Top Time Loop Anime Recommendations

Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate

Also known as Steins;Gate.

Studio: White Fox
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Psychological , Sci-Fi , Thriller

Self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou lives in a small room in Akihabara, where he invents "future gadgets" with fellow lab members Shiina Mayuri, his air-headed childhood friend, and Hashida Itaru, an otaku hacker. The three pass the time by tinkering with their latest creation, a "Phone Microwave" that can be controlled through text messages.

The lab members soon face a string of mysterious incidents that lead to a game-changing discovery: the Phone Microwave can send emails to the past and thus alter history. Adapted from the critically acclaimed visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus, Steins;Gate takes Okabe to the depths of scientific theory and human despair as he faces the dire consequences of changing the past.

Tags: Time Manipulation , Alternate Universe , Time Loop , Conspiracy , Tragedy , Memory Manipulation , Male Protagonist , Urban , Dystopian , Seinen , Primarily Adult Cast , Dissociative Identities , Philosophy , Chuunibyou , Tsundere , Otaku Culture , Heterosexual , Kuudere , Suicide , Ensemble Cast , Amnesia , Transgender , War , Post-Apocalyptic , Gender Bending , Maids , Shrine Maiden , Trains
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu

Also known as Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-.

Studio: White Fox
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy , Psychological , Romance , Thriller

In the story, Subaru Natsuki is an ordinary high school student who is lost in an alternate world, where he is rescued by a beautiful, silver-haired girl. He stays near her to return the favor, but the destiny she is burdened with is more than Subaru can imagine. Enemies attack one by one, and both of them are killed. He then finds out he has the power to rewind death, back to the time he first came to this world. But only he remembers what has happened since.



Notes:
- The first episode aired with a runtime of ~50 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute long episode.
- In the Winter 2020 season, Re:ZERO was rebroadcast and re-edited to fit into an hour time-slot. This edit included the first OVA and added slight modifications to certain scenes throughout. It also added an additional scene at the end of the final episode.

Tags: Isekai , Time Manipulation , Time Loop , Tragedy , Alternate Universe , Male Protagonist , Witch , Magic , Gore , Cult , Love Triangle , Body Horror , Maids , Suicide , Heterosexual , Primarily Female Cast , Unrequited Love , Elf , Yandere , Demons , Politics , Hikikomori , Coming of Age , Butler , Femboy , Tomboy , Travel , Twins , Assassins , Kemonomimi , Meta , Kuudere , Nekomimi , CGI , Dragons , Body Swapping , Crossdressing , Foreign , Tsundere
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season

Also known as Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2.

Studio: White Fox
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy , Psychological , Thriller

Even after dying countless times, Subaru finally ended the threat of the White Whale and defeated the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop representing sloth, Petelgeuse Romaneeconti. But only shortly after overcoming a tragic ending and reuniting with his beloved Emilia, Subaru learns that Rem has been erased from this world, having fallen victim to the White Whale's Fog of Elimination in the midst of Subaru's death loop. With the White Whale now gone, Subaru and Emilia are forced to confront a reality they never dreamed would happen.



Tags: Isekai , Time Manipulation , Tragedy , Alternate Universe , Male Protagonist , Witch , Memory Manipulation , Magic , Gore , Cult , Time Loop , Assassins , Ensemble Cast , Primarily Female Cast , Body Horror , Femboy , Elf , Time Skip , Hikikomori , Heterosexual , Age Gap , Maids , Twins , Yandere , Foreign , Monster Girl , Kemonomimi , Kuudere , Monster Boy , Demons , Travel
Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Mahou Shoujo Madoka☆Magica

Also known as Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

Studio: Shaft
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy , Mahou Shoujo , Psychological , Thriller

One night, 14-year-old Madoka Kaname has a terrible nightmare - against the backdrop of a devastated city, she witnesses a girl fight a losing battle against a dreadful being lingering above, while a cat-like magical creature tells Madoka the only way to change such tragic outcome is for her to make a contract with him and become a magical girl.

The next day, the teen's dream seemingly becomes reality as the girl she saw in her dream - Homura - arrives at Mitakihara Middle School as a transfer student, mysteriously warning Madoka to stay just the way she is; but when later on she and her best friend Sayaka encounter the same cat-like magical creature from her dream - who introduces himself as Kyubey - the pair discovers that magical girls are real, and what's more, they can choose to become one. All they must do is sign a contract with Kyubey and agree to take on the duty to fight abstract beings called 'witches' that spread despair to the human world, and in return, each one of them will be granted any single wish they desire. However, as Homura's omen suggests, there might be far more to becoming a magical girl than Madoka and Sayaka realize...

