Top 30 Underrated Anime You Should Check Out
Many anime series become huge hits around the world. Shows like Dragon Ball Z and Attack on Titan are known by almost everyone. But there are thousands of other anime out there. Many of them are excellent, with great stories and characters, but they don’t get the same amount of attention. These shows are often called “underrated” because they deserve more praise and a bigger audience than they receive.
This list is about those hidden gems. You will find anime from many different genres, including science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and stories about everyday life. Some of these shows were moderately popular when they first came out but were forgotten over time. Others were simply overlooked. If you are looking for something new and different to watch, this list will give you plenty of great options to check out.
After the Rain (2018)
Akira Tachibana is a quiet high school student who used to be the star of her track team. After an injury, she stopped running and started working part-time at a family restaurant. There, she develops a secret crush on her manager, a kind but clumsy 45-year-old man who is divorced and has a young son. The story follows their gentle and awkward friendship.
After the Rain is not a typical romance story. It handles the age gap between the main characters with a lot of care and maturity. The focus is on their connection and how they help each other find hope and rediscover their passions. The show is known for its beautiful art, quiet emotional moments, and thoughtful look at friendship and moving on from past regrets.
Akudama Drive (2020)
In a futuristic, cyberpunk version of Japan, the government is controlled by the powerful Kanto region. The story takes place in Kansai, a region full of dangerous criminals known as Akudama. When a group of high-profile Akudama are hired for a mysterious and dangerous job, an ordinary girl accidentally gets caught up with them and has to pretend to be a criminal to survive.
This anime is a fast-paced action series with a unique and vibrant visual style. It pays homage to classic sci-fi and action movies, creating a thrilling and stylish adventure from start to finish. Despite its exciting action and compelling story about rebellion, it was overlooked by many viewers. The show builds to a powerful and memorable ending that makes it a must-see.
Baccano! (2007)
This story is set in 1930s America and involves a diverse cast of characters, including alchemists, gangsters, and thieves. The plot unfolds in a non-linear way, jumping between different years and perspectives. The central event is a train journey aboard the Flying Pussyfoot, where various groups with different goals collide in a violent and chaotic series of events. An elixir for immortality is a key element that connects many of the storylines.
Baccano! is unique because of its unusual storytelling structure. It presents the viewer with pieces of a puzzle that slowly come together to form a complete and satisfying picture. The large cast of characters is full of personality, and the jazzy soundtrack perfectly fits the 1930s setting. Its complex narrative might seem confusing at first, but it rewards viewers who stick with it.
Blood Lad (2013)
Staz Charlie Blood is a powerful vampire who rules a territory in the demon world. Unlike other vampires, he is obsessed with human culture, especially Japanese video games, manga, and anime. One day, a human high school girl named Fuyumi Yanagi accidentally wanders into the demon world. Staz is immediately fascinated by her, but she is killed and turns into a ghost. Staz then makes it his mission to bring her back to life.
Blood Lad is a comedy series that parodies many common anime tropes. It is filled with energetic action and humor, and its main character is a likable otaku. The show didn’t get a lot of attention, partly because its story is more about gags and entertainment than a deep plot. However, it’s a fun and lighthearted watch for those who want a good laugh.
Daily Lives of High School Boys (2012)
This anime follows the everyday lives of Tadakuni, Hidenori, and Yoshitake, three students at an all-boys high school. The show is a series of short, comedic skits that show the boys simply hanging out, telling stories, and getting into ridiculous situations. They imagine what it would be like to have girlfriends, find a giant robot, or become heroes, all with hilarious results.
The series is a great example of slice-of-life comedy, finding humor in the mundane and relatable aspects of being a teenager. It’s often forgotten compared to other comedy anime from the same period. However, its clever writing and lovable characters make it a gem for anyone looking for a show that is purely about making you laugh without any heavy drama.
Durarara!! (2010)
Mikado Ryugamine is a young man who moves to the bustling district of Ikebukuro in Tokyo, hoping for a more exciting life. He quickly finds what he’s looking for when he gets involved with the city’s strange and dangerous residents. The cast includes a headless motorcycle rider, an incredibly strong bartender, and an information broker who loves to create chaos. Their stories intersect in unexpected and complicated ways.
