In a wave of highly popular animes, exploring lesser-known animes can often lead to surprising discoveries. You can end up finding gems that so far haven’t received their due mainstream attention. Here are my top 10 underrated animes that, I think, didn’t receive the recognition they deserve :
Noragami (2014)
Based on manga of same name by Adachitoka.
It revolves around a minor god names Yato, a girl named Hiyori that gained astral ability and a lonely lesser God Yukine. The trio embark on journey to rediscover themselves along with their day-to-day adventures that adds depth to overall story making this anime more interesting and engaging as well. Noragami is known for its blend of action, comedy, and supernatural elements that make the plot more interesting with its equally memorable characters.
Monster (2004)
A Psychological thriller, based on manga of the same name by Naoki Urasawa.
It follows the journey of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, an elite neurosurgeon, in search for young boy he saved years ago, who turned out to be a serial killer. Monster is known for its dark and mature plot. Thrilling yet intellectually stimulating anime that depicts the psychological and moral dilemmas of the human mind that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.
Silver Spoon (2013)
Written & illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa (known for the series Fullmetal Alchemist).
The plot revolves around Yugo Hachiken, a city boy who enroll in an agricultural high school in countryside & discover a new way of life. It has received critical acclaim for its accurate portrayal of agriculture practices and importance of Sustainable farming. It offers a refreshing perspective on agricultural industry while delivering a blend of slice-of-life elements with heartfelt narratives.
Parasyte the Maxim (2014)
Based on manga of same name by Hitoshi Iwaaki, follows a ordinary life of high school student – Shinichi Izumi.
Whose ordinary life gets tangled with a parasitic creature, named Migi, whose great mission of taking over humanity gets halted because he somehow ends up attached to Izumi’s left hand. As the series progresses, they both undergoes a thought-provoking transformation that blurred the lines between human and parasite. Parasyte known for its intense action sequence, moral themes and complex character development. Although it has its live-action adaptation but that comes near nowhere when we compare it to anime or manga.
Zatch Bell (2003)
Based on manga series of same name by Makoto Raiku.
A Nostalgic hit, depicts journey of Kiyo and Zatch Bell ( supernatural creature) and their never ending intense battles with other Mamodos & their partner humans for the title of King of Mamodo World. It’s an action-packed anime with quirkness and an adventurous theme that takes you to your childhood.
Hi Score Girl (2018; Gamer Girl)
Based on Manga of same name by Rensuke Oshikiri. It’s premises set in 1990s and plot follows the game-rivalry between Haruo & Akira Oono
who compete with each other in various arcade games. It portray nostalgic game culture of 90s alongside beautifully written characters and their development thought anime. Retro gaming theme is the plus point if this anime and make it worth a try.
Given (2020)
Revolves around a high school student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who lost his passion for music and basketball until one day he meets Mafuyu Sato.
Mafuyu’s singing reignites Ritsuka’s passion for music, and they both develop a bond that eventually leads to a romance. It’s also first BL manga to be adapted into an anime. It’s S1 was such a treat but S2 is nowhere despite being its official announcement.
91 Days (2016)
Produced by Shuka Studio, a stellar series with a underground gangster theme set during the early prohibition era in Illinois.
The story is about a young man Angelo Lagusa, seeking revenge against a Mafia family who took the lives of his family when he was just a child. Then his journey follows avenging his family in 91 days. In his journey, he goes through mistrust, betrayal and in the end, his own realisation makes it more cruel for viewers and left them with a feeling of uneasiness. The classic theme & historical mystery is the charm of this beautiful melancholy.
Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (2006)
Based on Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Amano.
The story revolves around a middle school boy who gets to know that he is a candidate for next head, of the most infamous mafia family in the world, and then gets tutored by a child who happens to be the greatest hitman in the world. Although it starts slow and truly tests your patience till 20 episode after that it start to get interesting & animation start to become crisper. Intense action scenes alongside character development is worth watching experience.
Steins; Gate (2011)
Produced by White Fox and directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki and Takuya Satō, Steins; Gate is based on a visual novel of the same name but with minor changes.
The plot of anime revloves around sci-fi theme of Time travel. Journey that it follows is really mature, geeky and keeps you on your toes all the time. Twist and turn have ability to grab the focus of viewers. It explores time paradox that can have several properties and depending on each one, one can have a alternate outcome. Although I would not recommend it for new anime fans but still it’s worth exploring. The series consists of – 24 episodes, an OVA, a movie, some shorts, an alternative ending to episode 23, and another sequel named Steins; Gate 0, and all are must-watch.
These are just a few examples of the many underrated animes out there. These may be lesser-known as compared to some mainstream animes but their unique storyline, characters & thought-provoking themes make them worthy of exploration.
Animexon 