10 Nobunaga Concerto (2014)
The story of a high school boy named Saburo who travels back in time to Japan’s warring states period (Sengoku Jidai) to become Oda Nobunaga and unite the land. Saburo encounters several characters from that period including the real Nobunaga, who unable to deal with the immense pressure of ruling becomes Saburo’s subordinate, Aketchi Mitsuhide. This is interesting as the real Aketchi Mitsuhide was historically the man who assassinated Nobunaga himself.
Sporting a unique art style that is reminiscent of traditional Japanese art, Nobunaga Concerto is an anime that Japanese history lovers can sink their teeth into.
9 Thermae Romae Novae (2022)
A strange entry but by no means less entertaining, Thermae Romae Novae chronicles the tale of an ancient Roman architect named Lucius Modestus who finds a secret time travel tunnel that transports him to a modern-day Japanese bathhouse. As he was previously running out of ideas, his new experiences in Japan now motivate him to restore his reputation as one of the finest Roman architects.
Absurd, strange, and entertaining, this anime is a love letter to the public bathing culture in Japan and is perfect for those who enjoy watching things about cultural appreciation.
8 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Mamoru Hosoda’s classic 2006 sci-fi romance film tells the story of a high school girl Makoto who learns how to time travel and uses it to her benefit. However, with great power comes great responsibility, a rule that Makoto doesn’t adhere to which leads to some complicated and devastating outcomes.
With a plot that may appear too ‘straightforward’ to some, the film is an engaging and thought-provoking coming-of-age drama with moments of a slice of life that audiences can relate to.
7 Zipang (2004)
Zipang is historical war anime that depicts a modern Japanese navy vessel (JDS Mirai) being time-warped back to World War 2 as the Battle of Midway is about to commence. Aware that their superior ship can alter the course of the war, the crew of the Mirai is torn between aiding the former Japanese empire and abstaining from involvement as their futures would be affected.
Filled with mature themes, viewers will watch how the actions of the JDS Mirai and her crew unfold in this gripping war drama.
6 Your Name (2016)
Your Name tells the story of a Tokyo boy Taki and country girl Mitsuha from different timelines who periodically swap bodies. Through this, they manage to help each other out in different aspects of their lives. However, as they deepen their bond and try to figure out the phenomenon, the swapping stops abruptly, prompting Taki to uncover the reason why.
Beautifully animated and supported by the awesome J-pop soundtrack of Radwimps, Your Name will tug on anyone’s heartstrings and make them root for the characters.
5 The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006)
What happens when an unassuming high school girl is a god and can create anything she imagines or sets her mind to? Say hello to Haruhi Suzumiya, a 15-year-old girl with powers that can alter the fabric of time and space who is blissfully unaware of her abilities.
The show focuses on Haruhi and Kyon who are part of their school’s SOS Brigade, an after-school club that is focused on the paranormal and abnormal phenomena. The club also keeps tabs on Haruhi as her abilities could warp, alter, and destroy the world and each misadventure brings the characters and viewers closer to understanding what Haruhi is.
4 Re:Zero (2016)
Although technically part of the Isekai genre, Re:Zero focuses on Subaru Natsuki who is transported to a fantasy world. The time travel aspect comes into play every time Subaru dies. Every time he perishes, he resurrects at the last checkpoint similar to video games, prompting him to figure his way through until reaching the next checkpoint.
Over time, the psychological ordeal of watching his friends and himself die only to be resurrected begins to take on toll on his psyche, creating a very interesting if not disturbing fantasy narrative.
3 Erased (2016)
A psychological murder thriller with elements of time travel set in Tokyo and Hokkaido. Erased follows Saturo who experiences a phenomenon known as ‘revivals’ that sends him back in time moments before a catastrophic incident occurs to prevent it from happening.
When his mother is murdered, the event causes him to travel back in time 18 years into the past, allowing him to not only save his mother but the lives of his former classmates whose tragic ends mirror that of his mother’s. A gripping thriller that will glue any viewer to their seat, Erased is a must-see for anyone interested in crime thrillers and the mystery genre.
2 Future Diary (2011)
Old but gold, Future Diary is a battle royale where participants receive messages on their cellphones that predict the future. Here, middle schoolers Yukiteru and Yuno must survive against 10 other participants to determine who will become the next god of space and time, also known as Deus Ex Machina.
Twisted, brutal, and unforgiving, Future Diary explores the main dynamic between the two lead characters and the show may have one of the most sadistic and psychopathic characters in all of anime. Perfect for any fans of yandere characters.
1 Steins;Gate (2011)
Considered one of the greatest anime series out there, Steins;Gate revolves around Rintaro Okabe, a self-declared mad scientist who manages to create a time machine. Meanwhile, SERN, an organization that is also researching time travel learns of the machine and steals it, killing one of Rintaro’s friends in the process. This causes Rintaro to go back in time to prevent his friend’s death unleashing a cascade of time travel problems.
Those who have watched Steins;Gatepraise the show for its intricate handling of time travel and the rules the show establishes. The show will appeal to anyone who enjoys romance, comedy, drama, and hard science fiction genres.
