Mohsin Lag
Hello everyone, today’s list will dive into the fascinating world of body swap anime series and movies! Yeah, we wanted to do so, because this captivating concept allows us to see the world through a different lens by switching bodies, creating unique and exciting storytelling opportunities. Therefore, from classics to the newest releases, and from underrated to popular shows, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of the best body swap anime that highlight this theme in a good and entertaining way.
So let us move on to explore the most imaginative and creative anime out there that depicts characters ending up in each other’s bodies!
21. Miracle Girls
Mikage and Tomomi Matsunaga are not your ordinary school girls. They are the Miracle Girls, gifted with extraordinary powers that include a telepathic link and the ability to teleport by simply linking their fingers. While Tomomi excels in sports and has a loving boyfriend named Noda, Mikage is the top student in her class and has her sights set on her sempai. Despite the distance between them after he moved to London, the two remained in touch until a selfish princess named Marie intervened.
With the return of the twins to Japan, they find themselves struggling with their own problems, only to discover an unexpected connection between Marie, an ancient legend, and a girl they know by the name of Emma. The stage is set for a fantasy adventure anime that will keep you hooked until the very end.
20. Galaxy Angel
If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted, action-packed anime with a body swap theme and plenty of laughs and heart, Galaxy Angel is a perfect choice. Produced by Madhouse, the show follows the Angel Brigade, an elite team of soldiers tasked with finding The Lost Technology, powerful relics from a mysterious past. With the wise and experienced Colonel Volcott O’Huey leading the charge, the team travels to various planets in their specially-designed Emblem Frame ships to track down these valuable items.
However, their adventures are never quite straightforward as they often find themselves in bizarre and perilous situations. Despite their best efforts, the Angel Brigade always seems to end up in a pickle, making for an entertaining and often hilarious journey through the galaxy.
19. A Dark Rabbit Has Seven Lives
A Dark Rabbit has Seven Lives is an OVA that follows Taito who has been feeling abnormally lethargic lately and keeps having vivid dreams about a female vampire who claims to have infected him with her “poison.” To make matters even more confusing, he sometimes hears her voice when he’s wide awake. But after miraculously surviving an accident that should have killed him, Taito’s reality is turned upside down and he starts to see the world in a different light.
As he delves deeper into the secrets of his new existence, he discovers that his dreams are more than just figments of his imagination. With a clever and intricate plot, plenty of humor, and a bit of fanservice, A Dark Rabbit has Seven Lives is an anime that will keep you delighted from start to finish.
18. La Storia Della Arcana Famiglia: Capriccio – stile Arcana Famiglia
For fans of Arcana Famiglia who are looking for a good laugh, the OVA episode, Capriccio – stile Arcana Famiglia, is a must-see. Even if you didn’t enjoy the anime series, this episode has the power to change your mind. The plot follows Jolly, an alchemist who has finally managed to create a potion that can swap people’s personalities. He tricks the boys of the Arcana Famiglia into taking the potion, causing them to switch bodies and leading to all sorts of hilarious scenarios.
While the boys initially struggle to get back into their own bodies, they eventually learn valuable lessons about empathy and understanding by experiencing life from someone else’s perspective. With plenty of hijinks and belly laughs, Capriccio – stile Arcana Famiglia is an entertaining and heartwarming addition to the Arcana Famiglia universe.
17. Nakanohito Genome [Jikkyouchuu]: Knots of Memories
Nakanohito Genome [Jikkyouchuu]: Knots of Memories is a rare gem in the world of body swap anime. The OVA episode offers a collection of ten stories, each with its own unique twist and length, making it an engaging and entertaining watch. As someone who missed the anime, I found this episode to be a great way to reconnect with the show’s characters and world. What sets this OVA apart from other lackluster offerings is its ability to deliver genuine laughs and memorable moments.
The missing my dear panties and wildflower segments had me in stitches, while the sleeping beauty portions left me feeling a sense of heartwarming sweetness. However, the highlight of the episode has to be the unforgettable angelic smile of the devil scene, followed by the hilarious INABA moment that will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Overall, I have no complaints or criticisms of this OVA episode – it’s a must-watch for any fan of Nakanohito Genome [Jikkyouchuu], and a great introduction for anyone new to the series.
