Anime fans know that not every gem gets the spotlight it deserves. Some series slip under the radar, overshadowed by mainstream giants like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Naruto. Yet, these lesser-known titles often offer incredible storytelling, rich character development, and beautiful visuals.
We explore the top underrated anime that deserve way more love. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or looking for your next binge-worthy watch, these hidden treasures might surprise you.
What Makes an Anime Underrated?
An anime is considered underrated when it offers high-quality content—be it animation, story, or characters—but hasn’t gained the popularity it deserves. This might be due to limited marketing, an inconvenient airing schedule, or simply being overshadowed by big-name series airing at the same time.
Underrated doesn’t mean unknown. Some of these shows have small but passionate fanbases or even critical acclaim, but haven’t made it into the mainstream.
Criteria for This Selection
To build our Top Underrated Anime list, we looked for titles that:
- Have a score of 7.5 or higher on platforms like MyAnimeList or AniList.
- Are rarely mentioned in mainstream anime recommendation lists.
- Offer strong narratives, emotional depth, or unique artistic style.
- Are available on legal streaming platforms (whenever possible).
- Span across various genres (romance, sci-fi, slice of life, thriller, etc.)
List of High-Quality Underrated Anime
Ergo Proxy
Set in a dystopian future where humans coexist with androids, Ergo Proxy blends cyberpunk, psychology, and philosophy into a dark, slow-burning masterpiece. It asks deep questions about identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human. Though it aired back in 2006, it remains a cult favorite among fans who crave depth.
A Place Further Than the Universe
What looks like a cute slice of life turns out to be one of the most emotional journeys in anime. This is the story of four girls who decide to travel to Antarctica, each carrying her own personal pain. With stunning visuals and real character growth, this anime is heartwarming and quietly powerful—definitely one of the top underrated anime you shouldn’t miss.
Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu
A historical drama centered around the traditional Japanese art of rakugo (narrative performance), this series offers an incredible mix of romance, regret, and generational trauma. It’s a slow-paced but richly rewarding story, with mature themes and breathtaking voice acting.
Kaiba
Don’t let the cartoonish animation fool you—Kaiba is a surreal, emotional, and philosophical exploration of memory, identity, and classism. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman Crybaby), it’s one of the most visually daring series ever made. It’s weird, yes—but it’s also unforgettable.
Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)
Two teenage terrorists carry out attacks in Tokyo while hiding a traumatic past. Created by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), this short series (just 11 episodes) is stylish, politically charged, and backed by a haunting soundtrack by Yoko Kanno.
The Eccentric Family
A blend of magical realism and family drama set in modern-day Kyoto, this anime focuses on a family of tanuki (shape-shifting raccoon-dogs) dealing with loss, politics, and the meaning of life. It’s quirky, poetic, and emotionally rich—deserving a much larger fanbase than it has.
Paranoia Agent
Satoshi Kon’s only TV anime is a psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and delusion. It starts as a detective story and evolves into a surreal critique of societal pressure and escapism. A must-watch for fans of Perfect Blue or Paprika.
Planet With
Mecha anime with a twist! Written by manga legend Satoshi Mizukami, this series avoids clichés and delivers an emotional, action-packed ride filled with moral ambiguity and surprising plot turns. It’s clever, bold, and has one of the most satisfying conclusions in recent memory.
Where to Watch These Underrated Anime
Most of the titles listed are available on popular platforms like:
- Crunchyroll – Largest catalog for niche and mainstream anime.
- Funimation – Great for dubs and slightly older series.
- HIDIVE – A treasure trove of underrated and experimental shows.
- Netflix – Occasionally features hidden gems with strong production values.
Availability may vary by region, so using services like JustWatch or AniList can help you find legal streaming sources in your country.
Recommendations by Genre
Want something specific? Here are some top underrated anime organized by genre:
Slice of Life
- Barakamon
- Usagi Drop
- Hyouka
Sci-Fi / Fantasy
- Dennou Coil
- Made in Abyss (Season 1 underrated at release)
- Kemono no Souja Erin
Psychological / Thriller
- Texhnolyze
- Monster
- Boogiepop Phantom
Romance / Drama
- Nana
- Scum’s Wish (Kuzu no Honkai)
- Your Lie in April (often overshadowed despite popularity)
There’s a whole world of anime beyond the mainstream hits. By diving into the top underrated anime, you not only discover unique stories—you support creators taking creative risks. These shows may not have made it to every YouTube “top 10” list, but they deserve a place in every fan’s heart.
Give them a shot. You might just find your new favorite.
