romantic moments. They utilize these aspects to balance out their emotionally heavy scenarios.
If you’re after a tale that’s more carefree than Re: Zero, but offers some thrilling battles and subtle emotionally charged scenes, Konosuba should please you.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash – Ao Jyuumonji
Similarities – Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
Another isekai light novel series Re: Zero fans should read is Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash. While it differs in some ways from Re: Zero, Grimgar contains fantastic character development and emotional depth. In Grimgar, we follow a group of characters who awaken in a game-like world called Grimgar. They must work together and persevere through this world’s set of obstacles.
Like Subaru, Grimgar’s protagonists find themselves in an unfamiliar environment filled with magical and humane life. Each character has a set of fears and complications. During their journey, they’ll slowly evolve past their inner conflicts, resulting in an adventure Re: Zero fans will find immersive and compelling.
The characters in this series experience loss and grief. Like Tappei Nagatsuki, Ao Jyuumonji excels at highlighting the psychological impact these problems have on his characters’ mental states.
If you’re looking for another rich and deep isekai series with memorable characters. Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash should entertain you.
The Rising of the Shield Hero – Aneko Yusagi
Similarities – Fantasy & Adventure
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a gripping tale set in a fantasy world. It follows Naofumi, a “Shield Hero” who faces discrimination and betrayal from other heroes and people of his world.
Like Subaru. Naofumi experiences substantial growth as he perseveres through the overwhelming and complicated scenarios that stand in his way. For instance, Naofumi starts off as a cynical and guarded person. As the story progresses, he learns to rely on people and becomes more compassionate and selfless. This mirrors Subaru’s incredible growth throughout Re: Zero. He’ll learn from his mistakes and become mature and brave in his approach toward complicated matters.
In addition to having some satisfying emotional and action bits, The Rising of the Shield Hero is an exceptional work that Re: Zero fans will love.
Vivy: Fluorite’s Eye Song – Morito Yamataka & Tappei Nagatsuki
Similarities – Author, Drama, Thriller
Vivy Fluorite Eye’s Song is another work from Re: Zero’s creator, Tappei Nagatsuki. While it differs from Re: Zero in ways, it shares commonalities with it. Firstly, both stories feature leads who must overcome challenging circumstances. These tales tackle compelling themes regarding their characters’ identities and actions.
In Vivy Fluorite’s Eye Song, we follow Vivy. She’s an AI programmed to bring happiness to humanity. However, she finds herself caught in a war against rogue AI. Like Subaru, Vivy undergoes numerous trials and must confront her own inner complications to succeed. Tappei and Morito explore Vivy’s internal issues to the fullest, making her feel more humane and fun to observe as you read through this work.
In addition to having captivating artwork and fantastic action sequences, Vivy: Fluorite’s Eye Song will leave readers excited for more.
The Saga of Tanya The Evil – Carlo Zen
Similarities – Isekai, Action, Themes
For those looking for war and grit, The Saga of Tanya the Evil should interest you. In it, we examine Tanya, a soldier who was a mundane male in her prior existence. Now, she lives an action-packed life on the battlefield as she hopes to climb the ranks and learn the meaning behind her reincarnation. Like Nagatsuki, Zen explores Tanya’s psychological struggles and growth.
Through The Saga of Tanya the Evil, Tanya battles with her own inner demons and the consequences behind her numerous actions. Her struggle for survival and power heightens the series’s tension, allowing readers to become invested in her journey. This mirrors how Nagatsuki hones in on Subaru’s psychological trauma and various introspections.
In addition to having stellar combative scenarios to give readers breathing room from its psychological moments, The Saga of Tanya the Evil is a worthwhile read.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – Fuse & Taiki Kawakami
Similarities – Isekai
Higurashi: When They Cry – Ryukishi07
Similarities – Violence, Time Travel, Mystery
Higurashi When They Cry is a fantastic series with a massive following. It’s one that’s rooted in horror, violence, and mystery. It contains enough chills and thrills to leave Re: Zero fans craving more. Our story centers around Keiichi, who has moved to a strange village called Hinamizawa. After attending one of their annual festivals, bizarre things happen.
It’s up to Keiichi and his friends to solve the anomalies occurring in Hinamizawa. Like Re: Zero, this anime will keep you on your toes with its gripping scenarios, likable cast, and time-looping shenanigans involving one of its titular characters. Furthermore, both series excels at exploring the psychological toll their settings have on their lead characters.
Like Subaru, Keiichi and his friends experience several traumatic sights that’ll emotionally break them. They’ll make choices that’ll make readers question if they’re worth rooting for or not, too.
If you’re okay with tales that explore child abuse, then Higurashi When They Cry is worth checking out.
Erased – Kei Sanbe
Similarities – Characters, Time Travel, Thriller
For more time-manipulating shenanigans, Erased should please you. This murder-mystery series follows Satoru, a man who uses his time travel abilities to solve a mystery concerning his mother’s murder and missing child case involving a former classmate. While he won’t be exploring a world rich with magical creatures, Satoru’s journey is just as captivating and thrilling as Subaru’s.
For instance, he’ll be put in many tense situations that’ll make any viewer shrivel up. Moreover, Erased tackles ideas like child abuse and neglect, making it a compelling read for fans of crime-themed works. Subaru and Satoru have to make crucial decisions throughout their respective journeys. Their choices will play a key role in shaping their and their friends’ destiny.
While Erased’s conclusion will leave some fans with mixed feelings, it’s certainly worth reading for Satoru’s truth-seeking journey alone.
So there we have it, our 10 books/manga to read after you’re caught up with Re:Zero.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!