16. Bunny Girl Senpai
Bunny Girl Senpai is an anime that explores the supernatural occurrences of Puberty Syndrome, a rare and unexplainable disease that only affects teenagers. Sakuta Azusagawa, a high school student, knows firsthand the effects of Puberty Syndrome and how it can be misconstrued as a myth. In his school, the disease is more prevalent than people realize and it affects different individuals in bizarre ways.
One of the victims of Puberty Syndrome is Mai Sakurajima, a third-year high school student who is known for her work as a child actress. However, she has recently abandoned her acting career, and her air of unapproachability has only increased her isolation from others. It is only when Sakuta sees her dressed in a bunny girl costume, wandering the library unnoticed, that he realizes she is also a victim of Puberty Syndrome. As Sakuta tries to help Mai overcome her symptoms, he meets other girls also afflicted with the elusive disease.
15. Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
Haiyore! Nyaruko-san is a hilarious body swap anime that follows the life of Mahiro Yasaka, an ordinary high school student. One day, he is attacked by a dangerous monster, and his life is saved by a silver-haired girl named Nyaruko. She claims to be Nyarlathotep, a shape-shifting deity from H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos and was sent by the Space Defense Agency to Earth. She informs Mahiro that the creature chasing him was an alien who wanted to abduct and sell him as a slave.
Despite being rescued, Mahiro finds himself struggling to adjust to life with Nyaruko, who falls madly in love with him and forces herself into his household. As if that weren’t enough, they are soon joined by two others from the fictional universe: Cthuko, a girl obsessed with Nyaruko, and Hasuta, a young boy who looks like a beautiful girl. Together, the three aliens go to great lengths to protect Mahiro from various extraterrestrial dangers that threaten his and Earth’s safety. However, their actions often end up making his life a living hell.
14. Birdy The Mighty: Decode
One of the top body swap anime of all time is Birdy the Mighty: Decode, where the fearless police officer from the Space Federation, Birdy Cephon Altera, must navigate life on Earth in pursuit of an alien fugitive. Disguised as a model named Shion Arita, Birdy finds herself balancing photoshoots and intergalactic battles in equal measure.
Unfortunately, Tsutomu Senkawa, a regular high school student, unwittingly becomes involved in Birdy’s mission, leading to a tragic accident. In a desperate attempt to save his life, Birdy merges her body and mind with his, creating a new and complicated existence.
As Birdy and Senkawa share a body, they must also share their lives, juggling his high school schedule, her modeling career, and their dangerous adventures as they pursue Geega and protect Earth. Will their unlikely partnership be enough to stop the alien invasion, or will their differences tear them apart? Find out in Birdy the Mighty: Decode.
13. Selector Spread WIXOSS
Selector Spread WIXOSS is an exciting psychological body swap anime series that follows the aftermath of a fan gathering for Iona Urazoe. Ruuko Kominato, Yuzuki Kurebayashi, and Hitoe Uemura have learned the hard way about being Selectors and are hesitant to participate in battles that could potentially ruin their lives. However, Chiyori, another Selector, is unaware of the consequences of losing and refuses to listen to any warnings.
As Ruuko tries to save Chiyori from a cruel fate, she discovers a WIXOSS novel that could unveil the secrets of LRIGs and the existence of Selector battles. Meanwhile, Akira Aoi’s modeling career has been revived thanks to Iona, who is now possessed by Ulith. Akira vows to help Ulith in any way she can, unaware of Ulith’s true intentions to use a familiar LRIG to torment Ruuko and prevent her from achieving her wish. Can Ruuko and her friends navigate through the dangerous Selector battles and save themselves from destruction?
12. Inari Kon Kon
Inari Kon Kon tells the story of a shy and clumsy middle schooler named Inari Fushimi, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues a small fox pup and is granted a fragment of power by the shrine goddess Uka-sama. With this newfound ability to transform into anyone, Inari must navigate the challenges of adolescence and find the courage to express her feelings to her crush, Kouji Tanbabashi. Along the way, she befriends the fox spirit Kon, learns more about the supernatural world, and discovers that love has no limits.
11. Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura is a timeless anime that transcends age and gender, providing a perfect mix of magical girl, body swap excitement, comedic moments, and a hint of romance. Our protagonist, Sakura Kinomoto, is a typical fourth-grade student living in the quaint town of Tomoeda. But her life takes a sudden turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious book of cards called “The Clow.”