Durarara!! was popular when it first aired but has since become less talked about. Its strength lies in its large cast of characters and how their individual stories are woven together into a complex and engaging mystery. The show balances its supernatural elements with real-world issues like gang violence, creating a unique and compelling urban fantasy.
Haibane Renmei (2002)
In a quiet, walled town, a group of young women with small, grey wings and halos on their heads live together. They are called the Haibane and have no memory of their previous lives. The story follows Rakka, a newly born Haibane, as she tries to understand the rules of her new world and the meaning of her existence. She works in the town and builds relationships with the other Haibane and the townspeople.
This is a quiet and thoughtful anime that deals with themes of sin, redemption, and finding peace. Its gentle atmosphere and deep, emotional storytelling have made it a favorite among those who have seen it. However, it remains relatively unknown to the wider anime community. It is a beautiful and mysterious series that stays with you long after it’s over.
Kaiba (2008)
In a dystopian future, it is possible to transfer memories and consciousness into new bodies. This has created a society where the rich can live forever by buying new bodies, while the poor suffer in their decaying original forms. The story follows a man named Kaiba, who wakes up with amnesia and a hole in his chest. He travels across a strange and broken galaxy to discover who he is.
Kaiba stands out because of its unique and cartoonish art style, which is very different from most anime. This visual style is used to tell a dark and serious story about identity, inequality, and love. Directed by the acclaimed Masaaki Yuasa, the series is a profound work of science fiction that did not get the attention it deserved when it was released.
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Kenichi Shirahama is a weak and timid high school student who is often bullied. His life changes when he meets Miu Furinji, a new student who is also a skilled martial artist. To become stronger, Kenichi begins training at her home, a dojo called Ryozanpaku, which is home to several masters of different martial arts. Under their intense and often comical training, he grows into a powerful fighter.
This series was once popular but has faded in relevance over time. It’s a fun and action-packed show that combines intense fight scenes with a lot of humor and character development. Unlike many fighting anime, Kenichi starts with no natural talent and has to work extremely hard for his skills, making him a relatable and inspiring hero.
Kino’s Journey (2003)
The story follows a young traveler named Kino and her talking motorcycle, Hermes. They travel through a mysterious world, visiting different countries and cities. Each place has its own unique customs, technologies, and philosophies. Kino follows a rule to never stay in one place for more than three days, believing that is enough time to learn everything important about it without becoming too attached.
Kino’s Journey is a thoughtful and philosophical series. Each episode is a self-contained story that explores different aspects of human nature and society, often in unsettling ways. The show is quiet and subtle, focusing on atmosphere and ideas rather than action. It was remade in 2017, but the original version remains a classic that many modern anime fans have never seen.
Land of the Lustrous (2017)
In the distant future, a new life form called the Lustrous inhabits the world. They are immortal beings made of gemstones who must fight against the Lunarians, creatures from the moon who want to capture them and turn them into decorations. The story follows Phosphophyllite, a young and brittle gem who is too weak for combat. Phos wants to be useful and seeks a role they can fulfill, leading to a journey of growth and change.
This anime is famous for its stunning CGI animation, which perfectly captures the beauty of the gemstone characters. The show combines action with deep character development and an intriguing world. It tells a powerful story about identity and the desire to change, but it is often overlooked by those who prefer traditional 2D animation.
Link Click (2021)
Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang run a small business called the Time Photo Studio. They have a special ability that allows them to enter photographs and relive the moments they capture. Their clients hire them to go back in time to fulfill regrets or find information. However, they must follow strict rules, as any change they make to the past could have serious consequences for the future.
Link Click is a Chinese-produced anime that has gained a dedicated following but is not widely known. It is a thrilling and emotional series that combines mystery, suspense, and drama. The show is praised for its creative premise, engaging cases, and the strong relationship between its two main characters. Each episode presents a new puzzle and a powerful human story.