Notes:
- Due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the broadcasts of episodes 11 and 12 were delayed and were later aired as a double feature on April 21, 2011.

Tags: Tragedy , Magic , Female Protagonist , Witch , Primarily Female Cast , Time Manipulation , Urban Fantasy , Philosophy , Alternate Universe , Primarily Teen Cast , Kuudere , Archery , Time Loop , Coming of Age , Henshin , Survival , Aliens , Primarily Child Cast , LGBTQ+ Themes , Urban , Ensemble Cast , Gods , Anti-Hero , Spearplay , Suicide , Love Triangle , Guns , School , Tomboy , Achronological Order , Anthropomorphism
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Diamond wa Kudakenai

Also known as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable.

Studio: David Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Mystery , Supernatural

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Diamond wa Kudakenai adapts the fourth part of the JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken manga series.

It's the year 1999, 11 years after Jotaro Kujo's desperate fight against DIO in Egypt. Jotaro meets with Josuke Higashikata, the illegitimate son of his grandfather Joseph Joestar. He discovers that Josuke also has the same "Stand" power and that a new threat is surfacing in Morioh City.



Tags: Super Power , Urban Fantasy , Time Loop , Urban , Feet , Shounen , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Ensemble Cast , Delinquents , Time Manipulation , Body Horror , Gore , Surreal Comedy , Tragedy , Ghost , Afterlife , Memory Manipulation , School , Achronological Order , Yandere , Revenge , Aliens , Body Swapping
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Ougon no Kaze

Also known as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind.

Studio: David Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Mystery , Supernatural

The fifth story arc of the long-running JoJo's Bizarre Adventure series.

Giorno Giovanna, a young man living in Naples, has the blood of DIO -- the eternal enemy of the Joestar clan -- running in his veins. Giorno becomes a delinquent due to being persecuted since childhood. However, he's led back onto the right path thanks to a gangster who saved him and taught him to believe in others. Bizarrely enough, this gang of people who didn't forget honor, gratitude, and respect made him reform. This is how Giorno came to admire gangsters. In the backstreets of Italy, Giorno causes trouble alongside his gang "Passione," and ends up being targeted...



Tags: Super Power , Mafia , Gangs , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Urban Fantasy , Foreign , Ensemble Cast , Shounen , Travel , Criminal Organization , Crime , Tragedy , Time Manipulation , Fugitive , Dissociative Identities , Guns , Drugs , Gore , Urban , Philosophy , Detective , Body Horror , Body Swapping , Time Loop , Trains , Police , Ghost , Animals , Cosmic Horror , Time Skip , Aliens , Disability , Zombie
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2 Part 2

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season Part 2

Also known as Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2 Part 2.

Studio: White Fox
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy , Psychological , Romance , Thriller

After learning more behind the Death Loop and Witches of Sin, Subaru vows to save Emilia and his friends from further doom.



Tags: Isekai , Tragedy , Time Manipulation , Male Protagonist , Witch , Magic , Memory Manipulation , Ensemble Cast , Alternate Universe , Cult , Elf , Gore , Body Horror , Maids , Monster Girl , Assassins , Primarily Female Cast , Hikikomori , Heterosexual , Monster Boy , Female Harem , Time Skip , Time Loop , Age Gap , Foreign , Tsundere , Demons , Vampire , Unrequited Love
Summer Time Rendering

Summer Time Render

Also known as Summer Time Rendering.

Studio: OLM
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Mystery , Supernatural , Thriller

A sci-fi, summer story filled with suspense set on a small island with Shinpei Aijiro, whose childhood friend Ushio Kofune died. He returns to his hometown for the first time in two years for the funeral. Sou Hishigata, his best friend, suspects something's off with Ushio's death, and that someone can die next.

A sinister omen is heard as an entire family next door suddenly disappears the following day. Furthermore, Mio implicates a "shadow" three days before Ushio's death.



Tags: Time Loop , Time Manipulation , Shapeshifting , Urban Fantasy , Reincarnation , Super Power , Rural , Tragedy , Mythology , Alternate Universe , Religion , Primarily Teen Cast , Body Swapping , Coastal , Ensemble Cast , Dissociative Identities , Cosmic Horror , Survival , Male Protagonist , Heterosexual , Gore , Body Horror , Amnesia , Aliens , Ghost , Guns , Shounen , Denpa , Tanned Skin , Love Triangle , Unrequited Love , Nudity
When They Cry

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Also known as When They Cry.