Lost in thought, Sakura inadvertently unleashes a powerful gust of wind, scattering the magical Clow Cards throughout the town. As fate would have it, this accident awakens the Beast of the Seal, Keroberos, who appoints Sakura as the “Cardcaptor” and charges her with the task of recapturing all the cards.
But with each card possessing unique abilities and immense power, Sakura must tread carefully as she embarks on her magical journey. With her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji by her side and Kero’s guidance, Sakura must navigate her new secret duty while balancing everyday struggles. Join Sakura on her exciting adventures as she captures the Clow Cards and saves the world from their dangers.
10. Ranma ½
Imagine a world where martial arts and curses collide, and you get Ranma ½. Ranma Saotome is an incredibly skilled martial artist who finds himself in a sticky situation after he and his father fall into a cursed spring while training in China. Now, when splashed with cold water, Ranma turns into a girl, and only hot water can turn him back into a boy. Things get even more complicated when Ranma’s father arranges for him to marry one of Soun Tendo’s daughters to secure the future of the Tendo dojo. The lucky lady? Akane is a fierce and skilled martial artist who hates men.
Throughout the anime series, fans are treated to a mix of explosive action scenes, hilarious mishaps involving Ranma’s curse and body-swapping, and unexpected moments where Akane’s temper and jealousy take center stage. As Ranma and Akane navigate their way through their engagement, they encounter new love interests, face off against formidable opponents, and find creative ways to get on each other’s nerves.
9. Charlotte
Here is an action body swap anime named Charlotte, where Yuu Otosaka has a unique power that allows him to take over people’s minds and bodies for five seconds at a time. With this power, he uses dishonest tactics to cheat his way to the top of his class, but his actions are eventually stopped by the headstrong student council president, Nao Tomori. She coerces Yuu into transferring to Hoshinoumi Academy, a school for students with supernatural abilities, and joining the student council. As part of the council, Yuu helps locate and protect new ability users from harm, but their investigations lead them to discover complicated and dangerous matters beyond their expectations.
8. Punch Line
Punch Line is an underrated anime that takes you on a journey through a supernatural world, and of course, it also has some hilarious body-swapping moments. The story follows Yuuta Iridatsu, a high school student who finds himself in a strange predicament after a bus hijacking. With the help of a mysterious superhero named Strange Juice, Yuuta manages to escape, but his soul becomes separated from his body.
As a spirit, Yuuta is taken under the care of a mischievous cat spirit named Chiranosuke, who reveals to him that he becomes stronger when he sees panties. However, if he sees too many, he will destroy the world and kill his friends. With the threat of impending doom looming over him, Yuuta must navigate the mysterious Korai House and its residents, including a genius inventor, a cheerful idol, a shut-in NEET, and a spiritual medium, to try and regain his body.
Along the way, Yuuta uncovers a villainous organization that wants to end the world and must use his newfound powers to try and stop them. Will Yuuta be able to save the world, or will the power of panties be his ultimate downfall?
7. Murder Princess
Looking for a short and action-packed body swap anime with an adventure twist? Look no further than Murder Princess! After the king’s sudden death from a coup d’etat by court scientist Dr. Akamashi, Princess Alita Castilia Arago Forland is forced to flee for her life into the forest. During her escape, she unexpectedly collides with the ruthless bounty hunter Falis, and the two women’s bodies magically switch.
Alita then proposes a daring plan: by pretending to be the real princess, they can use Alita’s original body as leverage to take back the capital from the traitorous scientist with Falis’s help. However, Falis is not the diplomatic type and is quick to resort to her sword to solve problems. As Alita struggles to keep the situation under control, the two women must also find a way to switch back to their own bodies.
6. Kaiba
With top-notch animation and a captivating story, Kaiba is a thought-provoking anime with the concept of body swapping that you should really check out. Set in a world where memories can be stored and transferred between bodies, the rich can obtain eternal life by switching into carefully selected new bodies. Meanwhile, the poor sell their bodies and conserve their souls in memory chips to make a living. But a mysterious man named Kaiba awakens one day with no memories, a hole in his chest, and a locket holding the picture of a woman he can’t remember.
As Kaiba sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about his past and identity, he discovers a universe full of incredible planets and encounters a variety of unique characters. Along the way, he explores the importance of memories, and what it means to truly understand and accept oneself.
