WhileisekaiandDigimonare not typically mentioned together, their histories are deeply intertwined. Indeed, it may surprise some to learn thatDigimonis an iconic isekai anime. It was among the first anime series to effectively explore the concept, introducing the idea of a “different world” to the collective consciousness of anime viewers.
Just asDigimonevokes a strong sense of nostalgia for fans who grew up with Tamagotchi, the digital pets that inspired the series, it also recalls the time of a more grounded and engaging isekai narrative. Unlike typical isekai stories featuring powerful slimes,skilled SAO beta testers, or knowledgeable villainesses who use their prior knowledge as a secret weapon to “game” the system in their new worlds,Digimon’s young heroes are simply ordinary kids navigating a strange land.
Digimon Adventures Was An Isekai Well Before Its Time
Utilizing Most of the Common Isekai Tropes
While modern isekai may seem like a recent trend in anime, the genre has been around for at least a generation.Aura Battler Dunbine, often credited with bringing isekai into the mainstream, premiered in 1983. However,pre-2000s isekai differed significantly from today’s iterations. Protagonists—much like Dorothy inThe Wizard of Oz— are an isekai in all but name. They wereordinary people thrust into extraordinary worlds, forced to rise to the occasiondespite being untrained and unprepared for the challenges ahead.
Hiroyuki Kakudo’sDigimon Adventure—the first installment in the legendary Toei Animation franchise—follows the adventures of Tai, Matt, Sora, Izzy, Mimi, Joe, and T.K., seven ordinary kids attending summer camp when they are inexplicably transported to the Digital World, a cyberspace-like realm inhabited by digital monsters, or Digimon. At first, the children don’t understand why they, of all people, were brought there. However, they soon discover that powerful beings summoned them because each child embodies a unique trait—such as courage, reliability, or hope—that will help save the Digital World from impending catastrophe.
Every Digimon Movie & Anime In Order (& The Best Way To Watch Them)
Digimon has spawned almost a dozen anime and an even larger amount of movies, and this is when each one was released and how they can be watched.
Each child is paired with a Digimon, who is tasked with protecting the children and helping them defeat the evil forces that seek to control the Digital World for their selfish purposes. Like the children,the assigned Digimon grow stronger as they gain experience, a process fostered by their bond with their human partners.While the children initially embrace their roles with the hope of returning to their world, they soon realize that ensuring the safety of their friends and the future of the Digital World is just as important as finding their way home.
Digimon Adventureexcels as an anime for many reasons, but one stands out: its modern reimagining of the classic hero’s journey— only this time, there’s more than one hero. The “call to action” is depicted in the children’s unexpected transportation to the Digital World. Mentors appear in the form of their Digimon partners and, later, the children themselves, guiding their Digimon. Finally, there’s the inevitable return home as heroes. But most importantly, there’s the ordeal and transformation phase. Pushed to their limits, both children and Digimon grow beyond their ordinary abilities, emerging stronger than before.
There a Lot of Great Contemporary Isekai Anime, But Most Follow the Same Rules
Isekai’s Original Charm Started in Imbued Knowledge
While there are plenty of “hero’s journey”-based tales in contemporary isekai, few truly adhere to theclassic “from zero to hero” anime narrative. Instead, while protagonists may indeed start as a “zero”—ranging from unskilled children to corrupt officials in their original reality—the skills, knowledge, and understanding they bring with them often serve as de facto “superpowers” in the alternate universe. Furthermore, they are frequently granted “super” upgraded abilities after completing minor tasks or are equipped with “cheat codes” that bestow God-level powers for the remainder of the story.
Moreover, contemporary isekai stories often dilute the impact of the story by relying on well-worn tropes, such as the protagonist being transported to an alternate reality after being hit by a truck in their original world. Another common element is fan-service, such as focusing onthe isekai harem dynamic, where male protagonists gather a group of high-powered, down-on-their-luck females. Through their relationship with the hero—which often develops into a romantic connection—these women overcome their own challenges and transform into heroines in their own right.
Digimon Adventures Formula Has Yet To Be Replicated
Digimon Adventureprovides the perfect mix of isekai elements and compelling storytelling. Indeed, it stays true to the fundamental isekai trope of a “stranger in a strange land” while also telling a great story about a group of smart and resourceful kids who are initially clearly out of their league - butthrough perseverance, teamwork, courage, and resourcefulness, overcome their fears, selfishness, and prideto find ways to conquer seemingly insurmountable odds. Isekai at its best is a deeply character-driven storytelling genre, andDigimon Adventureleans heavily into character development over flashy fights and dazzling action.
Digimon Adventuretells its story the old-fashioned way: through compelling, complex characters grappling with challenges that mirror those of its audience.
Moreover,Digimon Adventurefocuses on telling a complete story—specifically, the growth of the “Chosen Children” from confusion to competence. Unlike modern isekai series, it operates on the understanding that children’s journeys are unpredictable, with no guaranteed outcomes. The series also emphasizes theemotional stakes fundamental to adolescence, grounding its narrative in relatable struggles.Rather than relying on the formulaic approach of the genre’s modern iterations,Digimon Adventuretells its story the old-fashioned way: through compelling, complex characters grappling with challenges that mirror those of its audience.
The only problem is that, as a pioneer in the isekai anime genre,Digimonestablished a storytelling standardthat few other isekai series have been able to replicate or surpass. Over the past few years, the rapid rise ofisekaianime has transformed it into one of the most prominent and expanding genres in anime. However, this surge in popularity has also resulted in the widespread use of familiar tropes and narrative elements. While these aspects are indeed innovative, engaging, and fun, they have nevertheless failed to match the balance of emotional depth, high stakes, and thrilling adventure ofDigimon.
Digimon
TheDigimonfranchise, created in 1997, encompasses digital pets, anime, manga, films, video games, and a trading card game, all centering on creatures called Digimon who inhabit a parallel “Digital World.” The series typically follows young humans and their Digimon partners battling threats and evolving through various forms.