Studio: Studio DEEN
Status: Finished
Genres: Horror , Mystery , Psychological , Supernatural , Thriller

After moving into the quiet town of Hinamizawa, Maebara Keiichi spends his days blissfully in school often playing games with his local friends. However, appearances can be deceiving. One fateful day, Keiichi stumbles upon news of a murder that had occurred in Hinamizawa. From this point on, horrific events unfold in front of Keiichi, as he soon learns his close friends may not be all that they seem. Based on the amateur mystery game by 07th Expansion, the story is told in a series of different scenarios.

Tags: Denpa , Alternate Universe , Ensemble Cast , Time Manipulation , Tragedy , Rural , Conspiracy , Achronological Order , Gore , Time Loop , Chibi , Body Horror , Bullying , Torture , Male Protagonist , Yandere , Twins , Urban Fantasy , Mythology , Pandemic , Primarily Female Cast , Cosmic Horror , School Club , Primarily Teen Cast , Shrine Maiden , Police , Female Protagonist , Historical , Board Game , Crossdressing
The Tatami Galaxy

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei

Also known as The Tatami Galaxy.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Mystery , Psychological , Romance

When a college dropout stops for a late night bite at a mysterious ramen stand, he crosses paths with a self-proclaimed deity of matrimony. This bizarre meeting sends the young man hurtling through a horrifying flashback to his not-so-glorious college days when the influence of a cruel new friend turned him from a hopeless romantic into a mischievous “black cupid.”



Tags: Coming of Age , Surreal Comedy , College , Time Loop , Philosophy , Male Protagonist , Alternate Universe , Primarily Adult Cast , Episodic , School Club , Time Manipulation , Achronological Order , Cult , Meta , Heterosexual , Satire , Ensemble Cast , Proxy Battle , LGBTQ+ Themes , Cowboys , Mythology , Cycling , Tennis , Gods
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009)

Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (2009)

Also known as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2009).

Studio: Kyoto Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Mystery , Sci-Fi , Slice of Life , Supernatural

Kyon has found himself dragged through many adventures as of late—all because of the SOS Brigade club and its excitable leader, Haruhi Suzumiya. He has stopped believing in the supernatural long ago, but after being forced to join this club based solely on that, he has seen things that cannot be explained logically.

Joining Kyon on his various misadventures is the shy and soft-spoken Mikuru Asahina, the bookish Yuki Nagato, and the ever-cheerful Itsuki Koizumi. Whether it is summer vacation or a school festival, things involving their club and Haruhi herself always end up becoming strange.

Note: This is a re-airing of the original Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu series, taken from the DVD release and aired in chronological order, adding 14 additional episodes with new content. These new episodes are episodes 8 (Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody), 12-19 (Endless Eight), and 20-24 (The Sigh of Suzumiya Haruhi Parts 1-5).

Tags: Female Protagonist , Urban Fantasy , School , Time Manipulation , School Club , Aliens , Gods , Primarily Teen Cast , Time Loop , Parody , Male Protagonist , Philosophy , Memory Manipulation , Meta , Tsundere , Kuudere , Magic , CGI , Filmmaking , Unrequited Love , Maids
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 3rd Season

Also known as Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3.

Studio: White Fox
Status: Releasing
Genres: Action , Adventure , Drama , Fantasy , Psychological , Romance , Thriller

The third season of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu.

A year has passed since Subaru’s victory at the Sanctuary. He savors a life of fulfillment while Emilia’s camp stands united for the royal selection—until a fateful letter arrives. Anastasia, a royal selection candidate, has invited Emilia to the Watergate City of Priestella. But as the party begins its journey, crisis stirs beneath the surface and Subaru meets a cruel fate once again.



Notes:
The first episode has an extended runtime of ~90 minutes, and received an early premiere at Anime Expo on July 5, 2024.

Tags: Isekai , Time Manipulation , Time Loop , Cult , Royal Affairs , Witch , Magic , Male Protagonist , Elf , Memory Manipulation , Tomboy , Tragedy , Body Horror , Heterosexual , Politics , Ensemble Cast , Super Power , Time Skip , Gore , Swordplay , Female Protagonist , Maids , Nekomimi , Primarily Adult Cast , Kemonomimi , Femboy
Undead Unluck

Undead Unluck

Also known as Undead Unluck.