5. To Love-Ru
To Love Ru is a lighthearted anime with a blend of body-swapping and romantic comedy, which is definitely worth checking out. We follow the timid 16-year-old Rito Yuuki who has been harboring a secret crush on his classmate, Haruna Sairenji, since junior high but has yet to confess his feelings to her. One night, while Rito was taking a bath, a mysterious girl named Lala Satalin Deviluke crash-lands on top of him, creating a confusing situation.
As it turns out, Lala is the crown princess of an alien empire who has fled from her home. Despite being the heir to one of the most powerful forces in the galaxy, Lala is willing to marry Rito to avoid an arranged political marriage. However, with a growing number of beautiful girls who seem to foil Rito’s every attempt at confessing his love to Haruna, chaos and hilarity ensue.
4. Liang Bu Yi
Adapted from the Korean manhua of the same name, Liang Bu Yi is a must-see body swap anime that takes place within the Chinese imperial court. Emperor Xiao Jinyun and Empress Xu Yu are at constant odds, but an interesting twist of fate switches their bodies, forcing them to experience life in each other’s shoes.
As they navigate their unfamiliar roles, duties, and court politics, they must also contend with the challenges of unruly concubines and threats from within and outside the court. Despite the dangers they face, Xiao Jinyun and Xu Yu’s personal qualities and skills help them find new purpose, and they develop a deeper sense of understanding and compassion for each other. To avoid a disastrous outcome, the imperial astrologer must find a way to switch them back in time. Otherwise, internal strife and suspicion could lead to their untimely demise.
3. Yamada Kun and The Seven Witches
The show follows Ryuu Yamada, a former delinquent, who wants to start fresh in high school. But, as a second-year student, he’s fallen back into his old habits of getting into fights and slacking off. During one of his many visits to the office, Ryuu meets Urara Shiraishi, a brilliant honors student. After an accidental kiss, they discover they can switch bodies, a power that is both useful and problematic.
The two are soon recruited by Toranosuke Miyamura, a student council officer and sole member of the Supernatural Studies Club, to help uncover the legend of the Seven Witches of Suzaku High. These witches, who are all female students, have unique powers that are activated by a kiss. Together with Miyabi Itou, a supernatural enthusiast, the group sets out on a quest to uncover the identities of all seven witches. Yamada Kun is one of the most popular body swap anime out there, and for a good reason. With a mix of humor, romance, and supernatural elements, this anime is sure to keep you entertained.
2. Kokoro Connect
Kokoro Connect is a famous body swap anime that follows the story of five students who are struggling to find their place in the Yamaboshi Academy. Frustrated with the lack of clubs that cater to their interests, they decide to create their own club called the Student Cultural Society, or StuCS for short. The group is a diverse mix of personalities that includes Taichi Yaegashi, an avid wrestling fan, Iori Nagase, an indecisive optimist, Himeko Inaba, a calm computer genius, Yui Kiriyama, a small but fierce karate practitioner, and Yoshifumi Aoki, the class clown.
However, things take a strange turn when Yui and Aoki experience a bizarre phenomenon and swap bodies for a brief period. As this continues to happen sporadically among the group, they start to understand that it is not just a harmless game, and it’s forcing them to be closer to one another. Through these experiences, they uncover each other’s hidden secrets and emotional scars, which could ultimately threaten to tear apart the StuCS and their newfound friendship. Kokoro Connect is a must-watch anime for fans of body switch stories.
1. Kimi No Na Wa
At the top of the list for the best body swap anime of all time is Kimi No Na Wa, a captivating supernatural drama film. It follows the story of Mitsuha Miyamizu, a teenage girl living in the quiet countryside who yearns to experience the bustling city life in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Taki Tachibana lives a hectic life in Tokyo as a high school student and part-time employee, dreaming of becoming an architect.
One day, a mysterious phenomenon causes Mitsuha and Taki to switch bodies, and they suddenly find themselves living each other’s lives. Mitsuha wakes up in Taki’s body and discovers that she is now living her dream life in Tokyo, while Taki wakes up in Mitsuha’s body in the peaceful countryside. Confused and bewildered, they set out to unravel the mystery behind this strange occurrence and search for a way to switch back.
As they try to navigate each other’s lives, their actions begin to have a profound impact on each other’s destinies. Through the twists and turns of fate, their paths become inextricably linked, and they realize that their lives are intricately woven together. “Kimi No Na Wa” is among the best anime movies of all time with a beautiful and moving tale that explores the power of fate, love, and the unbreakable bond between two people.