Love After World Domination (2022)
Fudo Aikawa is the leader of the hero squadron Gelato 5, known as Red Gelato. Desumi Magahara is a powerful fighter and a leader of the evil organization Gekko, known as the Reaper Princess. Despite being on opposite sides of a constant battle between good and evil, they have fallen in love and are secretly dating. The show follows their attempts to keep their relationship a secret from their friends and enemies.
This series is a charming and funny parody of the Power Rangers franchise. It puts a romantic comedy twist on the classic superhero formula. The show was somewhat popular when it first aired but quickly faded from the spotlight. Its humor comes from the struggles the couple faces as they try to find time for dates in between their epic battles.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Balsa is a skilled spear-wielding warrior who works as a bodyguard for hire. She is on a quest to save eight lives to atone for a past tragedy. Her journey leads her to save Prince Chagum, who is believed to be possessed by a water spirit that the emperor wants to destroy. Balsa becomes his bodyguard and flees with him, trying to protect him from his own family and uncover the truth about the spirit.
Moribito is a fantasy series with a mature and well-crafted story. It features a strong female protagonist and a detailed world inspired by Asian mythology. The animation is beautiful, and the action scenes are well-choreographed. Despite its high quality, it is often considered a hidden gem that many anime fans have missed.
Planetes (2003)
In the year 2075, space travel is common, but it has created a new problem: space debris. The story follows the crew of the DS-12 “Toy Box,” a ship belonging to the Space Debris Section. Their job is to clear junk from Earth’s orbit to prevent it from damaging satellites and spacecraft. It’s a low-paying and unglamorous job, but the crew members have their own dreams and reasons for being in space.
Planetes is a hard science fiction series that offers a realistic look at what life in space might be like. It focuses on the personal stories and struggles of its blue-collar characters, exploring their hopes, fears, and relationships. The anime is praised for its scientific accuracy and its touching human drama, but it is not as well-known as more action-oriented space anime.
RahXephon (2002)
Ayato Kamina is a high school student living a normal life in Tokyo. His world is turned upside down when the city is suddenly invaded by mysterious beings in giant aircraft. During the chaos, he is led to a giant egg that contains a powerful mecha known as the RahXephon. He pilots the machine and discovers that the world he knew was a lie, and he is now a key part of a war involving music, alternate dimensions, and strange clay giants called Dolems.
Often compared to Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon is a complex mecha anime with a deep focus on psychology and music. It stands out with its beautiful animation and unique story. While it received some attention, it never reached the same level of fame as the series that inspired it, making it an underrated classic of the genre.
Scissor Seven (2018)
Seven is an amnesiac who wants to recover his lost memories. To pay for the operation, he decides to become a professional assassin. The problem is that he is clumsy, often fails his missions, and charges a very low price. He uses a pair of powerful scissors as his weapon and can control them with telekinesis. He runs his business out of a small barbershop on Chicken Island.
Scissor Seven is another Chinese-produced anime that has gained a following on streaming services but remains a hidden gem. It is a slapstick comedy with surprisingly well-animated action scenes. The show starts as a simple comedy but gradually reveals a deeper story about Seven’s mysterious past and the strange world of rival assassins he becomes a part of.
Science Fell in Love, So I Tried to Prove It (2020)
Shinya Yukimura and Ayame Himuro are two brilliant and competitive scientists working at a university. When Himuro confesses that she might be in love with Yukimura, he responds by questioning if her feelings can be scientifically proven. The two of them, along with their equally logical lab mates, decide to conduct a series of experiments to define and quantify love.
This romantic comedy offers a unique and nerdy take on relationships. It faded into the background compared to more popular romance anime but is a clever and funny series. The show uses real scientific principles and theories in its comedic attempts to analyze romance, making it both entertaining and educational in its own way.
Sonny Boy (2021)
One day during summer vacation, an entire high school with 36 students inside is mysteriously transported to another dimension. The students find themselves drifting through a black void, and soon they discover that some of them have developed unique and strange supernatural powers. As they try to survive in this new and unfamiliar world, they also have to deal with their own conflicts and the breakdown of social order.
Sonny Boy is a surreal and thought-provoking anime with a striking visual style. It explores themes of identity, existence, and society in a way that is both strange and beautiful. The show was created and directed by Shingo Natsume, known for his work on One-Punch Man, but it did not receive as much attention as his other projects. It is a challenging but rewarding watch for those who enjoy psychological dramas.