Studio: David Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

All Fuuko wants is a passionate romance like the one in her favorite shoujo manga. Unfortunately, her Unluck ability makes that impossible. But just as Fuuko hits rock bottom, Andy sweeps her off her feet—literally! Now she's become Andy's unwilling test subject as he works to find a way to trigger a stroke of Unluck big enough to kill him for good. However, when the pair discovers a secret organization is hunting them, it puts Andy's burial plans on hold.



Tags: Female Protagonist , Male Protagonist , Super Power , Gore , Shounen , Cosmic Horror , Time Loop , Tragedy , Dissociative Identities , Urban Fantasy , Foreign , Primarily Adult Cast , Memory Manipulation , Nudity , Heterosexual , Zombie , Age Gap , Suicide , Time Manipulation , Meta , Martial Arts , Body Horror , Post-Apocalyptic , Ensemble Cast , Travel , Language Barrier , Aliens , Real Robot , Tsundere
Mekakucity Actors

Mekakucity Actors

Studio: Shaft
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Romance , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

The incidents which occurred on August 14th and 15th bring a group of young boys and girls together… They are members of a group they call themselves the “Mekakushi Dan” (Blindfold Organization) and each member possesses a strange power involving their eyes. Will the members of this peculiar organization be able to solve the mysteries behind these incidents and see the truth?



A story based on the new popular series of songs by Jin (Shizen no Teki-P) titled "Kagerou Project".

Tags: Super Power , Ensemble Cast , Tragedy , Found Family , Suicide , Urban Fantasy , Time Loop , Achronological Order , Time Manipulation , Primarily Teen Cast , Denpa , Vocal synth , Hikikomori , Urban , Dissociative Identities , Idol , CGI , Kuudere , Tsundere
When They Cry Kai

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

Also known as When They Cry Kai.

Studio: Studio DEEN
Status: Finished
Genres: Horror , Mystery , Psychological , Supernatural , Thriller

Continuing from the first series, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai begins to shed some light on the dark mysteries prevalent in the preceding season. The young group of friends in the town of Hinamizawa continue to enter terrible conflicts with one another in their never ending summer of 1983, often ending with the brutal murder of one of their numbers. Furude Rika, with the help of her spiritual friend Hanyuu, tackles challenges over and over, trying her best to keep their lives from coming to a tragic end. With no end to the torture in sight, Rika must call upon the bonds of friendship and trust among her friends to discover the true villain of this eternal June.

Tags: Denpa , Time Loop , Alternate Universe , Conspiracy , Time Manipulation , Ensemble Cast , Rural , Torture , Female Protagonist , Gods , Twins , Urban Fantasy , Shrine Maiden , Primarily Female Cast , Body Horror , Gore , Kuudere , School , Historical , Politics , School Club , Mythology , Military , Primarily Teen Cast , Crossdressing
Where to watch?
My Deer Friend Nokotan

Shikanoko Nokonoko Koshitantan

Also known as My Deer Friend Nokotan.

Studio: Wit Studio
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Fantasy , Slice of Life

Koshi Torako has everyone fooled. Her classmates see her as the perfect honor student, unaware of her secret delinquent past. But her new picturesque school life is thrown into chaos when she bumps into Shikanoko Noko, a girl with antlers! Mayhem seems to follow this strange doe-eyed girl. Who, or what, is she?



Note: Each episode streamed 4 days early on some streaming services. The original TV broadcast started on June 7th, 2024.

Tags: Surreal Comedy , Animals , Slapstick , Female Protagonist , School Club , Meta , School , Cute Girls Doing Cute Things , Satire , Primarily Female Cast , Parody , Urban Fantasy , Tsundere , CGI , Delinquents , Horticulture , Monster Girl , Shounen , Chibi , Yandere , Gods , Anthropomorphism , Time Loop , Guns , Unrequited Love , LGBTQ+ Themes , Agriculture
Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou

Also known as Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU.

Studio: Passione
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Horror , Mystery , Psychological , Supernatural , Thriller

New kid Keiichi Maebara is settling into his new home of peaceful Hinamizawa village. Making quick friends with the girls from his school, he's arrived in time for the big festival of the year. But something about this isolated town seems "off," and his feelings of dread continue to grow. With a gnawing fear that he's right, what dark secrets could this small community be hiding?



Tags: Denpa , Tragedy , Alternate Universe , Female Protagonist , Yandere , Torture , Time Manipulation , Conspiracy , Achronological Order , Shrine Maiden , Coming of Age , Time Skip , Rural , Gore , Anti-Hero , Primarily Teen Cast , Time Loop , Urban Fantasy , Reincarnation , Body Horror , School Club , Gods , Twins , Primarily Female Cast , Historical , Detective , Dissociative Identities , Witch , Drugs , Suicide , Mythology , Male Protagonist , Demons
Revolutionary Girl Utena

Shoujo Kakumei Utena

Also known as Revolutionary Girl Utena.

