Underrated anime are like hidden treasures that don’t get the attention they deserve. These shows might not be super famous or heavily promoted, but they have amazing stories, memorable characters, and unique ideas. For example, anime like Mushishi or Ergo Proxy are deep and visually beautiful, but they often get overlooked because bigger shows like Naruto or Attack on Titan take the spotlight.
For many anime fans, finding underrated shows feels like discovering hidden treasure. These shows offer something fresh and different, often exploring unique ideas or emotions not seen in more popular series. They’re a great way to take a break from mainstream anime and experience something new and exciting.
10. Kaiba
Kaiba takes place in a world where people can switch their memories between different bodies. The story follows a boy named Kaiba, who has lost all his memories and is on a journey to find out who he truly is.
He has a hole in his chest, a triangular mark on his stomach, and a pendant with a picture of an unknown girl inside. After being attacked, Kaiba escapes with the help of an unknown ally and, through his travels, slowly regains his memories.
Kaiba is known for its unique and abstract animation style, which sets it apart from typical anime. While its visuals might seem strange or different, they actually match the deep and emotional themes of the story.
Kaiba’s unique art style and abstract storytelling may turn off viewers who prefer more traditional and straightforward plots. While it has been praised by critics for its depth and creativity, it’s still relatively unknown to the wider anime audience.
9. Now and Then, Here and There
Now and Then, Here and There is about Shu, an ordinary boy who is taken to a broken, war-filled world where kids have to fight to survive. He meets a girl named Lala-Ru and tries to help her. As he learns more about the world, he sees the horrible side of war and the complex nature of people.
The series is praised for being emotional and honest, tackling tough topics like child soldiers and the cruelty of war. It tells a powerful story that faces hard truths without holding back. Its grim themes and brutal portrayal of war can be off-putting for casual viewers, especially those expecting a more traditional, feel-good anime. It’s often overlooked in favor of lighter or more action-focused shows, despite its powerful message.
8. Tatami Galaxy
Tatami Galaxy follows a college student who constantly relives his university years, exploring different paths and possibilities. Each episode shows him making different choices, leading to different outcomes, but the underlying question remains What is the true meaning of his college experience?
The anime is praised for its fast-paced dialogue, creative animation style, and the way it handles complex themes like fate and self-realization. Its quick transitions and visual style make it stand out, offering a unique viewing experience.
Its quirky art style and non-linear storytelling can make it challenging to follow, which might deter casual viewers. Although critically acclaimed for its narrative depth and originality, Tatami Galaxy is often overshadowed by more mainstream, straightforward series. Its complex structure and the abstract way it tackles personal growth and regret make it harder to connect with a wider audience.
7. Planetes
Planetes is a sci-fi anime set in the future, where a team of workers collects space debris. They work in space, dealing with the danger of growing space junk. The show mixes realistic space adventures with personal stories about the characters.
The anime is praised for showing space in a realistic way and for thoughtfully addressing the struggles of the main characters. It strikes a great balance between exciting space action and exploring human emotions and relationships.
Though it’s an incredibly well-executed show, Planetes doesn’t always grab attention due to its niche genre and slow-burn storytelling. The more grounded, realistic take on space exploration can be less exciting than the action-packed space operas.
6. Shiki
Shiki takes place in a quiet rural village where people start dying mysteriously which at start seemed to be like epidemic. But then a local doctor and a young man begin to investigate and discover a terrifying truth that vampires are living among the villagers. The anime shows the fight between humans and vampires.
Shiki is praised for its suspenseful story, unique character designs, and thought provoking plot that makes viewers wonder who the real monsters are. Its creepy music and growing tension create a memorable psychological horror experience.
Its slow start and niche appeal as a horror anime make it less accessible to broader audiences. Despite its gripping story, it’s overshadowed by more mainstream horror titles like Tokyo Ghoul.
5. Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin
Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin is a story about teenage boys who are sent to the Shōnan Special Reform School for different crimes. In the harsh and cruel environment, they face severe treatment but form a strong bond of friendship, helping each other through difficult times.
The series is praised for showing human strength and the power of true friendship. With its serious themes, strong story, and realistic characters, it creates a deep and emotional experience for viewers.
Despite its compelling narrative and critical praise, “Rainbow” remains relatively obscure in the anime community. Its mature content, including depictions of violence and abuse, may deter some viewers, and it lacks the widespread recognition of more mainstream series.
4. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi)
Erased is about Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist who can go back in time just before something bad happens. When his mother was murdered by an unknown person, he was sent 18 years into the past, back to his childhood. Now, he must solve the mystery of kidnappings to save his classmates and stop events that will affect his future.
Erased is highly praised for its gripping narrative, well-paced suspense, and deep emotional connection with its characters. Its stunning animation and haunting soundtrack add to the emotional impact.
Erased was widely praised when it came out, but it is sometimes overlooked when fans talk about great mystery anime. This might be because it is short, with only 12 episodes in the series. Some viewers thought the ending felt rushed, which took away from its otherwise excellent storytelling.
3. Eden of the East
Eden of the East is about a young man named Akira Takizawa, who wakes up in Washington D.C. with no memory and a phone filled with 8.2 billion yen. With the help of this money he can save Japan from several crises. As the story goes on, Akira learns he is part of a game with twelve people, each having the power to change Japan’s future.
The anime is celebrated for its smart intriguing characters, and its social and political commentary. The mix of suspense and intelligent storytelling keeps viewers engaged, offering a fresh perspective on power and responsibility.
Despite its interesting story and complex plot, Eden of the East doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Its unusual pacing and episodic style might make it hard for casual viewers to connect with. Also, it was overshadowed by other shows released around the same time, which kept it from reaching a bigger audience.
2. Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is set in a future where humans live with androids in a city surrounded by a dome. The story follows Re-l Mayer, a detective investigating strange murders, which leads her to uncover dark secrets about reality. The anime mixes deep ideas with a cyberpunk style, exploring human identity, free will, and artificial intelligence.
With its detailed world and complex story, Ergo Proxy is praised for its intellectual depth. It combines a dark, moody setting with action, drama, and sci-fi to create an engaging story.
Even though it’s praised for its deep ideas, Ergo Proxy is hard to access because of its abstract storytelling and heavy philosophical themes. The slow pace and complicated plot can make it tough for casual viewers to understand, causing it to be overshadowed by more action-packed or popular sci-fi anime.
1. Mushishi
The story follows Ginko, a traveling Mushi-shi, who solves mysterious and emotional cases involving Mushi-ghostly creatures that live alongside humans in nature. Each episode is a separate story, combining spiritual and philosophical themes with beautiful visuals and a calming soundtrack.
Mushishi is praised for its peaceful, thoughtful pace and its ability to mix nature, mysticism, and human emotions. It’s a great choice for viewers who enjoy deep stories that are both beautiful and reflective.
The show’s episodic style and lack of a clear main plot can turn away viewers looking for action or a continuous story. Despite its artistic beauty, it’s often overlooked for more popular, action-focused anime.