Summertime Rendering (2022)
Shinpei Ajiro returns to his hometown on a remote island to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, Ushio Kofune, who reportedly drowned while saving a little girl. However, Shinpei soon notices strange things about her death and the people on the island. He discovers a dark secret involving mysterious entities called “Shadows” that can perfectly mimic people. Shinpei finds himself caught in a time loop, forced to relive the same few days over and over again to solve the mystery and save everyone.
This series is a suspenseful thriller that combines mystery, horror, and time travel. It is a well-paced and engaging story with many twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing. Despite being a high-quality production with a compelling plot, it is not as widely discussed as other mystery anime.
Terror in Resonance (2014)
In an alternate version of the present, Tokyo is struck by a terrorist attack, and the only clue to the culprits’ identity is a bizarre video uploaded to the internet. In the video, two teenage boys who call themselves “Sphinx” openly challenge the police, promising to cause more destruction. As the police scramble to find them, the story unfolds from the perspective of the two boys, known as Nine and Twelve, as they carry out their plans.
Directed by the legendary Shinichiro Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, this anime is a serious and intense thriller. It deals with themes of modern society, alienation, and the consequences of trauma. While it was made by a famous director, it is often overlooked compared to his more well-known works.
Trapped in a Dating Sim (2022)
An office worker is blackmailed into playing an “otome” dating simulation game. After playing for days without rest, he falls down the stairs and dies, only to be reincarnated as a background character in that same game. The world is a strange mix of a dating sim and a giant robot mecha game, and it is heavily biased against men. Using his knowledge of the game, the protagonist, Leon, decides to upend the social order and live a quiet life, but he keeps getting dragged into the main plot.
This show is a unique and often funny take on the isekai genre. It was moderately popular when it aired but was quickly overshadowed by bigger titles. The series stands out by blending two very different genres and featuring a sarcastic and cynical main character who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, which is a refreshing change from typical isekai heroes.
Welcome to the N.H.K. (2006)
Tatsuhiro Satou is a 22-year-old college dropout who has been a “hikikomori” (a shut-in) for four years. He believes that his situation is the result of a conspiracy led by a secret organization called the N.H.K. One day, he meets a mysterious girl named Misaki Nakahara, who claims she can cure him of his hikikomori lifestyle. The story follows his strange and often humorous journey as he confronts his social anxiety and the challenges of the outside world.
Welcome to the N.H.K. is a dark comedy that tackles serious themes like depression, social anxiety, and loneliness with a mix of humor and empathy. It provides a raw and honest look at these issues, which was rare for anime at the time. Despite being critically acclaimed, it is not as well-known among newer anime fans but remains a powerful and important series.
Wolf’s Rain (2003)
In a bleak, dying world, an old legend states that wolves can find their way to a paradise called Rakuen. Most people believe wolves have been extinct for centuries, but they have learned to disguise themselves as humans to survive. The story follows Kiba, a white wolf who is driven by his instincts to find this paradise. He is joined by other wolves as they search for the key to opening the way to Rakuen, a mysterious girl known as the Flower Maiden.
This series is a beautiful and sad story about hope in the face of despair. It features a compelling cast of characters and a dark, atmospheric world. The show has a unique and melancholic tone, supported by a memorable soundtrack from composer Yoko Kanno. It is often considered one of the most underrated anime from the early 2000s.
91 Days (2016)
The story is set in the American town of Lawless during the Prohibition era. Angelo Lagusa has lived for years under a new name, Avilio Bruno, after his family was murdered in a mafia dispute. He receives a mysterious letter that gives him the names of the men responsible. He returns to Lawless and infiltrates the Vanetti crime family, befriending the don’s son, Nero, with the goal of getting his revenge.
91 Days is a classic revenge story in the style of old gangster movies. It is a serious and dramatic series with a dark and gritty atmosphere. The show is praised for its well-written plot and the complex relationship between Angelo and Nero. It did not become a mainstream hit but is highly regarded by those who have seen it for its mature storytelling.