Studio: J.C. Staff
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Fantasy , Mystery , Psychological , Romance

Just after Utena's parents died she was consoled by a prince who gave her a ring with a rose crest on it. Utena was so impressed by the Prince that she vowed to become one herself one day. A few years later Utena is attending Ohtori Academy where she gives all the teachers headaches because she dresses in a boys uniform so she can be like the prince she met long ago.

After Utena's friend is insulted by a member of the Student Council, Utena fights in a duel for her friends honor. Utena's rose crest allows her to enter the dueling arena where Utena wins the duel and becomes engaged to the Rose Bride. Unknowingly, Utena is pulled into a series of duels with other members of the Student Council for the possession of the Rose Bride. As she becomes fond of Anthy, the Rose Bride, she must fight to keep her friend safe and to discover the horrifying secret behind Ohtori Academy.



Tags: Coming of Age , Female Protagonist , LGBTQ+ Themes , Philosophy , Fairy Tale , Tomboy , Ensemble Cast , Primarily Teen Cast , Swordplay , Yuri , Incest , Bisexual , Tragedy , Psychosexual , Time Loop , Surreal Comedy , Age Gap , School , Witch , Ojou-sama , Memory Manipulation , Henshin , Conspiracy , Fencing , Love Triangle , Meta , Episodic , Crossdressing , Bullying , Magic , Kuudere , Boarding School , Twins , Suicide , Astronomy , Boys' Love , Aliens , Athletics , Body Swapping , Politics
PUNCH LINE

Punch Line

Also known as PUNCH LINE.

Studio: MAPPA
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Ecchi , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

When your day begins with being held hostage in a hijacking, can things get much worse? How about being kicked out of your own body? Or learning that if you can't re-possess your physical shell, you'll trigger a panty-fueled apocalypse that will wipe out all life on the planet? For Yuta Iridatsu, it's just the start of the worst out-of-body experience ever. Now, if his dissed disembodied spirit doesn't pursue the persuasions of a porn-obsessed paranormal pussycat and purloin a missing mystical manual, a meteor will collide with Earth! And to stack the odds even further, the book is hidden somewhere in the boarding house Yuta shares with a bevy of beautiful babes, but if he gets an eyeful of his ravishing co-renters in their unmentionables before he's back in himself, it's flash-forward to Doomsday! Will the literal end of the world be wearing briefs, a bikini, or a thong? Find out when panties, possessions and extinction level events have the ultimate rear-end collision in PUNCH LINE!



Tags: Afterlife , Superhero , Ghost , Super Power , Time Manipulation , Gender Bending , Urban Fantasy , Time Loop , Body Swapping , Primarily Female Cast , Alternate Universe , Tragedy , Heterosexual , Military , Transgender , Robots , Bisexual , Bullying , Cute Girls Doing Cute Things
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!

Loop 7-kaime no Akuyaku Reijou wa, Moto Tekikoku de Jiyuu Kimama na Hanayome Seikatsu wo Mankitsu Suru

Also known as 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!.

Studio: HORNETS , Studio KAI
Status: Finished
Genres: Fantasy , Romance

Rishe Irmgard Weitzner, a duke's daughter, has a secret: she died at the age of 20 and returned to the moment five years prior when her engagement was called off. She has already experienced this time loop six times and lived out those five years a different way each time, as a merchant, a doctor, a maid, a knight, and more. Now, on her seventh go-around, she's determined to live to a ripe old age and spend it relaxing. But the moment she flees the castle with that decision in her heart, she runs into the infamously cruel crown prince of a rival kingdom, Arnold Hein. He happens to be the one who killed her during her life as a knight, but now, he seems to have taken a bizarre liking to her... and begs her to become his wife. Thus, in order to stay alive and prevent a war, Rishe utilizes her previous experiences to kick off her seventh life as the bride of an enemy nation's crown prince.



Tags: Heterosexual , Royal Affairs , Primarily Adult Cast , Time Loop , Female Protagonist , Reincarnation , Time Manipulation , Shoujo , Estranged Family , Historical , Foreign , Ojou-sama , Politics , Marriage , Kuudere , Economics , Swordplay , Medicine , Tomboy , Horticulture , Villainess , Alchemy , Urban , Maids , War , Agriculture , Crossdressing

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